September/October 2004 - Seychelles
 Facts
The Seychelles number over 100 islands, some granite, others
coral atolls including one of the world's largest atolls,
Aldabra. This is now a world heritage site and permission
to visit it must be obtained in Mahé. Having been uninhabited
by man until 200 years ago, the islands are rich in unique
wildlife, such as the giant land tortoise, many species of
birds, strange plants such as the giant Coco de Mer, and untouched
forests.
Mahé, La Digue and Praslin have all been developed for foreign
visitors to enjoy these natural advantages, but the number
of tourists is kept controlled.
The anchorages at La Digue and Praslin Islands are particularly
striking and one of the chief attractions on the latter is
Baie St Anne, with its thousands of Coco de Mer palms, some
of them reputedly 800 years old.
The strict controls imposed on cruising yachts in the early
1990s have been gradually lifted and formalities are no longer
so complicated, although some restrictions remain in force.
Most of these are meant to protect this truly unique environment.
With the increase in the number of cruising yachts visiting
the Seychelles and also because some charter boats are based
there, facilities are steadily improving. All repair services
are concentrated in Victoria, where there are several boatyards
with slipways. Two new marinas have opened on Mahé, as bases
for charter operations but with facilities available to visiting
yachts.
(Source: Noonsite)
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