La Digue must be the most photographed of all Seychelles' islands - visitors and film crews return there year after year. The natural beauty, tranquility and charm of its inhabitants make La Digue a very special island. The short crossing by schooner from Praslin to La Passe is followed by a short journey by ox-cart to La Digue Lodge. Then it is on to L'Union Estate with its majestic colonial house, the setting for the lasting series of the "Emmanuelle" films. At L'Union Estate watch coconuts being processed into copra and oil and find out how vanilla is cured for export . Admire the giant tortoises in their pen underneath one of Seychelles largest granite boulders. There is a chance for swimming at lovely Anse Source d'Argent before returning to the Lodge for lunch and the afternoon at leisure.
CERF ISLAND (Full Day)
Cerf Island is the perfect peaceful tropical retreat right on the doorstep of Victoria. From Marine Charter travel out by boat to the Marine National Park and transfer to the subsea viewer for a fish-eye view of the multi-coloured reefs,followed by snorkelling. The Island is privately cloned. Tourists should follow instruction from their guide where to visit. Some of the largest and oldest giant tortoises live on Cerf and about 40 people. There are also two small chapels and the whole island is ringed with fine white sand beaches. There is plenty if time to explore the coastline before settling down to enjoy a creole lunch at either the Beach Shed or Kapok Tree Restaurant. In the afternoon there is ample time for swimming or further exploration.
NB: Low tides are prevalent from November to January.
NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS OF MAHE
From the Northern hotels
The full day tour is an execellent introduction to the Seychelles. Breathtaking scenery combined with the flora, fauna and visits to the craft workshops show you some of the contrasts on Mahe. The day begins with the scenic drive round the north east coast where there is a stop at the great Banyanuee and wonderful views of unspoilt coves and the sea. At the craft village you will see local craftsmen at work in a jovial environment. Travel over the mountains via Les Canelles to the other side of Mahe for a delicious Creole lunch. Return is by one of the most scenic routes on the island, Sans Souci, which runs through the Morne Seychellois National Park. Stops are made at the Mission Lodge, site of the school for children of freed slaves and at the Botanical Gardens with its colony of giant tortoise and fruit bats and the coco de mer palm in their native environment.
ROUND ISLAND (Full Day)
Seychelles residents make a bee-line every Sunday for Doris Calais delicious lunch of tuna steaks, aubergine fritters and other creole delicacies on Round Island. Visitors are made equally welcome and it is easy to understand how Doris Calais has earned her reputation for fine creole cuisine. The day starts from Marine Charter with the journey by boat out to the Marine National Park. Transfer to the subsea viewer for a fish-eye view of the coral reefs followed by snorkelling . Round Island, with a diameter of only just over 3 hectares, can easily be circumnavigated on foot. Lunch is served in the shade of giant flamboyant and tamarind trees. There is plenty of time for snorkelling and swimming in the sheltered turquoise waters of the Marine National Park.
STARLIGHT SERENADE (Evening Cruise and Round Island) (Full Day)
Sunset to starlight are captured on this wonderful evening tour to experience the real Seychelles. Cruise out of Victoria Harbour in the late afternoon and glide past the coast of north Mahe towards Beau Vallon Beach to the tune of guitars and romantic songs of the Seychelles. Drinks are served with the first colours of the setting sun before sailing towards Round Island in the Marine National Park Disembark on the island to a welcome of moutya drums followed by an evening of Creole barbeque, music and dancing, the highlights being the sega dancing competition.
