Seychelles... Destination of the Stars

We all know that Seychelles is a popular honeymoon destination, but very few people realise just how popular it really is, especially amongst celebrities. In an article entitled The Celebs’ Top Ten Honeymoon Destinations, Seychelles is listed as the best place to go for a romantic honeymoon, followed by Turks and Caicos, Maldives, Mexico, California, Bora Bora, Hawaii, Fiji, Barbados and Bahamas respectively. 

The beautiful Seychelles...

 There are some beautiful destinations around the world, but few offer the beauty, luxury, and tropical paradise that Seychelles does without the prying eye of the paparazzi. That stands as a major reason why many celebrities have chosen the Seychelles as their destination of choice, be it for a honeymoon or just a getaway. The privacy afforded to guests is unmatched and this allows them to enjoy a vacation without it making front page news all over the world. Famous personalities such as Salma Hayek and Francois Henri Pinault as having a good time at the North Island Hotel after their wedding. It also named the former famous British couple Paul McCartney and Heather Mills; even though their marriage did not last, they certainly had a beautiful honeymoon. As did Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt who apparently rented the small Frégate Island, for their honeymoon, just like Liz Hurley with Arun Nayar and Prince William with Kate.

Salma Hayek on honeymoon in the Seychelles

William and Kate, the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, followed in the footsteps of a number of celebrity newlyweds as they boarded a private jet and flew to the Seychelles for their honeymoon. Their final destination was the ultra-exclusive North Island, accessible only by private helicopter. There are only 11 villas on the island, and the royals took up residence in the finest, Villa North Island. This villa is tucked away from the rest in the Takamaka Forest on the northern end of Anste d’Este beach. The villa is designed around the natural incline and offers spectacular views from every angle. Will and Kate would have enjoyed 450 square metres of space with a private sun deck with pool and sala, butler service and a beach buggy to get them around the island.

The private island where Prince William and Kate honeymooned

 This sort of treatment is not reserved for the famous however, and at Seychelles Yacht Charter we provide the sort of unmatched privacy and luxury discussed in this blog. The reason we have not mention ourselves and our visitors above? Well, that would be defeating the object of privacy! Contact us at www.seychellesyachtcharter.com to book your exclusive, private getaway. 

Events in Seychelles - July/August 2013

Event:
Cultural Bazars

Date:
Throughout July/August 2013

Location:
Various locations throughout Mahe

Organizer:
District Administrator (Tel: +248 2 78 34 13)

About the event:
A unique cultural and shopping experience where you can meet the Seychellois people, enjoy Creole music, and have a taste of the island style way of life.

Bazar Labrinn is a legendary bazar specializing in fruit, vegetables, and other local delicacies. This is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and sample traditional foods and drink, all the while enjoying an authentic Seychellois ambience.

Bazar Ovan Taking place in the southern part of Mahe, this bazar offers a great opportunity for both visitors and locals alike to experience a true celebration of the vibrant Creole culture, all set to the backdrop of Seychellois Creole music.

Victoria Bazar provides an ambience true to the Seychellois Creole lifestyle, where anything from arts and crafts to exotic culinary delicacies and beverages can be purchased. And of course it wouldn’t be complete without local musicians providing the soundtrack!

 

 

 

Event:
Seychelles Sea Turtle Festival

Date:
9 - 10 August 2013

Location:
Various locations on Mahe

Organiser:
Mr. Chris Mason Parker (+248 2 57 57 70)

About the event:
Global Vision International (GVI) and the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS) with the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Education are organising the first Seychelles Sea Turtle Festival on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August 2013. Friday's opening ceremony will be held at the National Theatre and Saturday's fun day will be on the waterfront area in Beau Vallon.

The aim of the turtle festival is to raise public awareness of issues relating to marine turtle conservation within the Seychelles. The event will be an opportunity to highlight existing initiatives, promote future partnerships and celebrate the Seychelles marine turtle population.

Event:
Feast of the Assumption of Mary

Date:
15 August 2013

Location:
La Digue

Organiser:
La Digue Board (+248 4 23 45 96)

About the event:
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is dedicated to the church of La Digue and is very popular with Seychellois from all islands who flock to the island for the occasion.

For further information please contact the La Digue Board on telephone number provided above.

Event:
Southeast Monsoon Sailfish Tournament

Date:
31 August 2013

Location:
Mahe

Organiser:
Marine Charter Association (+248 4 32 21 26)

About the event:
Fishing tournaments are always an exciting event in the Seychelles, especially with pride and reputations at stake! This a 1-day trolling-only tournament from 05h00 to 17h00. Please contact the Marine Charter Association for entry forms and tournament rules at email: christophe.houareau@huntdeltel.com

 

 

 

Seychelles Parasailing...

”I was standing on the magnificent spread of beach at Beau Vallon Bay, dressed in shorts and life jacket and strapped into a tight-fitting parasailing harness. Directly behind me lay a bright-red parasail neatly laid out on a tarpaulin. The instructor clipped the parasail to my harness and continued his pre-flight instructions. “Hold the harness handles tightly in your palms and lift your hands shoulder-height with elbows facing forward.” This is similar to the way you hold the toggles on a parachute. “Watch the boat. It’s going to edge forward to take up slack in the towrope. The moment the rope tightens the boat will accelerate and all you have to do is run like mad.” The 115-horsepower Yamaha outboard clicked into gear and the sleek red-and-blue speedboat moved forward. I gazed across the thin tract of sparkling sand separating the fringing line of palm and takamaka trees from the turquoise tropical water. The towrope slowly snaked off the beach and disappeared into the water. We were ready for take-off. The speedboat had edged at least 50 metres from the beach, and the towrope, with its 1 350-kilogram breaking strain, tightened, tugging sharply on my harness.“Now!” the instructor yelled. I rushed forward and sprinted down the beach. Just before treading on wet sand I felt myself being lifted above the shallow shoreline . . . and I was airborne!”

 These are the words of Patrick Wagner, a journalist from Getaway magazine who was lucky enough enjoy the incredible experience of parasailing at Beau Vallon Bay on Mahe Island, Seychelles. With wind racing round your ears, legs dangling in space and torso supported by a comfortable harness, you float over paradise. The feeling of freedom is what makes parasailing so exciting. The sheer beauty of Beau Vallon Bay from the air, the glowing turquoise water and the lush vegetation down below will make this experience one you will never forget. Once airborne, your only job is to just sit back and relax, soak up this beautiful scenery, and take a few photos if you wish. You will also be able to too see other islands in the distance, and the perspective one gains from viewing this tropical paradise from up above is not to be taken lightly! 
 

 The main concern people have when considering parasailing, is the safety aspect, however the crews who operate this sport have many years experience behind them. You don’t even need to be able to swim to take part in this activity, and age is also a non-factor… with the oldest participant having been a ripe 92 years old!

If parasailing is not your thing however but you still enjoy motorized water sports, water skiing, jet skiing, and other activities are also offered at Beau Vallon Bay.

 

 

 Beau Vallon Bay is located in the north-east of Mahe, and in order to protect and maintain the beauty of Seychelles, as well as the safety of beach goers, motorized water sports in the Seychelles is restricted to this area. Please contact us if you’d like to set up a visit to Beau Vallon Bay. www.seychellesyachtcharter.com

 

 

The SYC Beach Clean-Up

Seychelles Yacht Charter recently collaborated with the Ministry of Education, Environmental department of EKO schools, Seychelles Tourism Board’s event promotions, Star Seychelles, Seychelles National Youth council, Landscape and waste management, and the Ministry of Environment and Energy to work on a Beach Clean-up campaign/programme.

The 1st ever Beach Clean-up was held on the 8th of June 2013, which coincided with World Oceans day as well.
The aim of the campaign was to create awareness of the importance of keeping our beaches clean, and safe. Seeing that Seychelles has some of the world most beautiful beaches it’s only fitting that a yacht charter company arrange and co-ordinate such an event.

The day started at 9am and ended at noon the same day.

Beaches that were cleaned: Grand Anse Beach, Anse Royale Beach,Beauvallon, Belombre beaches, North East Point Beach, Port Glaud, Port Launay and Cap Ternay.

A total of 307, children, teachers and parents assisted with the beach clean-up. Hotels around the beaches and schools provided lunches.

Seychelles Yacht Charter would like to thank each and every individual, organisation and company who assisted with the program, without your assistance this would not have been possible.

For more info, visit the the Seychelles national website at http://www.nation.sc/index.php?art=31777 and below are some pics from the day.

Let keep our pristine beaches clean!

 

 

Rock Climbing in the Seychelles

Why would anyone want to climb a rock? What is the appeal of climbing up a cliff-face? Well, rock climbing is more than just another outdoor sport and another excuse to accumulate an entire closet worth of gear. It is a way to learn more than you ever thought possible about who you are and how you respond to challenges. It is a great teacher for a willing learner in both fitness and mental toughness. When one combines these aspects with the beauty and amazing sights of the Seychelles, it is a winning combination!

For most people who are unaware of the Seychelles islands, rock-climbing in a tropical paradise would sound like a very strange idea. Whilst watersports are certainly the most popular of the sporting activities visitors for partake in, rock-climbing has become increasingly popular on the islands due to the magnificent granite rock faces present all over these beautiful islands. 
 

 Granite is an igneous rock, the basic building block of all of the earth’s land surfaces and mountains. It is a fairly coarse-grained rock with high contents of quartz and feldspars that is generally very hard and resistant to erosion. It has been described as one of the best rock types to climb due to its texture (the roughness allows good grip) and strength (allows confidence that the rock will not give way). Because of its hardness, granite often forms large rock masses which are weathered by wind, rain, snow, and ice into mountains, cliffs, and domes. This rock is the basis of the Seychelles islands, so opportunity and location is plentiful for the experienced climber. For the inexperienced climber, there are groups and companies who provide training, safety and guided climbs for those wanting to experience something new.

A rock-climbing, ziplining, and abseiling facility has been established at Port Launay. Employing a beautiful 18 meter high natural granite rock face, a rock climbing facility has been developed whereby everyone, from beginner to accomplished, can experience the exhilaration of this sport in a safe and comfortable environment. Ziplining across the tree tops is also offered at this facility and is a wonderful experience in its own right, especially for those with kids.

 

 

Of course this facility is not the only place where you can enjoy rock-climbing, there are many more challenging locations around the islands. Seychelles Yacht Charter can make all the necessary arrangements for your holiday and activities. Contact us via www.seychellesyachtcharter.com 

 

Events in the Seychelles, June 2013

In the first week of every month, we will be doing an ‘events blog’ so you all can know what is happening in the Seychelles. Here are the events for the month of June 2013:

Event:
Cultural Bazars

Date:
Throughout June 2013

Location:
Various locations throughout Mahe

Organizer:
District Administrator (Tel: +248 2 78 34 13)

About the event:
A unique cultural and shopping experience where you can meet the Seychellois people, enjoy Creole music, and have a taste of the island style way of life.

Bazar Labrinn is a legendary bazar specializing in fruit, vegetables, and other local delicacies. This is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and sample traditional foods and drink, all the while enjoying an authentic Seychellois ambience. 

Bazar Ovan Taking place in the southern part of Mahe, this bazar offers a great opportunity for both visitors and locals alike to experience a true celebration of the vibrant Creole culture, all set to the backdrop of Seychellois Creole music.

Victoria Bazar provides an ambience true to the Seychellois Creole lifestyle, where anything from arts and crafts to exotic culinary delicacies and beverages can be purchased. And of course it wouldn’t be complete without local musicians providing the soundtrack!

 

 

Event:
National Expo 2013

Date:
16 – 18 June 2013

Location:
Sports Complex, Roche Caiman, Mahe


Organizer:
Mr. Michel Vielle (Tel: +248 2 56 39 93 / 2 81 10 80)

About the event:
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Seychelles National Day, the National expo will showcase the major economic activities which shape the island nation, with a focus on the process of national development.

Whilst enjoying impressive cultural and sporting experiences, members of the public will have access to a full spectrum of local goods and services provided by various private and public businesses and organizations, which are all committed to the future of Seychelles.

Activities will include:

• Agricultural and Horticultural – A scaled-down version of the annual show with a focus on the sale of agricultural and horticultural products
• Tourism – Exhibits from all sectors of the industry including hotel associations, individual hotels, DMC’s, airlines, SCAA, charter operators, car hires and others
• Commerce – Importers and traders as well as large and small local manufacturers
• Bazar Victoria – A combination of the best elements of local Bazar Victoria and Bazar Labrin
• Cultural manifestation – Groups of performing artists both local and international providing music, dancing and other forms of cultural activities
• Sports – Different sporting activities will be organized which will include the participation of foreign teams with World Cup matches screened on big screen at the venue
• Food court – Local as well as international cuisine will be available
• Leisure Activities – There will be different activities for all visitors, e.g. boat rides, helicopter rides, glass bottom boat, games and fun for children. There will also be a child-minding service.

In addition to these events, Seychelles Yacht Charter is hosting a ‘beach clean up’ day on the 8th of June, in conjunction with World Oceans Day. However, we will provide more information on that in a separate blog!



Contact us at www.seychellesyachtcharter.com  

 

The Coral Reefs of Seychelles

The mention of coral reefs generally brings to mind warm climates, colorful fish and clear waters. However, the reef itself is actually a component of a larger ecosystem. The coral community is really a system that includes a collection of biological communities, representing one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. For this reason, coral reefs often are referred to as the "rainforests of the oceans.

A coral reef off the island of La Dique

 

What are coral reefs?

Corals are in fact are tiny animals which belong to the group cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Other cnidarians include hydras, jellyfish, and sea anemones. Corals are sessile animals, meaning they are not mobile but stay fixed in one place. They feed by reaching out with tentacles to catch prey such as small fish and planktonic animals.

Coral reefs provide habitats for a large variety of organisms. These organisms rely on corals as a source of food and shelter. Besides the corals themselves and their symbiotic algae, other creatures that call coral reefs home include various sponges; molluscs such as sea slugs, nudibranchs, oysters, and clams; crustaceans like crabs and shrimp; many kinds of sea worms; echinoderms like star fish and sea urchins; other cnidarians such as jellyfish and sea anemones; various types of fungi; sea turtles; and many species of fish.



Coral Reefs are home to many species of ocean life

The tropical rain forests of the ocean

 

How do coral reefs forms?

Coral reefs begin to form when free-swimming coral larvae attach to submerged rocks or other hard surfaces along the edges of islands or continents. As the corals grow and expand, reefs take on one of three major characteristic structures —fringing, barrier or atoll. Fringing reefs, which are the most common, project seaward directly from the shore, forming borders along the shoreline and surrounding islands. Barrier reefs also border shorelines, but at a greater distance. They are separated from their adjacent land mass by a lagoon of open, often deep water. If a fringing reef forms around a volcanic island that subsides completely below sea level while the coral continues to grow upward, an atoll forms. Atolls are usually circular or oval, with a central lagoon. Parts of the reef platform may emerge as one or more islands, and gaps in the reef provide access to the central lagoon.

 

A coral reef formation off Mahe



 

Threats to Coral Reefs

Human Contact: Touching Reefs, even slightly, can harm them. Boats and dropped anchors can cause severe damage to these fragile ecosystems. Frequent human contact kills the reefs over time.

Runoff Water: Silt from eroded soil in runoff water can block sunlight. Without sunlight, photosynthesis does not occur and reefs gradually die.

Sewage: Untreated or improperly treated sewage promotes the growth of algae, which harms coral reefs.

Cyanide Fishing: Some fishermen stun fish by squirting cyanide, a very toxic poison, into reef areas where fish seek refuge. The poison does not kill, but disorients the fish in the coral where they hide. The fisherman then rip apart the reefs with crowbars to capture the fish. In addition, cyanide kills coral polyps and the symbiotic algae and other small organisms necessary for healthy reefs. Cyanide fishing is common in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Fertilizers and Pollution: Fertilizer runoff, pesticides and other chemicals can poison reefs.

Blast Fishing: Shockwaves from blast fishing can destroy coral reefs.

Blast fishing can destroy coral reefs

Coral Reef Conservation in the Seychelles

Fortunately the Seychelles government realises the importance of coral reefs not only to tourism and the economic livelihood for locals, but also for the overall ecosystem of their waters. Many conservation programmes are in place, as well as strictly governed laws concerning the coral reefs. So it is certainly safe to say that the coral reefs of Seychelles are in good hands, and as such we can enjoy their beauty for many years to come!

 

Coral Reef Conservation

 

 

Some more Seychelles Coral Reefs...