MAHÉ ISLAND

The largest of the Seychelles islands - about 15 miles long and 6 miles wide - where the capital, Victoria, is situated. It is a mountainous, granite island ringed with coves and pristine white coral sand beaches, shaded by coconut palms and Takamaka trees. It would take a full guide book to adequately describe it, so brief notes on places of interest during a short stay are as follows. We include more details and recommendations with your final itinerary and travel documents


Victoria
A small town full of traditional colonial architecture, Victoria is the centre of government and commerce. Of interest is the clock tower, modelled on the clock outside Victoria Station, London, the street curio market selling shells and mementoes, and the produce market selling fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. The market is bustling and colourful, well worth a visit, but go early when the stalls are full. There is a fishing port where the local fishermen land their catches from a variety of boats, traditional and modern. The ferries operate from the Inter-Island Quay, where you will find Cat Coco and the traditional schooners. The botanical gardens are located at the southern edge of town, where, amongst the tropical plants, you will find an example of a Coco de Mer palm. You may also find the Seychelles flying fox or fruit bat roosting in the trees.


Fishing and excursion boats operate from the Yacht Charter Association jetty. One of the most popular is a day's outing into St. Anne Marine Park. This includes a cruise in a semi-submersible glass bottomed boat to view the coral gardens and the myriads of colourful fish followed by snorkelling and lunch on Round Island - highly recommended for its Creole barbecued tuna and curried octopus, followed by tropical fruit salad with coconut cream. Most deep sea game fishing boats operate from the Yacht Charter Association, details of which can be found at your hotel reception.


Morne Seychellois National Park
A large, forested mountainous area covering the highest region of Mahé, preserved for its many indigenous species of flora and fauna. It contains several mountain walks and trails where many of these can be found and which offer magnificent views of the coastline. There is also a tea plantation and café open to the public.

Marine National Parks
St. Anne Marine Park surrounding the islands off Victoria and the East coast, and the Parks of Baie Ternay and Port Launay off the West coast offer a treasure-house of coral and colourful reef fish. Besides the Parks, coral and colourful fish can be found at many of the beaches and coves surrounding the island, offering superb snorkelling and swimming.

Beau Vallon Bay
With the longest beach it is the holiday centre of Mahé where most of the hotels, restaurants and beach activities are located. Here you will find water activities, sailing, para-sailing, etc., fishing boats and excursion boats that will take you to a secluded beach for a day with a barbecue lunch. There are several dive centres, mostly based at hotels, offering free introductory sessions in the hotel pool. There is evening entertainment, a casino and easy access to Victoria.






Southern Mahé
The southern end of the island is less developed and there are fewer hotels, but it boasts some fabulous beaches. Arguably the best on the island is Anse Intendance, a long stretch of golden sand, with surf, sheltered corners and some good snorkelling amongst the rocks at its ends. Anse Soleil, tucked away off the beaten track, has a small hotel and an excellent independent Creole Café right on the beach. Isolated Petite Anse has no development at all and is accessible only on foot or by boat. Most of these beaches are difficult to get to without a car or boat. There are small boat operators who will take you there and organise a beach barbecue if you wish. It is the isolation of many of these beaches which is their charm.

It is well worth taking a hire car for a day or two and exploring the island, its beaches, mountains and many places of interest. There are museums, places of historical and architectural interest, craft villages and La Marine Model Boats workshop where exquisitely detailed model sailing ships are crafted. Just outside Anse Royale you will find Jardin du Roi, a small spice growing garden, which has a selection of spices for sale and a café serving drinks and light lunches. You will discover numerous restaurants or beaches where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Return up the picturesque west coast and over Chenin Sans Souci or La Misére pass back to Victoria.