We visited (only) three of the Seychelles islands last year: Mahe, Praslin and La Digue and enjoyed beautiful unspoiled landscapes. Just e-mail me for more details.

I used to live in the Seychelles so I'd like to offer some suggestions.

Firstly, what time of year are you going? That has alot to do with the conditions, especially for diving. The Southeast monsoon blows about May to September, which makes diving difficult as the water is cloudy.

Other than that, Seychelles is a wonderful place for an active vacation. One of the unknown facets of the islands is that they have well-developed nature trails, with trails for everyone from beginners to advanced hikers. You'll get a totally different view of the plants and geology of paradise, along with some spectacular views of the island and the surronding seas.

Praslin is wonderful for renting a bike and riding around the island, with lots of fairly level land and vistas that are out of this world.

Seychelles really does make an effort to keep over-development at bay, so you will not find the type of stacked one-on-top of the other places you might find in other destinations. Outside of Victoria, and especially in south Mahe, you'll find the islands still very unspoiled and uncrowded.

Please feel free to email if you have any other specific questions.

Michael

Depending on what time of year you plan to go you can also go to some of the outer islands. We went to Cousin and Curieuse which are Nature Reserves and stayed at some very nice guesthouses.
Just e-mail me if you would like more info.

Just curious how do you get from island to island? I am not a small plane (non-jet) fan. Is there a ferry?

Yes, there are ferries that go between the 3 main islands and you take a motor boat to some of the little out islands.

When is the best time to visit islands. I'm planing to go there at end of September or begining of October

I believe October is good - but I've heard conflicting reports. Would April or may be better ? Also are there any good hotels on the islands ?

The end of September or begining of October is a great time to go. The European hordes from August are gone, as is the SE monsoon, and the rains of November/December are not yet arrived. Seems I heard somewhere that the diving is best in October.

April and May is also good, though not great. The SE monsoon will be getting started, so winds are high and there's seaweed on some beaches. On the other hand, it is cooler then.

The Seychelles has many great hotels, including some five-star properties. The French owned Le Meridien hotels are great (comparable to a Sheraton), and there are many wonderful private hotels.

L'Archipel on Praslin is particularly nice, and a wonderful setting. Mahe has the two Le Meridien's, the Northolme, and several other first-rate properties.
I'm staying at La Rousette on Mahe and Villa Flamboyant on Praslin when I go in a few weeks. Both are mid-range (US$80.00 nite) guest houses.

Michael

Is February a good time to expect good snorkeling conditions on the Seychelles?
I just made reservations at the Hotel Maison Des Palms, has anyone stayed here?

Thanks,

Mike