Scuba in the Seychelles

SEYCHELLES ISLANDS

A short flight from South Africa, lie 115 Coral atolls and granite islands carved and polished by the wind and the sea, these are the Seychelles, an archipelago of over one hundred islands scattered in the Indian Ocean just below the equator between 480km and 1,600 km from the coast of East Africa.

A tropical paradise of beaches, sun and palm trees, the Seychelles are a real nature reserve that is home to the last virgin forests of the Indian Ocean and where surviving plants, flowers and animals unique to the world. It is an archipelago of rare beauty, tranquility and harmony that is famous for its incomparable beaches and the great diversity' which rolls from lush forests down to the crystal clear warm waters. The Seychelles are one of the last frontiers, promises adventure and breathtaking scenery in an unpolluted environment and untouched by man and are the most ancient mid-oceanic granite islands in the world.

The Seychelles have, among their treasures, no less than two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the legendary Vallée de Mai, where the amazing Coco de mer nut grows wild and legendary Aldabra, the biggest coral atoll in the world, first seen by Arab sailors in the ninth century.

The weather is beautiful all year round and always pleasant thanks to a constant ventilation with average temperatures between 25°C and 30°C.  Being outside the cyclone zone makes the islands a year round destination for sun and beach lovers.

From November to April the islands are touched by the wind from the northwest, it’s warmer with rainfall and the sea is generally calm, from May to October temperatures are slightly cooler and drier with winds from the southeast.In April - May and October – November the weather is warm there is no wind with calm, clear seas.

When to Go:

For bird watchers the best times are April for the mating season or from May to September for nesting terns and October for Migration.

Deep-sea fishing is recommended from October to April

Surfing and windsurfing the months from May to September.

Diving and snorkeling, best times from March to May and from September to November.

October of each year there is SUBIOS , the festival of underwater photography and video.

The Blue Sea Divers Centre (certified FFESSM, CEDIP, PADI ANDCMAS) is ideally located at the very heart of the action right on Beau Vallon Beach,on Mahé Island near the marine reserve, and enjoys access to the most beautiful dive sites of the island. The fully equipped boats and their team of dive masters will help you discover the diversity of the varied and prolific underwater marine life.

It is possible to dive all year round but the quality of dive sites varies depending on prevailing winds. The water temperature is 29 º C and visibility extends beyond 30 metres.

From May to August, visibility is reduced and the water is colder (25 ° C). A wetsuit of at least 4 mm is recommended. The depth of dives vary from 8 to 20 meters for sites near the coast and up to 40 meters for open water dives and wrecks.

The marine flora and fauna of the nearby islands reveal an abundance of fish on reefs near the coast: several species of butterfly fish, angelfish, emperor, soldier fish, squirrel fish, parrot fish and glass fish are just some species among many. The cliffs also hide many species of invertebrates among which there are octopus, lobster and a plethora of nudibranchs such as Spanish dancers.

Sites where there is always current you will see growing gorgonian and colorful coral formations while in more remote sites you will find bigger species such as big napoléons, giant groupers, reef sharks and rays. Among the most spectacular species, whale sharks encircle the islands from June to December, especially in September and October

From late 2012 the Blue Sea Divers Dive Centre will offer the chance to cruise the Seychelles on board the new m/s Galatea. This 30 metres shooner with only six brand new spacious cabins on bard has specifically being designed for diving cruises and is equipped with all modern comforts. On board Galatea you will be able to expérience the diversity nad the beauty of the Seychelles Inner Islands.

www.blueseadivers.com

www.divingcruisesgalatea.com

Info & Reservations contact@blueseadivers.com

Telephone Blue Sea Divers Centre + 248 2526051

Dive with a Difference.....