This shore based holiday incorporates four of the Seychelles' most beautiful islands, namely La Digue, Praslin, Mahé and Bird Island.  Between them, these islands offer some of the most picturesque and diverse landscapes in the archipelago and a selection of the world's most stunning beaches.  Aside from the sheer natural beauty of the Seychelles, the islands also reflect a very distinctive Creole culture, much of which can be observed and experienced in the local restaurants, hotels and island architecture.  This holiday is designed to cover some of the Seychelles' key landmarks, yet be sufficiently relaxed to allow you to explore and incorporate activities where and when you feel like it.

Our itinerary has been created as a guide only and we can tailor it to suit your timings and budget. We can also discuss different islands of the archipelago which may be better suited to a particular interest. With a vast breadth of knowledge and years of on-location experience, we can also cater for any special interests or requirements you or your party may have.  From relaxing island getaways, a family holiday, a natural history or adventurous experience, romantic honeymoon or wedding, the Seychelles is the perfect venue and we are on hand to help you experience the very best of it.

In Mahé, we first take you to an idyllic spot in the Beau Vallon Bay, with a lovely white sandy beach, views across to Silhouette Island and some good snorkelling close by. If you would like to experience a little of the Seychelles relaxed social life, a walk along the shoreline will take you there.  Should you wish to hire a car to explore the coast and highlands, this is something that can easily be arranged in advance.

Bird Island is the northern most island in the Seychelles, named as such because of the huge numbers of birds which occupy it.  Resident birds include the common noddy, fairy tern and tropic bird.  The seasonal highlight is undoubtedly the sooty terns, which arrive to the island in their millions, typically between May and October each year.

Hawksbill turtles are another seasonal visitor to the island's beaches, with their arrival always causing much jubilation among the local conservation staff.  Turtles can be seen underwater in the Seychelles throughout the year, but mid October to mid January is the peak season within which to see them laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island.  It is not uncommon for up to six of these turtles to arrive each day to lay their eggs.  A most unusual phenomenon is that hawksbills lay their eggs here during the day. The peak season for seeing nesting green turtles is January - June. Greens will only nest at night. Both species can be seen nesting at any time.

The island itself is a remote low lying sand island, poised on the edge of a steep 2,000 metre ocean drop off, which is a particularly good area for snorkelling.  As part of Bird's conservation efforts, day visits are not permitted to the Island.  The one and only lodge on the island is reached by air in a small twin propped plane.

After Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the largest of the Seychelles Inner Islands.  Both coral fringed islands have sizeable stands of unique island rainforest, as well as beaches and bays which are simply some of the most idyllic on Earth.  These islands are perfect for relaxing, but if you want to try some snorkelling, there are some excellent spots on both islands where it is relatively common to see turtles and shoals of blue spotted rays, as well as some unusual pelagics such as the harmless Guitar Shark.  Praslin is particularly famous for the Vallée de Mai World Heritage Site: the true home of the Coco de Mer palm tree, whose giant nut is the world's largest seed.  Size is not all that makes this nut famous and its phallic female form is matched by an equally dramatic male stamen.

We take you to Praslin by speed ferry or short island flight, where we usually propose a premium hotel at a quiet end of Anse Volbert.  The hotel is set back amongst lush vegetation, overlooking a stunning beach.  All 23 rooms of the hotel are spacious, and have a terrace with sea view.

For an even more natural setting, we can alternatively place you in a hotel directly beneath a native forest reserve which is probably the best place to see the critically endangered Seychelles Black Parrot.  Around 250 out of the remaining 400 can be found here and sightings are relatively easy.  Free guided trips are available (when dry) along the Jean Baptiste Nature Trail to the top of the reserve.  The trail takes you through rare vegetation including square grass, Coco de Mer trees and other native palms; to a hill top where granite boulders provide superb viewpoints to the surrounding islands.

The forest itself forms a stunning backdrop to your hotel and in the evenings in particular, you will see dozens of Seychelles Fruit Bats whose wingspans can reach a metre or more.  There are some lovely secluded beaches beneath the hotel and a free service can also take you to the legendary Anse Lazio, often quoted as the world's most beautiful beach. You are free to wander in the lower sections of the reserve to see other native birds such as the endemic Seychelles Blue pigeon, the Seychelles Bulbul and hedgehog-like Tenrecs introduced from Madagascar.

La Digue is a beautiful island with a sleepy atmosphere.  Car use is restricted, with bicycles and the traditional ox carts being the main modes of transport.  Both styles are excellent ways of getting around, though you will need to walk to reach the island's highest point by taking a winding path through native forest.  The views from here are excellent, overlooking the coral reefs which encircle La Digue as well as other islands scattered beneath you across the Indian Ocean.

There are some excellent flatter walking areas on the island too, taking you through native forest which is home to the rare black paradise flycatcher.  Other highlights include the Chinese bittern, cave swiftlet, waxbill and two rare species of terrapin.  And after walking along one of these trails you can end up at just one of the island's spectacular bays whose white sand beaches are protected on two sides by giant granite boulders. Bed and breakfast accommodation for your 4 nights on La Digue will be at a Garden Villa in a very tasteful boutique hotel.