The first thing that most travelers consider when they hear the name Seychelles is the image of the well-maintained white-sand beaches, the waters of turquoise blue, and the luxurious resorts. But other than its postcard perfect landscapes, Seychelles boasts one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems in the globe.
To the nature lovers, Wildlife in Seychelles is not only a very fascinating thing to see, but also an adventure into one of the most unique biodiversity hotspots in the planet.
Seychelles has witnessed the rare birds that cannot be found elsewhere in the world, gigantic tortoise species have lived thousands of years, flourishing marine life, and the tropical forests with endemic plants and animals all can give a unique experience to eco-tourists and adventure travelers.
Seychelles is an archipelago composed of 115 islands that are scattered about the Indian Ocean. It is this place together with years of intense conservation policies which have enabled its wildlife to thrive in a fashion that is seldom witnessed elsewhere.
The islands have been nicknamed as the living museums of natural history with several endemic species flourishing there. In the case you are going to enjoy the beauty of Seychelles not only on its beaches, you should know about the treasures of its flora and fauna.
Citizens of Oman and other Gulf states who wish to explore this memorable adventure must obtain a Seychelles travel visa to first vent into this unforgettable adventure. The trip to Seychelles is worth it whether you are organizing a Seychelles Visit visa in Muscat or you are doing it directly in other cities.
1. Seychelles- The Natural Wonders of Wildlife.
Seychelles is famous due to natural riches. The government has gone the extra mile to preserve its already delicate ecosystems where close to half of the country is covered by nature reserves or national parks.
This is since Wildlife in Seychelles is preserved to the future generations. Unlike most tourism destinations which are faced with over development, Seychelles has managed to maintain the right balance between tourism and conservation. The islands are home to rare species on land and in the sea and are a paradise to eco-tourists, researchers, and wildlife photographers.
2. Seychelles Birds – Bird Haven.
People all over the world visit Seychelles and observe the diversity of the birds there. There are more than 250 species of birds observed here with some being endemic and could not be found elsewhere.
- Seychelles Magpie Robin – This bird was almost facing extinction at some point in time; it is now a conservation success story.
- Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher – It is one of the rarest birds, and is known locally as vev, because of its extremely long tail feathers.
- Black Parrot -The national bird of Seychelles, discovered in the Vallée de Mai nature reserve on the island of Praslin.
- Sooty Terns and Frigatebirds – On Bird Island and on the Aride Island, thousands of these are found and make great sightseeing.
These islands resemble outdoor aviaries, where tourists observe birds nesting, feeding and flying around safely in secure conditions.
3. Giant Tortoises- Living Fossils of the Past.
Aldabra giant tortoise is considered to be one of the most recognizable images of Wildlife in Seychelles. These are mild giants that may live in excess of 150 years, and reach a weight of 250 kilograms.
- Aldabra Atoll -UNESCO World Heritage, over 150,000 giant tortoises live on the island, the highest count in the world.
- Curieuse Island – Visitors can also walk with semi-wild tortoises in another hot spot- Curieuse Island.
- Moyenne Island – It is home to conservation projects and experiences with tortoises.
- When one walks up and down with these huge reptiles, it is as though one is entering into the prehistoric era. They are patient, turtle paced and represent the strength of nature in Seychelles.
4. Marine Life -Diving into Underwater Paradise.
Seychelles is as beautiful under the ocean as it is on dry land. The coral reefs encircling the islands support a palisade of aquatic animals.
- Tropical Fish Butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish and wrasses do well in the reefs.
- Sea Turtles- common types of the turtles found in the sea are the green and Hawksbill turtles, and are often found nesting turtles such as Anse Lazio and Anse Intendance.
- Sharks and Rays– Whale sharks, the pacifists of the ocean, come to the waters of Seychelles on a regular basis. Manta rays and reef sharks are also things divers may come across.
- Coral Gardens – Vast coral reefs sustain the livelihoods of innumerable marine organisms and enable coral snorkeling and diving.
- Sainte Anne Marine Park and Aldabra Atoll are some of the marine reserves that need to be visited by underwater enthusiasts.
5. Weed- Floral Wonderland.
Although the emphasis is usually centered on the animals, the flora of Seychelles is also very interesting. It is home to endemic palm species like the Coco de Mer which happens to be the source of the largest nut in the world. This rare palm has a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Vallée de Mai in Praslin, which is devoted to the preservation of the rare palm. Orchids, tropical flowers and medicinal plants contribute to the biodiversity of the country.
6. Parks and conservation areas are managed at the national level.
In order to experience the Wildlife of the Seychelles, tourists must visit the country national parks and reserves:
- Morne Seychellois National Park -The biggest land-based park, which includes green mountains and walking paths.
- Vallée de Mai -UNESCO site, a palm forest, with the Coco de Mer and rare birds.
- Sainte Anne Marine National Park – Snorkeling, diving and coral protection.
- Aride Island Nature Reserve – It is the home of seabirds and endemic species.
- Not only do these places provide some of the best sceneries, they also demonstrate the commitment of the country to eco-tourism.
7. Travel Guide – Seychelles visa.
Planning is important to tourists in Oman and the Middle East. Although most nationalities can visit Seychelles without a visa, permits, return tickets and accommodation information are commonly a requirement. In case you need help with the Seychelles Visit visa at Muscat, you can use the services of such agencies as Gokite Oman and make everything easier and more convenient. A Seychelles travel visa will enable you to enjoy the islands without any form of pressure making sure that your attention remains on the adventure. The rules can change so always be sure to make your last updates before traveling.
8. Time of the year to see the wildlife.
- Birdwatching- Migratory and breeding birds are best in April, May, October and November.
- Nesting Turtles- Hawksbill turtles nest during the months of October to February but the green turtles can be found throughout the year.
- Diving and Snorkeling – The best time to dive and snorkel is during the months of April and May as well as October and November, because the water is still calm and the visibility is clearer.
9. Sustainable Seychelles Tourism.
Seychelles has led in eco-tourism. Strict policies are implemented by the government in order to preserve reefs, minimize plastic usage, and preserve natural reserves. Tourists are advised to conserve wildlife, not to disturb their nesting places and assist in conservation initiatives locally.
Conclusion
Seychelles is not only a natural destination, wildlife is a kind of discovery where some very rare species coexist with pristine scenery. The sky with rare birds and gradual and graceful giant tortoises on the ground, the colorful coral reefs, which are full of marine life, make Seychelles a unique experience that can be considered both a relaxation experience and an exploration one. This island paradise can offer a lifetime of memories to families, couples and solo travelers.
In case you are travelling between Oman and Seychelles, first thing first, to make sure that your trip is stress-free you must have your papers in order, i.e. either a Seychelles travel visa or a Seychelles Visit visa that are issued in Muscat.
Reliable organizations such as Gokite Oman are willing to help you to make your journey easy so that you can concentrate on your adventure. After all, it is not only resort and beaches that make Seychelles, but rather it is about getting in touch with nature in its most primitive simplicity.
Through their respect of its ecosystems and adopting sustainable tourism, each traveler can help to save its beauty in the future. Be it in the forest, taking a stroll near giant tortoises or down in the coral gardens, the islands will make you rememberthat Seychelles is indeed one of the final untainted frontiers of natural marvel on the planet.