Seychelles: Between postcard and aquarium

Seychelles, often celebrated for their white sandy beaches and giant tortoises, also hide unknown underwater treasures. From the first few meters of water, marine life abounds, whether in the canyons of the Albatros site or on Shark Bank, where fish, turtles, sharks, and rays thrive in a vibrant ecosystem.

A rich history archipelago

The smallest country in Africa, Seychelles, consists of 115 islands and islets stretching over 1,200 km in the Indian Ocean, between southeastern Somalia and northwestern Madagascar. Officially discovered by Vasco de Gama in 1501, these islands initially served as a stopover for pirates before being colonized by France in 1743, and then by the United Kingdom in 1814. The country gained independence on June 29, 1976, and is now a member of the Commonwealth and the Francophonie. This multicultural past is reflected in the languages taught in schools: Creole, French, and English.

A landscape between granite and coral

Among the 115 islands, 40 are granite, while the others are coral. The majority of the population (98%) resides on the northern islands, where the tourist infrastructure is also located. Iconic islands like Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse, Cousin, Grande Sœur, and Petite Sœur, with their famous granite boulders, illustrate the image of a terrestrial paradise. The fine sandy beaches, the gradients of blue and turquoise waters, as well as the coconut palms offer an idyllic setting while maintaining controlled urban development.

A sanctuary for birds

Seychelles is home to an exceptional avifauna. The yellow-billed tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus), or white-tailed tropicbird, is one of the most remarkable birds, with its long white tail. Having never had natural predators before the arrival of humans, it nests on the ground, giving visitors the chance to observe its chicks without fear. Other species like the striated heron (Butorides striata) and the Seychelles shama (Copsychus sechellarum) enrich the avian biodiversity, with nearly 250 species recorded, including about ten endemics.