seychelles islands for eco tours and holidays.

Seychelles has some outstanding eco tour sites. Seychelles is a unique environment, which sustains a very special biodiversity. It is special for a number of different reasons. These are the oldest oceanic islands to be found anywhere on Earth.

The inner granitic islands here are also the only such islands based on continental rock. There are no land mammals occurring here naturally, which has allowed particular kinds of biodiversity to develop. The mammals brought by human settlers, particularly rats, mice, cats and tenrecs, have been disruptive to the vulnerable species here, and have presented major challenges to conservation. The islands are home to many species that are found nowhere else – we call these endemic species. A unique flora of about 80 endemic species, and fauna, with invertebrates alone contributing over 2,000 endemic species, has evolved here.

Seychelles eco tours, Ecopapillin can arrange:

• flights
• tours
• accommodation
• eco weddings and honeymoons
• group tours
• activities

There are 40 granite islands and another 115 islands are based on coral and sand. The Exclusive Economic Zone of Seychelles covers about 1.2 million square kilometres, the vast majority of which is open ocean. Marine life, from inshore coral reefs to deep water, includes more than 1,000 species of fish. The health of the ocean is fundamental to the Seychelles economy and to the people of the islands, through fisheries and tourism. Environmental and economic sustainability are closely linked, and this is perhaps even more apparent in Seychelles than elsewhere.

Seychelles has earned its reputation as a relatively unspoiled haven for people and wildlife, but it remains under pressure in a variety of forms, including climate change, insensitive development, over-exploitation of resources, and invasive alien species. These species can range from insects to plants, mammals, birds, marine organisms and disease-causing agents.

RECOMMENDED TOURISM SPOTS:

We can arrange eco tours with activities such as diving, fishing, hiking and snorkeling to the following.

1. Cerf Island Situated at the entrance of the Marine Park, The Cerf Island Resort offers 12 private and luxurious Villas, within a naturally elegant exclusive Resort. Cerf Island measures more than 1.5 km long (about 1 mile) and almost 1 km wide , it reaches a height of 108 m (354 feet) and lies 3 km east of Mahé. Cerf Island was named after the French frégate "Le Cerf" which arrived at Port Victoria on 1 November 1756. The resort is designed to deliver a true Creole experience facilitated by incorporating the Seychellois architecture and design while preserving the natural surroundings.

2. Cousin Island. Cousin Island is a granitic island covering 27 hectares and lies approximately 2km from Praslin island. It became the world’s first internationally owned-reserve when it was purchased in 1968 by the International Council for the Protection of Birds (ICBP), now Birdlife International. The objective was to save the last remaining population of the Seychelles warblers. Cousin Island Special Reserve from air view © David Richardson First made into a Nature Reserve in 1968 it was afforded further protection when it was designated a Special Reserve in 1974. It is not only significant for sea birds and endemic land birds but is also the most important breeding site for Hawksbill turtles in the Western Indian Ocean . The reserve is managed solely by local staff and benefits local communities on the neighboring Praslin island through eco-tourism.

3. North Island. North Island is one of the forty granitic islands of the Seychelles, which are located around the two main islands of Mahé and Praslin. Because North Island has long been uninhabited, is extremely fertile, and has an abundance of fresh water, the new owners came up with a concept which they have called, "Noah's Ark". The plan is to turn back the island's environmental clock two hundred years through rehabilitation and by re-introducing many of the critically endangered Seychelles species slowly over time, so that visitors are able to enjoy viewing some of this endangered wildlife. In this same way, North Island is a sanctuary for its guests - those who seek an unspoiled tropical haven of peace and tranquility. With its four beaches, located at each end of the compass, and the small number of guests accommodated at any time, the island ensures a private and wonderful tropical beach and island experience. North Island is outside of the cyclone belt of the Indian Ocean, making it a safe and enjoyable year-round destination.