12 fascinating things about Seychelles: Even locals don’t know

Have you ever thought of discovering hidden gem attractions in Seychelles? Or ever tried to find out the haunted place on this small island? Never? Well, an explorer by heart would want to search for places to find hidden gems. In this article, we have brought you a list of 12 fascinating things that might even shock the locals.  

It might be possible that you are hearing about Seychelles for the first time. If yes, then you are not the only one who is unaware of this beautiful and coral-rich island located in East Africa in the Indian Ocean. If you are looking for a fun trip to Seychelles then visit famous monuments in Seychelles and tour its best cities. When you will search on the internet about Seychelles, you will get various places where you could spend some quality time with your friends and family. 

However, let us remind you in advance that this blog is not for tourists who are looking for a relaxing trip on an island. This blog is for explorers, travel enthusiasts, and adventurers who want to know new things about Seychelles. Do you know that Will and Kate had their honeymoon on one of the Seychelles islands? Yes, the Seychelles islands are isolated which makes them one of the most exotic and peaceful islands in the world to spend vacations with family and friends. 

The following points will help you understand the top 12 fascinating things in Seychelles that even locals are unheard of. 

• Home of crocodiles

Yes, you heard it right! Seychelles Islands were once home to crocodiles which created a lot of problems for the people who wanted to settle there. Seychelles is an island nation comprised of 115 islands. There was an abundance of saltwater crocodiles which was the main concern for the settlers there. 

The researchers thought that crocodiles became extinct by the year 1819, however, you could still find some trace of them from time to time in the deep forests. So, most of the places on Seychelles island are forbidden to tourists and still unexplored. 

Where you can find crocodiles in Seychelles?     

It is rare nowadays to find an alligator or crocodile on Seychelles islands because the species have extinct. However, if you search in the deep forests you might find some of their traces. But those areas are restricted to tourists. 

Recent news of crocodile fossils was found in the Seychelles atoll of Aldabra (it is a Seychelles News Agency). It is said that the fossils 100,000 years old of big crocodiles that once lived on these islands. 

The largest crocodile was found in La Digue which was said to be 13 ft long and gave birth to an 8 ft long baby crocodile.  

• Hidden gems

There are a lot of stories revolving around the hidden gems on Seychelles islands. It is said that Olivier Levasseur, who was a French Pirate hid his tressure La Buse(the buzzard) on Mahe island. Some hidden gems have already been uncovered by studying the pirate markings made in the rock. 

Do not misunderstand the story of hidden gems as just folklore. It is more than that and one person has even dedicated his life to finding these hidden gems in Seychelles. Mahe island is one of the attractions for hidden gems in Seychelles.  

• Haunted Island

If you love to discover paranormal places then Seychelles might quench your thirst. Moyenne island is believed to be haunted by the locals there. It is a tiny and isolated island and the story revolves that there is a ghost that is protecting the treasure. 

The British journalist named Brendan Grimshaw who bought this island for just £10,000 in 1960 told the stories of numerous ghosts that are inhabiting the island and protecting treasures. Regardless of which, he decided to live on Moyenne island and turned it into a tropical paradise. Moyenne is popularly known as a haunted Seychelle island but there is no true evidence to justify the news.    

Explore some of the spine-chilling haunted places in Spain. There are some forests in the USA that are declared haunted which might also suit your taste.  

• Two UNESCO Sites

From 206 UNESCO World Heritate Sites, Seychelles is the home of, the Aldabra Atoll and Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Aldabra Atoll is the second largest coral atoll in the world. Both are listed as outstanding natural beauty which immediately allures the visitors. The Nature Reserve and Aldabra both are the home of endangered and endemic land and water animal species like the giant tortoise and black parrot. 

So, if you are planning a trip to Seychelles then you must visit the aforementioned World Heritage Sites. You will love every bit of your visit with your friends and family. 

• No indigenous inhabitants 

People living in Seychelles are all migrants who came around centuries ago. The ancestors of local people there are mostly British and French. Around 1770 French settlers began to migrate to these islands with their African slaves. Before the French, pirates had their camps and bases on Seychelles islands away from the world. 

Today, this island country is witnessing many mixed cultures mainly from Europe, India, and Africa. The blend of different cultures and ethnicity is what makes this island more beautiful and diversified. So, if you are visiting here you will come across all kinds of people settled there from all over the world.

• Seychelles islands are over 99% water

The land mass of Seychelles islands is just 0.03% altogether. The economic zone of islands is around 1,374,000 sq km and only 459 sq km accounts for mass land. This is all land that you would get when you travel to Seychelles. Mahe island is the most populous and one of the best islands in Seychelles to travel with families and friends compared to other islands. It accounts for 90% of the population and the rest lives on La Digue and Praslin island. 

This means you would get enough ocean for water activities like scuba diving. Many people visit Seychelles for adventure and experience thrilling and exciting water activities.  

• Delicious Fruitbat Curry

Have you ever heard about the local delicacy of Seychelles? Fruitbat Curry is said to be the indigenous and delicious food of Seychelles. Let us tell you that fruitbat today might lose its popularity, thanks to the variety of meat available all over the place, but it is the most delicious food you would ever eat. Listen to our advice and try this food once you reach there. You will get this food on Mahe island because it is a tourist spot. 

• Famous ClockTower

Victoria’s famous clocktower is often referred to as little ‘Big Ben.’ This tower is the replica of the great Big Ben in Westminster, London. It was brought by the Britishers in 1903, in the memory of Queen Victoria marking her Diamond Jubilee. This was the time when islands were ruled by the Britishers and were British colonies. 

So you can visit there if you want to see the replica of Big Ben in London. It showcases the history and is one of the most fascinating things in Seychelles.  

• Seychelles flag only used once

Yes, you heard it right! After taking freedom from the Britishers, there were three different flags for Seychelles. The current national flag of the country wasn’t used until 1996. There are five colors in Seychelles national flags and each has a meaning. 

Blue signifies the color of the ocean and sky; red signifies the people and their determination; yellow signifies the sun; white color signifies harmony and justice; the last color green signifies nature and land.   

• World’s biggest tortoise

A male tortoise named Esmeralda is the world’s biggest tortoise and weighs almost 300kg. It is an indigenous Aldabra Giant Tortoise that is only found on Seychelles islands. Esmeralda is around 170 years old, the second oldest tortoise on the planet earth. If you want to have a glance over this humungous male tortoise visit Bird Island which is a private island that has eco-friendly resorts. 

• World’s biggest nut

The largest nut in the world, the Coco de Mer, which comes from the Coco de Mer palms, is estimated to weigh up to 20 kg. The height of the palm trees itself can reach 30 meters.

• The current Seychelles President was not voted

The People’s Party, often known as “Parti Lepep,” won the 2016 general election, albeit not by a majority. Since the coup d’état in 1977, Parti Lepep has been in power and has gained a majority in every election. James Michel, the leader, ran in an unpopular manner, but after winning he turned the reins over to Danny Faure, his vice president.

Final Thoughts

This article consists of various things that you might not have heard about but it is important that you know them before planning your trip to Seychelles. This article educates you about unheard things in Seychelles that many people ignore. It’s better to be informed and make your plans according to it. 

We will love to hear your experience and stories of your Seychelles trip. Make sure to comment down below and share your experience with our viewers. 

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