The Republic of the Seychelles is made up of a cluster of 115 islands that lie scattered across 950,000 square kilometres of the Indian Ocean. This cluster is surrounded by warm waters and generally hot weather, and epitomises the expression 'tropical island paradise'.

The Seychellois themselves, of which only 80,000 inhabit the archipelago, call their home "Forever Eden" and it is no wonder, for life is prolific here. More than 1,000 flowering plant species grow in colourful profusion, over 220 bird species are recorded, and insects, amphibians and reptiles abound - amongst them the smallest frog and the largest land tortoise in the world. Mammals are less abundant as befits island ecosystems, with the most common being the famous flying fox, a large fruit bat.

Seychelles' magnificent islands possess unrivalled beauty ranging from the verdant forests to secluded beaches and together represent the ultimate tropical destination.

Seychelles' enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. The temperature seldom drops below 24°C or rises above 32°C. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt

During the north-west trade winds in Oct-Mar, the sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid with cooling winds

In Jan/Feb the islands receive their rains. Between May and Sep the weather is cooler

Tropical islands offer the ultimate escape from the modern world, and for many that is exactly the reason for visiting – to do very little

On many of the smaller islands, activities are offered by the accommodation and usually include water sports, fishing, diving, snorkelling, walking and bike trails, and possibly a few land-based sports

Mahe and Praslin are much larger islands and offer all of the above along with a more cultural aspect and shopping. It is not unusual to combine Mahe with another smaller island for this very reason.