Seychelles, located off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean is an exhilarating archipelago that is a treasure trove of mystique and natural wonders. Beyond its breathtaking beaches and crystalline waters, this paradise harbors captivating tales and little-known facts that weave an intriguing tapestry of history and biodiversity.
From its haunted isles to the legacy of pirates, and from colossal tortoises to the vibrant avian life, the Seychelles reveals a captivating narrative that goes beyond its paradisiacal beauty and provides its visitors with beautiful moments that stay in their memory forever.
Check out some of the interesting facts about Seychelles that’ll leave you amazed.
1. The Moyenne Island is a haunting spectacle
The Moyenne Island, a tiny islet off the coast of Mahé, holds the prevailing belief that it might be haunted. The prevalent tale revolves around a ghost that is said to guard the buried treasure on the island, lending an eerie charm to this otherwise picturesque spot. Several visitors come here to uncover the tales that surround this enigmatic island, adding an element of mystery to their Seychelles visit.
2. This place was once a pirate hideout
The Seychelles, especially Anse Forbans (Pirate’s Cove) on Mahé and Côte d’Or on Praslin, was once a notorious hideout for pirates. There are prevailing tales that pirate Olivier Levasseur has hidden a treasure worth over $160,000, which, as the story goes, has yet to be discovered.
3. The Bird Island is the home to the heaviest tortoise living in the wild
Among the Seychelles’ natural wonders stands Bird Island, a sanctuary where the heaviest tortoise living in the wild, Esmeralds, an Aldabra Giant Tortoise, weighing nearly 300 kg resides. At 170 years old, he is also considered the second oldest tortoise globally. This gentle giant captivates visitors and offers them a glimpse into the amazing biodiversity and ecological treasures of the archipelago.
4. Seychelles was once a home to Crocodiles
Upon the arrival of settlers, a significant problem emerged in the form of an excessive population of saltwater crocodiles. These ancient reptiles once roamed the islands’ marshy terrains. It’s believed that these crocodiles became extinct approximately by 1819, although occasional reported sightings of them still persist to this day.
5. Victoria, the capital of Seychelles is the smallest capital city in the world
Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, proudly holds the title of the world’s smallest capital city in the world and is easily navigable on foot within a day’s exploration. Despite its small size, it pulsates with vibrant culture and a bustling market atmosphere, offering a charming glimpse into island life.
6. The Seychelles has some of the rarest birds
The Seychelles is a haven for bird enthusiasts, having some of the world's rarest endemic bird species. These feathered wonders, such as the Seychelles Black Parrot and the Seychelles Blue Pigeon, paint the skies with vibrant hues, enriching the archipelago's natural heritage.
7. The flag came into use since 1996
After gaining independence from Britain in 1976, Seychelles has had three different flags. However, the current national flag came into use in 1996. Every color on the flag holds a symbolic meaning as blue represents the sky and ocean, yellow signifies the sun, red represents the people’s determination to progress, white stands for social justice and harmony, while green represents the land and natural environment.
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