Getting there: The only international airport in the Seychelles is in the capital, Victoria. The airport is served by several major airlines, including British Airways, Air France, Air Seychelles and Kenya Airways. Air fares from New York's JFK airport were available in late December as low as $3,958 round-trip, with some restrictions.
Getting around: If you are going for the scuba diving, you will probably stay at the same hotel where the dive shop is located. The smaller islands can be covered by foot in just a few hours. On Mahe or Praslin, one day should be spent exploring the interior forests. Small jeeps, called Mini-mokes, can be rented for as little as $30 a day. Ferries and helicopters are used to reach smaller islands.
Lodging: Hotels range from beachside, thatched huts to colonial-era homes on grand estates. Prices range from $50 a night to $500, but standard accommodations at a full-service hotel will cost about $125 a night if booked directly.
Le Meridian Fisherman's Cove in Beau Valon, 248-247-247 or www.lemeridien-fishcove.com
The Lodge on Bird Island, 248-22-49-25 or www.BirdIslandSeychelles.com
Paradise Sun, Praslin Island, 248-23-2255.
Dining: Except for a few romantic, gourmet restaurants on Mahe Island, most tourists eat at hotels, which is a shame because there is fantastic Creole food to be found in open-air establishments. One of the best and most accessible for tourists is the Boat House on Beau Valon Beach Road, a 10-minute walk from the Coral Strand hotel.
Diving: There are a number of dive centers and live-aboard boats operating in the Seychelles, with dives costing about $30 each.
The Underwater Center operates on Mahe and Praslin and owns the Indian Ocean Explorer: Coral Strand Hotel, Box 384, Victoria, Seychelles, 248-344-243 or www.seychelles.net/divesey/index.htm
Island Ventures has two locations on Mahe: Box 1320, Beau Valon, 248-247-845, or www.islandventures.net
Information: www.seychelles.net/
Creole Holidays Travel Agency, Kingsgate House, P.O. Box 611, Victoria, Seychelles: 248-224-900. E-mail: resvnt@seychelles.net