Seychelles

This new sixth edition of Bradt's Seychelles has been fully updated and remains the only travel guide giving comprehensive information on the biodiversity of the islands and updates on the conservation efforts in an easy to read format (over 40% of the Seychelles land is under environmental protection). New for this edition are expanded details of the many accommodation options, from Felicite Island's luxurious resort and the many hotels recently refurbished to higher standards to the growing number of B&Bs and small guest houses that offer a more authentic Seychellois experience. New destination-specific places covered include the Outer Islands of Alphonse, Astove and Cosmoledo, and new practical information includes all the latest updates on getting around plus the significant increase in Marine Protected Areas. With plants and animals historically linked to Africa, Madagascar and Asia, and marine life native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region, the Seychelles is a haven for those interested in natural history. The authors provide fascinating coverage of the islands' fauna and flora, from mangroves and turtles to birds and nature reserves. Updated throughout, they reveal the islands many secrets from coco de mer palm forests and bird sanctuaries to local markets and Creole cuisine. This new edition not only provides up-to-date details of where to stay, eat and relax, but also where the to find the world's tiniest tree frog and how to visit Bird Islands to see the world's heaviest Giant Tortoise. Beaches, snorkelling and diving among the coral reefs, wildlife, sailing, festivals, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallee de Mai and hiking in the mountains. all are covered in Bradt's Seychelles, making it an ideal companion for a dream holiday. AUTHORS: Lyn Mair is a naturalist and travel guide who specializes in the islands of the western Indian Ocean, West Africa and Antarctica. Passionate about birdwatching, she regularly leads tours to exotic places and lectures on board ships plying the tropical waters off Africa and Polar regions. She was one of the first volunteers to undertake environmental monitoring on Aldabra and has also spent many months travelling around the islands. Since her first visit in1995 she has set foot on many of the most remote islands in the Seychelles. Lynnath Beckley is a professor of marine science at Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia and specialises in the Indian Ocean. She has undertaken scientific research, travelled and sailed extensively in the western Indian Ocean and has been writing for magazines, journals and books for many years. 16pp colour photographs, 33 maps