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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Back to topFerry schedules may sometimes change at short notice. Ferries operate subject to local weather conditions and it may be necessary to gain or lose a day on one of the islands should ferries not operate. The sun can be very hot, so come prepared for some hot conditions and rain can fall at any time of the year.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Mahé Island - Island Tour €50; Glass bottom boat trip (including lunch and snorkelling) €90.
Praslin Island - Full day visit to Cousin Island, Curieuse and St Pierre €125; Bicycle hire €10 per day; Boat trip to Curieuse Island & St. Pierre €125 (4 hours) depends on numbers.
La Digue Island - Full day boat/snorkelling trip to Grande Soeur, Cocos and Felicite Islands €105, Bicycle hire €6 per day.
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly you should allow €20 for tipping local staff
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Seychelles Rupees.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: We suggest you take some of your spending money in cash (in small denominations). Sterling, Euros and US Dollars are all readily convertible. N.B. US$ notes should be in good condition and not torn or marked. Notes prior to 2000 of any currency are often not accepted.
ATM's are widely available on the islands
Credit Card Acceptance: Widely accepted, but the government does impose a levy which is passed on by the retailer, so check first.
Tourists may pay hotel bills and for optional activities in foreign currency (in the form of cash, traveller’s cheques or credit or debit cards) or in local currency. Exchange rates can vary on each island and credit cards are subject to a service charge.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currencyexpress.com/explore/
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| UK | Seychelles | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $1.75 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $1.50 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $2.20 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $4.40 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $22.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $30.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | $30.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to topVisas are not required, however passengers must hold an onward or return air ticket, have confirmed accommodation and have sufficient funds for the intended length of stay. A Visitor’s Permit will be issued on arrival valid for 1 month.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, polio and diptheria. Yellow fever is required if coming from S. America or Africa.
Following the advice given by the Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, we strongly recommend the wearing long sleeved shirts and the liberal application of insect repellent as a precautionary measure to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. These precautions should be taken at all times as the mosquitoes are also active during daylight hours.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topThe location of the Seychelles, almost directly on the equator, ensures the islands of the Mahé group have a relatively constant climate. Average daytime temperatures range from 24 to 30°C. Relative humidity hovers around 80%. Seasonal winds provide not only refreshment, but also a certain amount of climatic variation. The ‘cooler’ dry season between May and October is a result of the southeast trade wind. From December until mid-March the northwest monsoon is responsible for warmer, wetter weather. Between these two distinct seasons the islands experience intense heat occasionally increased by a complete absence of wind.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main bag – either a holdall, soft bag or suitcase, plus a daysack. Please remember that you will have to carry your luggage on and off ferries, so try not to overload yourself. Total allowance 20kg maximum.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topClothing should be lightweight and ideally cotton all year round. Shorts and T-Shirts are acceptable everywhere though take long trousers/skirts for evening wear. Don’t forget your swimming costume.
Back to topLightweight walking boots/shoes or trainers are useful for exploring the islands. Sandals for relaxing and beachwear.
Back to topTake a small torch, water bottle, sunglasses, sunhat, suncream, insect repellent, binoculars if planning to birdwatch and a beach towel. Hire of snorkel, mask and fins locally is unreliable, it is recommended that you take your own. Bring a lightweight rainjacket just in case.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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