This article makes the assumption, that island hopping means visiting other islands in The Seychelles for the purpose of staying there. You see it is possible to visit the Sainte-Anne Marine Park on day and half day trips to include the six small islands of Moyenne, Longue, Cerf, Rond and Cachee, to include snorkeling, all from the main island of Mahe.
Sainte Anne is the largest of the six and is the site of the five star Sainte Anne Resort. Ile au Cerf used to be the home of Wilbur Smith, the novelist, and is now a five star resort. Ile Moyenne shelters a double mystery ? a pirate treasure and the ghost of an old woman who lived there with her dogs. Ile Longue used to be a quarantine station and is now a prison. Ile Cachee is just a tiny dot in the ocean and Ile Ronde's main attraction is its excellent restaurant, Chez Gaby, set in an old leper's camp!
A little further away is the Seychelles' second-largest island: Praslin, which is 22 miles north-east of Mah?. It is more relaxed than the main island. It has magnificent beaches, which include the secluded Anse Lazio on the north coast, rated one of the finest in the world, and the C'te d'Or further east.
From Praslin, it is a short hop to La Digue, an island small enough to walk around - although most of the locals ride bicycles. Visitors can take tours on ox-carts, or rent bikes, La Digue's beaches are dominated by dramatic rock formations, which divide the sand into small, secluded coves or Anses. Beware the large waves, and the undertow If you want to get away from it all, and stay in some amazing places, then Bird Island is the most northerly island, it is coral, and home permanently to thousands of birds plus 1.5m sooty terns who breed from March to October, the noise has to be heard to believe it. Between October and February there are also turtles laying eggs on the beach. You stay in the simple but comfortable Bird Island Lodge.
If you want to spend a serious amount of money, and be pampered, then let us look at other islands in the Seychelles you can visit for this express purpose.
Firstly on Mahe itself the best hotel in my opinion is the Banyan Tree beautifully situated at Anse Intendance on a secluded beach.
The Lemuria Resort at Anse Kerlan on Praslin is the only place in the Seychelles where you will find an 18 hole golf course.
Even more exclusive are resorts on North Island, and The Private Island of Fregate, and just a little less so is the resort on Desroches Island in The Amirantes Islands, not forgetting The Saint Anne Resort and The Isle au Cerf resort much closer to Mahe.
You must also check out Denis Island, Felicite, and Silhouette, where a new hotel will open soon.
Cousine Island Lodge, Alphonse island Lodge are also worth a very close look, your final decision will be based on the depth of your wallet, but don't try and do them all in one trip, take three, and spend a few nights at each.
Most visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands don't stray beyond St. Thomas ? the nexus of the islands? vibrant culture. However, there are a variety of daytime excursions that offer activities for any type of tourist on St. Thomas? sister islands. From the extensive colonial history of St. Croix to the wide-open spaces of St. John and Water Island, there is plenty to experience throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. Furthermore, moving between the islands is a breeze as ferries visit each of the U.S. Virgin Islands every day.
Of the three major U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John is the least developed destination. As two-thirds of the island is designated as the Virgin Islands National Park, you are guaranteed plenty of undeveloped Caribbean beauty. The island's interior is lined with hiking trails offering challenges for experienced hikers and families alike. Though the island measures just 28 square miles, you will be able to feel like you have escaped from the hustle and bustle.
St. John is also a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The coral reefs surrounding the island are teeming with colorful fish and sea creatures. Though St. John is a quiet island, you will easily be able to find tour guides and dive instructors. Such dive tours and ferry service from St. Thomas can be arranged directly through your resort.
St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a great destination for historical sightseers. Prior to European colonization of the Caribbean, the island was inhabited by native Arawaks and Caribs. In 1493,
Christopher Columbus landed on the island and claimed it for the Spanish Crown. Named Santa Cruz (Holy Cross), the island was the site of many battles between the native populations and the Spaniards for more than a century. In the 17th Century, Dutch and English settlers came to the St. Croix. The island continued changing European hands as the Spanish ousted both the Dutch and English, only to have their settlements overtaken by the French. After serving as a profitable agricultural settlement for a number of European companies ? including the Dutch West India and Guinea Company, St. Croix was eventually sold to the United States by Denmark during World War I to prevent German acquisition. When all was said and done, St. Croix had flown seven different flags during 500 years of colonial history.
The remains of this colonial history can be found throughout St. Croix, especially in Christiansted and Frederiksted ? the island's largest settlements. Beyond the unique ruins of European colonies, the 82 square-mile island is full of the natural beauty the Caribbean is known for. From the rainforests at the interior of the island to the wide beaches at the shore, St. Croix has everything you expect of an island paradise. St. Croix can easily be reached by direct ferry or flight from St. Thomas.
So when planning your trip to St. Thomas, consider a day trip to one of the other islands to enjoy everything that the USVI has to offer.
Both Lucy Tucker & Justin Burch are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Lucy Tucker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure. Lucy Tucker writes a lot on vacation destinations, check out . Lucy Tucker's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
Justin Burch has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, The Beach Resort and Puerto Vallarta. This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about vacationing in the Caribbean for the. Justin Burch's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.