DANGERS

Natural disasters: Thankfully, earthquakes and tsunamis are extremely unlikely due to the fact that the Seychelles are not located near fault lines. Even after the 2004 tsunami, Seychelles had very little damage and only 2 deaths were reported for the whole of the Seychelles Archipelago.  Cyclones do not affect the Seychelles, but you may get a windy few days from Dec-March.  

Sun: Because the Seychelles is situated so close to the equator the sun is very powerful and it is important to be careful.  I would recommend having UV suits and sun hats for yourself and your kids as it’s hard to limit your time basking in the gorgeous clear waters. Fortunately, many of the beaches are palm fringed so you can relax in the shade. Remember that the sun’s rays can reflect off the sand and still burn you in the shade so make sure you take precautions. 

​

Pests: There are mosquitos so along with your sunscreen, remember to pack your favorite insect repellent. There is dengue on the islands but no malaria or yellow fever. As for other pests, just to forewarn you there are the usual rodents and cockroaches. The giant palm spiders are not dangerous as long as you leave them alone. They could bite if provoked which would could be painful, but this is a rarity as they like to just lounge in their webs in the sun. There is a giant red centipede which if you see it, best to be very careful and remove it from the area as these centipedes do give a painful bite. These are an endangered species so you will not be seeing them frequently. Apparently, there are also whip scorpions which I haven’t witnessed but best to leave those alone as well. In terms of microorganism (bacteria, fungus, parasitic type pests) take precautions as always. Wash your produce thoroughly by soaking it in vinegar and water for 10-15 minutes, correctly peel fruits and vegetables, ensure that fish and meat are cooked thoroughly, when buying fish make sure the heads are on and the eyes are clear, get to know a local fisherman so you get to know the freshness of what he is selling, get to know local farmers who can tell you more about if they spray chemicals or not, take precautions when walking barefoot, wash your hands before you eat, do not drink the tap water and I wouldn’t recommend bathing in the river water.  

​

Sea: The waters can be dangerous if there are strong currents which can occur during seasonal changes. Note that the monsoon season varies on both sides of the island. The monsoons that affect the southeast area are from May to September and can cause dangerous currents. The northeast monsoon from November to March could  make for unpredictable waves. Some beaches that are safe for swimming during one season are not safe during the other. Pay heed to any flags, signs, and local advice. It is also important to be mindful of the coral which can cause injuries, best to wear special water shoes when you’re not sure about a particular swimming area. There are sea urchins and rock fish, both of which could be extremely painful if stepped on during snorkeling or low tide walks. It is not a good idea to swim at night as there are no police or lifeguards to ensure your safety during this time. The coral reefs generally protect the beaches from any sharks, and although there has been a couple of fatal shark incidents this is very unusual. 

​

Crime: It is advisable that you don’t carry more money than necessary on you, and never leave valuables in the car and even be extremely wary on the beach. Be cautious of scams, especially higher than normal prices for items or experiences. At home, it is important to leave your outdoor lights on, lock doors and store valuables safely away. I did not see information about the addictions issues before moving here and I wanted to just share so people are aware before coming. The Seychelles has the highest heroine abuse per capita. It is unfortunate to see so many people that are suffering and in this respect there is an augmentation of crime for that matter.

Driving: The roads here are at times very windy with hairpin turns. There can be pretty deep ditches along roadsides or steep drop offs. Be cautious of stray dogs crossing the road including wandering persons. In Seychelles, people will often just stop mid road to park, so have your wits about you when driving.

​

Unlike many tropical destinations which might have many dangers lurking, the Seychelles are blessed with having a lovely climate all year long without dangerous pests, plus it is absolutely stunning!