SUMMER news from the 115 granite and coral islands in the Indian Ocean is that Dive Seychelles, based at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Beach Resort on Mahé and now working in partnership with the Underwater Centre, is offering dive packages including reduced rates on six dive and 10 dive packages.
It now offers Nitrox and the full range of technical diving courses offered by PADI and TDI, including semi-closed circuit re-breathers and closed circuit inspiration re-breathers.
The Underwater Centre is Seychelles' longest established diving centre and the only PADI five star instructor development centre in Seychelles. Daily boat dives and the full range of PADI courses from one day introductory experiences to instructor level can be provided.
Visitors can also join in with various marine conservation projects including the Seychelles Whale Shark monitoring programme with which the centre is closely involved.
The Seychelles has attracted 1,163 visitors from the GCC countries since January this year, and visitor numbers from this region have been steadily rising, with a three per cent increase from 2006 over 2007.
Other important news from the islands is that the 2008 Seychelles International Game Fishing Competition will be held in November. Organised jointly by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) and the IGFA's representative for Sardinia and St Remo, captain Paulo Sala, the 2008 Seychelles edition will be contested over four days by four man teams from inboard and outboard vessels.