Seychelles is an island republic in the western Indian Ocean, comprising about 115 islands with lush tropical vegetation, beautiful beaches, and a wide variety of marine life. Considerable efforts have been made to preserve the islands’ marked biodiversity. In fact, Seychelles’ government has established several nature preserves and marine parks. Seychelles’ Aldabra Islands, a large atoll, are the site of a preserve inhabited by tens of thousands of giant tortoises, the world’s oldest living creatures, which government conservation efforts have helped rescue from the brink of extinction. Though its history is unremarkable and fairly typical of islands in the days of European colonialism, the Seychelles is quite unique even beyond its wildlife, in its own right. It has a rich culture made up of a blend of many different people, developing its own language and customs. Although swanky hotel resorts dominate and often fill the landscape, ultimately the provide access to this stunning archipelago.