We saw seashells by the seashore on our shelling and sailing vacation in the Seychelles!
We saw spectacular seaside sightseeing views.
We saw stunning sandy beaches … spawning smiles. ;)
Happiness. We couldn’t think of a better way for Clark and I to celebrate our 20th Anniversary!
The Seychelles Islands are on the east coast of Africa right smack dab in the middle of the Indian Ocean. We flew from Miami to Paris then Paris to Mahe Island in the Seychelles. We spent a few days on Mahe Island exploring the beaches … we rented a car but we do NOT advise doing this. The roads are crazy narrow with no room for error. Clark did an amazing job of driving but I think my feet are still sore from slamming on my imaginary breaks on the passenger side- eeek! If you go, just hire a cab- seriously. Then we boarded a 44 ft Sunsail Catamaran to sail to a few of the other Seychelles Islands…. with Captain Jeremie Bossy. Let me tell you, Jeremie was THE best captain we could have ever hoped for. We love him!
Our first hour on the boat, we sat down with Jeremie to chart our route. He looked at us like we were crazy when all of our questions were about finding areas with seashells. He grew up on the water in the Seychelles with his parents (and 5 brothers) and has been a captain since he was 18… he had never met anybody who wanted to spend their vacation in search of seashells. Fishing, yes. Diving, yes. Birding, yes. Snorkeling, yes. Reading books, yes. Shelling? Never.
By day 2, he was combing the beaches right along side us. He was hooked.
So with now 3 sets of eyes… we found SPIDER CONCHS…
and beach bling like PENCIL URCHIN SPINES…
and SEA GLASS…
Our favorite little island was LA DIGUE. We loved it so much we ended up staying there 3 days and renting bikes to explore. Gorgeous!
We found most of our shells while biking around this island. It was soooooo much fun.
But we didn’t just comb the beaches. The Seychelles Islands are known for their conservation efforts so lots of the beaches are marine parks to protect the sealife and all wildlife. Jeremie knew where we could beach comb but also where we could observe but not collect. He also took us where we could lots of wildlife for photos…. like seeing the amazing rare GIANT TURTLES. haha They are so dang cute and friendly! Now don’t worry that Im so close to him (yes, this one’s a him), its ok. They are part of the landscape and their lives just like you’d say hi to your neighbor or their dogs or cats.
In one of the marine parks, we saw “shellions” of live MANGROVE WHELKS laying around at low tide. We saw plenty of empty ones but they are off limits to collect, as well as quite a few other types shells. It’s still fun to see them by the masses and to learn about their habits at low tide.
Anther very cool thing to see in the Seychelles is the very rare coconut… COCO DE MER. This is the only place on the planet to see these wild coconuts and they are protected as well. They look like… well, you decide. haha
Honestly, this little LITHOGRAPH CONE (i think that’s what it is) is my favorite find of the whole trip. It’s sweet and perfect and it makes my heart skip a beat every time I look at it.
We didn’t find an overwhelming amount of shells but we found enough to put in a beautiful bowl in our home to see them every day and remind us of our amazing trip. They are perfect souvenirs on our hunt for shells which took us on quite an adventure on the other side of the planet to see breathtaking views, rare animals, lush foliage and a trip of a lifetime we will never forget.
PS- I have a phone number for Jeremie if you ever want him to be your captain- just leave a comment.
UPDATE: I had quite a few people already interested in Jeremie’s info so I’ll post it here too. So he said he doesn’t go online or look at email all that often (maybe once a week) but he has a mobile phone (which for some reason one number he gave me wouldn’t go through from my phone) so just be patient when you try to reach him.
Jeremie Bossy- 002482632253 or 002482753768 … jeremiebossy@gmail.com
and PSS- Yes, I have major jet lag (31 hours travel time) bit couldn’t wait to get back to working on my shell art project ( to be revealed soon!) so I haven’t been sleeping. Please disregard all the run-on sentences and/or misspellings and anything that doesn’t quite make sense – just read between the lines, k? ;)
Quality, not quantity! Looks like you had an amazing adventure! Love the pictures and the shells. My fave is that spider conch, wow!
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU TWO! WHAT A PERFECT WAY TO CELEBRATE YOUR 20TH! CHASING YOUR
PASSION AROUND THE WORLD! MORE PRECIOUS AND UNIQUE SHELLS TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION!
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS: BEING ABLE TO LEGITIMATELY WRITE OFF YOUR ADVENTURE!
Wow! I am sending this post to my husband. This sounds like a fabulous way to celebrate our 25th anniversary (except that Kenny gets seasick :-O). Great photos (as always). And I may hit you up for Jeremie’s info. In the meantime, I will sign up for a shelling adventure with you on Sanibel (where we just got a place).
that was an awesome vacation – and you found some real treasures – were you allowed to bring the shells back into the USA okay?
Totally Awesome! I love the green seaglass! Well done on another great adventure!
What a perfect way to spend your anniversary! Love you treasures! I enjoy getting to live shelling adventures through your blog.
What an amazing adventure the two of you had! You allow us to see a part of the world that most of us (well, at least me :)) will never get to see. I absolutely love the purple cowries but they are all so beautiful. Were you allowed to keep the coconut? You would almost have to make room in the suitcase for it – what a conversation starter!!! I can’t stop laughing. Thank you Pam for doing this for the rest of us…..
Happy 20th Anniversary! I just love seeing the different shells you found from the other side of the world. Thank you for all the info!
Happy 20th Anniversary dear ones !!! THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing your wonderful experiences with all of us. As Katherine mentioned, many of us will never get to experience what you have and for you to take the time to share with us is priceless. It looks like an amazing adventure for sure. What beauty and some mighty awesome shells. Maybe we can return and have Jeremie take us out on an I LOVE SHELLING PAM ADVENTURE ? Your the best !!!!
Oh you lucky gal! Happy anniversary to you and Clark. 🍾🐚🌴 The Seychelles has been my ultimate dream vacation for years and years, and I DO want Jeremie’s contact info, please!
And this is why I especially love your blog! I am certain I will never get to go to Seychelles – However, you bring it to life by sharing your experiences in these awesome posts. I drink it in and love every bit! I love it that Jeremie gave you a funny look when you said you wanted to go where there are seashells haha! That’s the first question I ask to people when they go somewhere – “are there seashells there?” – and I usually get a funny look and a response like “I don’t know! I didn’t really pay attention” What?! That’s the only reason to travel to another place for me lol :) Thank you for being my place to see seashells on a regular basis. Sometimes I just enjoy tinkering through my seashells from my two trips to Sanibel and I love them more every time I do. Thanks again for sharing your experiences so frequently!
I spent 3 weeks visiting Seychelles a few years ago and I was the designated driver. It’s a scary place to drive and on the left side of the road at that. It’s a far way to go but so worth the trip. It looks like I saw all the same places you did. I’m sure you also enjoyed the best bread ever. So glad you enjoyed your trip.
Looks like y’all had an Amazing Trip! Happy Anniversary 😊
I love what I can see of the black swimsuit you had on in The last two photos, would you mind telling me where you bought it and what the bottom half is like? As in skirt, shorts, one piece suit or tankini. Thanks so much!!
Now on to your spectacular anniversary trip, those are some fabulous shells! That would be my new dream trip, it’s going on the bucket list!!
We went to Bali for our 20th anniversary, got the trip as a gift from our eldest Daughter and her husband, they went with us and we had a fabulous time. That trip had been on my bucket list since reading books about Tahiti, South Pacific and such places when I was young!!
Really enjoyed this post and if you’ll share it, I’ll keep Jeremie’s info until I can make that trip a reality!! Thanks again!!
heeehee thank you VintageBeachgirl! I’m on the beach every day but I rarely wear swimsuits- they just don’t fit right (ugh!) so thank you. I searched high and low before our trip for a decent one. Its a Profile By Gottex top I found online so ordered it since they offered free shipping for returns i thought id give it a whirl. i love it- I’m amazed. I already had black and white striped swim shorts I bought years ago but didn’t have the right top for it… they are a perfect match! You wouldn’t believe all the ones I ordered that I still have to ship back- its ridiculous but all worth it to have this one (and with your compliment- hooray haha). I looked for the same design but in a different color on the Gottex site – no such thing. What? So why don’t they make swimsuits that fit real 50 something women who aren’t hard bodies? Jeez!
Thank you so much, I’ve been looking for a suit I like and had what you were wearing in my mind…. I know what you mean about wearing swimsuits….double yuck looking in that unforgiving mirror!! The suit does look hot on you but I’m afraid I’m about 10 lbs heavier than you! We just recently celebrated our thirty second anniversary so a good bit older as well…. It’s all good though, definitely beats the alternative!!! I’m going to the web site to see the suit, I’ll let you know if I get lucky as I don’t have a striped bottom to match…. Your comment about why they don’t make suits to flatter women of 50+ is right on! I’m certain any of your over 50 readers can identify with that!
Beautiful shells and the SEA GLASS – my favorite with Shells – very nice trip
Thank you for posting all the wonderful pictures
Oh sweet lady I love your post! I live thru you! Keep them coming! Happy Anniversary!
WOW! AMAZING! This looks like a trip of a lifetime! Happy Anniversary!
Thanks y’all! It’s my pleasure to share our shelling adventures with y’all- you’re the only ones who understand why we do what we do- haha. I’m excited that some of you would want to do the same adventure with Jeremie. :) He’s got a few numbers and an email- just be patient on his response. He only checks email once a week.
Jeremie Bossy- 002482632253 or 002482753768 … jeremiebossy@gmail.com
Happy 20th Anniversary! What a beautiful location you chose to spend your time visiting & searching for new shells!
The flora & fauna are absolutely magnificent! Glad you enjoyed your anniversary so immensely there.
Happy 20th Anniversary to both of you!! Thank you, Pam, for taking time from your Sweetheart to share your adventure with us! Enjoyed seeing all of it!
I love that turtle! His shell looks a lot like one of those Galapagos Tortoise. He looks like he is posing for the picture. So cute! Thank you so much for sharing your fabulous anniversary adventure with us. Such amazing shells and beautiful scenery. You two definitely love adventure and are so lucky to be able to pursue it. Congratulations!
CONGRATS on your anniversary!!
We have our 30th anniv coming soon and a trip like this is EXACTLY what I’d like to do!
I just need to convince my spouse – and ironically my girls and I call him CLARKIE – as in Clark W. Griswold of Christmas Vacation fame (Chevy Chase) – either you’ll know exactly what I mean here or have NO idea at all! I’m sure YOUR Clark is not as goofy and bumbling as mine, like the Chevy character!
I just might have to settle for a similar trip thru the British Virgin Islands or remote areas of the Bahamas – that would be fine!
Thx so much for sharing!!
Julie ~
julsofparadise.etsy
You two know how to celebrate, happy belated anniversary. I’m celebrating with a new knee, can’t wait for Nov.
Happy Anniversary to a great couple!
Love that spider conch… :)
Hey Pam…..I realize this isn’t your normal comment, but I’ve got to ask, where did you find that adorable swimsuit?
I’d have to say your taste, not only in seashells, but swimsuits too are so much like mine! I hope you don’t mind sharing where you scored such a find!
My husband and I are planning another trip to Sanibel late summer….I’m hoping we can catch a shelling cruise with you this time, if the timing allows us!
Hehehe….had I taken the time to read the prior posts, I would of had my question answered!
Guess you and I are not the only ones with great taste!
Thanks for answering VintageBchgirl’s question!
“One of the most important things people can do to increase the number of hermit crabs on small islands, is to stop collecting shells on the beach. Without lots of available shells of different sizes, there will be very few hermit crabs. A study in the Maldives found that hermit crab populations have declined because of lack of shells and the crabs were forced to use all sorts of receptacles like bottle tops as shells!” On the top photo