The 100-plus islands of the Seychelles - about 1,000 miles off the African east coast - feature spectacular coral atolls, including the world's largest - Aldabra - and about 25 islands made of weathered granite. Below water, the granite formations include gullies, walls, arches and swim-throughs loaded with fish and soft coral. Tourism is still developing in the islands, though it is coming along at a brisk pace. With more than 900 fish species and 100 species of coral, the Seychelles always surprises. Whale shark sightings are common. Strict conservation zones protect this marine life, which include a profusion of grouper and lion fish and sprawling anemone gardens.