Seychelles
Explore the beautiful archipelago of Seychelles with more than 115 islands.
With its white sand, crystal clear sea and stunning lagoon, Seychelles is the perfect destination for an unforgettable charter experience.
Watch the sunsets over the Indian Ocean and admire some of nature’s most spectacular sights. Discover small, hidden coves and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. With its picturesque beaches, lush forests and vibrant culture, Seychelles is sure to make your yacht charter experience unforgettable. Embark on a journey of discovery with a Seychelles cruise!
General about Seychelles
Seychelles is an island country located in the western part of the Indian Ocean, which geographically belongs to Africa, and is surrounded by the sea of dreams and beautiful shores with turquoise blue water. Victoria is the capital of the Republic of Seychelles, and it was named after the British Queen Victoria. In the city of Victoria, you can see the monuments, organize various excursions or visit some of the top restaurants. Covering an area of 455 km², around 115 Seychelles islands offer stunning coastlines and bays for your trip and are perfect for a catamaran cruise.
Yachting infrastructure in the Seychelles
The central part of navigation with the base of most charter boats is located around the main island of Mahé. On that island there is also an international airport and a luxurious marina with all the necessary infrastructure where you can rent the perfect boat for you.
The marina is located on an artificial island between the airport and the capital city of Victoria, and boats are easily accessible by taxi across the bridge.
It is recommended that you buy most of the food you will need on the sailing trip before you set sail. You can do your shopping at the market in the pier or you can take a taxi to a cheaper supermarket.
If you are a fan of comfort and convenience, we recommend renting a catamaran, which, among other things, will allow you to get closer to the most beautiful parts of the coral atolls and beaches.
Seychelles includes an area within which even beginners in sailing can do well. There are many good anchorages in many locations, and the distances are short, that is, there are no large crossings of the open sea, the currents are gentle, the winds are relatively predictable, and storms are very rare. However, there are a few details that make the Seychelles a destination for more experienced sailors. First, apart from the main marina on Eden Island, La Passe Marina on La Digue and the floating dock at Baie Sainte Anne on Praslin, Seychelles lacks yachting infrastructure. So, if you don’t like anchoring and prefer to spend the night in the marina, Seychelles is not the right choice for you.
You also have to watch out for various rocks and crags, not all of which are marked on the maps, especially outside the main islands. Therefore, it is essential to be alert throughout the journey. However, if you prefer to have fun on your trip rather than following a route, this problem can easily be solved by hiring a professional skipper.
Climate and cruising conditions in Seychelles
Although the Seychelles are current throughout the year and officially most of the islands are outside the cyclone belt, you should know that this is a destination where it probably rains most often. So don’t be surprised if you experience a few showers even in the middle of the dry season. The temperature is pleasant for swimming all year round. The most rain falls during the winter months (December, January and February), and the least during July and August. July and August are the peak season in the Seychelles and that’s when hotel prices are the highest. The best time to visit is May and June, when prices are not at their highest, and September and October.
From December to March, a weak northwest wind blows, so showers are more frequent. From May to October there is a strong southeast wind, which rarely brings rain and instead there is no cloud. The weather is relatively dry and humid, with a high season in June and July. Many anchorages become unusable between May and October as the south-easterly current washes large quantities of sea grass onto the southern shores. If you want to avoid this problem, it is better to come during the low wind months of April and November and book your flight during that time. You can also enjoy clear water and ideal conditions for diving.
Seychelles sailing locations
The area of the inner islands of the Seychelles, known as the Seychelles Bank, is an important destination for tourists. Most boaters visit the area, which is bordered by private Bird Island to the north, Mahé to the south, Silhouette Island to the west and Grande Soeur to the east. The other islands of the archipelago are too far away and can only be accessed with a special permit and a local captain on board. But the inner islands alone will keep you busy for several weeks. Within this area you can also find the well-known Cousin Island.
You can start your trip on the island of Mahé – an island that you should definitely not miss on your trip, and is famous for its beaches. On the 28 km long main island of Mahé, you can explore the beautiful bay of Beau Vallon in the northwest during a cruise or discover the unique flora and fauna of the Seychelles Islands.
Due to the constitutional protection of nature, Seychelles has incredible biological diversity across the island. You will see wonderful beaches with palm trees and tropical forests while sailing in the interior of the islets. Here you can even see giant turtles Or you can go snorkeling in the turquoise blue water and explore the fantastic underwater world of the island of Mahé. It is also recommended to go to the famous beaches in the area such as Anse Takamaka, Anse Intendance or Police Bay. Everyone can enjoy the coast and the sea, incl. stay on board here – so your Indian Ocean vacation is sure to be a success, and at the best price (see early booking offers). And if you want to relax, the cabins or decks on board are the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring some enchanting destinations.
If you want to explore the entire inner islands, expect to cover around 250-300 nautical miles (furthest Bird Island is 54 NM from Mahé, popular Praslin around 20 NM). If you want to enjoy a leisurely sailing without a lot of stress and enough time to discover all the beauties of the area, we recommend that you choose a two-week vacation.
Snorkeling in the Seychelles
It’s a shame to miss the unique experience of snorkeling in the Seychelles! Diving will allow you to have a direct view of the marine life, to see fish, turtles, sharks and corals, all in their natural habitat. It is an opportunity to observe and appreciate the diversity of ocean ecosystems and the beauty of marine species.
Snorkeling can be an adventurous and exciting activity as you explore uncharted waters and discover the hidden underwater world. Snorkeling can also be a peaceful and meditative activity as you float on the surface of the water and enjoy the serene beauty of the ocean. Diving is a great way to stay fit and healthy, and in addition, diving is not only a fun and exciting activity, but it can also be educational and informative. By observing marine life and understanding its behavior, you can learn more about the ocean and its ecosystems and how to protect them.
Nightlife
The nightlife and party scene in Seychelles is not as wild as in other destinations, but you can still have a good time with your friends, dancing and enjoying the nightlife. There are several bars and clubs, live music venues and casinos on the islands. Many hotels and resorts also have their own bars and lounges. Popular activities include going out drinking and dancing, enjoying a sunset cruise, or seeing a live band or DJ. In addition, many islands in the Seychelles are places where you can spend nights gazing at the stars and stunning sunsets. The area has a small but vibrant club scene, with a mix of local and international DJs, bars and nightclubs. After a day relaxing on board, we recommend spicing up your nights at one of these popular clubs: The Pirates Arms in Victoria, The Plantation Club in North Mahe, The Pirates Island in North Mahe, The Blue Banana Club in Victoria.
