Seychelles

Granite Islands and Pristine Reefs

$4,500/week

Overview

The Seychelles archipelago is a geological marvel: 115 islands scattered across the western Indian Ocean, the inner group formed from ancient granite that produces the iconic boulder-strewn beaches seen nowhere else on Earth. Sailing between Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue during the calm inter-monsoon windows offers a cruising experience that feels genuinely remote, despite the islands' modern infrastructure and welcoming Creole hospitality. The inner islands sit within a relatively compact cruising area, with passages of 10 to 30 nautical miles between the main anchorages. This makes for relaxed sailing days with plenty of time for snorkelling over coral gardens, exploring nature reserves home to giant Aldabra tortoises, and discovering the Vallee de Mai on Praslin, a primeval palm forest that shelters the legendary coco de mer, the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Whether you join a cabin charter on a modern catamaran or take a fully crewed yacht with a private chef preparing Creole fish curries and tropical fruit platters, the Seychelles delivers an Indian Ocean experience that balances natural wonder with genuine comfort. The warm waters teem with sea turtles, whale sharks (seasonal), and reef fish in kaleidoscopic variety, making every anchorage an underwater spectacle.

Highlights

Swim between sculpted granite boulders at Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue
Explore the UNESCO-listed Vallee de Mai palm forest on Praslin
Snorkel with hawksbill turtles over pristine coral reefs at Curieuse Marine Park
Visit a giant Aldabra tortoise conservation colony on Curieuse Island
Anchor at secluded bays accessible only by sea on Cousin and Cousine islands
Feast on Creole cuisine: grilled fish, octopus curry, and ladob desserts

Sample Itineraries

Inner Islands Discovery

7 days

Mahe - Embarkation & Sainte Anne Marine Park

Board your yacht at Eden Island Marina on Mahe. After the charter briefing and provisioning, make a short motor to Sainte Anne Marine National Park, just off the northeast coast. Anchor in the protected waters and enjoy your first snorkel over healthy coral reefs where parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles are commonly sighted.

Sainte Anne Marine Park, MaheSnorkel the protected reefs of Seychelles' first national marine park

Passage to Praslin

Depart early for the approximately 25-nautical-mile passage northeast to Praslin, the second-largest island. Sail with the current and arrive by early afternoon. Anchor in the sheltered Anse Lazio area and go ashore to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Vallee de Mai, home to the coco de mer palm that produces the largest seed in nature.

Anse Lazio, PraslinWalk through the prehistoric Vallee de Mai palm forest

Curieuse Island

A short sail from Praslin brings you to Curieuse Island, a designated marine national park. Follow the boardwalk trail through mangroves to the conservation centre where free-roaming giant Aldabra tortoises greet visitors. Snorkel the channel between Curieuse and Saint Pierre islet, a granite pinnacle rising from a coral garden that is one of the most photographed spots in the Seychelles.

Baie Laraie, CurieuseMeet giant Aldabra tortoises roaming free on Curieuse Island

Cousin Island Special Reserve

Sail west to Cousin Island, a strictly managed nature reserve administered by Nature Seychelles. Arrange a guided landing to see nesting hawksbill turtles (in season), rare Seychelles warblers, and dense colonies of seabirds. The surrounding waters offer excellent snorkelling with visibility often exceeding 20 metres.

Off Cousin Island (mooring only)Guided nature walk on one of the Indian Ocean's most important bird sanctuaries

La Digue

Sail the short passage to La Digue, the Seychelles' most photogenic island. Rent bicycles at the harbour and pedal to the legendary Anse Source d'Argent, where massive granite boulders frame turquoise shallows over white sand. Visit L'Union Estate to see traditional copra production and more giant tortoises in a plantation setting.

La Passe Harbour, La DiguePhotograph the iconic granite formations of Anse Source d'Argent

La Digue to Mahe - Southern Route

Depart La Digue and sail south-southwest back towards Mahe, approximately 30 nautical miles. Stop at the small island of Felicite or Marianne for a secluded lunch anchorage if conditions permit. Arrive on Mahe's east coast and anchor in a quiet bay for your final evening aboard, watching the sun set behind the mountainous silhouette of Mahe.

Anse Royale, MaheSunset anchorage with views across the Mahe mountain range

Return to Eden Island Marina - Disembarkation

A short morning motor along the coast returns you to Eden Island Marina for disembarkation by midday. Collect your belongings and enjoy a final Creole lunch ashore before transferring to the international airport, just 10 minutes away.

Eden Island Marina, MaheFarewell Creole lunch at Eden Island before departure

Practical Information

Getting There

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahe receives direct flights from Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Paris, and Frankfurt. Inter-island flights and ferries connect Mahe to Praslin and La Digue. The main charter base at Eden Island Marina is a 10-minute drive from the airport.

SEZ - Seychelles International Airport, Mahe

PRI - Praslin Island Airport

Marinas

Eden Island Marina -- Eden Island, Mahe
Baie Sainte Anne Jetty -- Praslin

Weather

The Seychelles has two monsoon seasons: the northwest monsoon (December-March) brings warmer, wetter conditions with stronger winds, while the southeast monsoon (June-September) is cooler and drier but can produce swells on exposed beaches. The inter-monsoon periods of April-May and October-November offer the calmest seas, lightest winds, and best underwater visibility, making them ideal for sailing and snorkelling.

Provisioning

Full provisioning is available at supermarkets on Mahe (STC Hypermarket at Eden Island is most convenient for charter crews). Fresh fish is best purchased from the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria. Local specialities include red snapper, octopus, breadfruit, and tropical fruits. Imported goods are expensive due to the island location, so pre-provisioning through your charter company is recommended.