The Seychelles archipelago consists of 115 islands off the Indian Ocean is definitely a destination to the image of paradise. Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the main islands, but more than 80 are inhabited. Renting a boat is the best way to discover the different islands coves and extraordinary white beaches. mass tourism and far from the bustle of civilization, cruising in Seychelles provides a change of scenery and a warm welcome from its people.
Navigate to the Seychelles
Seychelles enjoy a warm climate all year, temperatures often reaching 30 degrees. It usually makes a little cooler when northwest winds blow during the months of November to March. All islands, except the most remote southern islands, are located outside the hurricane belt, which makes the Seychelles an ideal destination throughout the year. The sea is generally calm and the tides are low, with 4 meter tidal range maximum. Currents can be strong, however, in the channels between the islands.
A fragile environment …
In Seychelles, there are some limitations related to the preservation of the environment. Access to parks and nature reserves is controlled conservation organizations that require permission and / or payment of landing fees, entrance or mooring for the night. Simply anchor in planned and marked; marine park officials will then come to you to collect the required fees. Night mooring rates are as from € 10 per boat.
A Sailing plan around the Seychelles
God seems to have designed Seychelles with the sailor in mind! There can be few better ways to explore their coves, secret beaches and to savor their enviable tranquility than by sailing or motor yacht. Seychelles naturally lends itself to move on the water and you can enjoy its natural beauty, in exactly the same way as the first visitors did, Arab intrepid navigators of the 9th century AD, riding the wind on the calm ocean water like the timeless beauty of its islands by drifting very slowly. Cruising in the Seychelles is undeniably a world class activity which one cannot miss during his holidays!
Day One
We suggest you begin your journey of discovery around Mahé, the main island of Seychelles which is home to the capital, Victoria, the port and airport.
Navigating the most beautiful archipelago in the world and this imposing green granite island whose peak towers highest at over 900m boasts over 65 beaches and a group of picturesque islands bordering the Ste. Anne Marine Park. Sailing around Mahé (18mi by 5km) take you on a memorable journey past picturesque north coast of the island and famous Beau Vallon with its beautiful strand and a wide range of tourist facilities where you could spend the night at anchor or, perhaps, on the shore while savoring delicious Creole dishes in the many restaurants in Beau Vallon. There is also a casino nearby and a number of bars to try before making the return journey on board in an array of shimmering stars.
Day Two
Time to venture northwards to Silhouette, the third largest island of the Seychelles. When you leave Beau Vallon Bay behind you and slip into the blue ocean, it might be a good idea to leave a fishing line in the water. The waters surrounding the islands are known for their great fishing and there is the chance to have some of the tastiest fish around your plate for lunch before continuing your journey to the North island with beautiful beaches and a breathtaking beauty – a great place to spend the night.
Day Three
It is time to tear yourself away from the wild beauty of the North Island and navigate again in the direction of Beau Vallon, then savagely beautiful west coast of Mahé where low splendid beaches of Grand Anse, Petit Anse Takamaka and Intendance await you . As you encounter difficulties which stop-spot is tha best, it’s a good idea to make a stop at each, enjoy a swim or a dive into the warm waters or even have a late lunch at a poolside restaurant nearby sea, where seafood specialties abound.
Day Four
Leaving behind Mahe, you head for Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles which is 26 miles away, passing in front of the twin island gems of Cousin and Cousine on the way. Once known as Ile des Palmes (Palm Island) because of its dense coconut groves and lush vegetation, Praslin is home to one of the two sites of the UNESCO World Heritage Seychelles, the famous Vallée de Mai where the wonderful Coco-de-Mer palm grows up on a pristine valley.
Praslin also has some of the most beautiful beaches of the Seychelles, consistently ranked among the best in the world such as Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette and the Gold Coast where satellites Barren Islands, Curieuse, Sisters, Maryanne, Félicité and Cocos are easily accessible.
Day Five
It will not be long before you are attracted to the neighboring island of La Digue where, they say, time seem to have stopped and where the ox cart and traditional bikes are still the main means of transport. Here you will find one of the most famous beaches in the world – and certainly the most photographed one, Anse Source d’Argent, with the relics of another age – a cemetery of the first settlers, a working Calorifer and even giant tortoise and beautiful Creole mansion.
Other stops you might consider
Paving your way north ever, you leave the realm of the granite islands to the glittering world of the coral islands of Bird and Denis located approximately 52miles north of Mahé. Here you will be greeted by the sight of colonies of seabirds, nesting turtles, silver surf and golden sand. These islands are located on the edge of the shallow Seychelles bank where the ocean plunges 2000m and where the opportunities in the world beat to go fishing together with memorable swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters and super- diving where few have dared visiting the depth of the ocean.
Have a nice sailing trip around the wonderful islands of the Seychelles!
