SEYCHELLES YACHT CHARTER
Lying 1,000 miles off Africa’s east coast, between 240 and 600 miles north of the equator in the Indian Ocean, the 115 islands that comprise the Republic of Seychelles are among the most isolated in the world. Arab traders first sailed to the Seychelles around 800 A.D. Phoenician, Polynesian, Chinese, and European explorers followed, but it wasn’t until the 1700s that French colonists settled on the larger islands. Today, the population of the entire country numbers only 84,000, and it represents a rich commingling of French, British, Indian, Middle Eastern, and African culture. The French influence remains prominent; Creole is commonly spoken along with English. While coral atolls make up most of the 72 low-lying Outer Islands, the majority of the Inner Islands, the largest of which consist of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, are geological wonders of twisted granite, mountainous and lush with tropical forests that support species of birds found nowhere else on Earth. Giant tortoises inhabit some of the Seychelles, nesting on the fine, white-sand beaches fronted with exquisitely beautiful coral reefs and azure seas that make a Seychelles sailing vacation unique and enriching.
SAILING IN MAHE
The Seychelles are situated in a balmy, relatively calm swath of the Indian Ocean covering approximately 150,000 square miles, though a Seychelles yacht charter focuses on the main Inner Islands, all of which are close together, making for easy passages between them. In this part of the world, the annual monsoon influences the weather and wind directions. The northwest monsoon begins in November, ushering in northwesterly winds and more rain than typically falls from May through October when the winds shift more to the southeast beginning in April. Regardless of the season, wind velocities average 10 to 20 knots and the temperature ranges from 82°F to 86°F (28°C to 30°C).
A Seychelles sailing itinerary takes you into a sailor’s paradise. The marine preserves on islands populated with diverse and rare species of birds, lizards, and turtles in the Seychelles are exotic and intriguing. The plant life is varied too, from the coco-de-mer palms with huge double coconuts to the pitcher plants, gardenias, and orchids that grow on the mountain slopes. Passages combine a mix of open-water sailing in fair winds and short hops between adjacent islands for snorkeling and scuba diving on the coral reefs or simply relaxing on one of the many white-sand beaches. Although the Inner Islands of the Seychelles are mostly undeveloped, some are home to seaside resorts and small settlements, providing plenty to do ashore as well as aboard your luxury yacht.
3 Night Itinerary
Day 1: Eden Island and St. Anne Island
St. Anne Island is the centerpiece of this beautiful marine park, and nearby Moyenne, Round, and Cerf are just as scenic. During World War II St. Anne served as a base for a contingent of Royal Marines stationed there to defend the port of Victoria in the event of an enemy attack. In the early 19th century, the area was a busy whaling port. Today, cruising in St. Anne Marine National Park is a delightful foray into the wonders of Nature, with superb snorkelling and swimming, and a number of restaurants where you can dine out and savour the local cuisine.
Day 2: Beau Vallon Island
Everyone who has visited Seychelles even once knows the Beau Vallon beach on the north-western coast of Mahé. It’s a gorgeous ribbon of white soft sand set against a pretty floral backdrop. Plus it is famous for its superb diving opportunities. Enjoy optional activities such as jet-skiing, para-sailing, banana boat rides and so much more… Get into the spirit and join a “Moutya”. This is the traditional dance of Seychellois that takes place on the beach.
Day 3: Baie Ternay and Port Launay Island
Not too huge, not too little, this mid-sized beach, Baie Ternay, is on the west coast of Mahé. The popularity of this truly beautiful marine park might soon exceed the exotic Bora Bora, owing to its snorkeling trends and scuba dives. Once you stretch your sight you can actually see across 20 KMs in the beautiful blue ocean, your sight might even catch the glimpse of the Silhouette Island. Famous for its sunset views, the place is explored as a picnic spot. Then there is the colorful biodiversity that you cannot possibly miss, makes for a real highlight. Heads up: Watch out for the whales and white sharks between the waves. The glitch of whites upon the blue waves will definitely catch your attention.
Port Launay (South) lies in the Port Launay Marine Park on Mahé. While less popular than its northern cousin, this beautiful sandy bay offers plenty to the potential visitor, including beautiful scenery, views of offshore islands, restaurants and more. Located within walking-distance of several popular accommodations, including the sprawling Constance Ephelia Resort, Port Launay (South) will likely be the first port-of-call for many holidaymakers. The nearby road also ensures that the beach can be found easily by guests staying elsewhere on Mahé, with nearby parking spaces and bus stops permitting swift, simple access to this beautiful bay.
Day 4: Final Morning at Eden Island
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and disembark
5 Night Itinerary
Day 1: St. Anne Island and Beau Vallon island
St. Anne Island is the centerpiece of this beautiful marine park, and nearby Moyenne, Round, and Cerf are just as scenic. During World War II St. Anne served as a base for a contingent of Royal Marines stationed there to defend the port of Victoria in the event of an enemy attack. In the early 19th century, the area was a busy whaling port. Today, cruising in St. Anne Marine National Park is a delightful foray into the wonders of Nature, with superb snorkelling and swimming, and a number of restaurants where you can dine out and savour the local cuisine.
Day 2: Curieuse Island and Grand Soeur Island
Dotted with coco-de-mer palms and thick stands of mangroves, Curieuse Island is a typical example of the unparalleled beauty you’ll find in the Seychelles. In the distant past, the island was the site of a leper colony. Today, it’s a cruising paradise. Grande Soeur Island is privately owned, but boaters are welcome to enjoy the swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing on its beautiful beaches on weekdays between 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. It’s well worth the effort to go cruising in Grande Soeur Island waters.
Day 3: Coco Islands and La Digue Island
The four tiny islands of the Ile Coco Marine National Park are among some of the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean. They are often shown on brochures depicting the stunning beauty of the Seychelles. Coco Islands brings you to waters that offer the best snorkeling in the area.
The third largest island in the Seychelles, La Digue is a place with quiet charm. Hire a bike and cycle around the island or enjoy hiking and horseback riding trails lace the lush, hilly land, and the views from Belle Vue and the top of Nid Aigle are truly spectacular. The island has several restaurants and an eclectic mix of shops. Colonial-era homes line the streets, a reminder of the storied past of the island that becomes obvious when you go cruising in La Digue Island waters.
Day 4: Praslin Island
The incredible mix of turquoise water, golden sand, lofty palm trees and imposing boulder formations make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, perfect for photos, sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. In fact, it’s this range of activities that make the beach especially appealing for the Seychelles holidaymaker, as the beach offers something for everyone.
Day 5: Port Launay Island
Port Launay (South) lies in the Port Launay Marine Park on Mahé. While less popular than its northern cousin, this beautiful sandy bay offers plenty to the potential visitor, including beautiful scenery, views of offshore islands, restaurants and more. Located within walking distance of several popular accommodations, including the sprawling Constance Ephelia Resort, Port Launay (South) will likely be the first port-of-call for many holidaymakers. The nearby road also ensures that the beach can be found easily by guests staying elsewhere on Mahé, with nearby parking spaces and bus stops permitting swift, simple access to this beautiful bay.
Day 6: Final Morning at Eden Island
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and disembark.