The Seychelles lie in the Indian Ocean, about 1000 miles from Kenya on the east coast of Africa. There are some 115 islands in the archipelago. Mahe Island and Praslin Island are the two main yacht charter bases. The sailing distances between the islands are easy and you will want to explore as many as possible. The awe-inspiring natural granite peaks, exotic wildlife, amazing flora and fauna are the backdrop to immaculate powder white beaches.
The Seychelles offer a extensive range of yacht charter and this includes; bareboat yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter.
While Austronesian seafarers or Arab traders may have been the first to visit the uninhabited Seychelles, the first recorded sighting of them took place in 1505, by the Portuguese. As a transit point for trading between Africa and Asia, pirates occasionally used them until the French began to take control of the islands starting in 1756, naming them after Jean Moreau de Séchelles, the French finance minister at the time.
The British and French disputeded control over the islands between 1794 and 1811, with the British eventually gaining the upper hand and being ceded the islands in 1814. The Seychelles became a crown colony separate from Mauritius in 1903 and independence was granted in 1976, as a republic within the Commonwealth. The 1979 constitution declared a socialist one-party state, which lasted until 1992.
There are six distinct groups-of islands: the Inner Islands, the Amirantes, Southern Coral, Alphonse, Farquhar and Aldabra. The cruising area is concentrated around to the Inner Islands, including the four main islands of Mahe, Praslin, Silhouette, La Digue and twenty smaller islands. The Amirantes may also be a possibility on an extended yacht charter.
The Seychelles has 12 endemic bird species including the Seychelles Magpie robin, Seychelles black paradise flycatcher, Seychelles Fody, scops owl, white eye, swiftlet, kestrel, Seychelles Blue Pigeon and Seychelles Sunbird. Seychelles hosts some of the largest seabird colonies in the world. Islands such as Bird, Aride, Cousin, Aldabra and Cosmoledo host many species of seabirds including the sooty tern, fairy tern, white-tailed tropicbird, noddies and frigate birds. The Seychelles are home to 81 endemic plant species. Well-known is the Coco de mer, the beautiful Azul or Zoria, a species of palm that grows only on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse. Sometimes nicknamed the 'love nut' because of its suggestive shape, the coco-de-mer is the world's largest seed. The jellyfish tree is to be found in only a few locations today. This strange and ancient plant has resisted all efforts to propagate it. Other unique plant species include the Wrights Gardenia found only on Aride Island Special Reserve.
The giant tortoises from Aldabra now populate many of the islands of the Seychelles. These unique reptiles can be found even in captive herds. The granite islands of Seychelles supported distinct species of Seychelles giant tortoises. The marine life around the islands can be spectacular. More than 1000 species of fish have been recorded. The reefs comprise of a vast selection of soft corals and hard corals alike. There are great diving and snorkelling opportunities. The taking of marine turtles was completely stopped in 1994 and populations are now recovering on several islands, most notably Cousin Island, Silhouette Island and Aldabra. The use of gill nets for shark fishing as well as the practice of shark finning is now banned.
The Seychelles is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites run by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. They are the island of Aldabra, which is the world's largest raised coral atoll and also the Vallée de Mai on Praslin Island, billed as the original site of the Garden of Eden. About 40% and a substantial part of the coastal sea around Seychelles are protected as National Parks, including Marine Parks and Reserves.
The International airport of Mahe has several flights per week from Europe. While the National airport of Praslin has many daily flights from Mahe, the journey lasts only 12 minutes. Most Seychellois speak English and French in addition to Creole and are a friendly people. The wide variety of fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables are accented with local herbs and spices to reveal a Creole influence.
As the Seychelles are just south of the Equator, they enjoy warm weather all year round. Air and water temperatures range from 25° - 30° C , accompanied by a very pleasant breeze. The islands lie outside the hurricane belt, and violent storms are very rare. Winds rarely exceed speeds of 30 knots. The seasons are defined by the beginning and ending of the southeast trade winds. When the winds blow from May to November, they carry a dryer climate and slightly cooler temperatures. The monsoon season runs from December to April, when northwest winds blow creating a more humid climate and rainy conditions. Although tropical rains fall more frequently in January and February, the weather can be completely different from one side of an island to the other. The Seychelles enjoy steady trade winds of 5 -20 knots year round which are ideal sailing conditions. However, the challenge remains in the open water passages, with no land in sight, that one must take in order to reach many of the islands. During the months of May through September the seas can be rough and choppy.
In order to avoid damage to the marine environment in the Seychelles, moorings have been placed in some locations around the islands and should be used as a first choice when available. Many overnight locations have good holding ground with sand bottoms. Keep in mind that it is strictly prohibited to drop anchor on the coral. Some of the islands in the Seychelles are privately owned and maintained, while others are managed by various conservation organizations. Many of these reserves and parks require entrance fees and mooring fees. Prices vary but as some charge a fee for the yacht and then further fee for each crew member the whole thing can become quite expensive.
Mahe is the biggest island of the Seychelles. Many yacht charters embark from Port Victoria on the island of Mahe. Port Victoria is the world’s smallest capital and the economic and administrative hub of Mahe. There are many restaurants, shops, art galleries and craft shops and a colourful market from which to stock up on your provisions for the yacht charter. There is also a botanical garden and a natural history museum. 65 white sandy beaches are within easy reach of Port Victoria. The rock formations behind the beaches create a dramatic backdrop. There are over 20 dive and snorkel sites in the marine parks around Mahe. Visit the St Anne Marine National Park, which protects over 150 types of fish. Mahe has the highest peaks in the Seychelles and is completely covered by a vast tropical forest. There are certain conveniences to embarking on your Seychelles yacht charter from Mahe. You can fly directly to the island. And from Mahe it is an easy sail to St. Anne, la Digue, Praslin, Silhouette, Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur.
Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles located 23 miles to the north east of Port Victoria. The principal tourist destination on the island is Vallee de Mai, a primeval rainforest. This legendary place, named by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, was once thought to be the actual “Garden of Eden”. Permission to visit must be obtained in advance. The island has some of the most beautiful beaches of the Seychelles and includes the most photographed beach in the world - Anse Lazio. Praslin is also a good base to explore neighbouring islands. From Praslin you can easily sail to Curieuse, Anse Lazio, Mahe, Anse Royale, La Digue, Ile Cocos, Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur. Baie St Anne jetty is a source for many sailing needs. The yacht anchorage here is particularly striking, surrounded by thousands of Coco der Mer palms, some of them reputedly 800 years old.
La Digue is the fourth largest island in the Seychelles. Transport is by bicycle and ox-cart. Traditional methods of boat building are important on La Digue. Anse Source d'Argent is one of the most beautiful beaches of the world. A yacht facility is available on La Digue, but it is suggested that a 24 hour advance notice be given before arriving. They can be hailed on channel 16 on approach.
Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur offer excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Silhouette lies to north west of Mahe and is the third largest island in the Seychelles. Resplendent in the unique plants and trees found in the primitive forests, Silhouette is a living museum of natural history. There are great beaches for swimming and snorkelling.
Curieuse is just to the north of Praslin and is a special sanctuary. It is home to an eco-museum, indigenous Coco-der-mer and an important program to breed tortoises.
Félicité is a short sail from La Digue and very popular with honeymooners.
Ile Cocos is a marine park that offers great snorkelling and diving. You can include this island as a day trip from Praslin or La Digue.
Frégate is the furthest island of the Inner Island group. Anse Victorin is one of the most spectacular beaches of the world.
Bird is a destination for those who seek total relaxation. Although there are plenty of birds, it is tranquillity and beauty that draw visitors. The marine life is extremely rich here and well protected.
Aride to the north of Praslin is truly unspoiled. The island is only open to visitors three days a week but home to an abundance of wildlife. Aride is the breeding site for 10 species of seabirds. Divers have recorded more than 90 species of fish in a single dive. Rumour suggests that Aride has six times more insects than the other islands and the largest lizard population in the world.
The Amirante Islands can be reached with a longer sail. They are the closest Outer Group Islands to Mahe, between 125 and 210 miles away. The Amirante Islands are spread over a distance of over 90 miles. Desroches and d'Arros are the two most well known of the Amirante Islands. To sail the Amirante Islands you will need a minimum of two weeks and yacht charter companies will insist on a skipper on the boat.
