The archipelago of the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean is a tropical paradise. The 42 main islands derive their special from a unique geologiceal feature: They consist of granite which forms bizarrely shaped sculptures on the beaches.
The archipelago of the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean is a tropical paradise. The 42 main islands derive their special from a unique geological feature: They consist of granite which forms bizarrely shaped sculptures on the beaches.
![Seychellen Beach]()
Getting there and around
Air Seychelles operates regular flights to the capital Victoria on Mahé. You can proceed to the other islands by small aircrafts, by helicopter or by ferry. Praslin, some 30 nautical miles from Mahé, is the second largest island. On Praslin grows the „Coco de Mer“, the world´s heaviest coconut variety which can reach up to 20 kilos.
Yachties will get along on the Seychelles pretty well as, besides Creole, English and French are spoken on the islands.
The journey to the charter base is quite short as it´s located close to the airport. After having passed the coral reef through a shipping channel, you can head for one of the various anchorages in the archipelago.
Besides Mahé, the Seychelles don´t offer the comfort of a modern marina, but plenty of beautiful places to drop your anchor. For a moderate fee, you may use the sanitary facilities of the resorts you find ashore.
![Turquoise water at the Seychelles]()
As the Seychelles are fringed with coral reefs, you have to navigate carefully. We advise you to approach islands by noon so that the sun ist still high enough to enlighten what is below the surface.
The main shopping should be done in Victoria and Praslin; provisioning is limited on the smaller islands, but fruit, veggies and fish can be purchased from the locals.
![Victoria on the Seychelles]()
Eating out, the Creole kitchen is a quite special experience combines Indian, Oriental and French influences. Mainly fish and curries are served.
Best time to travel
Monsoon season with its heavy and constant rainfall begins in november and remains until the end of april. So european summer is the best travel season in the Seychelles. Between May and October, the southeast tradewinds make for a rather cool and dry climate with temperatures around 25 degrees. The wind rarely exceeds 5 beaufort.
What to do
Have a look at what is beyond the surface: The crystal clear water of the Seychelles is renowned as a fantastic diving and snorkelling spot. The coral reefs are exploding with colours and shapes. Besides millions of colorful little fish, you might also spot one of the majestic whale sharks that reach up to 12 metres.
![Seychellen Tropical Islands]()
What yacht to choose
Catamarans are a great deal for a sailing trip off the Seychelles: With their shallow draft, you can easily access most of the bays and anchorages. A spacious catamaran also rounds off the idea of the "dream holiday" you want to spend on the Seychelles: Its two hulls offer plenty of comfort and space which for all crew members.
![Seychellen mahe]()
Sailors who lack experience, or don´t feel comfortable with the idea of cruising the Seychelles on their own, can book a skipper. Besides navigating throurh the coral reefs safely, a local skipper also guides you to the best restaurants and points of interest.
If you plan a very special trip or even a honeymoon charter, it can be a nice idea to book a luxury crewed charter. Several companies in Mahé operate in the luxury segment. You can also book daily dive excursions on motor or sailing vessels.
Felix Wolf f.wolf@yachtbooker.comFelix Wolf is co-founder and owner of YachtBooker. He is a charter skipper himself and enjoys discovering new sailing areas.