Yachting Seychelles: Paradise on the waves of the Indian Ocean
Why choose Seychelles for yachting?
You may be wondering why this particular group of 115 islands scattered across the ocean like scattered beads? Well, imagine a place where nature has not yet been completely disrupted by human presence. A place where the beaches look as if they have just been left by a crew shooting next year's calendar, and the water is so clear that you can see the fish swimming around.
Endless blue waters and unspoiled natureYachting guide
This is not a place for mass tourism. There are no giant hotel complexes spoiling the view. Just you, your boat, and hundreds of shades of blue and green. The Seychelles are one of the last places on the planet where you can anchor in a deserted bay and feel like you've just discovered a new world. The only things missing are bananas, the sea, and mojito happy hour... Wait, actually, all of that is here.
Ideal conditions for sailing and exploring
The Seychelles lie outside the cyclone belt, so you don't have to worry about being surprised by a hurricane named Vlasta in the middle of your vacation. The weather here is stable and the wind is just right for sailing. The distances between the islands are relatively small, so you won't get tired of sailing and you'll have plenty of time for the main things – exploring, snorkeling, and simply doing nothing.
Choosing a vessel: Why the Seychelles is the ideal choice for a catamaran
Forget about classic single-hull sailboats. The Seychelles on a catamaran are simply in a league of their own. Why? A catamaran is as stable as your mother-in-law's opinion, so you don't have to worry about seasickness. It has a shallow draft, which means you can get closer to the most beautiful beaches and coral reefs that other boats wouldn't dare to approach. And the space! Two hulls connected by a spacious saloon and an outdoor net where you can lounge like a sea lion in the sun... Priceless.
Rental options: From bareboat to cabin charter Seychelles
If you have a captain's license and a group of friends who can tolerate being on the same boat for more than five minutes, you can rent an entire boat. For the rest of us, who can only drive a car (and even that sometimes with a scratch and a bruise), there is a brilliant solution: a cabin charter in the Seychelles.
Think of it as a floating hotel. You rent your own cabin and a professional captain and often a cook take care of the rest. There's no stress with planning the route, cooking, or driving. You just enjoy yourself and let yourself be carried away. Literally.
Dream itinerary: 10 days on the waves of the Indian Ocean
So, now for the best part. What might such a fairy tale look like? Here is a little preview of the route, which is guaranteed to wipe all those work emails from your mind.
Day 1: Mahé – Gateway to Paradise
Arrival, transfer to the marina, a quick "hello" with the captain, and you're already standing on the deck of your temporary home. First impression? Freedom. After settling into your cabin, it's time to explore Victoria, the smallest capital city in the world. Don't expect New York. It's more of a cute little town with an iconic mini version of London's Big Ben (or rather Little Ben) and Sir Selwyn Clark Market, where the air is filled with the scent of spices, fruit, and fresh fish.
- Tip for Mahé: If you have time, don't miss Morne Seychellois National Park. The hike through the jungle to one of the viewpoints is a bit of a slog, but the views are worth it.
Day 2: Beau Vallon – Water fun and sunset
A short sail and we anchor at Beau Vallon, one of the most famous beaches on Mahé. It's lively here. You can try just about any water sport you can think of, or just lie on the beach and watch the hustle and bustle. In the evening, have dinner at one of the local restaurants and watch the sun sink into the ocean in a scene straight out of a postcard.
Day 3: Silhouette Island – Wild beauty and hiking
We sail on to the third largest island, Silhouette. Here, it's as if time has stood still. Most of the island is a national park and only a few hundred people live here. It is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The hike up Mount Dauban is challenging, but you will be rewarded with the feeling that the whole island lies at your feet.
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Day 4: Praslin – Home of the Coco de Mer
Today, we have a longer crossing ahead of us to the second largest island, Praslin. And here we find something truly unique – the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, which is on the UNESCO list. Why? Because it is home to the Coco de Mer, a palm tree with the largest seed in the world, which has... let's say, a very suggestive shape resembling a woman's crotch. A walk through this ancient palm forest is like a journey into prehistory.
The afternoon is all about beaches. And not just any beaches. Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette regularly rank among the most beautiful beaches in the world. And you know what? Rightly so. White sand as fine as flour, turquoise water, and granite boulders that look like they were sculpted by an artist.
Day 5: Cousin and Curieuse Islands – Encounter with nature
Get ready to meet some local celebrities. The first stop is Cousin Island, a bird sanctuary. Thousands of birds nesting all around you is an experience you will never forget.
Then comes Curieuse, home to giant tortoises. These hundred-year-old easygoing creatures roam freely here and let you scratch their necks. It's incredible to stand face to face with such a creature. You immediately feel a little less important.
Day 6: Saint-Pierre and Anse Volbert – Snorkeling and Creole cuisine
In the morning, we will anchor at Saint-Pierre, a small rocky island that looks like a snorkeling paradise. It is basically a giant aquarium full of colorful fish and corals. In the afternoon, we will move to Anse Volbert beach (also known as Côte d'Or), where, after a day of swimming, we will treat ourselves to a well-deserved reward – dinner at a local restaurant. Try the Creole curry or grilled fish. You won't regret it.
Days 7 and 8: La Digue – An island of picture-postcard beauty
La Digue is love at first sight. There's no rush here. Cars are rare, and bicycles are the main mode of transport. Rent one and set off to explore. The number one destination is, of course, Anse Source d'Argent, probably the most photographed beach in the world. You simply have to see these giant granite rocks, smoothed by time and the sea, with your own eyes.
Why two days? Because one day on La Digue is simply not enough. You have to soak up the atmosphere, lose yourself in the alleys, discover deserted beaches, and just be.
Day 9: Return to Mahé – Last swim and memories
We slowly make our way back. On the way to Mahé, we make a few stops for snorkeling and one last swim in the crystal clear water. In the evening, we anchor in the marina and enjoy our last dinner on the boat. It is a somewhat nostalgic moment, full of memories of the past few days.
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Day 10: Farewell to the Seychelles
All good things must come to an end. One last breakfast on board, pack your bags, and take one last look back at the ship that was our home for a while. And then it's back to reality, which now seems so distant and gray.
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