Destination

Seychelles

Granite Giants and Coco de Mer Palms in the Indian Ocean

Why Seychelles?

The Seychelles inner islands are unlike anywhere on earth. Ancient granite boulders — some of the oldest exposed rock on the planet — tumble into turquoise water on beaches that look photoshopped. Giant tortoises the size of boulders roam free on uninhabited islands. The Coco de Mer palm exists only here. And a bareboat or crewed charter gives you access to beaches, reefs, and anchorages that the resort guests never see.

Granite headlands framing Anse Lazio beach, Praslin, Seychelles

Best Season

April–May and October–November (inter-monsoon calm periods) for the best all-round conditions. NW monsoon (November–March) brings lighter winds from the northwest — good sailing, occasional squalls. SE trade season (May–September) brings stronger 20–25 knot SE winds and excellent sailing but choppier passages. Water temp 27–30°C year-round.

Perfect For

Honeymooners, naturalists, photographers, and anyone with a bucket-list item to tick. The Seychelles is one of the most visually spectacular sailing grounds in the world — and the combination of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, endemic wildlife, and beaches that don't look real makes it genuinely unmatchable. This is a special trip.

Must-Visit Spots

Where to Drop Anchor

Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue

Frequently called the most photographed beach on earth — and it earns the claim. Massive pink and orange granite boulders frame shallow turquoise water on a beach of powdered white coral. Arrive by sea before 9am; the light is extraordinary and the day-trippers haven't arrived yet.

Anse Lazio, Praslin

The second of the Seychelles' world-famous beaches — a sweeping arc of white sand flanked by granite headlands with excellent snorkelling on the rocks at each end. The Bonbon Plume restaurant at the south end is worth the trip alone. Anchor in the bay and dinghy ashore.

Vallée de Mai, Praslin (UNESCO)

A primeval forest of Coco de Mer palms — a species found nowhere else on earth, producing the world's largest seed (25kg). The valley looks exactly as it did before humans arrived. The Black Parrot endemic bird calls from somewhere in the canopy. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Curieuse Island

A short sail from Praslin: a national park island where Aldabra giant tortoises roam free and approach humans without fear. The island's mangrove-fringed coastline has excellent snorkelling. The ranger station serves as a tortoise nursery — watch babies the size of your palm.

Île Cocos Marine Park

A cluster of small islands near La Digue with the best snorkelling in the inner Seychelles. Clarity regularly exceeds 20 metres. Hawksbill turtles, reef sharks, and enormous shoals of fish circle the reef. The marine park fee is worth every cent.

Aerial view of a yacht anchored in the Seychelles

Sample Itinerary

7 days in the Seychelles

Day 1: Mahé (Victoria) → Sainte Anne Marine Park

Depart Eden Island Marina, Victoria. Short sail to Sainte Anne Marine Park — a protected bay with the nearest good snorkelling to Mahé. Afternoon dive or snorkel. First sundowner at anchor, adjusting to the pace.

Day 2: Sainte Anne → Praslin

Longer sail to Praslin, the second-largest island. Anchor in Grand Anse Bay. Afternoon visit to Vallée de Mai — UNESCO primeval forest with Coco de Mer palms. Back to the yacht for dinner, watching frigate birds circle in the updrafts.

Day 3: Praslin — Anse Lazio + Curieuse

Morning at Anse Lazio — arguably the best beach in the Indian Ocean. Snorkel the granite headlands. Afternoon sail to Curieuse: walk the tortoise sanctuary, snorkel the mangrove reef. Giant tortoise photo mandatory.

Day 4: Curieuse → La Digue

Short sail to La Digue. Arrive early and take the dinghy to Anse Source d'Argent before 9am — the light between the boulders is extraordinary at dawn. Rent bicycles in the afternoon; the whole island is 10km². Dinner at Lanbousir restaurant.

Day 5: La Digue → Île Cocos Marine Park

Snorkel the best reef in the inner Seychelles. Three sessions in the park — the variety of marine life is outstanding. Hawksbill turtles cruise past with complete indifference. Anchor at la Félicité for the night.

Day 6: Île Cocos → Silhouette Island

Longer sail northwest to Silhouette — a dramatically steep island covered in cloud forest. Only one resort and a few hundred residents. The west coast has superb snorkelling. Walk to the cemetery of the nineteenth-century plantation owners in the forest.

Day 7: Silhouette → Mahé

Final sail back to Mahé. Stop at Beau Vallon Bay for a last swim. Return to Eden Island Marina for checkout. Last dinner in Victoria's Sir Selwyn Clarke Market area — the creole curry is exceptional.

Ready to explore the Seychelles?

Tell us about your dream trip. We'll build the perfect itinerary.

Get Quote