The Seychelles comprises two main island groups – the more tourist-driven Inner Islands (including Mahé and Praslin) and the lesser visited coral atolls of the Outer Islands where virtually untouched islands see unique wildlife, flora and fauna thrive.
The Aldabra Atoll, for instance, is home to the largest population of giant tortoises on the planet, who have sleepily roamed these isles for millennia. Among the Seychelles many endemic plants is the coco de mer palm tree, whose seeds are believed to have aphrodisiac qualities, and which is found on just two of the islands, Praslin and Curieuse, both in the Inner Islands.
Beneath the water’s surface there is much to discover on a luxury Seychelles yacht charter, too. The Aldabra Atoll is the world’s second largest coral reef, and you can swim with whale sharks and manta rays at La Digue.
With this much natural beauty around you, no one would think bad of you if you were to simply divide your time between a luxurious life on board, the beaches and the sea.
The main yacht charter season in the Seychelles is from November to May, though most visitors prefer to come in the transition times from the humid northwest trade winds and the cooler southeast trade winds in October, November, April and May. At these times the sea is warm, and visibility can be 30 metres or more.
Pull into the Eden Island Marina on an island connected by a bridge to Mahé. This large, stylish marina is a good base for visiting the capital of Victoria and has a lively enough nightlife, including at the Eden Bleu Hotel, where you can sample fine-dining Creole dishes in the Marlin Bleu restaurant or enjoy a cocktail by the infinity pool on the Empereur Terrace.
If poolside drinking appeals, then head to Raffles Seychelles, Praslin, which has the largest pool in the whole of the Seychelles, as well as wonderful views over a beautiful beach. Sand-in-the-toes beach dining is available and in the Sushi Room you can watch the chef prepare each dish in front of you in complete privacy.
The Seychelles is home to two World Heritage Sites that should feature on any itinerary: the Vallée de Mai nature reserve, where you can see all the islands’ native palms, including the legendary coco de mer, and the Aldabra Atoll – the largest raised coral atoll on the planet.
Praslin is renowned for its powdery white beaches flanked by dense jungle, while Silhouette has such rich biodiversity that over 90% of it is now protected and it’s an important conservation base for giant tortoises and for research into bats and sea turtles.
Head to the Outer Islands for the ultimate sense of seclusion, where you can drop anchor and dive among the reefs or try world-class fly fishing and bluewater fishing off the shores of Alphonse Island.
Home to the country’s capital Victoria, though it is the most populated of all of the Seychelles’ isles, Mahé is no less attractive. There are over 65 white sand beaches, and a hike up Morne Blanc will afford you fantastic views. Meanwhile, the trek to Anse Major offers solitude and silence, with the beach at the end like a hidden world, backed by shady jungle and scattered with granite boulders.
From August to October, whale sharks can be seen at Baie Ternay Marine National Park.
Lying just east of Mahé’s capital of Victoria, the Sainte Anne Marine National Park comprises eight islands and islets surrounded by warm emerald waters and vibrant coral gardens. You can bask in the beauty of one of the many beaches, or dive below the water’s surface to search for eagle rays and sea turtles.
Northwest of Mahé, the beaches of Silhouette still have a wild, castaway feel, with Anse Mondon and Grande Barbe among the most idyllic. Nature lovers will be in Heaven as they spot giant tortoises, terrapins and no end of rare birds.
Imagine a Paradise island and Praslin is it. White sandy bays are embellished with large granite boulders and swaying palm trees, and the turquoise waters seem to beckon you in. Behind you are jungle-topped mountain peaks and the Vallée de Mai with its coco de Mer palms, if you can drag yourself away from the beach, of course.
A former leper colony, today this tiny island just a short sail from Praslin is the domain of around 500 protected Aldabra tortoises, as well as coco de mer palms and lots of other exotic wildlife.
You can anchor at Baie Laraie and walk through dense mangrove forest to the beach at Anse St Jose where sea turtle lay their eggs in November and December.
On this laid-back island, most visitors bead straight to Anse Source d’Argent, which is regularly voted among the world’s best beaches. It is beautiful but also popular with tourists, so head to one of the deep moorings around the coastline instead – the stretch from Anse Marron to Anse Cocos, is especially lovely.
Off the north coast of La Digue, the Ile Cocos Marine National Park is a small collection of granite islets with the Seychelles’ signature assets (white sandy coves, warm aquamarine waters, coral reefs) where you can sometimes see whale sharks and sea turtles. The nearby islands of Félicité, Grand and Petit Soeur also have lots of dreamy sots for sunbathing, picnicking and snorkelling.
The northernmost islands of the Seychelles, these two islands are the only coral cays in the granite bank of the archipelago and are a nature wonderland, home to thousands of marine birds each year.
For exclusive resorts and true sense of desert-island perfection, these coral islands are scattered over an area of hundreds of kilometres. The Aldabra Atoll, the largest raised coral in the world, is the most remote of the isles, and thanks to minimal human interference, over 150,000 giant tortoises have flourished here.
What’s the currency of the Seychelles?
The official currency of the Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee and although Euros and US Dollars are accepted in some resorts, they are not to be relied upon.
What language is spoken in the Seychelles?
The Seychelles has three main languages: Seychellois Creole, French and English. Seychellois Creole is the most commonly spoken language across the isles.
Time zone in the Seychelles?
The Seychelles follows Seychelles Time, which is GMT +4 hours. There is no Daylight Saving Time.
Yachts to charter in The Seychelles?
There are lots of options for a luxury yacht charter in the Seychelles, so whether you are looking for a Seychelles yacht charter to the Inner Islands of Mahé or Praslin or a crewed yacht charter in the Seychelles’ more remote Outer Islands, our brokers can guide you to some of the best yachts for your Seychelles Yacht Charter.
