A yacht itinerary to the Seychelles will take you to a vacation paradise.
Populated by diverse and rare species of birds, lizards and turtles, the marine reserves on the islands in the Seychelles are exotic and intriguing.
The flora is also varied, from coco-de-mer palms with huge double coconuts to insectivorous plants, gardenias and orchids growing on the mountain slopes.
Seychelles yachting combines open-water cruises in good winds and short crossings between neighboring islands for snorkeling and diving on coral reefs or just relaxing on one of the many white sand beaches.
Although the inner islands of the Seychelles are largely undeveloped (see Seychelles maps), some have seaside resorts and small settlements, providing plenty of entertainment both ashore and aboard your luxury yacht.
St. Anne island
St. Anne island is the centerpiece of this beautiful marine park, while the nearby islands of Moyenne, Round and Surf are no less picturesque. During the Second World War, St Ann served as a base for a contingent of Royal Marines stationed here to protect the port of Victoria in the event of enemy attack. In the early 19th century, it was a busy whaling port. Today, a cruise in St. Ann’s Marine National Park is a delightful outing to the wonders of nature, with excellent snorkeling and swimming, and a number of restaurants where you can dine and enjoy local cuisine.
Mooring
There are paid moorings on the south side of St. Anne’s Island. Anchorage is allowed in the park.
Mooring for boats is not provided.
What to do
Swimming and snorkeling are the main attractions of the park. The turtles are relatively tame and will swim around you in a friendly manner, giving you the opportunity to take some underwater photos. There are Creole and haute cuisine restaurants on the shores of St. Anne, Moyenne, Round and Surf Islands.
Curieuse Island
Dotted with coco-de-mer palms and dense thickets of mangroves, Curios island is a typical example of the incomparable beauty you find in the Seychelles. In the distant past, the island was home to a leper colony. Today, it’s a cruise lover’s paradise.
Mooring
Moorings are available. The best anchorage in northwest winds is at Laraie Bay.
Mooring for rubber boats is not available.
What to do
A short hike from Laraie Bay across the island to Anse José leads you to a walkway through a mangrove forest. Among the foliage are the ruins of the leper colony, and next to Anse José beach is the Doctor’s House, where the island’s doctor lived. Built in Creole colonial style, the house is now a museum that tells the history of the island. On the beach, giant turtles bask in the sun. Barbecues on the beach are popular, as are snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. Snorkeling is especially good around nearby St. Pierre Island. Taken together, all these attractions make cruising the waters of Curieuse Island an unforgettable and inspiring adventure.
Grande Soeur island
Grande Soeur Island is privately owned, but boaters can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing on its beautiful beaches weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s worth it to cruise the waters of Grande Soeur Island.
Mooring
No moorings are provided. Anchorage is just off Reef Bar, on the west side of the island. It may be uncomfortable in southeast winds.
Landing fee includes boat cab fare to and from your boat.
What to do
Swimming and snorkeling are the main activities on Grand Sulphur Island, although barbecuing on the beach (there are stationary barbecue tables) is also a popular activity, as is visiting the Reef Bar for a refreshing cocktail.
Coco Island
The four tiny islands of Il Koko National Park are among the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean. They are often featured in brochures touting the stunning beauty of the Seychelles. The Coco Islands will take you to waters that offer the best snorkeling in the area.
Mooring
There are day berths available. The best anchorage is south of Coco Island. The anchor holds up well on the sand.
What to do
Snorkeling is the main attraction of the Cocos Islands.
La-Digue
The third largest island in the Seychelles, La Digue is a charming place. Hiking and horseback riding trails wind through lush hilly terrain, and the views from Belle Vue and the summit of Nid Eigl are truly breathtaking. There are several restaurants and interesting stores on the island. There are colonial-era houses along the streets that remind you of the island’s historic past, which becomes evident when you go yachting on the waters of La Digue Island.
Mooring
No moorings are provided. The best all-weather anchorage is in La Digue Harbor on the northwest coast. On the southeast side of Anse Coco Island, it is well protected in northwest winds.
What to do
There is so much to do on La Digue Island and this is one of the reasons why La Digue is so popular on luxury yacht charter itineraries.
Some travelers choose to stay an extra day just to relax and see the sights in a place that appreciates the slow pace of life. Attractions include a working copra mill and Union Estate Park, a large plantation that occupies almost a third of the island. In addition to the manor building, which is open to the public, you will find the Old Cemetery and the Turtle Pen. Walking through the Veuve Reserve will allow you to delve into the ecosystem of the island. Horseback riding, bike rentals and sightseeing tours by helicopter are popular.
The beach at the Spring d’Argent is one of the most picturesque on the island. The Tarrosa bar, restaurant and disco has live music on weekends.
Cousine Island
Bird sanctuaries are an important part of the park system in the Seychelles. Rare birds such as the bulbul, black parrot and fruit pigeon are protected species. Cousine Island is a highlight of any yacht itinerary in the Seychelles.
Mooring
No moorings are provided. The choice of anchorage depends on the wind direction. Southeast shore and north beach are possible options for anchoring.
Dinghy moorings are not available. No dinghy boarding is allowed, but you can use a boat cab service that will take you ashore. This service is included in the price of boarding.
