There is so much to see among the 115 islands of Seychelles and you can plan your dream holiday for better times, creating your perfect island-hopping adventure aboard your private charter yacht. Seychelles is the ‘Jewel of the Indian Ocean’ and if you are looking for the quintessential tropical paradise, then this is it. Once you reach the golden beaches and turquoise waters, your only dilemma will be whether you want to explore and play on the water toys first, or stretch out under a sun umbrella and leave it until after lunch.
Temperatures throughout the year hover around a comfortable 24°C-32°C (75°F-89.6°F) and although it is a year-round destination, it is driest from May to October, with April-May and October-November being optimal because of a cooling sea breeze to accompany the warmth.
There’s more to these tropical islands than just picture-perfect beaches: Read on to find out about the unique attractions and charms of the main Inner Islands for a taste of what awaits.
Mahé
Mahé will most likely be your starting point on a luxury yacht charter as you fly into the Victoria-Seychelles International Airport before taking private transportation to your luxury catamaran awaiting you at the Eden Island Marina. Guests looking to stretch their legs after a long flight can head into town for sightseeing, with the Botanical Gardens being a favorite for all ages because of its giant tortoises and aromatic spice grove. Hiking trails start in the park and head across the island through the Morne Seychelles National Park, where endemic species can be sighted on a walk up to the peak.
The main island of Seychelles is also one of the most developed and is the perfect opportunity to get in some boutique shopping or trinkets from the local markets, while art galleries and crafts workshops present the opportunity to pick up a bespoke gift. Those looking for electric nightlife before sailing off into the big blue wilderness will find it in the bars and clubs of Victoria, the capital city.
However, if you can’t wait to get underway then cruise over to the Saint-Anne Marine National Park, a collection of six islands that have myriad fish species and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling, plus hiking trails across the land. Back on the main island, there are some of the spectacular beaches like Anse Major or Anse Marie Laure in the north or the brilliant blue waters of Anse Tamaka and Anse Forbans in the south. The beach ‘Anse Du Riz’ in the Baie Ternay Marine National Park is accessible only by boat for private sunbathing, kayaking, and snorkeling in the shallows.
Dive sites are plentiful in the region and cater to beginners as well as advanced levels with numerous reefs and a couple of wrecks for variety. This bio-diverse region will enchant with sightings of sea turtles, rays, clownfish, porcupinefish, and more. After, watch the dramatic sunset and dine by candlelight or have a beach bonfire and party under the stars.
Silhouette Island
Situated to the northwest of Mahé, Silhouette Island has luscious forests, golden sand beaches stretching for miles, and little else – a great time to catch up on your reading list or spend quality family time with loved ones playing beach games. Make use of any wind-powered water toys in your collection and kayak along the shores, discovering one secluded scenic spot after another. Photographers will marvel at the vibrant contrasts between the brilliant blue waters and dramatic dark cliffs, which are swallowed in turn by verdant forests that promise their own adventures.
Visitors interested in island history should tour the museum and plantation at La Passe, which belonged to the Dauban family, the original owners of the island who are now interred within the impressive Dauban Mausoleum.
Praslin
The second-largest island in Seychelles has 10 big beaches in addition to numerous unnamed sandy outcrops to make your own on a summer adventure in the sunshine. The quiet north boasts Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette – white sand beaches tinged with a touch of pink that is idyllic for a romantic getaway. Anse Volbert is the main beach for shops, restaurants, and bars when you want to rub shoulders with other holidaymakers and hear about their own Seychelles experiences.
Inland to the south, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Vallee de Mai is not to be missed: This ancient forest is filled with Coco de Mer palms and unique endemic wildlife such as the black parrot, the national bird of Seychelles. It’s possible to hike straight through the park from east to west, and your luxury yacht can meet you by the coast at the other end.
La Digue
This wildlife paradise has plenty to behold above and below the water and is home to the critically endangered paradise flycatcher as well as brightly colored foods and sunbirds. Green turtles are often spotted around the lagoons and coral reefs, and rarer sightings of whale sharks and black-tipped sharks make for memorable encounters.
Fishing enthusiasts have plenty of choices as they cruise between the Inner Islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, and a stop at the best points can easily be incorporated into an itinerary. Whether your team is beginner fishers, experts, or a mixture of levels, there is an abundance of tuna, sailfish, rainbow runner, wahoo, and marlin to catch for your lunch or dinner.
The Seychelles luxury charter yachts
The fleet of luxury charter yachts is designed for the shallow waters of the Maldives and Seychelles, and sizes and amenities on board vary to suit a variety of group sizes and budgets. Luxury catamarans are the most common and have the excellent benefits of greater stability, a wide beam for spacious indoor and outdoor areas, plus the ability to navigate shallow waterways and get up close to the best beaches and landmarks.
Luxury catamaran PELICAN is one such example: This beautiful modern sailing yacht is designed to sleep up to eight guests across four double en-suite cabins, so there won’t be any arguments among younger family members over who gets the ‘best room’.
The elegant salon has a wet bar for drinks to match every meal created by your own personal chef, who will cater to everyone’s allergies and preferences. Outside, the main deck cockpit provides a place to admire the surroundings as you socialize with the rest of the family over games or a meal. The foredeck sunbeds and trampolines will become a favorite space on board for adults to unwind as the children wear off any energy they still have after kayaking or paddleboarding in these dreamlike locations. Above, the flybridge offers an alternative seating area to take in the stunning colors of your surroundings.
Among the talented crew of three, Captain Etienne Quilindo has previous experience as a fly fishing guide in Alphonse, and as a PADI Instructor on the Praslin and Desroches Islands. His many years of accumulated knowledge will guide you straight to the best spots and wonders of the region for the very best holiday experience you could receive. A luxury yacht charter gives you a new level of independence and privacy for exploring multiple destinations over a week or more and is the smart choice for traversing archipelagos in complete luxury.
by Trina Howes
