This charming set of islands has a fascinating cultural mélange in the Indian Ocean, with beaches straight off a film set and many unique species of plant and animal. There’s no better way to explore the archipelago than by luxury yacht charter.
Located 600 miles northeast of Kenya, the Seychelles comprise around 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, with Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette as the main hubs.
The islands’ ancient vegetation is a living relic of Gondwana. Having never been connected to any continent, the Seychelles fostered a unique evolution of plant life, including rare species found nowhere else. A walk through the National Botanical Gardens feels like stepping into a real-life Jurassic Park.
Embark from St Anne on Praslin and sail through crystal-clear waters, coral reefs alive with marine life, and landscapes dotted with small fishing villages. Pause at a luxury resort for spa treatments, savour local cuisine in beachfront restaurants, or hike to viewpoints overlooking dramatic granite peaks and lagoons.
The best months to cruise are the shoulder seasons, March to June and September to December, when light winds and calm seas create ideal conditions for island-hopping. Warm, clear waters make for excellent snorkeling and diving, with visibility often reaching 20 to 30 meters.
Try the award-winning Rock Spa at Fregate Island for a special retreat.
This World Heritage-listed nature reserve on Praslin is a treasure trove of indigenous flora and fauna. It is one of only two locations where you can find the gargantuan coco de mer palm in its natural habitat, which will leave you feeling dwarfed next to its 30-metre fronds. There are three hiking trails of varying length through the forest, and keen bird watchers will be in heaven. Keep an eye out for the Seychelles bulbul and warbler, the blue pigeon and the endangered black parrot.
Step into quotidian life in the Seychelles with a trip to capital city Victoria’s covered market. Although small by African standards, this makes a visit all the more manageable and a perfect start to the day before cruising out of the city onboard your yacht. This colourful and vibrant market is where locals head to buy their fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as picking up the catch of the day straight off the local fishing boats. You will also be able to pick up souvenirs including colourful local sarongs (known as pareos), herbs and spices.
At La Digue island, take a tender ashore to the quaint fishing port of La Passe. Life is set at a slower pace on La Digue, and it will feel like you have stepped back in time as the locals make their way about the day in ox-carts and on bicycles. It’s the perfect spot to drop anchor for a day or two, walk along pristine white-sand beaches and explore the fantastic diving and snorkelling among the reefs.
