Seychelles Island Cruise

8 Days

Overview

The Seychelles is often suggested to be a reincarnation of the Garden of Eden. This archipelago of islands is among the most beautiful in the world, with glittering white sand beaches circled by an ocean whose colours elude words. It’s a place where hawksbill turtles feel safe enough to lay their eggs on the shore in broad daylight, where picnics on deserted islands are the order of the day and where lazy walks and hikes pass through lush, green jungles brought to life in stories by Rudyard Kipling.

We offer a number of itineraries that include the Seychelles, but none as unique as this exotic yacht cruise that takes you on an island-hopping voyage. Perfect for a romantic honeymoon or simply for those who love sailing; great for couples and possibly even better for tight-knit groups; you can choose from three itinerary options according to time available and budget. The itinerary we highlight here is the ultimate cruise across 8 days, however you can opt for 4 day or 5 day cruise if you have less time, or if you’d like to add this on to an existing itinerary – perhaps a safari in Botswana. It’s worth noting that our yachts book up far in advance, so you’ll need to plan ahead if this is your dream trip.

Itinerary

You'll start your dreamy island cruise in Victoria on Mahé Island, meeting at the Inter Island Quay in the capital city for departure between 15:00 and 16:00. After a welcome cocktail and safety drill, the yacht will sail to nearby St. Anne Island where you'll stop for a refreshing swim off the boat. You'll enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow guests before anchoring overnight near St Anne. St. Anne Island is the largest of eight islands in Ste Anne Marine National Park of the Seychelles. It's 4km east of Mahé and is known for its abundant tropical vegetation. There are six main beaches on the island, most of which are home to the sea turtles that flourish here. If you're travelling between November and February, you might even see them laying eggs at Anse Royale.

You'll leave St. Anne early in the morning and sail the azure oceans towards Curieuse. Upon arrival this morning, you'll explore this uninhabited island that was once a leper colony and today is home to giant tortoises who live on a farm. A guide will take you on a walking excursion to the farm, passing mangrove forests, coco de mer palms and the bare red earth that the island is known for along your way. Later you'll return to the beach for a BBQ under the trees. In the afternoon you'll have free time to relax on the beach or explore the island further - look out for the black parrot that is endemic to the Seychelles. The boat will overnight here at anchor.

In the morning you'll set sail for Cousin Island. Cousin lies 2km west of Praslin and is a protected nature reserve, known for being one of the eco-friendliest places on the planet. It's been identified as an Important Bird Area and is home to a quarter of a million birds of both landbird and seabird species. The island also has several nesting beaches for turtles. You'll join a guided excursion to the Bird Sanctuary where you'll learn more about this history of Cousin and its feathered inhabitants. Later in the afternoon, you'll sail for Anse Lazio on Praslin Island. Anse Lazio is the most famous beach on Praslin thanks to its picture-perfect white sand, crystal-clear water and imposing boulder formations. You'll spend a leisurely afternoon sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling, soaking up the dramatic ocean views. The boat will overnight at anchor.

In the morning you'll haul anchor and cruise to Aride Island, the northernmost granitic island in the archipelago. Aride is a protected nature reserve and hosts one of the most important seabird populations in the Indian Ocean, with more breeding species than any other island in Seychelles. You'll go on an excursion lead by the island’s rangers which will take you all the way to the top of the granite interior for some spectacular views and photograph opportunities. At noon you'll set sail for St Pierre Island, lunching on the boat as you cruise. When you arrive at St Pierre you'll enjoy a 3 hour snorkelling and swimming stop. At sunset, you'll depart St Pierre and sail into the port of Baie St Anne on Praslin. The boat will dock here overnight and you can hop off to visit the charming village of Baie Sainte Anne, named after the patron saint of the first Catholic Church on the island: St. Anne. Tonight is Creole Night on board the boat, so make sure you factor this fun evening into your plans.

You'll spend the morning on Praslin, either exploring the island on your own or choosing the optional excursion to the famous Vallee de Mai Reserve, one of Seychelles' two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The excursion takes you along pathways that crisscross underneath the tall palm trees which produce the famous Coco de Mer fruit. The reserve is also home to the indigenous black parrot that is only found on Praslin. In the afternoon you'll head for uninhabited Felicite Island where you'll spend your day swimming, snorkelling or joining the optional diving excursion. As the sun starts its descent, you'll hop back on board for a refreshing drink as you set sail for La Digue, where you'll anchor overnight in front of the Port.

La Digue is a hippie island paradise that draws bohemian crowds from all over the world who come to enjoy its sublime beaches and sleepy pace, It's home to the most photographed beach in the Seychelles, Anse Source D’Argent, which also frequently tops the best beach in the world lists. Join in the half day optional excursion that takes you through Union Plantation to L’ Union Estate where you'll have a tour of the co pra kiln, traditional coconut oil mill and the colonial plantation house. You'll then head to Anse Source D’ Argent for am afternoon of sheer beach bliss. Marvel at some of the Seychelles most impressive beach rock formations and enjoying a refreshment on the glittering sandy shores. You'll have time to hunt for souvenirs at La Passe, the main village of La Digue, before returning to the yacht. In the late afternoon the boat will sail to Moyenne island opposite Mahe, a Robinson Crusoe island where tortoises have right of way. You'll arrive at Moyenne in the evening and overnight at anchor.

This morning you'll have a short guided tour around Moyenne with time for swim at the end. Lunch is a delicious beach BBQ with one final opportunity for snorkelling and swimming before departure. After the BBQ, you'll sail for Mahe in the afternoon. You'll reach the Inter island Quay in Victoria, Mahe in the late afternoon. This evening your captain presents the Captain's Farewell Dinner with live music and dancing, after which you can continue the fun in the beach bars of Victoria should you wish to. The boat will overnight in Mahe.

After breakfast you'll disembark the boat between 9 and 10am and continue on your journey or make your way to the airport for your international flight home.

Destinations

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