Seychelles Base Guide
About the Marina | Cruising Grounds | Around the Base | Provisioning | Things to Do | Water Toys & Sports
Whether this is your fifth trip or the first of many, we want you to feel at home when you're at a Moorings base.
About the Marina
Address
Moorings (Seychelles) Ltd
Eden Island Marina
PO Box 588
Eden Island
Mahe, Seychellles
Tel:(+248) 460-1330
Base Hours
Monday to Saturday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Embarkation / Disembarkation: 10:00am - 10:00am
Sunday & Public Holidays: 8:30am - 12:00pm in case of embarkation
Marina Facilities
You will find shower and toilet facilities at the marina. They are located near the Moorings office and are open 24 hours a day. Other facilities include an ATM, shops, docks, swimming pool, restaurant, cafeteria, bar, and souvenir shop.
Marina Information
Apart from the Moorings Marina in Eden Island, there is one other option in the Bay Saint Anne, Praslin. Some buoys are available from Robert (contact 77 02 67) around 100 SCR/6 GPB per day per buoy. The port of La Digue welcomes only 3 or 4 yachts at a time. You have to contact the harbor master before arrival. For the other islands you must anchor in a safe cove for the night.
Cruising Grounds
Cruising AreaPlease review the sailing and power boating requirements for the Seychelles while planning your charter vacation.
Seychelles port authorities have recently updated their sailing certification requirements , which requires skippers to submit all the necessary qualifications as detailed here no later than 7 days prior to departure date. All qualifications must be in English or French – no other language will be accepted. If your qualification is in another language, you will need to obtain a certified translation of your qualification.
To submit your qualifications, please email [email protected]
Cruising Area Restrictions
No restricted areas for sailing, except the military harbour of Victoria in the Inner Islands. For the Amirantes an authorization is required.
Mooring Areas: any mooring on the nearby islands except Police Bay, in the south of Mahe, Coco Islands and Grand Anse in Praslin (Dangerous access).
In the Marine Parks and Beau Vallon Bay in Mahé, the anchorage is restricted. For the Amirantes, only during the NW season, with a local skipper and on a Moorings 4700, an authorization is required 48 hours before arrival in the Amirantes. The Moorings team will take care of it for you.
Visiting the islands: The owner’s permission must always be obtained before visiting private islands. Some islands or moorings are forbidden for environmental and conservation reasons. Taxes are payable to go ashore on some islands. Taxes vary from one island to another.
Anything else you need to know will be explained during the chart briefing.
It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.
Deck Hand
Charts & Pilot Books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.
Nighttime Sailing
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance. You will need to fill out the Sailing or Power resume for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.
Mooring/Buoying
An IA system as in Europe. Red cylindrical buoys and even numbers to port; green cones with odd numbers to starboard. The channel leading to Victoria Harbour is perfectly well marked by numerous buoys. However, in the Seychelles, buoyage is poor and limited to some scattered buoys. Do not hesitate to ask our base manager if you have any doubts.
Nautical Charts & Documents
Most nautical charts of Seychelles are of British origin (Admiralty Charts).There are four maps which give the depth in meters.
N° 721 : This map, to 1/750 000 scale covers the zone of Mahe and neighboring islands up to Bird and Denis to the north. It also covers the Amirantes to the west, Astove to the SW and Coetivy to the SE.
N° 722: Access to Victoria and harbor. Scale: 1/25 000.
N° 724: This map gives details of some of the islands of the Seychelles with different scales (Desroches Island, Bird Island, Denis, Curieuse and the north coast of Praslin the passage between Praslin and La Digue with Saint Anne Baie).
N° 740: Scale 1/300 000. Covers Mahe and neighboring islands and stretches to the north up to Bird and Denis Island.
N° 742: This map covers Mahe and neighboring islands up to Aride Island to the west and Frégate Island to the east. Scale: 1/125 000.
The Pilote Cotier – Beneteau N°15 (Voiles et Voiliers – Alain Rondeau) is the first nautical guide covering the Seychelles, in English and French. Some abstract information concerning the islands can be found in the Nautical Instruction N° L9 of the Hydrographic Service of the French Naval Ministry (SHOM) and the sailing Direction N°3 of the British Admiralty.
Hazards
We would like to draw your attention to two of the most frequent causes of accidents in our region:
Running Aground & Propeller fouling.
Towing In Seychelles. It frequently happens that the captain of a vessel that has taken another vessel (or a vessel that has been abandoned) into tow has the right to claim ownership or compensation for the towed boat. To prevent any unpleasantness from being towed, always be sure to have enough fuel, to avoid going aground or damaging the propeller shaft. Do not be towed for a minor problem. Beware that assistance at sea is an obligation, and towage can be negotiated. If towage is really necessary for the safety of the crew and the boat, come to an agreement before a witness (use the VHF). Never take the other boat's towline, it is like handing your boat over to them. Instead, give your own towline and should they refuse, their intentions become obvious. Inform the base as soon as possible so they can take the necessary steps with the insurance company.
There are landing and visitor fees for certain islands. The amount per person/per cruise for one week is approximately 100€. We advise you to anticipate a small cash reserve on board to cover these fees. You will then avoid trying to find the money at the time of landing. These fees are usually paid in foreign currency to the island's custodian who will provide you with the tickets. The fees listed below are provided as a guideline. Fee can also be paid in USD.
- Ste Anne Marine Park: Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. 15€ per person per day + 100 SCR for the boat for night mooring
- Ile Coco Marine Park: Open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm. 15€ per person per day
- Cousin Island: Open Monday to Friday, in the morning only. 30€ per person. Landing from 9:00 - 10:00 am for guided tours
- Big Sister Island: Open Monday to Friday 10:30 am - 3:00 pm. Closed Sunday & Public Holidays. 23€ per person - Private Island
- LA Digue Island: Disembarkation Free of charge. L’Union Estate Visit & pass to Anse Source d’Argent. Open daily, 4€ per person.
- Baie Ternay Marine Park: Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. 15€ per person per day. After 5:00 pm 10€ for the boat only
- Silhouette Island: Open daily with clearance. 20€ per person. Request at I.D.C. Office before departure
- Aride Island: Open Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. 30€ per person. Landing before 10:00 am for guided tour
- Curieuse & Saint Pierre: Open daily 15€ per person. Curieuse Island visit and snorkeling in Saint Pierre
- Praslin Island: Disembarkation Free of charge. Vallée de Mai Visit open daily 15€ per person
- Bird Island: Open daily 40€ per person
- North Island, Small Sister Island, Marianne Island, Denis Island & Fregate Island: Closed to the public - No landing- Private islands
Around the Base
Accommodations
Le Relax Hotel & Restaurant - Mahe
The Wharf - Mahe
Berjaya Beau Vallon Beach Resort & Casino*** - Mahe
Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove***** - Mahe
Le Méridien Barbarons - Mahe
Coral Strand Hotel*** - Mahe
Internet Cafes
Double Click Maison La Rosière,Victoria
Digitech Internet Salamat House, La Poudrière,Victoria
Verimedia Cote d’Or, Praslin
Laundry
There are laundry facilities located in the marina on Eden Island.
Banks
Barclays Bank, Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) & Habib Bank.
Hours of Operation: Open weekdays from 8:15 am until 2:30 pm and Saturday until 11:00 am
Cash Machines: Victoria, Praslin and La Digue located in front of each bank (24h/24h).
Currencies / Money Exchange
Credit Cards accepted: American Express, Eurocard/MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.
Currency: The Local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR).
Important: Visitors are required to use only foreign currency when making payments to hotels and guesthouses and when paying for other hospitality-related expenses such as hiring cars or boats, the services of tour operators or travel agents, patronage of the casino, and domestic transfers within the Seychelles. Small purchases in restaurants outside hotels, shopping and taxi fares are payable in local currency. Foreign currency may only be exchanged at banks, authorized money dealers, at the Airport, or with a Hotel cashier. You have to ask for a receipt.
It is illegal to change money on the black market in Seychelles.
Post Office
The Post Office is situated in the center of the town of Victoria (Independence Avenue). Open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 12:00am.
Dining
The Wharf - Creole and international cooking, Breakfast and bar.
Pirate Arms Restaurant & Bar - Creole & International food.
Marie Antoinette Restaurant - Creole food.
Boat House Restaurant - Creole buffet and BBQ.
La Scala Restaurant - Creole & Gastronomic fish menu.
Tante Mimi Restaurant – Casino des Iles - Chef’s exotic dishes.
Patatran Restaurant - Creole menu.
Provisioning
The Moorings Provisioning
Online Provisioning is available. Provisioning must be ordered 7 days prior to the start date of the charter for this destination.
Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more about delivery direct to your yacht.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets are located in Victoria, five minutes by car from the Moorings office. Supermarkets are generally open daily except Sunday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm. You can pay cash in Seychelles Rupees (SCR).
Things to Do
Horse Riding
Arab Horse Riding, Mahe. Adults & Children: 150 SCR/8.50GBP per hour.
Bicycle Rentals
Chalets Anse Forban: Mahe. Tel: + 248 36 61 12
Chez Michelin: La passe, La Digue. Tel: + 248 23 43 04
Paradise Bicycle Hire: Anse Volbert, Praslin. Tel: +248 51 21 37
Cote d’Or Bicycle Hire: Cote d’Or, Praslin. Tel: + 248 23 20 71
Golf
Lemuria Resort of Praslin: Anse Kerlan, Praslin. Tel: + 248 28 12 81
Hiking
Seychelles' natural paradise is spectacularly appreciated at ground level. Walking tours are an excellent way to see the islands' exotic flora and fauna. Guided tours can be arranged through hotels and Travel Services Seychelles, or you can set out on your own, for the excellent trails on Mahe, Praslin, Silhouette and Aride in particular.
Bird Watching
Bird watching Visitors come from all over the world to see some of the rarest birds on Earth. Eleven species are only found in the granitic Seychelles, including the Magpie Robin (now only on Fregate), the Seychelles Warbler (its refuge, Cousin Island, is now a reserve) and the only remaining Indian Ocean flightless bird, the White-throated Rail on Aldabra. Huge seabird colonies exist on Bird Island and on Aride with 10 breeding seabird species. Migrants from both Arctic and Antarctic regularly turn up and, in fact, many new Seychelles species were first spotted by birding visitors.
Nightlife
Other than a few theatres and discos, most nightlife is in the larger hotels. The specialty is local entertainment. "Camtolet" music, originating in a mix of waltzes, polkas and quadrilles often accompanied by dancers, is performed. Moutia, an African dance form based on prayers which slaves turned into work chants, is typical drums and rhythm. And, of course, the famous Sega dance. Many hotels offer evening barbecues, dances and folk singing. Typically, the larger hotels will have more entertainment on more days while the smaller ones will have one or two person bands. There also is the fabulous Casino des Iles on Praslin.
Interesting Sites
Please visit the Itinerary Page for more of the best places to visit on your trip. While you are in Mahe take the opportunity to visit these other cultural attractions.
Botanical Gardens Mont Fleuri, Victoria - There are many striking tropical plants, not only those native to Seychelles but also specimens from around the world. Of special interest is a collection of tropical palms. There is also a tortoise pen. Opening Hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm daily.
Art - For a small country, there are several very well-known painters residing there. Perhaps the best of these is Michael Adams who has a studio and gallery on the southwest coast of Mahe. The Daily Telegraph said "Adams catches the spirit of the islands, his brilliantly colored silk-screens prints throb with life, pattern, activity and fun. Every surface is worked over again and again with animals, people, rampant vegetation and crisp white buildings..." Other artists are Leon Radegonde, Gerard Devoud and Marc Duc.
Coach excursions - are available and will take visitors to Mahe's attractions: the markets, the 100 year old Botanical Gardens (with giant land tortoises, coco-de-mer and orchids); the capital, Victoria, with its famous clock tower; the National Museum dedicated to island history, folklore and music; graceful colonial mansions and old plantations; and vibrant green jungles.
Museums - In Victoria you'll find the National Museum on Independence Avenue, the History Museum on State House Avenue and both the National Library and National Archives are on Francis Rachel Street. The National Museum exhibits local cultural and natural history along with artifacts including ship wreckage, coral, voodoo implements, stuffed tortoises, old musical instruments and household objects and various possessions of the pirates who once roamed the waters.
Jardin du Roi Anse Royal, Mahé Recognized historical site. Visitors can enjoy spices, fruits and flowers. There is also a fabulous reptilarium. Opening Hours: Daily 10:00am to 5:30pm.
Creole Village Val des Pres, Mahé Traditional Creole Village. Craft, Restaurant.
Vallée de Mai Praslin Vallée de Mai is one of the world’s smallest natural world heritage sites. The oldest trees in the “Vallée de Mai” are around 800 years old. The valley forms the heart of the Praslin National Park and is home to the famous and magnificent Coco de Mer Palm. Opening Hours: Daily 8:00am to 5:30pm. Entrance fee: 15€ or 15 U$.
Praslin Ocean Farm Amitie, Praslin Aquarium, Pearl Farm and boutique of the Black Pearl of the Seychelles. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00pm.
Plantation House La Digue, Anse Union Here you can visit the copra factory and the famous Creole style plantation house. It is also the access to the Anse Source d’Argent beach. Entrance fee: 5€
Water Toys & Sports
For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options.
Watersports
Surfing - At Grand Anse on the western coast of Mahe surfing is ideal between November and April as larger than usual waves roll in.
Windsurfing - Excellent almost everywhere! Each year there is the Mahe/Praslin Windsurfing Competition, usually in September, which starts from Victoria, Mahe and finishes at Maison des Palmes Beach on Praslin.
Other watersports - Wakeboarding and water skiing are available at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Beach Resort on Mahe (the only place for those activities). Windsurfers, canoes and sailing dinghies may be hired on the more popular beaches and water skiing and paragliding are offered at the main resort areas.
Beaches - Ranking among the best in the world the silver white sands encircle the islands. Crystal clear water invites swimming in the safe, reef-protected waters. Outstanding beaches include Beau Vallon, Anse Intendance, Anse Royale and Anse Takamaka on Mahe; Cote D'Or and Anse Lazio on Praslin; and Anse La Source d'Argent, Grand Anse and Petit Anse on La Digue.
Snorkeling
The Moorings provides snorkeling gear (flippers, masks & snorkels) for all charters for your pleasure. Children's sizes are very limited; you may wish to pack your own snorkeling gear.
Scuba diving: Large round shaped rocks of granite islands are to be found underwater down to the shelf 50 to 60 meters below sea level. The loveliest underwater landscapes are around Mahe and the surroundings islands. The sculptured rocks are covered with soft coral and sponges. Large numbers of fish are found almost everywhere. It is also possible to dive to some of the many wrecks.
Scuba diving is strictly regulated in Seychelles:
Diving is only with a registered diving club and dive master. Underwater fishing is forbidden when scuba diving and with the use of spear guns. It is also forbidden to collect shells and coral.
Please arrange in advance with The Moorings team for “Rendezvous Diving” with a Dive center:
Big Blue Divers: Mare Anglaise, Mahé. Tel: + 248 24 78 54
Le Diable des Mers: Beau Vallon, Mahé. Tel: + 248 24 71 01
Underwater Centre Dive Resorts: Mahé. Tel: + 248 24 73 57
Cote d’Or Octopus Diving: Anse Volbert, Praslin. Tel: + 248 23 23 50
Fishing
Seychelles waters are a paradise for game fishing. The flats near St. Francoise and Alphonse have recently been recognized as probably the best saltwater fly fishing area in the world. We offer high quality saltwater combos (30-50 KG Penn “Tuna Stick” mounted with a Shimano “Tyrnos II LRS” reel, fitted with 200m of 110Lbs line, 2 lures and a fighting belt) for 75Euros a week or 12Euros a day that may be rented on site or booked in advance when booking online or over the phone.
Deep Sea Fishing
Trolling brings in red meat fish (tuna, jackfish and dorado); bottom fishing can net giant red snapper, grouper and "Job" -- fish guidebooks are recommended. Note that spear fishing is prohibited in the Seychelles.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing on the flats is exhilarating, especially with a guide who know the local waters inside and out: so much so that one would think he knew each individual fish by name. Tarpon cannot be taken in Seychelles. Guides in Seychelles are experts and inexpensive. Fishing is either by wading or by small skiff.
Fishing License Requirements:
No fishing license is required for recreational fishing.
For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.
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