Seychelles Cruising Itinerary
A Seychelles cruising itinerary takes you into a vacation paradise. The marine preserves on islands populated with diverse and rare species of birds, lizards, and turtles in the Seychelles are exotic and intriguing. The plant life is varied too, from the coco-de-mer palms with huge double coconuts to the pitcher plants, gardenias, and orchids that grow on the mountain slopes. Passages combine a mix of open-water cruising in fair winds and short hops between adjacent islands for snorkeling and scuba diving on the coral reefs or simply relaxing on one of the many white-sand beaches. Although the Inner Islands of the Seychelles are mostly undeveloped (see Seychelles maps), some are home to seaside resorts and small settlements, providing plenty to do ashore as well as aboard your luxury yacht.
St. Anne Island
St. Anne Island is the centerpiece of this beautiful marine park, and nearby Moyenne, Round, and Cerf are just as scenic. During World War II St. Anne served as a base for a contingent of Royal Marines stationed there to defend the port of Victoria in the event of an enemy attack. In the early 19th century, the area was a busy whaling port. Today, cruising in St. Anne Marine National Park is a delightful foray into the wonders of Nature, with superb snorkeling and swimming, and a number of restaurants where you can dine out and savor the local cuisine.
Mooring
Moorings are available for a fee on the south side of St. Anne Island. Anchoring is permitted in the park.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things 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 way, providing a chance for some underwater photography. Ashore on St. Anne, Moyenne, Round, and Cerf islands are restaurants serving Creole and haute cuisine.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Curieuse Island
Dotted with coco-de-mer palms and thick stands of mangroves, Curieuse Island is a typical example of the unparaleled beauty you’ll find in the Seychelles. In the distant past, the island was the site of a leper colony. Today, it’s a cruising paradise.
Mooring
Moorings are available. The best anchorage in northwesterly winds is in the cove of Baie Laraie.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
A short hike from Baie Laraie across the island to Anse José takes you on a walkway running through a mangrove forest. Amid the foliage are the ruins of the leper colony, and near the beach at Anse José is The Doctor’s House, where the island’s physician lived. Built in the Creole Colonial style, the house is now a museum that highlights the history of the island. On the beach, giant tortoises bask in the sun. Barbecues on the beach are popular, as is snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. The snorkeling is particularly good around the nearby islet of St. Pierre. Taken together, all these attractions make cruising in Curieuse Island waters a memorable and inspiring adventure.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Grande Soeur Island
Grande Soeur Island is privately owned, but boaters are welcome to enjoy the swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on its beautiful beaches on weekdays between 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. It’s well worth the effort to go cruising in Grande Soeur Island waters.
Mooring
No moorings are available. The anchorage is right off the Reef Bar, on the west side of the island. It can be uncomfortable in southeasterly winds.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available. The landing fee includes a boat taxi ride to and from your yacht.
Things to do
Swimming and snorkeling are the main attractions of Grande Soeur Island, though enjoying a beachside barbecue (there are fixed barbecue tables) is also a popular activity, as is a visit to the Reef Bar for a refreshing cocktail.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Coco Islands
The four tiny islands of the Ile Coco Marine National Park are among some of the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean. They are often shown on brochures depicting the stunning beauty of the Seychelles. Coco Islands brings you to waters that offer the best snorkeling in the area.
Mooring
Day moorings are available. The best anchorage is south of Coco Island. Holding is good in sand.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Snorkeling is the main attraction of the Cocos.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
La Digue Island
The third largest island in the Seychelles, La Digue is a place with quiet charm. Hiking and horseback riding trails lace the lush, hilly land, and the views from Belle Vue and the top of Nid Aigle are truly spectacular. The island has several restaurants and an eclectic mix of shops. Colonial-era homes line the streets, a reminder of the storied past of the island that becomes obvious when you go cruising in La Digue Island waters.
Mooring
No moorings are available. The best all-weather anchorage is in La Digue Harbour on the northwest coast. On the southeast side of the island, Anse Coco is well protected in northwesterly winds.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
There is much to do on La Digue Island, which is one reason why La Digue is so popular on luxury yacht charter itineraries. Some cruisers opt to stay an extra day just to relax and see the sights in a place where the slow pace of life is cherished. Among the attractions are the working copra mill and the Union Estate Park, a large plantation covering almost a third of the island. In addition to the estate building, which is open to the public, you’ll find The Old Cemetery and a tortoise pen. A walk through Veuve Reserve takes you deep into the ecosystem of the island. Horse riding, bicycle rentals, and sightseeing trips by helicopter are popular. The beach at Source d’Argent is one of the island’s most picturesque settings. The Tarrosa Bar, Restaurant and Disco features live music on weekends.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Cousin Island
Bird sanctuaries are an important part of the park system in the Seychelles. Rare birds such as the bulbul, black parrot, and the fruit pigeon are all protected species endemic to the islands. Cousin Island is a highlight of any Seychelles yacht charter.
Mooring
No moorings are available. The anchorage you select depends on the wind directions. The southeast coast and off the northern beach are possible options for anchoring.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available. Landing a dinghy is prohibited, but a boat taxi is on avaialble to take you a ride ashore. This service is included with the landing fee.
Things to do
No facilities for yachts are available.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Beau Vallon Bay
Cruising in Beau Vallon Bay is a delightful way to experience a side of Mahé that draws vacationers from around the world. This beach resort is by far the most popular on the island, boasting first class hotels, fine dining, and gambling in the casinos. Enjoy the watersports, snorkeling, and swimming in an idyllic setting. The sunsets are stunningly beautiful, a picture-perfect scene to mark the end of a wonderful day in paradise and the start of a fantastic evening ashore.
Mooring
No moorings are available. Anchor right off the beach in a sandy bottom. Beau Vallon Bay is fully exposed to northwest winds, which means you can’t go there during the northwest monsoon. During the southeast monsoon it’s one of the best anchorages on the Mahé coast.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
The fine snorkeling on the reefs, swimming on the two-mile white-sand beach, and organized dive excursions to the reefs as well as two wrecks in Beau Vallon Bay are among the major attractions of this bustling resort area. Watersports equipment rentals are available as well, so you can take full advantage of the beach and the crystal clear waters of the bay. The several hotels have great restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the lively nightlife. For those wishing to try their hand with Lady Luck, the casinos beckon. Every Wednesday afternoon and evening there’s a market on the beach, offering all kinds of fresh foods, live music, and dancing. Yachting in Beau Vallon Bay is a foray into Mahé’s fast lane, a marked contrast to the laid-back nature of many of the Inner Islands.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Baie St. Anne
Cruising in Baie St. Anne takes you to the main harbor at Praslin Island, the second largest of the Seychelles Inner Islands. It’s an interesting place with a number of stores and restaurants. The nearby Vallee de Mai is a must-see destination while you’re at Baie St. Anne.
Mooring
Moorings are available. There is ample room to anchor in the harbor.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
One of the charming highlights of yachting in Baie St. Anne is the chance to meet Robert, famous in the Seychelles for his special Creole sauce (bottles are for sale). He’s something of a celebrity on Praslin Island and among boaters because he’s such a fantastic cook. You can drop anchor or rent a mooring from Robert and place an order for dinner, which he’ll prepare and bring to your yacht. Of course, there are restaurants ashore if you wish to dine out. Guided bus tours of the island are available and a pleasant way to see the sights. Particularly interesting is the nearby Vallee de Mai, where you will find towering coco-de-mer palms in this exquisite nature preserve and a UNSECO World Heritage Site. Guided tours are highly recommended. The Vallee de Mai is known as the Garden of Eden, which will become plain as you explore and marvel at the scenery around you.
Facilities
Fuel, water, ice, and provisions are available.
Anse Volbert
Yachting in Anse Volbert is a delightful chance to see one of the prettiest harbors on the northern coast of Praslin Island.
Mooring
No moorings are available. The anchorage is excellent in most wind conditions. The best spot is at the west end of the beach.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
The beautiful shaded beach at Anse Volbert is a primary attraction. Watersports and organized dive excursions are also available. Along the shore is a little village with a number of excellent Creole restaurants, and there’s live music and dancing every Friday night at the Paradise Sun Hotel.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available
Coco Islands
The four tiny islands of the Ile Coco Marine National Park are among some of the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean. They are often shown on brochures depicting the stunning beauty of the Seychelles. Coco Islands brings you to waters that offer the best snorkeling in the area.
Mooring
Day moorings are available. The best anchorage is south of Coco Island. Holding is good in sand.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Snorkeling is the main attraction of the Cocos.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
La Digue Island
The third largest island in the Seychelles, La Digue is a place with quiet charm. Hiking and horseback riding trails lace the lush, hilly land, and the views from Belle Vue and the top of Nid Aigle are truly spectacular. The island has several restaurants and an eclectic mix of shops. Colonial-era homes line the streets, a reminder of the storied past of the island that becomes obvious when you go cruising in La Digue Island waters.
Mooring
No moorings are available. The best all-weather anchorage is in La Digue Harbour on the northwest coast. On the southeast side of the island, Anse Coco is well protected in northwesterly winds.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
There is much to do on La Digue Island, which is one reason why La Digue is so popular on luxury yacht charter itineraries. Some cruisers opt to stay an extra day just to relax and see the sights in a place where the slow pace of life is cherished. Among the attractions are the working copra mill and the Union Estate Park, a large plantation covering almost a third of the island. In addition to the estate building, which is open to the public, you’ll find The Old Cemetery and a tortoise pen. A walk through Veuve Reserve takes you deep into the ecosystem of the island. Horse riding, bicycle rentals, and sightseeing trips by helicopter are popular. The beach at Source d’Argent is one of the island’s most picturesque settings. The Tarrosa Bar, Restaurant and Disco features live music on weekends.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Curieuse Island
Dotted with coco-de-mer palms and thick stands of mangroves, Curieuse Island is a typical example of the unparaleled beauty you’ll find in the Seychelles. In the distant past, the island was the site of a leper colony. Today, it’s a cruising paradise.
Mooring
Moorings are available. The best anchorage in northwesterly winds is in the cove of Baie Laraie.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
A short hike from Baie Laraie across the island to Anse José takes you on a walkway running through a mangrove forest. Amid the foliage are the ruins of the leper colony, and near the beach at Anse José is The Doctor’s House, where the island’s physician lived. Built in the Creole Colonial style, the house is now a museum that highlights the history of the island. On the beach, giant tortoises bask in the sun. Barbecues on the beach are popular, as is snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. The snorkeling is particularly good around the nearby islet of St. Pierre. Taken together, all these attractions make cruising in Curieuse Island waters a memorable and inspiring adventure.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
St. Anne Island
St. Anne Island is the centerpiece of this beautiful marine park, and nearby Moyenne, Round, and Cerf are just as scenic. During World War II St. Anne served as a base for a contingent of Royal Marines stationed there to defend the port of Victoria in the event of an enemy attack. In the early 19th century, the area was a busy whaling port. Today, cruising in St. Anne Marine National Park is a delightful foray into the wonders of Nature, with superb snorkeling and swimming, and a number of restaurants where you can dine out and savor the local cuisine.
Mooring
Moorings are available for a fee on the south side of St. Anne Island. Anchoring is permitted in the park.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things 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 way, providing a chance for some underwater photography. Ashore on St. Anne, Moyenne, Round, and Cerf islands are restaurants serving Creole and haute cuisine.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
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