Seychelles Travel Information & Planning Guide

Seychelles has an area of 283 sq. mi. (approx. 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC) and the capital city is Victoria.

The population of the Seychelles is 87,476 people. The Seychellois are extremely hospitable people and, for the most part, they live simple island lives. Nearly 90% of this mixed nation dwells on the main island, Mahé, with the remaining few scattered across the smaller islands.

The official languages of Seychelles are Creole, English and French. Any of these will suffice at the major hotels, attractions, shops, banks, etc. Some members of the travel industry speak German and Italian. Translation services, when in the country, are available.

The primary religions in Seychelles are Roman Catholic (82.3%), Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist, other Christian, Hindu, Muslim, and other non-Christian.

Arrival by plane at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ). (Domestic & International Flights) The distance from Mahé Airport to the base is 5 km. The transfer takes approximately 5 minutes by car.

Airport  
Seychelles International Airport: Mahe Airport Enquiries – 248 38 42 40.

Flights
Air Seychelles
Aeroflot Soviet Airlines
Air Austral
Air France
Air Mauritius
Kenya Airways
Lufthansa German Airlines
Emirates Airlines
Qatar Airlines

Taxis
The one-way trip from the airport to the base costs from 300 SCR to 500 SCR (approximately 18€ – 30€). Max 4 pax with luggage. No reservation is necessary. Taxis are always available at the Airport.

Helicopter  
Zilair Seychelles:
Tel: + 248 37 51 00
Website:  www.zilair.com

Transfers from Seychelles International airport are not included in your charter price, so you must arrange or pay for your own on arrival (see below), or, for your convenience, you can add pre-paid return taxi transfers to your Moorings booking. 

Please contact your Moorings Vacation Planning Specialist, who will be happy to do this for you. They cost approximately $18.91 USD pp. On arrival, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign displaying your name.

Distance from Mahé Airport to the base: 5 km
The transfer takes approx. 5 minutes by car.

Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and other companies are located at the airport. The average price is from 55 to 90€ per day with insurance.

Commute between islands using the ferry companies listed below:
Inter Island Ferry Service: www.seychelles.net/iif

Cat Cocos:  www.catcocos.com

Charter Boarding Time: 10 am

Sleep Aboard Time: 4 pm, the night before (on request)

Briefing times: Chart & Boat briefings, held in The Moorings office, will start at 9.00 am for the 10.00 am starts

All skippers must attend the briefing, and everything you need to know will be covered, from customs regulations, use of the radio, making dinner reservations, and how to get help, etc. Please save all questions of this nature until then. The Moorings operations manual will be on board your yacht for your use throughout your charter.

If arriving after hours, a message will be left on The Moorings office door indicating the location of your boat. The Chart Briefing and Boat Briefing will be held the following morning prior to departure.

The base personnel will wait for clients until 7:00 pm. After 7:00 pm, you will find a sign at the reception with a message for you indicating your yacht’s berth. Your boat will be open and there will be a sign with your name. The boat’s equipment will be ready for the night. The base personnel will be at your disposal the next day from 8:30 am and will then turn the boat over to you.

Charter End Time: 10:00 am is the mandatory time when the boat must be returned and ready for debriefing and checks.

A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return, so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter’s end time.

Mobile phones 
Check with your service provider for information about cell coverage in this region.

Music/iPods 
While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX cord so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

Electricity
Throughout Seychelles, the voltage is 220-240 volts AC 50 Hz. Seychelles uses the British standard square three-pin, 13 amp sharp electric plug. 

The Moorings Provisioning
Online Provisioning is available. Provisioning must be ordered 7 days prior to the start date of the charter for this destination. Moorings Care packages are included on every yacht. These packages contain some of the basics to get you started for your vacation.

Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more about delivery direct to your yacht.

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list of Bareboat Charter Inclusions and Crewed Charter Inclusions.

Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents, so make sure to check with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information.

• Seychelles is a visa-free country (except for travellers from Kosovo): Visa & Travel requirements.  
• Please note: All travellers are required to complete immigration procedures when travelling to and from Seychelles and complete the online Electronic Travel Authorisation form: Seychelles Electronic Border System – Official Government Website    

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket; otherwise, you may not be able to travel, and insurance may be invalid.

Please note that country entry/exit requirements are subject to change. Please check http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html for the latest information before you leave. The Moorings is not accountable for any requirement changes.

Customs Formalities: The duty-free allowance for all liquors (including wine, beer, stout, ale, and port), perfumes, and tobacco is: 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco, 2 liters of Spirits or 2 liters of wine, 200ml of Perfume or Eau de Toilette.

Please review the sailing and power requirements for the Seychelles while planning your charter vacation.

Seychelles port authorities have recently updated their sailing certification requirements, which require skippers to submit all the necessary qualifications as detailed here no later than 7 days before the 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 paperwork@thlmarine.com. 

Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are best, as luggage storage space on your yacht may be limited. We have no facilities for holding luggage at the base. Pack lightly and review our suggested packing list for required and necessary items to bring.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and a change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-colored, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover-up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/ointments
• AUX cable for playing music through your device
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt, and shorts) in your hand luggage, as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit  http://www.scaa.sc/index.php

The local currency in Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR).

Most charges (restaurant, hotel, taxis, porters, etc) already include a 5% to 10% service charge or “tip”. Additional tipping is not expected, but some people round up to the next convenient amount, especially when paying by cash.

You might incur some costs while on charter, such as mooring and docking fees or cruising taxes. We highly recommend bringing enough of the local currency to cover these costs as they are not always payable by USD, debit, and/or credit cards.

There is an airport departure tax of $40pp, which must be paid in U.S. dollars. This charge is sometimes included in the cost of an airline ticket (please check with your airline)

A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter, subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

The Seychelles government has introduced an environmental levy that impacts all bookings traveling from 1 August 2023 onwards. The levy costs Seychelles Rupee (SCR) 100.00 per person per day and is payable locally, for individuals aged 12 and above, when you arrive at the base.

The Seychelles are generally free of contagious disease.
You are advised to be up-to-date with your Tetanus, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A & B vaccines. However, please consult your doctor for the latest immunization information before you travel.

A yellow fever certificate is required if entering from an area with risk of yellow fever transmission and for all travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Visit cdc.gov for the latest information.

Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review our Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov

Take extreme care when swimming or snorkeling in the Seychelles, even on organized excursions, and particularly with children or the elderly.

• Beaches that are safer at certain times of the year can be dangerous for swimming at other times. 
• Beaches at the southern tip are not recommended for swimming at any time. 
• Seek local advice about the conditions before you visit beaches.  

Snorkel vests, Life Jackets, and Diver Down flags are all available on board.

Children

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them, as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children, but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. Not all beaches have safety information, and you should not assume they are safe.
• Beware of dangerous currents; these can be extremely powerful in the Seychelles. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth, and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to, e.g., in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party, and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty, raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.

Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests, & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use of this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding. If you have any questions, feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base, so we highly recommend that if you are traveling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

The Moorings offers comprehensive travel insurance for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings vacation.

Level 3

• At least 20 days or 400 miles as skipper on an equivalent-sized yacht.
• Level 3 destinations are our most challenging. Suitable only for confident, experienced sailors, Level 3 destinations offer long spells of open water sailing, broad tidal ranges, strong winds, and remote anchorages.

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Learn more about sailing requirements and qualifications.

To charter in Seychelles, there must be at least one certified skipper over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions, and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know their position at any time.

As a yacht skipper, you are required to have an official sailing or power licence issued by a government of state approved organization.

Please contact your Pre-Travel paperwork@thlmarine.com support agent for further information.

Changes in requirements from the port authorities

In order to issue a certificate of competence that allows you to sail in the Seychelles, the port authorities require a copy of the skipper’s qualification/license and that individual’s passport number. Please ensure all pre-travel tasks have been completed via your MyAccount at least 14 days prior to your arrival to allow us to prepare your boat papers. 

Please know that if either your Guest List or licence (valid at time of charter) is not submitted within the time required, there is a chance that you will not be able to depart from the dock until all has been submitted and resolved with the local authorities (their offices are closed on weekends).

Moorings (Seychelles) Ltd
Eden Island Marina
PO Box 588
Eden Island
Mahé, Seychelles
Tel:(+248) 2781 339

Monday to Saturday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Embarkation / Disembarkation: 10:00am – 10:00am
Sunday & Public Holidays: 8:30am – 12:00pm in case of embarkation

GMT + 4. Four hours ahead of London. Nine hours ahead of New York (EST). Daylight saving time is not observed.

Independence Avenue, Victoria – Tel: + 248 61 08 00
Seychelles Tourism Board, Mahé

You will find shower and toilet facilities at the marina. They are located near the Moorings office and are open 24 hours a day. For access to the shower facilities, guests will need to leave a deposit of 200SCR for the card at The Moorings office. Other facilities include an ATM, shops, docks, a restaurant, cafeteria, bar, and souvenir shop.

Other than The Moorings base at Eden Island Marina, alternative mooring options are as follows: 

Bay Saint Anne, Praslin

– A few mooring buoys are available from Robert + (248) 2770 267 500SCR / 33 EUR

– Dream Yacht Pontoon + (248) 4 232 681 call 24hours in advance for availability

Rates per night until 9 am, price includes (water, electricity, and shower facilities)

For dinghy drop off or collection 150SCR / 10 EUR

The washing of boats is not allowed without agreement and payment at their office.

Port of La Digue 

– The port welcomes only 3 or 4 yachts at a time. You must contact the harbor master before arrival. Mooring fees 200SCR

All other islands 

– Anchor in a safe cove for the night

The Seychelles government has introduced an environmental levy that impacts all bookings traveling from 1 August 2023 onwards. The levy costs Seychelles Rupee (SCR) 100.00 per person per day and is payable locally, for individuals aged 12 and above, when you arrive at the base.

The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00 noon to 12:00 noon in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved a skipper for the first day of your charter and have a 4:00pm start, the skipper will use this time to ensure they are happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. 

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. The skipper is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. They must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of their contract with you.

A Friendly Skipper can be arranged for the first day of your charter to help you get acquainted with your yacht and the destination for a stress-free start 

This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures.  

The skipper will give you a full chart briefing during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc. 

The skipper’s food or beverages are not included and are the responsibility of the client. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included them in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate them as part of the group for meals ashore.  The skipper must have their own cabin. 

It is the customer’s responsibility to get a Friendly Skipper back to the base. If you’d prefer not to come back to the base, you must pay for your skipper’s travelling expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.)  

A gratuity is expected and is typically given to the skipper at the end of the charter. The amount is entirely at your discretion.

No restricted areas for sailing, except the military harbour of Victoria in the Inner Islands.

Mooring Areas: any mooring on the nearby islands except Police Bay, in the south of Mahé, Coco Islands, and Grand Anse in Praslin (Dangerous access).

In the Marine Parks and Beau Vallon Bay in Mahé, the anchorage is restricted. 

To sail to the Amirantes of the Outer Islands of Seychelles, authorisation is required. A local skipper and deckhand must be on board, and your charter should not be less than a 10-day booking.

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.

Please note that a deck hand is a legal requirement in the Seychelles if traveling to the Outer Islands.

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone; we require a minimum of two persons on board.

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.

Most nautical charts of Seychelles are of British origin (Admiralty Charts). Four maps give the depth in meters.

N° 721 : This map, to 1/750 000 scale, covers the zone of Mahé 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 the 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 Mahé and neighboring islands and stretches to the north up to Bird and Denis Island.

N° 742: This map covers Mahé 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.

We would like to draw your attention to two of the most frequent causes of accidents in our region: Running aground & propeller fouling.

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:

• Inform the base as soon as possible so they can take the necessary steps with the insurance company.
• 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. 

There are landing and visitor fees for certain islands. The amount per person/per boat 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. Fees can also be paid in USD.

• North Island, Small Sister Island, Marianne Island, Denis Island & Fregate Island: Closed to the public – No landing- Private islands
• 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 is 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

• Eden Bleu
• Eden Luxury apartments
• Eden Island Studios
• Enchanted Water Front
• L’Escale

Double Click Maison La Rosière,Victoria 
Digitech Internet Salamat House, La Poudrière,Victoria 
Verimedia Côte d’Or, Praslin

There are laundry facilities located in the marina on Eden Island.

Habib close
Absa Bank
Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB)
Nouvobanq
Credit Union
Commercial Bank

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.

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. Guests can also drop their postcards/ mail at the JPL exchange, as there is a letter box.

Boardwalk: Grills

Bravo: Continental

Maharajas: Indian

Marie-Antoinette Restaurant: Créole Buffet and BBQ

La Scala Restaurant: Creole Gastronomic fish menu

Tante Mimi Restaurant: Casino Des Iles: Exotic dishes

Patatran Restaurant: Creole

The Moorings Online Provisioning

Online Provisioning is available at this destination. All provisioning orders should be placed no later than 7 days prior to the charter start date. 

Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more about delivery direct to your yacht. Moorings Care packages are included on every yacht. These packages contain some of the basics to get you started for your vacation.

Supermarkets  
Supermarkets are located in Victoria, five minutes by car from The Moorings office and in Bay St Anne, Praslin. Supermarkets are generally open daily except Sunday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm. You can pay cash in Seychelles Rupees (SCR).

Horse Riding  
Arab Horse Riding, Mahé. Adults & Children: $11.20 USD/$11.48 USD per hour.

Bicycle Rentals 
Chalets Anse Forban: Mahé. 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 Mahé, Praslin, Silhouette, and Aride in particular.  

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 theaters and discos, most nightlife is in the larger hotels. The specialty is local entertainment. “Kantolet” music, originating in a mix of waltzes, polkas, and quadrilles often accompanied by dancers, is performed. Moutia, an African dance form based on prayers that slaves turned into work chants, is typical of 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 is also 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-screen 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, 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 the 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€

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, 1 lure, and no fishing belt) for 150 EUR /1 week, or 22 EUR/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 knows 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 a small skiff.

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.

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.

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 Mahé and the surrounding 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 a 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:

Blue Sea Divers : Beau Vallon, Mahé : + 248 252 60 51

Octopus Diving Center: Cote D’Or Praslin: + 248 2 59 64 36

White Tip Divers: Côte D’Or Praslin : + 248 4232282

Hawkbill Baie St Anne Praslin + 2719150

Trek Divers La Passe La Digue + 2523585/2574804.

Please note: For bareboat charters (where no staff from The Moorings are onboard the yacht) charterers are permitted to dive from the yacht. The Moorings does not provide such activities so you should ensure that any third parties that you engage with in order to dive should be through reputable and third-party operators. Any diving activities are fully undertaken at your own risk and The Moorings shall have no responsibility or liability in connection with your participation in any diving activities, irrespective of whether this takes place from the yacht or an alternative location during your charter. Diving is not permitted under any circumstances whereby there is any skipper or other crew onboard the yacht which is provided by The Moorings.

Snorkeling  
The Moorings has a range of fins available in various sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes; we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkeling masks or snorkels on board. Please feel free to bring your own.

Please note:

• When diving and snorkeling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby
• Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkeling
• One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch over the others in the water

No fishing license is required for recreational fishing.

The archipelago, which rarely experiences really strong winds, is under the influence of a highly distinctive system consisting of two monsoons separated by a month of variable weather: the inter-season. From May to October, southeasterly winds blow almost constantly with clear skies. Those winds drop in November, giving way to northeasterly winds bringing heavy rain clouds. 

The heaviest rainfall is in January and can reach 370mm/4.5 in. The pattern of south-easterly winds returns in April. In between these two periods, there are two short periods of flat calms or light winds. April and May are the sunniest months; however, the cloudiest months still manage a daily average of five and a half hours of sun. These slight climate changes barely affect the temperature, which remains at a steady 82°F to 86°F (28°C to 30°C), and the level of humidity, which is close to 80% year-round. In the Seychelles, the weather is constantly changing. Neither rain nor sun ever becomes set for long periods.
The entire Seychelles area is subject to currents that develop with the monsoon.
The NW monsoon gives rise to a current to the East from December to April. Its average speed is 1.5 knots, though speeds of 4 knots have been recorded locally. 

In April, the current reverses. From June to September, currents flow westwards at a regular rate of 1.2 knots, but passages through flats can increase the speed to approximately 4 knots. The return to currents flowing east takes place in December.

Historical weather (averages by month):

Tides are semi-diurnal and asymmetrical, with a gap of about six hours between high tide and low tide. The tidal range is as low as 1.80 m at spring tides and 1.40 m at neap tides. Tides give rise to currents which can be quite strong in the straits between the Islands or in the channel leading to lagoons, which may empty completely at low tide. There can be quite considerable differences in height between the two daily high tides. On your yacht, you will find a tide table for your reference.

When you arrive at the base, we will provide you with a weather forecast for the next 24 hours. SBC, Seychelles Boarding Corporation, the public radio of Seychelles on medium wave 1368 KHz, broadcasts a weather report in Creole between 7.30 a.m. and 8.15 a.m. The same weather bulletin is broadcast in English between 8.30 a.m. and 8.45 a.m. Seychelles Radio can provide a forecast on request on VHF channel 16. Clearance on channel 26 or 27.

The weather station on Mahé (37 33 37) issues a detailed bulletin covering the remote islands.

At The Moorings, we’re passionate about preserving the beauty of the oceans we explore. Through Our OCEAN Promise, we’re working to reduce our environmental footprint and support the communities that make each destination so special. From more responsible operations to cleaner cruising practices, sustainability is at the heart of what we do.

You can make a difference too. Before you depart, pack a reusable water bottle, choose to support local businesses, and anchor mindfully to help protect the waters we all enjoy. Small choices make a big impact.

Learn more about Our OCEAN Promise