Seychelles Travel Information
Before You Travel | How to Get There | Boarding Time/Check Out | What's On Board | What to Bring | Health & Safety
This page provides useful planning, pre-departure and travel information. From servicing airports to base arrival procedures, it will tell you what to expect to make your vacation smooth and care free.
We suggest you read the following information carefully several weeks prior to departure and also print a copy to take with you.
Before You Travel
Moorings (Seychelles) Ltd
Eden Island Marina
PO Box 588
Eden Island
Mahe, Seychellles
Tel:(+248) 460-1330
We suggest you notify family and friends of how you may be reached in case they need to contact you.
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
Time Zone
GMT + 4.
Tourist Information Center
Independence Avenue, Victoria - Tel: + 248 61 08 00
Seychelles Tourism Board, Mahé
General Information
Area: 283 sq. mi. (approx. 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC)
Population: 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.
Capital: Victoria
Time: GMT + 4. Four hours ahead of London. Nine hours ahead of New York (EST). Daylight savings time is not observed.
Language: Creole, English and French are spoken widely. 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.
Religions: Roman Catholic (82.3%), Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist, other Christian, Hindu, Muslim, other non-Christian.
Currency: The Seychelles Rupee (SCR)
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.
Tipping: 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.
How to Get There
Arrival by plane at Seychelles International Airport. (Domestic & International Flights) Distance from Mahé Airport to the base is 5 km. The transfer takes approximately 5 minutes by car.
Taxis - The one-way trip from the airport to the base costs from 100 SCR to 125 SCR (approximately 15€ - 20€). 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
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
Due to the number of flights we organize, the Moorings can offer some great rates to many destinations. Please make sure you contact our inhouse flight specialist at 866.649.2003 before you book your flights.
Transfers
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 £14pp. 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.
Car Rentals
Avis, Europcar, Hertz and other companies are located at the airport. The average price is from 55 to 90€ per day withinsurance.
Ferry Services
Commute between islands using the ferry companies listed below:
Inter Island Ferry Service: www.seychelles.net/iif Cat Cocos: www.catcocos.com
Boarding Time/Check Out
Boarding Time Procedures
Charter Boarding Time: Charters start at 10.00 am or 4.00 pm (with a Sleep Aboard). Sailing instructions will be given beforehand at the welcome office.
Sleep Aboard Time: 2.00 pm.
Briefing times: Chart & Boat briefings will start at 9.00 am for the 10.00 am start time.
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, 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.
Late Arrivals
If arriving after hours, a message will be left on the front 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.
Check Out Procedures
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 end time.
What's on Board
Provisioning
Moorings Care packages are included on every yacht. These packages contain some of the basics to get you started for your vacation. Additional items are available to be purchased and delivered directly to your yacht. Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more.
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.
For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.
What to Bring
Customs & Immigration
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.
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 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.
Cruising Licenses
Please 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]
Luggage & Packing List
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 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.
Drones
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
Currency
The Seychelles Rupee (SCR).
Taxes & Fees
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. Please see our Base Notes for additional information.
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)
Security Deposit
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.
Health & Safety
Vaccination and Immunization Information
The Seychelles are generally risk-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.
Travel Advice
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
Swim Safe
Take extreme care when swimming or snorkelling in the Seychelles, even on organised excursions, and particularly with children or the elderly.
- Beaches which 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 extremly 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.
Safety
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 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 highly recommend that if you are travelling 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.
Travel Insurance
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.
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