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.

The day’s sailing

• 30 mins Sailing time
• 2.5 Nautical miles

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 snorkelling 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 underwater photography. Ashore on St Anne, Moyenne, Round, and Cerf islands are restaurants serving Creole and haute cuisine.

Facilities

No facilities available for yachts.

St Anne Marine National Park

Located about five nautical miles off the coast of Mahé, the small islands comprising the St Anne Marine National Park are jewels of the Seychelles archipelago. The reefs have an abundant diversity of hard and soft corals, and one of the largest expanses of sea grass in the islands. Green and hawksbill turtles are commonly seen foraging for food in this undersea prairie. The snorkelling and scuba diving are splendid. Ashore on Moyenne, Round, Cerf, and St Anne islands are restaurants featuring Creole and haute cuisine.

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.

The day’s sailing

• 5 Hr 24 mins Sailing time
• 27 Nautical miles

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 along a trail leading 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 island’s history. On the beach, giant tortoises bask in the sun. Barbecues on the beach are popular, as are snorkelling, swimming, and sunbathing. The snorkelling is particularly good around the nearby island of St Pierre. Taken together, all these attractions make cruising in Curieuse Island waters a memorable and inspiring adventure.

Facilities

No facilities available for yachts.

Curieuse National Marine Park

From offshore the hills of Curieuse Island appear to be a blend of deep reds and greens, a result of the reddish-tinted soil and lush vegetation. Stands of coco-de-mer palms also grow on the island. These unique trees produce double coconuts, with some as heavy as 40 pounds; they are said to be the largest fruit in the world. Snorkelling and scuba diving is spectacular on the reefs. Two popular dive spots are Coral Garden and Pointe Rouge. A trail meanders from Baie Laraie across the island to Anse José and includes a boardwalk section that passes through a mangrove forest, primal and breathtaking in its beauty. On the beach near The Doctor’s House, a museum highlighting the history of this one-time leper colony, giant tortoises sun themselves, seemingly oblivious to nearby visitors to the park.

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.

The day’s sailing

• 1 Hr 48 mins Sailing time
• 9 Nautical miles

Mooring

No moorings 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 snorkelling 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 available for yachts.

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.

The day’s sailing

• 58 mins Sailing time
• 1.5 Nautical miles

Mooring

Day moorings available. The best anchorage is south of Coco Island. Holding is good in sand.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Snorkelling is the main attraction of the Cocos.

Facilities

No facilities available for yachts.

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.

The day’s sailing

• 42 mins Sailing time
• 3.5 Nautical miles

Mooring

No moorings available. The best all-weather anchorage is in La Digue Harbour on the north-west coast. On the south-east 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 at the weekends.

Facilities

No facilities available for yachts.

La Digue Island

The twisted granite outcrops and giant boulders of this island are natural works of art formed millions of years ago by forces deep inside the Earth. They adorn the white-sand beaches and impart an otherworldly appeal to an already exotic scene. Hiking trails lead into the mountains and the quiet country roads are ideal for bicycle tours. For an unforgettable adventure, book a helicopter ride and see the cruising paradise from the air. Visit the working copra factory (a coconut processing centre for making coconut oil), the Vanilla Plantation, and other intriguing sites, then enjoy the nightlife at the Tarrosa Bar, Restaurant and Disco.

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.

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hr 12 mins Sailing time
• 11 Nautical miles

Mooring

No moorings available. The anchorage you select depends on the wind direction. The south-east 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 available to take you to the shore and back to your yacht. This service is included with the landing fee.

Things to do

No facilities available for yachts.

Facilities

No facilities available for yachts.