The Seychelles are one of the world’s most famous travel destinations. They are known for their breathtaking beaches and vibrant underwater worlds as well as exclusive holidays in a private setting. Multi-day trips by yacht charter make it possible for visitors to discover unique places, where they can snorkel or walk through primeval forests.
Dream Destination Seychelles: A Paradise Island for an Unforgettable Holiday
Located off the eastern coast of Africa you’ll find the Seychelles – an island state that consists of 115 islands. Their unique geological features and the extraordinary wildlife make the archipelago a fascinating holiday destination. While the 42 inner islands are made out of granite, the outer 73 islands are pure coral islands.
Mahé, La Digue und Praslin are the most popular inner granite islands, rising from the ocean with small mountain ranges. In contrast, the coral islands flattened further out in the ocean are characterized by their flat landscape. To experience the unique character of the islands, Seychelles yacht charters are an excellent choice: Guests can enjoy nature up close in a luxurious setting. Each day brings the opportunity to explore a new island or a dive spot. The distances between the islands are relatively short. Multi-day trips eliminate the need for long journeys between the islands, which would otherwise be necessary when staying in a resort.
Island Hopping in a Luxurious Setting
Some resorts and hotels are located on small private islands surrounded by secluded and idyllic natural landscapes. The Seychelles are perfect for combining relaxing beach holidays with adventure. Aboard luxury cruise yachts, travelers can experience the islands in a very special way. Over the course of just a few days, different islands and diving spots can be visited to take in the enormous diversity of the Seychelles.
A small luxury yacht cruise provides an exclusive way to discover the islands of the Seychelles. The yachts offer every comfort imaginable. Elegantly furnished cabins, luxurious communal areas and spacious sun decks are part of the experience. New destinations are visited every day. From the yacht, guests can head out on day trips to one of the many islands. At the dive spots the depth of the ocean can be explored to admire reef fish, rays or sharks.
Moyenne Island: Lush Vegetation and Exotic Wildlife
With only 10 hectares, Moyenne Island is a comparatively small island. Around 120 animals are home on this island, among them the giant tortoise. The entire island is the world’s smallest national park. A walking trail leads through the island, passing idyllic coves and beaches. The turquoise ocean water creates striking colour contrasts – a highlight for photographers.
One island’s history is particularly fascinating. In 1962, British national Brendon Grimshaw bought the whole island for an astonishing 8,000 pounds. However, it was not on his mind to build hotels and exploit the islands commercially. On the contrary, he wanted to protect its flora and fauna. Over several decades, he and René Lafortune focused on reforestation and conservation. The result is the idyllic destination visitors can experience today.
Curieuse Island: Giant Tortoises Roaming Free
A lot of the Seychelles’ islands are protected areas because they are home to endangered species of plants and animals. Curieuse Island is one of those islands. It serves as a refuge for the Aldabra giant tortoise. The island is also home to the rare Coco de Mer Palms. This palm tree species grows naturally only on Curieuse Island and Praslin
Curieuse Island is particularly striking through its vibrant contrasts. The vivid red colour of the earth provides a spectacular backdrop to the turquoise ocean. In small private groups, tourists can experience the unique character of the islands up close. You can only reach the island per boat. There are no hotels or other forms of accommodation here.
Denis Island: Deep-Sea Fishing and Pristine Beaches
Denis Island lies on the edge of a steep ocean drop-off, making the area ideal for deep-sea fishing. The great location at the edge of the continental shelf makes it possible for tourists to cast their line directly from the yacht and try their luck. In the water you’ll find mainly marlin, wahoo and dorado – the larger fish species in the region. In accordance with the conservation guidelines the fishing follows the Catch-and-Release principle.
The Island itself is privately owned and boasts beautiful sandy beaches. Turtles regularly come ashore to lay their eggs. Internet access is very limited, making the island a perfect place to find maximal relaxation.
Underwater World in Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Divers love the underwater worlds of the Seychelles. There are hardly any other places with such a diverse marine life. Close to the Island Mahé are different diving spots waiting to be explored. By yacht, the islands can be reached within a few hours, while guests can enjoy breakfast on deck with views of the Sainte Anne National Park.
After breakfast it’s time to put on the diving gear to explore the seagrass meadows. The national park encompasses six islands off the coast of Mahé. Here, divers can discover coral gardens, reef sharks, eagle rays and green sea turtles.
Praslin: Explore a Primeval Forest with a Private Guide
On Praslin, visitors can explore the primeval forest on foot. Since 1983, the forest of Vallée de Mai has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All six palm tree species of the Seychelles grow here naturally, without human intervention. These include the rare Coco de Mer, which produces the heaviest seed in the world. The forest is home to many exotic animals. One of the most famous animals is the Seychelles black parrot. If visitors are lucky, they may spot one in the high tree tops. It’s among the endangered bird species.
In the forest it is worth it to keep your eyes open while walking, because there is much to spot: small geckos, frogs and colourful insects. Photographers will love the interplay of light and shadows created by the large fan-shaped leaves. All these elements create a quaint atmosphere that has contributed to the area’s reputation as a primeval forest.
Conclusion
A yacht cruise through the Seychelles is an exceptionally elegant way to discover the archipelago. The luxurious yachts provide a very private atmosphere. In small groups and with a private guide, different destinations can be explored. The tours are ideal for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation alike. A photo safari through the primeval forests of Praslin or extended dives in the Sainte Anne National Park create unforgettable memories.
