Seychelles
The ultimate Indian Ocean proving ground. Granitic archipelagos demanding capable skippers, offering profound isolation and biological diversity.
The Geography of the Inner Islands
The vast majority of charters operate within the "Inner Islands"—primarily Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. These are unique granitic formations (unlike the coral atolls of the Maldives). The distances between these main islands are short (typically 2-4 hours of sailing), making for manageable daily itineraries.
Weather Windows & Trade Winds
The Seychelles are situated outside the cyclone belt, meaning they can theoretically be chartered year-round. However, the climate is dictated by two distinct monsoons:
- Southeast Trade Winds (May to October): Stronger winds (15-25 knots), drier air, but rougher seas. Excellent for pure sailing, but many anchorages on the southeast coasts become untenable.
- Northwest Monsoon (December to March): Lighter winds (10-15 knots), higher humidity, and more frequent tropical downpours. Calmer seas make this ideal for diving and snorkeling.
- Transition Periods (April & November): Calm, hot, and clear. The best time for underwater visibility, but you will be motoring frequently. Factor this into your Budget Calculator.
Navigational Hazards
The Seychelles demand visual pilotage (eyeball navigation). Many charts are notoriously inaccurate regarding coral heads. You must navigate with the sun behind you when entering anchorages. A vessel with an elevated helm station (like a Lagoon 46 or Fountaine Pajot) is highly recommended for spotting reefs.
Mooring buoys are rare outside of marine parks (like Ste Anne or Baie Ternay). You will be anchoring 90% of the time, often in deep water (10-15 meters) near the drop-off of the reef shelf. Ensure your Anchor Scope calculations account for deep deployments and sudden shelves.
Marine Park Fees
A significant hidden cost in the Seychelles are the landing and marine park fees. Expect to pay SCR 200-300 per person, per day, just to anchor in marine reserves or land a dinghy on certain islands (like Cousin or Curieuse). Read our Cost FAQ.
Provisioning Reality
Supermarkets on Mahé (Eden Island) are well-stocked but expensive. Once you leave Mahé or Praslin, provisioning options drop to zero. You must calculate your water, fuel, and food requirements meticulously using a Provisioning Estimator. If you do not have a watermaker (check the Watermaker Calc), your itinerary will be dictated by the need to return to Praslin or Mahé for water.