Islands
Mahé
The main island of the Seychelles archipelago with the newly built Eden Marina and international airport. You can easily reach the marina 5 km away, in a few minutes by taxi. Anse Royale, where you can moor from the eastern side of Mahé, is a cliff-lined lagoon with sandy beaches and coconut palms. On the southwestern side is a bay called Baie Lazare (Anse Lazare).
Also worth mentioning is a small national park on the northwest side of Mahé, Port Launay. If the southeast monsoon is blowing during summer, it is possible to anchor in some places on the northern side of Mahé. Unfortunately, during the northwest monsoon this is not possible.
A view out to sea from the island of Mahé
Praslin
20 NM to the northeast is one of two enchanting islands—Praslin. Dream Yacht Charter’s main base is here, on Praslin, in Baie Sainte Anne. So you can accept or handover your boat there or, at the Eden Marina on Mahé, as previously mentioned. You can have your bed linen exchanged, replenish your supplies, or fill up your water tank at the marina, or you might go on a trip around the island. You can comfortably make countless excursions all over the island using cheap local transport (taking an unlimited journey by bus for just 5 rupees) and visit places such as the famous Vallée de Mai National Park. The entire southern shore is inhospitable to yachtsmen. There is no place for comfortable and safe anchoring, the exception perhaps being Grand Anse Bay, but this is not recommended in the local yachting guide.
Sunset on the island of Praslin
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world is on the island of Praslin. This sandy beach with granite stones enchants everyone at first glance. In contrast to other beaches, Anze Lazio does not have protected coral reefs. Another attraction of Praslin Island is the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO listed, mature protected forest with incredible palm trees.
Anze Lazio sandy beach on the island of Praslin
Curieuse
Near Praslin Island is one of the most beautiful national parks in the Seychelles, Curieus. It is an island where there are Aldabra giant tortoises, beautiful primeval forests and sandy beaches—simply an ideal place for a nice walk. The Aldabra giant tortoises are one of the two most famous attractions for which the Seychelles are famous. This species of tortoise is found only on the Galapagos Islands, and here in the Seychelles, so there aren’t many opportunities to see these creatures in their natural habitat.
Aldabrachelys gigantea—a big turtle
The second most famous attraction is the huge and ornate granite stones here, not found in such an abstract form anywhere else in the world. They will overwhelm you with their imposing beauty, and will leave you in a sense of awe at their grandeur. The Curieuse area is suitable for anchoring and is an excellent starting point for excursions to nearby islands such as Aride or Cousin. Curieus Island is a quiet and enjoyable place that you will yearn to return to again and again. The anchor holds well here.
Granite rocks on the island of Curieuse
Aride, Cousin, and Sainte Anne
Another national park on Aride Island, lying slightly northwest about 6 NM from Praslin, is suitable for day trips or for visiting the Cousin National Park. Other famous parks include Sainte Anne, which is rather expensive. But on the bright side, you can stay anchored here on the first or last day, when you leave the harbour. It is located in front of the Eden Marina, not far from the capital city of Victoria.
La Digue
Perhaps the most beautiful island in the Seychelles is La Digue. The island is located just 2 NM east of Praslin. The anchorage at La Digue is truly breathtaking. On the eastern side of the island there are three beautiful bays that are romantic, uninhabited, and provide perfect anchorage. The most beautiful of these is Coco Bay, the northernmost of the three. It is 200–300 m long and only accessible from the sea, so you will not run into a single tourist here. This area has not been mapped, nor it is in map plotters or even navigation systems. You can only get here by pilot and when pulling into the bay, you will have to carefully watch the seafloor beneath you.
La Digue—a tiny lost paradise and the most beautiful island in the Seychelles
On the western side of La Digue lies the small La Passe harbour, which is used to transport people and cargo from Praslin. There is space here for around six catamarans and with an anchor tossed out you’ll be moored to the shore around a tree or boulder. The services of the local residents are excellent. They can top up your water tank using long hoses, arrange bikes for a ride around the island, and all at a reasonable price. A bike tour is a pleasant diversion after days spent on the boat and the atmosphere at La Digue will literally draw you in. We recommend buying homemade coconut oil on the street (it is also sold in the souvenir shops everywhere). On the street it is cheaper and genuine. It is unlikely you will ever forget your visit to this island.
Coco Island
North of La Digue are several small islands, which are themselves national parks. The main one is Coco Island, where you will experience the most beautiful snorkelling in the Seychelles. It is a small island, relatively unyielding to anchors and therefore, unsuitable for staying overnight. The underwater fauna is magnificent here though, with large sharks gliding around the rocks and an abundance of colourful tropical fish.
North of Coco Island lies the private island of Grande Soeur, where you can lay anchor and enjoy swimming on beautiful beaches, but unfortunately without the possibility of a trip around the island.
Silhouette
We also recommend a trip to Silhouette Island, a large, mountainous and very distinctive island northwest of Mahé. The environment on the island is quite different from the other islands and definitely worth experiencing for yourself. However, getting there is complicated. It's the only place you must obtain a permit from the charter company you are travelling with, because they have to book your visit to the island with the island’s administration.
The entire Seychelles have perhaps just one drawback—they will absolutely amaze you, so much that you will struggle to find an equally beautiful place for sailing or an exotic holiday.