Located off the east coast of Africa, Seychelles is a remarkable paradise. Visiting Seychelles will make you feel like you are in a dream; everything is just too beautiful to be real. The pristine beaches are untouched and uncrowded, and you will feel like you’re relaxing on your private beach. The water is clear blue and warm, inviting anyone to go swimming or snorkeling. In addition to the beaches, everything on the islands is also breathtaking. You can explore many places, such as Vallee de Mai, a national park and a world heritage site that houses a fascinating line of flora and fauna. In this national park, you can see the world’s largest seed, the Coco de Mer.

Seychelles is so tranquil and secluded that it can feel like you are disconnected from the rest of the world. There are only a few places on the planet that can be as beautiful as the archipelago, which is why it comes at a high price. Everything on the archipelago feels luxurious, complemented by the wonderful resorts and restaurants. It caters to high-end tourists, honeymooners, and celebrities.

Seychelles by 3dman_eu, Pixabay

Beyond the beautiful beaches, Seychelles also welcomes sailors from all over the world to its azure waters where they can enjoy the islands’ treasures.  The archipelago has around 115 gorgeous tropical islands scattered in the Western Indian Ocean. The islands are divided into two parts, the Inner and Outer. The Inner Islands consists of 41 granitic islands that form a cluster around the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. The other 72 coral islands are known as the Outer Islands.

If you wish to charter a boat without a guide, your choice is limited to the Inner Islands. The best marinas are located in Victoria on Mahé Island, but Praslin also has a good charter base. Most people will start their sailing trip from Mahé because of the nearby airport and better amenities. Cruising on the magical water on the Inner Islands offers you a magnificent natural beauty and a world of marine diversity. The main island of Mahé boasts safe anchorage, scenic coastline, and secret coves. Off of the main island’s eastern coast is smaller islands of Cerf, Round, and Moyenne where you can enjoy a marine park. If you’re traveling with someone special or on a honeymoon, you might want to check the romantic coves around Praslin, including Anse Lazio, Anse Petite Cour, and Anse a la Farine. 

Sailing in the Outer Islands is amazing if you want to challenge yourself. You can reach them with a local guide or a specifically trained captain. Here, you will be challenged with longer sailing distances and very few amenities found around the islands. Sailing here is perfect for the adventurous because you will cruise among the open ocean and secluded lagoons.

Remember that the navigation in Seychelles requires a lot of attention because there are many shoals and reefs around the islands. You can sail during the day and find safe anchorages before dark. Pay attention to the tides when you’re anchoring since many places have shallow water that can be dangerous at low tide. Plan your trip well and get ready to feel the wind in your hair and smell the salt in the air because sailing in Seychelles is truly an experience of a lifetime.