Back icon
Напрямки
19 March 2025 / 14:53

Yacht Charter in Seychelles – Unforgettable Sailing Adventure

Unforgettable Sailing Adventure

Renting catamarans in the Seychelles is a great way to explore the breathtaking islands and enjoy a unique natural environment without being tied to one spot. However, the main drawback of this destination is its remoteness, as it takes quite a while to get here.

Our sailing adventure became possible thanks to CharterClick, a company that offers catamaran rentals not only in the Seychelles but also in Dubai. With their service, we were able to fully enjoy our journey on the ocean.

First Impressions of Mahe

We arrived on Mahe island at the beginning of January. Despite it being the rainy season, the showers here are brief and do not cause much discomfort. The average air temperature is around +25°C, and even the rain tends to refresh rather than disrupt our relaxation.

For the trip, we rented three catamarans: two Bali 40s and one Lagoon 46. The Lagoon 46 became our main gathering point, as it was the most spacious and comfortable. Our group included 29 people, including 8 children, and there was enough room for everyone to relax and have fun.

The First Challenge: Crossing to Praslin

Our first serious passage was from Mahe to Praslin. We were met by high waves, and 70% of the crew experienced seasickness.

On Praslin, there is a single marina that accommodates 12 catamarans. Therefore, if you plan to stop there, make sure to book in advance.

Overnight in Open Waters

For our first night anchored, we chose a picturesque bay between Praslin and Round Island (coordinates: -4.336472, 55.788121). In the evening, there were about ten catamarans in the bay, but by nightfall only our three vessels remained.

In the morning, we understood why experienced captains prefer to set sail — two currents converge here, creating whirlpools. Because of this, the yacht rotates like a clock hand, and at night these currents only intensify. As a result, the first night at anchor was extremely restless, and we managed to sleep no more than 1-2 hours.

At dawn, I immediately began maneuvering the catamaran to a safer spot to avoid a potential collision with the rocks.

Encounter with Sharks and the Passage to Curieuse

When the other catamarans woke up and sailed on, we noticed a fishing boat passing by. The fishermen had just caught a 2.5-meter-long blue shark and were taking it to the market. After that, none of us felt like swimming.

The next stop on the route was supposed to be La Digue, where we planned to ride bicycles through the jungle. However, sudden wind and rain forced us to change course, and two of the catamarans headed straight to Curieuse.

The Island of Giant Tortoises

Curieuse Island (coordinates: -4.2881, 55.7376) is famous for its giant tortoise reserve. As soon as you step ashore, these majestic creatures greet you.

In the lagoon by the island (bay coordinates: -4.2895, 55.7398), there are always many catamarans and yachts, as it is one of the most popular stops.

It is important to remember that fishing is prohibited in the area around the island. However, you can arrange with a diving center to go snorkeling near the reefs, where you will find a variety of fish, sea turtles, and even sharks.

A walk through the Curieuse reserve will take no more than an hour, but it will leave you with unforgettable impressions.

Returning to Praslin Marina

After another night anchored near Curieuse, we decided to head to Praslin Marina, where we stayed for two days. The main goal was to visit the Vallée de Mai reserve, home to the unique Coco de Mer palms, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Honestly, two days on Praslin is the maximum. There aren’t many attractions here: a couple of viewpoints and the reserve. So, there’s little point in lingering on the island for too long.

Where to Stay and Eat

If you want a break from life on a catamaran, we recommend the "Le Duc de Praslin" hotel — one of the best on the island. Here, you can book comfortable rooms or villas.

We also suggest visiting the "Le Duc" restaurant, located right on the shore and renowned for its fresh seafood.

How Much Does Food Cost in the Seychelles?

The Seychelles is not a cheap destination. For example, during a week on the catamaran, we spent about 1000 euros on food for 9 people, without holding back on anything.

However, one dinner outing in a restaurant with the entire group cost 2000 euros. If you want to avoid extra expenses, it is better to cook directly on the catamaran — it’s cheaper and has a more authentic atmosphere.

On-the-Go Fishing

During the passages between islands, you can not only enjoy the views but also try your hand at fishing. We actively fished for yellowfin tuna using trolling techniques.

You can rent a fishing rod from CharterClick, and during one passage we managed to catch up to 5-6 tunas. Then, we prepared fresh tartare and grilled the fish, savoring the true taste of the ocean.

Trip Summary

Although January in the Seychelles is considered the rainy season, the precipitation was actually rare and brief. Nevertheless, the cloudy sky did not prevent us from getting sunburned.

A week is too short for the Seychelles. We didn’t even manage to visit La Digue, which gave us a great reason to come back.

Renting a catamaran on Praslin and island-hopping is an unforgettable experience that leaves a lifelong impression.

If you want to experience a real adventure, renting catamarans in the Seychelles is the best way to do it!