Seychelles September 2027
One of the most exotic cruising destinations in the world is the Seychelles Islands. Lying 1,000 miles off Africa’s east coast, between 240 and 600 miles north of the equator in the Indian Ocean, the 115 islands that comprise the Republic of Seychelles are among the most isolated in the world. If you’re looking for somewhere secluded and tranquil where you can escape the routine of everyday life and feel your cares disappear, join us for our stunning Seychelles sailing flotilla!
The islands are pristine, romantic and beautiful, with remote anchorages and incredible coral and sea life. Coral atolls make up most of the 72 low-lying Outer Islands. Giant tortoises inhabit some of the islands, nesting on the fine, white-sand beaches fronted with exquisitely beautiful coral reefs and azure seas. The majority of the Inner Islands—the largest of which are Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue—are mountainous and lush, with tropical forests that support species of birds found nowhere else on Earth.
Uncover the treasures of St. Anne Island and Curieuse Island. Soak up the sun on the golden sands of Anse Volbert, before snorkeling in the turquoise waters. Spend the afternoon wandering around the bird sanctuaries on Cousin Island. Whatever your itinerary looks like, we know you’ll enjoy a blissful sailing vacation and create memories that last a lifetime.
Highlights
St. Anne Marine National Park
Located about 5 nautical miles off the coast of Mahé, the small islands comprising the St. Anne Marine National Park are jewels of the Seychelles archipelago. The reefs have an abundant diversity of hard and soft corals and one of the largest expanses of sea grass in the islands. Green and hawksbill turtles are commonly seen foraging for food in this undersea prairie. The snorkeling and scuba diving is splendid.
St. Anne Island is the centerpiece of this beautiful marine park. During World War II St. Anne served as a base for a contingent of Royal Marines stationed there to defend the port of Victoria in the event of an enemy attack. Nearby Moyenne, Round, and Cerf Islands are just as scenic. Ashore are restaurants featuring Creole and haute cuisine.
Curieuse Marine National Park
From seaward, the hills of Curieuse Island appear to be a blend of deep red and green, a result of the reddish-tinted soil and the lush vegetation. Stands of coco-de-mer palms grow on the island. These trees produce a double coconut as heavy as 40 pounds, the largest fruit in the world. Dotted with coco-de-mer palms and thick stands of mangroves, Curieuse Island is a typical example of the unparalleled beauty you’ll find in the Seychelles.
In the distant past, the island was the site of a leper colony. Today, it’s a cruising paradise. Snorkeling and scuba diving is spectacular on the reefs. Two popular dive spots are Coral Garden and Pointe Rouge. On the beach near The Doctor’s House, a museum highlighting the history of this one-time leper colony, giant tortoises sun themselves, seemingly oblivious to nearby visitors to the park.
A short hike from Baie Laraie across the island to Anse José takes you on a walkway running through a mangrove forest. Amid the foliage are the ruins of the leper colony, and near the beach at Anse José is The Doctor’s House, where the island’s physician lived. Built in the Creole Colonial style, the house is now a museum that highlights the history of the island. On the beach, giant tortoises bask in the sun. Barbecues on the beach are popular, as is snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. The snorkeling is particularly good around the nearby islet of St. Pierre.
Grande Soeur Island
Grande Soeur Island is privately owned, but boaters are welcome to enjoy the swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on its beautiful beaches on weekdays between 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M.
Swimming and snorkeling are the main attractions, though enjoying a beachside barbecue (there are fixed barbecue tables) is also a popular activity, as is a visit to the Reef Bar for a refreshing cocktail.
Coco Islands
The four tiny islands of the Ile Coco Marine National Park are among some of the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean. They are often shown on brochures depicting the stunning beauty of the Seychelles. Coco Islands brings you to waters that offer the best snorkeling in the area.
La Digue Island
The third largest island in the Seychelles, La Digue, is a place with quiet charm. Hiking and horseback riding trails lace the lush, hilly land, and the views from Belle Vue and the top of Nid Aigle are spectacular. The island has several restaurants and an eclectic mix of shops. Colonial-era homes line the streets, a reminder of the storied past of the island.
There is much to do on La Digue Island, which is one reason why La Digue is so popular on luxury yacht charter itineraries. Some cruisers opt to stay an extra day just to relax and see the sights in a place where the slow pace of life is cherished.
Among the attractions are the working copra mill (a coconut processing center for making coconut oil), and the Union Estate Park, a large plantation covering almost a third of the island. In addition to the estate building, which is open to the public, you’ll find The Old Cemetery and a tortoise pen. A walk through Veuve Reserve takes you deep into the ecosystem of the island. Horse riding, bicycle rentals, and sightseeing trips by helicopter are popular. The beach at Source d’Argent is one of the island’s most picturesque settings. The Tarrosa Bar, Restaurant and Disco features live music on weekends.
The twisted granite outcrops and giant boulders of this island are natural works of art formed millions of years. They adorn the white-sand beaches and impart an otherworldly appeal to an already exotic scene. Hiking trails lead into the mountains and the quiet country roads are ideal for bicycle tours. For an unforgettable adventure, book a helicopter ride and see the cruising paradise from the air.
Cousin Island
Bird sanctuaries are an important part of the park system in the Seychelles. Rare birds such as the bulbul, black parrot, and the fruit pigeon are all protected species endemic to the islands. Cousin Island is a highlight of any Seychelles yacht charter.
Details
The best time of year to sail there is late summer/early fall and we are planning something for two weeks in September of 2027.
While an exotic destination comes with a long travel itinerary from the US, we’ve learned that attaching short extensions along the way to and from the Seychelles maximizes the value of your itinerary and investment in airfare. There are literally dozens of destinations along the way that will give you exciting adventures before and/or after this flotilla. Consider breaking up the flight and take a couple of days in Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, or India!
We’ll start holding organizing and planning parties after the first of the year of 2026. Please consider emailing us at rmjsailing@gmail.com to express interest and we’ll be sure to keep you up to date on all things 2027 Seychelles Islands Flotilla.