Seychelles Sailing Itinerary: A 7 Day Cruise from Mahé to Praslin, Silhouette and La Digue
Seychelles, Africa
7 days cruise, 64 dates available
Catamaran
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A one week sailing holiday through the inner islands of the Seychelles, covering the granite shores of Mahé and Silhouette, the UNESCO-listed forests of Praslin, the wildlife reserves of Cousin and Curieuse, and the timeless beaches of La Digue.
The cruise sails through the inner Seychelles, a cluster of granite islands in the Indian Ocean that form the navigational core of the archipelago. The route departs from Mahé, the largest island and home to the capital Victoria, and works its way north and east through a circuit of islands with distinct characters and landscapes, each reachable in a few hours from the last.
Navigation stays sheltered for most of the week, moving between the inner islands where distances are short and the sea is generally calm, with anchorages chosen for both comfort and access to the most distinctive natural environments in the archipelago. The Seychelles sit outside the cyclone belt, making them one of the few tropical sailing destinations accessible year round, with the southeast trade winds from May to October and the northwest monsoon from November to April shaping conditions in each season.
The landscape is defined by enormous rounded granite boulders, a geological signature unlike anything found elsewhere in the Indian Ocean, rising from beaches of white sand and turquoise water. Inland, the islands are dense with endemic vegetation, including the coco de mer palm found only in Praslin and a handful of surrounding islands, and forests managed as nature reserves that protect some of the rarest bird and reptile species on the planet.
Life on the islands moves slowly and with intention. Victoria on Mahé carries the traces of British colonial history alongside a working Creole market. Praslin retains the most intact primary forest in the archipelago. La Digue has resisted most forms of motorized transport, remaining navigable primarily by bicycle, while Cousin and Curieuse have been returned almost entirely to wildlife, with daily visits managed through guided tours.
Days generally combine a morning sail with time ashore in the afternoon, exploring a nature reserve, a beach or a village, with evenings spent at anchor in calm, clear water and a level of stillness and remoteness that is increasingly difficult to find in the Indian Ocean.
Itinerary
Day1
Boarding in Mahé and Exploring Victoria
Boarding takes place in Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles and the gateway to the archipelago. The first day is spent getting acquainted with the boat and exploring the surroundings of Victoria, the small capital. The Sir Selwyn Clarke Market near the center is worth a visit for fresh produce and local specialties, and the Clock Tower, a replica of the Vauxhall Bridge clock in London, stands as one of the more visible traces of the island's British colonial past. The Botanical Garden nearby adds a first encounter with the archipelago's endemic plant life. The night is spent on board in the harbor.
Day2
Mahé and Beau Vallon Beach
After breakfast, the boat moves to Beau Vallon on the northwestern coast of Mahé, one of the longest and calmest beaches on the main island, well suited to a relaxed first full day at anchor. The bay is sheltered and the water is clear, making it good for swimming, paddleboarding and snorkeling in the morning, with the afternoon left free to explore the beach or simply relax on deck before the first longer sail of the week.
Day3
Silhouette Island
A short crossing leads to Silhouette, the third-largest island in the archipelago and one of the most naturally intact, with most of its interior covered by a national park protecting dense tropical forest and endemic species. The island's mountains are among the highest in the Seychelles, and several marked trails allow guests who want to explore further inland to do so, while the wild beaches and clear water around the anchorage are well suited to a swim or a snorkel. The night is spent at anchor off the island.
Day4
Praslin and the Vallée de Mai
The route continues to Praslin, the second-largest island in the archipelago, with a crossing that brings the boat into one of the most botanically significant places in the Indian Ocean. The Vallée de Mai, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a rare example of primary Seychellois forest where the coco de mer, the world's largest seed, grows wild alongside endemic palms and the Seychelles black parrot. Anse Lazio on the northern coast is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, with pale sand, granite formations and water that shifts between pale turquoise and deep blue depending on the light. Anse Georgette to the west is similarly spectacular, framed by palm trees and largely free of crowds. The night is spent at anchor near Praslin.
Day5
Cousin Island and Curieuse Island
The morning leads to Cousin Island, a small nature reserve managed by Nature Seychelles, where guided visits offer close encounters with Seychelles warblers, turtle doves and other endemic bird species, along with hawksbill turtles that nest on the beaches. The afternoon continues to Curieuse, a red earth island with an extensive mangrove forest and a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises roaming freely around the old doctor's house, a remnant of the island's time as a leper colony. Both islands are day-visit only and the overnight anchorage is nearby in sheltered water.
Day6
Saint-Pierre Island and Anse Volbert
A short sail leads to Saint-Pierre, a rocky islet almost entirely surrounded by coral reef, well known among snorkelers and divers for the quality and variety of the marine life in its shallow water. After time in the water around the islet, the boat continues to Anse Volbert on the northeast coast of Praslin, a long beach of white sand with a relaxed waterfront and a handful of restaurants serving Creole food. The evening is spent ashore or on deck at anchor.
Day7
La Digue and disembarkation
The final full day sails to La Digue, a small island where most movement happens on foot or by bicycle, giving it a quieter, slower atmosphere than anywhere else on the route. Anse Source d'Argent is the most photographed beach in the Seychelles, its pale sand framed by giant pink granite boulders shaped by centuries of wind and water, with shallow, warm water ideal for swimming. L'Union Estate, a former colonial plantation, offers a glimpse into the island's history through its traditional Creole architecture and vanilla cultivation. After the final afternoon on La Digue, the boat sails back toward Mahé for the last night on board. Disembarkation takes place the following morning after breakfast.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and marine activity. Dive sites and schedule are adjusted daily by the team to ensure safety and the best possible underwater experience.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 5900
€ 4130
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Mooring at the base
Dinghy
Snorkeling equipment
Complete equipment of the boat
Yacht additional fees
End Cleaning and Consumables: €260
Environmental Levy: €56 per person
SMSA Handling Fee: €25
Skipper: €1,260
Cook: €1,050
Security Deposit: €7,000 - Damage Waiver Seychelles up to 45ft: €245
Extra services
Full Board for a minimum of 6 guests: €350 per person
Stand Up Paddleboard: €140, deposit €200
Kayak: €140, deposit €200
Fishing Rod: €105, deposit €200
Transfer from Mahé Airport to the base: €50
Rebooking Fee, applicable up to 4 weeks before departure: €1,000
The flybridge is the defining feature here, wide enough to be its own living space above deck, with the main saloon and cockpit staying equally open below.
Sliding doors at the back of the saloon fold open fully onto the cockpit, merging the two into a single connected living area that works well for shared meals, quieter afternoons in the shade or simply watching the coastline pass during a crossing.
The galley is positioned within easy reach of both the saloon and the cockpit, organized for proper cooking with good storage and a layout that keeps whoever is preparing food part of the conversation rather than closed off from the rest of the group.
Above the saloon, the flybridge offers wraparound seating and wide views in all directions, a natural gathering point for sundowners or for following the route from a higher vantage point while someone else handles the helm below.
Cabins are bright and well proportioned, each with its own private bathroom, with the layout available either in a three-cabin owner configuration with one larger suite or a four-cabin version better suited to groups of couples sailing together.
The exact catamaran assigned will be confirmed before departure, with comfort and layout kept consistent across similar vessels in the fleet.
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light, but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What's a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor, ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What's a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties, think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you'll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what's included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues, but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
