No ideas yet for your next vacation? Why not the Seychelles? Board one of the cruise ships or catamarans to reach the archipelago and finally enjoy a retreat in the beautiful places that make this little corner of paradise in the Indian Ocean famous.
The uniqueness of this archipelago is that the islands are all different from each other. Moreover, a cruise aboard a catamaran or sailboats will allow you to combine comfort and pleasure.
A cruise in the Seychelles is the art of sailing between the most beautiful islands of the Indian Ocean. From Mahé to La Digue, enjoy a backdrop of turquoise lagoons, secluded beaches, and exceptional marine biodiversity. Ideal from April to November for a trip combining relaxation, exploration, and natural luxury.
When to go on a cruise in the Seychelles?
The Seychelles are a destination preferred by many tourists in the Indian Ocean because of the turquoise waters and fine sand. But even if it is chosen as a cruise destination, you need to choose the ideal period. So, what would be the ideal time to go on a cruise in the Seychelles?
The best time to take a cruise there is surely the off-season periods. That is, between the cool season and the summer season. It is roughly between April and June or September and November, so you can enjoy the tropical sun once on the archipelago.
All about cruising in the Seychelles
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Seychelles archipelago, in the Indian Ocean, east of Africa |
| Typical departure | Mahé (Victoria), main island and cruise departure port |
| Islands visited | Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse, Cousin, Aride, Silhouette |
| Types of cruises | Catamaran, private sailboat, luxury yacht or classic cabin cruise |
| Average duration | 7 to 10 days depending on the itinerary |
| Best period | April to November, dry season and calm sea |
| Main companies | Ponant, Variety Cruises, Silhouette Cruises, Dream Yacht Charter |
| Onboard activities | Snorkeling, diving, turtle watching, swimming and shore excursions |
| Average budget | From €2,000 to €6,000 per person depending on comfort and duration |
| Climate | Hot and humid tropical, average temperature of 28 °C year-round |
| Advantages | Sailing between paradisiacal islands, preserved nature and intimate sea experience |
| Practical advice | Book early and favor small boats for an authentic immersion |
Which island to choose in the Seychelles?
- Mahé – The main island, perfect for a first stay: legendary beaches (Beau Vallon), hikes in Morne Seychellois National Park, and lively local atmosphere.
- Praslin – The island of romance and nature: the famous Anse Lazio and the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai.
- La Digue – A postcard setting without cars: cycling, pink granite beaches (Anse Source d’Argent), and peaceful atmosphere.
- Silhouette Island – Preserved and lush, ideal for lovers of wild nature and diving.
- Curieuse – The island of giant tortoises, perfect for a day trip from Praslin.
- Félicité or North Island – For an ultra-luxury experience, with eco-lodges and private lagoons.
Are you more into outdoor activities or do you simply want to lounge on fine white sand under the tropical sun? Mahé Island will be the ideal destination for you. It is the main island of the archipelago and is a perfect place for your next vacation if you love nature.
But that’s not all, Mahé Island is the most welcoming destination for tourists because there are many choices of hotels, accommodations, and villas to stay in. The capital is located on this island, by the way. It is called Victoria and it is a beautiful, famous city that still displays remnants of architecture from the country’s colonial era.
Moreover, the popularity of Mahé Island comes from the possibility to access various hiking trails. We are obviously talking about the Copolia Trail hiking paths to reach the highest point in the country and enjoy a panoramic view of the coast. Finally, there will be other activities to do on Mahé Island, mainly targeting thrill-seekers such as diving, big game fishing, or surfing.
How to get to the Seychelles from France?
To go on a cruise to the Seychelles from France, there is no need to travel through many places around the world to reach your destination. The wisest choice would be to book Mediterranean cruises and in this way, you will visit some places in Europe and Africa and at the same time, the Seychelles. This option would be less expensive and will let you discover more places than an exclusive cruise to the Seychelles.
However, be careful to compare the prices of Mediterranean cruises well and also choose your departure and arrival points. Because your transport to the departure point will not be included in the price that a cruise costs. Moreover, it would be cheaper to fly from Marseille, Genoa, or Barcelona to the Seychelles.
Where to go and what to do in the Seychelles?
Curieuse, the Turtle Island
The name of this island actually comes from a bird, the namesake tern. From its name, Turtle Island, Curieuse Island is a natural habitat for giant tortoises. Furthermore, there are more than 3000 wildlife specimens that can be seen here. That is why Curieuse Island is designated a global wildlife reserve by the IUCN.
Aride, the Reptile Island
As its name indicates, the sand is populated with turtle eggs. But the landscape as a whole also shelters a great variety of birds, including birds and reptiles.
Grande SÅ“ur
Grande SÅ“ur Island stands out for the vast expanse of white sand found there. This gives the island a small lazy and tropical atmosphere.
Beyond the beaches of Mahé or Praslin, the Seychelles are full of secret islands, accessible on excursions or during a cruise between turquoise lagoons and lush forests. Each island has its own character: some attract with their exceptional biodiversity, others with the absolute tranquility of their beaches. It is an archipelago designed for lovers of nature, adventure, and disconnection.
Exploring these islands is to dive into the heart of a true natural sanctuary. Between the giant tortoises of Curieuse, the rare birds of Aride, or the crystal-clear waters of Grande Sœur, each stop tells a unique facet of the Seychelles. You move from a wild setting to a preserved tropical paradise, where island life is lived to the rhythm of the wind and waves — an experience that reconnects you to what truly matters.
FAQ
For the entirety of the 3 most emblematic islands of the Seychelles, the cruise can last between 15 and 20 days.
A cruise is an excellent way to combine travel and accommodation if you want to visit the Seychelles. The average budget is around 1500 euros per person, which is an average spending budget for a few days of travel. However, a slightly longer cruise costs a bit more, around 2000 to 4000 euros per person.
Fortunately, there are no particular precautions to take when planning a cruise in the Seychelles. You just need to bring your medications and the prescriptions that accompany them if you are on long-term treatments. Otherwise, there are no venomous animals in the Seychelles.
