This classic trip is one of the best ways to explore Seychelles and the inner Islands. Cruising and sailing between the islands and enjoying the different scenery of the beautiful sea and islands of Seychelles.
Each day you'll explore isolated bays and coves, colorful marine parks, and protected nature reserves or uninhabited islands. Spotting the incredibly rare Magpie Robin and other endemic birds, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallee de Mai, or getting up close and personal with giant tortoises, are just a few of the many special experiences that await on the islands we visit.
There are numerous opportunities to dive on most days of the itinerary.
The vessel is a PADI Dive Resort, following PADI standards of diving and Safety, with a dedicated PADI dive instructor onboard as a dive guide. It is possible to do 2 dives every day between the other activities.
Non-certified divers can conduct introductory dives and PADI Open Water certification courses.
Sample itinerary:
Day 1 - Saturday:
Embarkation at Port Victoria, Captain’s welcome briefing. Departing Port Victoria, sailing from Mahé to a late afternoon anchorage at Round Island, just off the isle of Praslin. Welcome barbecue dinner onboard.
Day 2 - Sunday:
Praslin, Seychelles' second-largest inhabited island, for a visit to the famous World Heritage Site, the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve. This ancient forest is home to the curiously shaped double coconut, the Coco de Mer, as well as the Black Parrot, unique to Praslin. Explore the valley’s eerie pathways beneath its canopy of massive palms, before returning onboard for afternoon opportunities to dive, snorkel or enjoy other water sports.
Day 3 - Monday:
La Digue, a sleepy island community where ox-carts and bicycles still remain the most common mode of transportation throughout the island. La Digue is home to the endemic Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher and is perhaps most famous for its massive granite boulder formations at Anse Source d'Argent, which is thought to be the most photographed beach on earth. Explore the entire island by bicycle, perhaps stopping by Union Estate, a sprawling network of traditional island activities, including a copra mill, vanilla plantation, and shipyard.
Day 4 - Tuesday:
Cruising to Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur (the Sisters) for excellent snorkeling and diving, and for a relaxing visit of these unique and completely uninhabited tropical islands. In the afternoon, visit Coco Island, one of Seychelles’ tiny granite jewels, a fantastic spot for snorkeling within a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.
Day 5 - Wednesday:
Booby Island, staring with a morning of diving and water sports. After lunch, sail to Aride Island, a globally important nature reserve with more native bird species than any other island, including five endemics and the world's largest population of 3 species (Lesser Noddy, Audubon's Shearwater and Seychelles Warbler). The nature trail leads to a spectacular cliff-top view with the largest frigatebird roost outside of Aldabra. Aride is the only natural location in the world for Wright's Gardenia and 400 species of fish have been recorded around the island.
Day 6 - Thursday:
Curieuse Island. Starting with a visit to this virtually uninhabited island. Experience the island's vast mangrove forests and its giant tortoise farm, along with the historic ruins of this former leper colony. After a barbecue lunch on the island, enjoy an array of water sports or simply relax and enjoy the island's beautiful beach and turquoise waters.
Day 7 - Friday:
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely sail back towards Mahé, with last stop at Ile Seche for more snorkeling or diving, followed by a farewell barbecue. The vessel then sails into Port Victoria for an overnight stay.
Day 8 - Saturday:
Disembarkation at the Inter-Island Quay at 08.30 Am.
