SEYCHELLES YACHT CHARTERS

The Seychelles are made up of 115 islands, only 33 of which are  inhabited. Located south of the equator in the western Indian Ocean, the  Seychelles Islands are mostly coral, or volcanic in origin. Yacht  charter bases in the Seychelles are located on two major islands: Mahe  and Praslin. Mahe is the principal island of the archipelago, famous for  its large coconut palms and cinnamon plantations. It is also well known  for its fantastic views of the other islands.

Seychelles has two seasons: the cool southeast monsoon (May -  September), and the hot northwest monsoon (October-April). During the  cool season, breezes prevail, skies can be partly cloudy, temperatures  are lower, and the sea is less inviting for diving or snorkeling. The  hot northwest monsoon brings crystal waters, blue skies, along with heat  and occasional but serious rainstorms. The months of November and April  are optimal, with the best of both to offer. The busy high seasons fall  from July to August, and Christmas to New Year's.

Seychelles yacht rentals are mostly concentrated in the inner  islands of Praslin and La Digue, clustered around the main island and  offering short line of sight passages. The Seychelles have a tropical  climate with the dry season from April to October. This is the best time  for a sailing vacation in the Seychelles, with predictable winds around  the inner islands. Winds generally range from 6 – 20 knots (5 – 23 mph)  and temperatures range from 80 – 86 F (28 to 30 C). During the north or  south monsoon season, winds can be stronger, but it is almost never  dangerous as this region is located outside of the so-called cyclone and  storm zone. Yachting in the Seychelles, with its moderate climate and  fair winds, is perfect for experienced sailors or skippered charters.  With numerous magnificent coves, you can enjoy peaceful sailing in short  distances. Be aware of tidal waters that may range here up to 5 feet.

A sailing vacation in the Seychelles could be considered one of the  most desired charter destinations in the world. This is one of the few  places that can boast nature with unique flora and fauna, pristine pink  sand beaches, beautiful clear waters, giant tortoises, rare birds, and  two UNESCO World Heritage sites. All this makes a Seychelles yacht  charter an unforgettable life experience.

Known as the Galapagos of the Indian  Ocean, the islands were never inhabited before European colonization. As  a transit point for trade between Africa and Asia, the islands were  used be Arab navigators on their voyages and by pirates as well - only  until the French took their "Stone of Possession" and named the islands  after Jean Moreau de Seychelles in 1756. Britain and France fought over  the islands through the late 18th to early 19th centuries, with Britain  gaining its control in 1814. But in 1976 the Seychelles declared its  independence from Britain. And now renting a boat in Seychelles you will  see that people from different origins live together with inspiring  degree of harmony in diversity.

The main yacht charter base is located in Mahe -  archipelago's largest and most developed island. It is home to 90% of  the country's population with amazing ethnic diversity-from descendants  of European colonists and African slaves to later settlers from Arabia,  India and China. Mahe is the main transport hub for transfers to other  islands in the archipelago providing a good starting point for the yacht  charter.

Victoria, the capital and the commercial center of Seychelles and a  welcoming harbor with all types of dock, is only 5 miles south from the  International airport. Its National Botanical gardens are just on the  outskirts of town. While enjoying the most important local species,  including the rare Coco de Mer, watch out for the native Aldabra  tortoises (some over 150 years old) and the flying foxes roosting in the  palm trees. There is also the Spice garden to visit where vanilla  cinnamon, nutmeg and other endemic plants are grown.

Beau Vallon, among 65 stunning beaches to choose, is Mahe's most  popular yacht charter destinations. With surfing from September to  April, safe swimming year-round, it is the only beach where motorized  water sports are allowed. With a lifeguard on duty and no strong  currents, rocks or corals, it is safe for everyone.

The second largest island and yacht charter base in Seychelles is Praslin.  It is much quieter than Mahe. Historically known as pirates'  hideaway, Praslin has become the Vallee de Mai Unesco World Heritage  site for its famous Coco de Mer, the world's heaviest nut, grown in the  wild.

La Digue is the fourth largest inhabited island. With no natural  harbor the island is well shielded by its encircled coral reef with  masses of impressive pink granite boulders. With almost no motor  traffic, where everyone here gets around on foot or pedal bicycle, La  Digue will take you back in time. For those seeking an unpretentious  laid-back beach lifestyle, this is your island.

Largely uninhabited, there is a handful of private islands  (accessible mostly by boats) with nothing but a single resort- that will  blow your mind (and possibly your budget) away.