Seychelles
Indian Ocean: 155 granitic and coral islands, mostly outside the cyclone belt
Overview
Tourism is officially the primary industry of the Seychelles, with plantation a distant second, and it is not hard to see why. The Constitution lists 155 islands and atolls, the majority of them uninhabited, and many dedicated as nature reserves - some hosting research stations of international significance.
In the 1960s local conservationists succeeded in banning spearguns and the use of dynamite for fishing, with the result that the marine wildlife is unafraid of divers and snorkellers. Despite being a small country, the Seychelles has a vibrant art scene encompassing painters, sculptors, writers, musicians and dancers.
Crucially for visiting yachts, most of the Seychelles lies outside the cyclone belt, making it a year-round cruising ground. The cooler, drier season runs from May to September, with the northwest monsoon from October to April.
Islands & Map
Map Key - Marinas & Islands
- Eden Island Marina (Mahe); VHF 10
- Port Victoria (Mahe); VHF 16
- Praslin (Baie Sainte Anne)
- La Digue
✈ Seychelles International Airport (Mahe)
Also The Wharf Marina & the Seychelles Yacht Club on Mahe. Cruising: Curieuse, Cousin & the outer islands.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by the Department of Immigration and Civil Status and the Seychelles Revenue Commission. The port of entry is Port Victoria Harbour on Mahe (VHF 16).
Government Contacts
Immigration: ics.gov.sc
Customs: src.gov.sc
International Airports
Seychelles International Airport (Mahe).
Key Anchorages
Mahe (Port Launay) · Praslin (Anse Volbert, Anse Georgette) · La Digue · Curieuse · Cousin Island.
Local Services
Agents
Asia Pacific Superyachts Seychelles
Marinas
Eden Island · The Wharf · Port Victoria
Diving
Big Blue Divers · Seal Superyachts Seychelles
Yacht Clubs
Seychelles Yacht Club
Cruising
Mahe · Praslin · La Digue · outer islands
Nature
Curieuse · Cousin & Aride reserves
APSA Members in Seychelles
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to the Seychelles?
Port Victoria Harbour on Mahe is the port of entry, on VHF 16, handled by the Department of Immigration and Civil Status and the Seychelles Revenue Commission.
When is the best time to cruise the Seychelles?
Most of the Seychelles lies outside the cyclone belt, so it can be cruised year-round, with the cooler, drier season running from May to September.
Where can superyachts berth in the Seychelles?
The main marina is Eden Island Marina on Mahe (VHF 10), alongside The Wharf Marina and the Port Victoria facilities, with anchorages throughout the inner islands of Praslin and La Digue.
Why is the Seychelles good for diving?
After spearguns and dynamite fishing were banned in the 1960s, the marine wildlife became unafraid of divers and snorkellers, and many islands are protected nature reserves with research stations of international significance.
Which APSA members are based in the Seychelles?
The Seychelles' APSA member is Asia Pacific Superyachts Seychelles, based at Eden Island Marina on Mahe, providing agency, charter and yacht management services.