LateSail Lowdown: 10-day charter in the Seychelles

We’re here with insider tips on planning the perfect bareboat charter in the Seychelles. Our LateSail Lowdown this week comes from our customer Malcolm Collins, who has 15 years’ sailing experience.

The Seychelles has retained its special paradise

We first visited the Seychelles in 2009 and returned this year as a group of five adults.  We revisited the key islands that we had sailed before and it was great to see that in the intervening period very little had changed in terms of development. The water was crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Our 10-day charter started on 30th August, which tied in with two of our party being on their honeymoon. We chartered a Moorings Leopard 48, which is a great catamaran and ideal for the honeymoon couple who had a hull to themselves. We also loved its forward sitting area and often had breakfast there.

The perfect Seychelles charter itinerary

We started from Mahé and overnighted in Anse Major before sailing across to Silhouette Island. We then crossed to Praslin and visited Curieuse, La Digue and Coco Island before returning to Mahé. On the last trip we visited Bird Island, which is also fantastic. We are always on charter at first light, so we get the best of the day when we arrive.

Sailing conditions in the Seychelles

The sailing conditions in the Seychelles are mixed and we found that winds varied between 5-20 knots during the four to six-hour legs between the main islands. The wind peaked at 35 knots on one short crossing, but we also motored too of course.

Seychelles highlights

• Wildlife: The Seychelles offers stunning moorings, great fishing and snorkeling. If feeding giant tortoises are your thing then this is the unspoilt place to do it.

• Fishing: We like to troll fish while on charter and hoped to land everything from small tuna for lunch all the way through to potentially big game fish. Our charter did not disappoint.

• Beaches: Our favourite beach was Anse Major, where there is room for one boat, possibly two, to anchor overnight.

• Dining: We ate fruits of the sea on board each day but ashore there was plenty of Creole cuisine. La Digue was probably our favourite island with a huge choice of food and restaurants.

Charter advice for the Seychelles

Expect big seas and interesting winds on occasions but do not let this put you off, as you need to experience the Seychelles because it is unspoilt and pristine. Hire a kayak or, better still, take an inflatable with you.

We have sailed for the last five years on numerous charters with LateSail and it opens up many more exploring opportunities.

Find out more

For more inspiration, read our blog on how to experience the Seychelles without breaking the bank. To book, contact the team about bareboat, by the cabin or crewed charters in the Seychelles on 877-292-0737 or request a quote.