By Lise Athimon 
By Lise Athimon
November 3, 2022
In brief
When to go? Any time of year! However, the ideal time is in the off-season, i.e. between the end of March and May or between the end of September and November.
Why go to Mahé? Heavenly beaches, granite rocks, and if you're lucky, giant turtles!
The most beautiful anchorages: Anse Royale, Anse Intendance, or even Anse Source d'Argent!
The Seychelles navigation zone (clickable map)
Summary
- Practical information for your yacht charter in Mahé
- What is there to do in Mahé?
- What are the weather conditions?
"The Seychelles are the last paradise on earth. The archipelago has remained unspoiled and well protected, and is still as magnificent as it was 20 years ago! What's more, the Seychellois are very friendly. You really must go there at least once in your life!", Monica, a counselor at our partner Sunsail & The Moorings, tells me.
A sailboat charter in the Seychelles will allow you to discover all the treasures offered bythe Seychelles archipelago! Don't wait any longer to book your cruise in the Indian Ocean!
The island of Mahé seen from the sky (YouTube video)
1. Practical information for your yacht charter in Mahé
A yacht charter in Mahé: with or without a skipper?
To skipper a boat in Mahé, you must hold a boat license and be over 18 years of age. If this is not the case, you can rent a boat with a skipper.
| With skipper | Without skipper |
|---|---|
|
|
Aerial view of Eden Island from Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles (Photo Adobe Stock)
How much does a yacht charter cost in Mahé?
The table below gives you a dead reckoning of the prices of a yacht charter in the Seychelles, for a period of one week. These prices may change depending on the season, availability, model, age of the boat, etc.
For more information on the prices of a yacht charter in Mahé, please do not hesitate to contact our team and our advisors!
| Type of boat | High Season december and January | Mid Season july and August | Low Season may, June and September |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monohull (3 cabins) | 5,000 USD | 2,500 USD | 2,000 USD |
| Monohull (4 cabins) | 5,500 USD | 3,000 USD | 2,500 USD |
| Catamaran (between 35 and 40 feet) | 7,000 USD | 5,000 USD | 4,000 USD |
| Catamaran (between 40 and 45 feet) | 12,000 USD | 7,000 USD | 5,000 USD |
| Catamaran (between 45 and 50 feet) | 19,000 USD | 11,000 USD | 9,000 USD |
Everything you need to know before leaving for Mahé
Map of Mahé (Google Maps)
- Mahé was once known asthe "island of plenty". In 1744, the island was renamed by Captain Lazare Picault, who named it after his governor, Mahé de La Bourdonnais.
- Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles. It is home to the archipelago's capital, Victoria.
- Mahé is home to the Seychelles' only international airport.
- The island of Mahé is home to the highest point in the Seychelles, Morne Seychellois, which rises to 905 meters.
- in Mahé, you roll on the left!
- You'll have the choice of no fewer than 70 fine sandy beaches to relax on on the island!
2. What is there to do in Mahé?
The unmissable sights of your stay in Mahé
- Victoria: the capital of the Seychelles has a lot to offer! Don't miss: the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, the Clock Tower or theArul Mihu Navarasakthi Vinayagar Temple, the only Hindu temple in the Seychelles.
on the left, the Clock Tower and on the right, the Arul Mihu Navarasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Photos Adobe Stock)
- Silhouette: the island is located 18 nautical miles northwest of Mahé. You will be charmed by its white sandy beaches and lush vegetation. Don't missAnse Mondon or the village of La Passe.
One of the beaches on the island of Silhouette (Photo Adobe Stock)
- Praslin: a cruise in the Seychelles is not complete without a stopover in Praslin! Set foot on land to discover the Vallée de Mai, a natural reserve listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the beaches on the island of Praslin (Photo Adobe Stock)
- La Digue: located close to Praslin, this island is a must-see during your cruise. It is home toAnse Source d'Argent, often named the most beautiful beach in the world!
One of the beaches on the island of La Digue (Photo Adobe Stock)
- Curieuse: nicknamed "turtle island", Curieuse is indeed the ideal island if you want to get up close to giant tortoises. Located very close to Praslin, you can anchor your boat in Baie Laraie, for example.
The giant tortoises of Curieuse Island (Photo Adobe Stock)
An example of a sailing itinerary from Mahé
Total distance traveled: 93 miles
- Day 1: Eden Island, Mahé → Anse Royale, Mahé (11 miles ~ 2 hours)
- Day 2: Anse Royale, Mahé > Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin (28 miles ~ 6 hours)
- Day 3: Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin
- Day 4: Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin → Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue (11 miles ~ 2 hours)
- Day 5: Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue → Baie Laraie, Curieuse (13 miles ~ 2 hours)
- Day 6: Baie Laraie, Curieuse → Eden Island, Mahé (30 miles ~ 6 hours)
Map of a one-week sailing itinerary in the Seychelles starting from Mahé (clickable map)
3. What are the weather conditions?
There are two seasons in the Seychelles. The cool season lasts from May to October, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C. During this season, sailing conditions are excellent. The prevailing wind, the Alizés, blows from the south-east at force 4 or 5.
The wet season extends from December to April. Conditions remain favorable, but it rains more frequently. During this season, the prevailing wind, the trade winds, blows from the northwest at wind force 3.
The Seychelles archipelago is not affected by the cyclone risk that touches the Caribbean from June to November, making the Seychelles an ideal destination for a mid-season trip to the sun!
"I recommend that you go to the Seychelles during the two shoulder seasons, i.e. between the end of March and May or between September and October. All the conditions are right for the perfect cruise, with the weather and the wind just as you want them", recommends Monica, our partner from Sunsail & The Moorings.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank our local partner Marina from Sunsail & The Moorings for their valuable advice.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 161 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Chef (meals not included), Sailor, Engineer, Mechanic, Masseuse |
| Average price per week | $21,936 |
| Minimum weekly price | $2,302 |
| Maximum price per week | $800,084 |