We're off to the Indian Ocean! Together, we've already explored many places and sailing areas in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Now we're heading to the Seychelles. Our friend Jens has been sailing there for many years and knows some fantastic spots. We're joining him with a boat. We're not sailing our Hanse 575, but we have a catamaran that also offers plenty of space.
Palm-fringed beaches, breathtakingly beautiful anchorages, warm water, coral reefs, tropical fauna of all kinds, bizarre granite rock formations, snorkeling, fishing… and that water color… All this is the Seychelles and so much more.
Our sailing trip begins at the "Eden Island Marina". This new and modern marina is nestled between Eden Island and the island of Mahé. Eden Island is a state-of-the-art development with apartments, a shopping mall, shops, a supermarket, and a variety of bars and restaurants.
After loading the boat and doing the shopping, we set off. Our first stop will be the main island of Mahé. South of Pointe Matoopa lies Port Launay, a tranquil and idyllic anchorage. From here, the nearby islands of Île Concepción and Île Teresa are just a stone's throw away.
On the second island, a paradisiacal island idyll awaits us, with a stunning beach and an offshore reef perfect for snorkeling. From here, a side trip to the neighboring island of Silhouette is also possible.
Afterwards, we continue on to Praslin. The Vallée de Mai Nature Park is a botanical garden, world-famous for its Coco de Mer palms and its incredible biodiversity, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, Praslin boasts world-class beaches. For example, Anse Lazio has been voted the most beautiful beach in the world in numerous polls.
La Digue is slightly smaller than Praslin and has retained much of its original character. There are hardly any cars, and many things are still transported by oxcart. The main attraction is Anse Source d'Argent beach. The gigantic rock formations combined with the fine, white sand, lapped by turquoise waters, have served as inspiration for numerous commercials and Hollywood films. Praslin and La Digue are only 5 nautical miles apart. Many small, mostly uninhabited islands lie in the immediate vicinity of these two islands, which are also worth a day trip.
Most of these islands are part of the Marine Park. From here, you can take countless excursions by catamaran, such as a visit to Aride Island, the bird island, and much, much more. Everything is quite close together, so there are no long distances to cover. In recent years, the trip to Bird Island, located on the outer northern edge of the inner Seychelles plateau, has become an absolute highlight for everyone.
Unlike most other Seychelles islands, this one is a flat coral island. Millions of seabirds live here, and the island, with its powdery white sand beaches, is a true paradise for nature and birds. Esmeralda, the oldest and largest tortoise in the Seychelles, also lives here, roaming freely with her fellow tortoises.
The island is home to a small bungalow resort owned and operated by a long-established Seychellois family. We have a long-standing, trusting relationship with the owners and our crews are always warmly welcomed. This gives us the privilege of moving freely around this idyllic island. The small lobby offers the island's Wi-Fi, showers, a bar, and a restaurant.
THE YACHT: On our Seychelles sailing trip, we will be sailing a comfortable and modern Lagoon 42 cruising catamaran – one of the most popular premium catamarans in its class. This elegant vessel combines superior sailing characteristics with sophisticated design, state-of-the-art technology, and exceptional living comfort.
The Lagoon 42 features four double cabins, each with its own bathroom, and two single crew cabins, offering space, comfort, and privacy for up to 10 guests. The light-filled salon with panoramic views, the spacious flybridge with lounge and helm area, and the roomy cockpit invite relaxation and enjoyment. A powerful generator, air conditioning throughout, and high-quality onboard equipment ensure maximum comfort even in tropical temperatures. Thanks to a watermaker, solar panels, and modern navigation technology, the catamaran is largely self-sufficient.
Read more