Seychelles Cruise Guide: Discover Mahé, Praslin & La Digue
A Seychelles cruise isn’t just about reaching a destination. It is an invitation to explore an extraordinary ecosystem of rare wildlife, Creole culture, and coastal serenity. In fact, the archipelago includes 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean.
It is a haven of biodiversity, dramatic granite cliffs, and white-sand beaches that feel almost surreal. Unlike typical beach getaways, Seychelles offers something deeper: ancient palm forests, endemic wildlife, and a fascinating blend of cultures.
A small ship Seychelles cruise lets travellers island-hop in comfort and intimacy. Therefore, it reveals hidden beaches, pristine reefs, and communities living in harmony with nature.
What to Expect on a Seychelles Cruise Itinerary
First, Seafarer Cruises offers one of the most immersive ways to experience Seychelles. That’s because guests travel aboard a mega yacht with fewer than 50 people on a Seychelles cruise. The Seychelles cruise visits islands such as Mahé, Curieuse, Praslin, La Digue, Aride, or Cousin.
The route explores the inner granitic islands, the oldest oceanic islands on Earth. In fact, they formed over 65 million years ago and were never connected to any continent.
As a result, Seychelles has developed unique plant and animal life found nowhere else on the planet. So, this island-hopping itinerary blends soft adventure with insightful encounters and ample time to simply be.
Island Highlights – Gateway to the Inner Islands
Mahé – Where Seychelles Begins
Mahé is the largest and most populous island, as well as the political and cultural heart of Seychelles. The island is named after Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, a French naval officer. Moreover, it was colonised by the French in the 1700s, then ruled by the British in the 19th century.
Seychelles gained independence in 1976. Today, Creole traditions, French flair, and British colonial remnants live side-by-side in vibrant Victoria.
During your Seychelles cruise, explore Victoria’s lively market and visit the colourful Hindu temple. Then stroll through the Botanical Gardens, home to exotic palms and Aldabra giant tortoises.
On the one hand, inland, the Morne Seychellois National Park invites hikers into cloud forests. There, cinnamon trees, orchids, and endemic frogs thrive.
On the other hand, off the coast, you’ll find Sainte Anne Marine National Park. It offers coral reefs teeming with butterflyfish, parrotfish, and green turtles.
Unusual fact: Legend has it that pirate treasure worth millions is still buried somewhere on Mahé. The infamous pirate Olivier Levasseur, also known as “La Buse,” hid his loot here in the 18th century. He left behind a cryptic cipher that has never been fully solved.
Island Highlights – Forests, Myths & Giant Tortoises
Curieuse – Giant Tortoises & Scarlet Shores
Once home to a leper colony, Curieuse Island is now a national park and conservation zone. Moreover, the red earth here contrasts vividly with its aquamarine bays and lush mangroves.
Walk along boardwalk trails flanked by twisted mangrove roots and wild-growing Coco de Mer palms. The walk ends with a freshly grilled beach BBQ under the shade of the palms.
The island’s main residents? More than 300 Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. You’ll see them lumbering slowly through the forest or basking in the sun, while you’re enjoying a Seychelles cruise.
Fun fact: Curieuse Island is home to a rare and diverse mangrove ecosystem. Six of Seychelles’ seven mangrove species thrive here, creating a rich habitat for marine life.
Praslin – The Mythical Forest & Beyond
Praslin is often described as Seychelles’ most ethereal island, and for good reason. Vallée de Mai is the island’s crown jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of only two places where the legendary Coco de Mer palm grows wild.
This palm is massive and unlike any other. Also, it bears the world’s largest seed, shaped in a way that has inspired centuries of legend and even erotic mythology.
Walking through Vallée de Mai is like stepping into a prehistoric world. Actually, some scientists believe the forest resembles what the supercontinent Gondwana may have looked like millions of years ago.
From the forest, your journey flows to the coast. Anse Lazio has a perfectly curved shoreline and crystal-clear waters. Ultimately, it is the kind of beach you imagine when dreaming of a tropical paradise.
Wildlife highlight: While on a Seychelles cruise, keep an eye out for the rare Seychelles black parrot, found only on Praslin, and nowhere else on Earth.
Island Highlights – Slow Travel & Seabird Sanctuaries
La Digue – Timeless Island Life
La Digue is where time slows to a gentle pace. With barely any cars and just a handful of ox-carts, the island retains a blissfully unhurried feel. Its name comes from a ship used by early French explorers, and it remains wonderfully untouched by mass tourism.
Visit L’Union Estate, a historic vanilla plantation, during your Seychelles cruise. Here you can see how coconuts were once processed for copra and encounter Aldabra tortoises roaming the grounds.
Additionally, just a short walk away lies Anse Source d’Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Its shimmering shallows, framed by towering granite boulders, look like something out of a dream.
Cultural note: Many La Digue families still live in traditional Creole houses passed down through generations.
Aride & Cousin – Seabirds, Turtles & Rare Bats
Depending on sea conditions, your Seychelles cruise may visit either Aride Island or Cousin Island. Both are protected nature reserves teeming with life.
Aride is home to 18 species of seabirds, including frigatebirds and fairy terns. It is also one of the few nesting grounds of the rare Seychelles magpie-robin.
Cousin Island is known for its nesting hawksbill turtles. Its dense forest is home to tiny endemic reptiles and rare bats.
Fun fact: The Seychelles sheath-tailed bat (one of the rarest mammals on Earth) survives in just two caves across the entire archipelago.
Best Time to Visit Seychelles
Seychelles boasts a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round, making it a desirable destination at any time. However, to make the most of your experience, it’s worth understanding the seasonal patterns, before you book your Seychelles cruise.
Best Months for a Seychelles Cruise
April to May and October to November
These transitional months fall between the northwest and southeast trade winds. They bring calmer seas and light breezes, ideal for cruising, snorkelling, and diving.
Seychelles Weather by Season
December to March
Dominated by the northwest trade winds, this period brings warmer temperatures and higher humidity. While it is the wet season, rain typically comes in short, heavy showers, often in the afternoon or evening.
June to September
In contrast, the southeast trade winds bring cooler, drier weather with steady breezes. These months are perfect for sailing and hiking, although seaweed and stronger winds may affect some beaches.
Why Choose a Seychelles Cruise with Seafarer
To sum up, a Seychelles cruise is more than a holiday. It is a journey into ancient forests, turquoise bays, and island cultures untouched by time. From giant tortoises on Curieuse to the mythic palms of Praslin, every anchorage offers something unforgettable.
Are you seeking adventure, tranquillity, or a chance to reconnect with nature? Then, there’s no better way to explore Seychelles than by sea.
Ready to experience a Seychelles cruise for yourself?
Join a Seafarer small ship cruise and discover the Seychelles as few ever do: intimately, sustainably, and soulfully. Click below to get your personalised quote.
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