Seychelles Island Hopping: Best Done by Small Ship
Destination guides · Seychelles
Seychelles island hopping reveals why the archipelago is so coveted, a scattered necklace of 115 Indian Ocean islands. Many visitors fly in, stay at a beach resort, perhaps making the odd day trip or two. But this only scratches the surface.
The real magic of the Seychelles lies in exploring its island diversity – no two islands are the same. Look carefully and you’ll discover wildlife sanctuaries, hidden coves, and hidden cultural gems. Plus, there’s only really one way to do this – on a small-ship cruise.
Unlike large vessels or land-based stays, a Seychelles small-ship cruise lets you glide easily between islands. Along the way, enjoy intimacy, authentic experiences, warm service, and the kind of comfort resorts rarely match.
In short
Seychelles island hopping is easiest by small ship: you wake to a new island each morning, with no ferries, transfers or hotel changes. Our Seychelles Island Odyssey spends seven nights on M/Y Pegasos, calling at Curieuse for its giant tortoises, Cousin, the seabird sanctuary of Aride, Praslin, La Digue and Moyenne before returning to Mahé.
115
islands in the Seychelles
7
nights on board M/Y Pegasos
£2,230
from, per person, cruise only
All year
departures on our Seychelles cruise
Why a small ship
Why Choose a Small Ship Cruise
Why does a small-ship cruise stand out as the best way to travel to Seychelles? Because Seychelles island hopping delivers flexibility, access, and atmosphere. Smaller vessels anchor in remote bays, reach islands big ships can’t, and offer personalised service with fewer passengers.
Instead of packing and unpacking between hotels, you have a floating base that carries you to new horizons each day. It’s a way to thoroughly explore the adventures an Indian Ocean cruise has to offer.
Effortless Seychelles Island-Hopping
The Seychelles isn’t just one island. Seychelles island hopping showcases the shift from lively Mahé to Praslin’s UNESCO forest. La Digue’s timeless charm, where bicycles rule quiet roads, proves each island has a distinct personality.
Trying to see them all by travelling independently means juggling ferries, transfers, or flights. On a small-ship cruise, you wake to a new island outside your porthole each morning. Consequently, there’s no stress, no transfers, and no extra planning — just step ashore and start exploring immediately.
Wildlife
Your Shortcut to Seychelles’ Secret Spots
Large cruise ships are restricted to major ports; small vessels anchor in secluded coves and approach remote islands. This makes it easy to reach Curieuse, where giant tortoises roam freely across beaches and shaded mangrove paths.
Seychelles island hopping also opens access to Aride, a vital Indian Ocean seabird sanctuary teeming with nesting and migratory species. Moreover, you’ll enjoy spontaneous stops in pristine lagoons, jumping into warm, translucent waters for world-class snorkelling.
On board
Comfort and Intimacy Onboard
Small-ship cruises carry far fewer passengers, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The crew offer highly personalised service, learning your preferences and anticipating needs without fuss, creating a relaxed onboard rhythm. With Seychelles island hopping, that calm continuity follows you from anchorage to anchorage.
Dining feels like a boutique restaurant, not a canteen, and every space onboard is thoughtfully designed for comfort. It’s ideal for couples, families, or solo travellers looking for a balance of privacy and connection.
Never the Same Day Twice
Because the distances between islands are short, small-ship itineraries are full of activity rather than long days at sea. For instance, one day you might kayak along the coastline; the next, snorkel a coral reef or explore a village. Thus, the built-in variety delivers Seychelles island hopping in full—far beyond the limits of a single resort.
Responsible travel
A More Sustainable Way to Travel
Many small-ship cruises place sustainability at their core. With smaller footprints than big ships and partnerships with local conservation projects, they therefore offer truly responsible exploration. Your journey helps protect fragile ecosystems (from coral reefs to giant tortoise habitats) keeping the Seychelles unspoilt for future generations.
The Romance of Travelling by Sea
There’s something timeless about approaching an island by water, watching palm-fringed beaches appear over the horizon. Cruising the Seychelles isn’t just practical, it’s also deeply romantic.
Enjoy a sunset drink on deck as the sky turns apricot and the islands fade to silhouettes. Slip from the ship’s swimming platform into warm, glassy water. Ultimately, moments like these make the voyage unforgettable.
When and where
When to go Seychelles island hopping
One of the great things about the Seychelles is that it’s a year-round destination. Warm, tropical weather makes every month suitable for cruising. In particular, April-May and October-November tend to be calm, with excellent snorkelling conditions.
December to March, including January, brings slightly livelier seas but offers warm sunshine, lush green landscapes, and fewer crowds. Seychelles island hopping remains easy with small-ship cruising, which favours sheltered anchorages and comfortable conditions.
Our island-hopping route: the Seychelles Island Odyssey
Cruise day 1
Victoria, Mahé
Embark M/Y Pegasos in Victoria.
Cruise day 2
St Anne and Curieuse
Giant tortoises on Curieuse.
Cruise day 3
Curieuse, Cousin and Anse Lazio
A morning sail to Cousin Island, then Praslin’s Anse Lazio.
Cruise day 4
Anse Lazio, Aride and St Pierre
A morning excursion to the seabird island of Aride.
Cruise day 5
Baie St Anne, Félicité and La Digue
Praslin in the morning, then on to La Digue.
Cruise day 6
La Digue and Moyenne
The most photographed of the islands, then Moyenne.
Cruise day 7
Moyenne and Mahé
A short guided tour of Moyenne before returning to Mahé.
Route from our Seychelles Island Odyssey page; the captain may change the order for weather and sea conditions.
Plan
Your Journey Starts Here
So, if you want to experience the Seychelles beyond the resort boundaries, Seychelles island hopping by small ship is the ultimate upgrade. It combines ease, variety, and exclusivity while revealing hidden sides of the islands. Ready to discover paradise by sea? Click below to explore our Seychelles small-ship cruises and start planning your adventure today.
Ready to island hop?
Sail the Seychelles on M/Y Pegasos
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