Seychelles 1 week itinerary

It was probably too bad for the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama to have paid little attention to the islands he visited in the western Indian Ocean back in 1502, because he missed out on those amazing and remote gems. On the other hand, this was a fortunate event for his French colleague Lazare Picault, who 240 years later stumbled upon a paradise that today is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world for sailors.

Seychelles are huge granite rocks that have been polished over the eons by the relentless waves of the Indian Ocean, hosting gigantic palm trees with their famous "coco de mer" and surrounded by turquoise bays with lush green takamakas shading the white-sanded beaches. There is hardly a place that deserves the label "paradise" more.
Of the 115 islands in Seychelles, 41 of the Inner Islands are the oldest granite islands in the world. Isn't this enough to convince you that this region is so worth a visit? 
Today, we visit some of these well-traveled Inner Islands such as Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, as well as take a detour to the less visited, remote Outer Islands, beyond Seychelles, where you can find seclusion and tranquillity as you relax among the reefs.

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When to visit Seychelles: useful information

Two opposing trade winds generally dominate the weather: the north-westerly trade winds that blow from October to March, with average wind speeds of 8 to 12 knots, and the livelier south-easterly trade wind blows from May to September, with winds between 10 and 20 knots. This last one brings cooler and windier conditions that are ideal for sailing.
The calm periods between the trade winds provide relatively warm and wind-free conditions in April and also in October. Swimming, snorkeling, and especially diving are excellent in April/May and October/November when the water temperature sometimes reaches 29ºC and visibility is often 30 meters or more.

7-day sailing itinerary around Seychelles

Day 1 - Praslin Island

Day 2 - La Digue Island

Day 3 - Curieuse Island

Day 4 - Saint Pierre Island 

Day 5 - Aride Island 

Day 6 - Cousin Island 

Day 7 - Praslin Island 

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Day 1 - Praslin Island

We begin our trip in Praslin and visit the beautiful Vallée de Mai in Bay S.te Anne, a green valley in the heart of the island protected by UNESCO. The walk is enchanting, with a path leading you through the huge palm trees with "coco de mer" typical of the islands. The site hosts an amazing variety of unique species, including the Seychelles Tree Frog, which can only be found on these islands. 
After a long walk through lush forests, you can enjoy the rest of the day swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the bay and then spend the night at anchor in Bay S.te Anne for an exclusive stargazing experience. 

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Day 2 - La Digue Island

The following day set off for Petite or Grande Anse, southeast of La Digue, and rent a bike to visit this beautiful island that is never overrun by tourists. With its white sand paths winding under tall palm trees, palm-roofed houses, small copra factories, fine white sand beaches, and large polished rocks, La Digue is possibly the most beautiful island in Seychelles. No cars - only bicycles or carts pulled by oxen! 
Anse Source D’Argen is undoubtedly the most beautiful beach on the island, therefore we strongly suggest a visit to admire the famous granitic rock formations that can only be found in Seychelles. 

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Day 3 - Curieuse Island 

We sail around Marianne and Félicité on Curieuse Island, only a few miles away from the north coast of Praslin. This island hosts the extinct Aldabra tortoise, which is a great excuse to anchor on the west coast of Grande Soeur to enjoy a quick lunch and see these friendly giants with your own eyes. 
Later in the day, you can head to Cocos Islands for an unforgettable day of snorkeling. Cocos Island is made up of large rocks presenting strange regular stripes carved by the sea, forming a beautiful sight of shapes and colors. The ochre rocks contrast with the bright green leaves of the coconut palms and the white sand of the beaches fringed by turquoise waters. Underwater the view is equally attractive with large corals that are home to thousands of colored fish swimming in front of narrow breaks and dark caves. At night, we anchor in Baie Laraie, on the east coast, or return to Baie S.te Anne if we need to refill our water/fuel supplies.

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Day 4 - Saint Pierre Island

On the fourth day, we move on to St. Pierre, a mass of rounded rocks topped by a cluster of tall palm trees swaying gently in the wind: a typical and magnificent Seychelles landscape, photographed countless times and printed likewise in tourist magazines! Enjoy a day of snorkeling in the magnificent underwater scenery. 
You can return to Baie Laraie in Curieuse for the night.

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Day 5 - Aride Island

Aride Island is a beautifully-preserved nature reserve under the supervision of the Royal Society for Nature Conservation. Narrow paths through the dense vegetation lead to the rock barrier in the north, from where you can observe the whole island. Aride hosts a variety of seabirds, unique vegetation, and rare land birds. The ten breeding bird species include the rare Roseate Tern and the Red-tailed Tropicbird. The world's largest colony of Slender-billed Noddies populates this island, with more than 200,000 pairs nesting. 
Anchor again in Baie Laraie for the night.

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Day 6 - Cousin Island

We set sail to Cousin Island, another stunning nature reserve and bird sanctuary with rare species and giant tortoises living in the area. Less than 800 meters in diameter, the island can be visited from Monday to Friday. 
A small path leads to the turtle enclosure, passing through dense vegetation up to the summit. A jaw-dropping view awaits you at the end of the path, from which to watch the magnificent flights of tropical birds. During the southeast wind season, up to 100,000 pairs of black noddies nest in the trees. Head back to Baie S.te Anne to find anchorage for the night.

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Day 7 - Bay S.te Anne and check out

On the last day, you can enjoy one last swim in the turquoise waters of the bay, surrounded by amazing landscapes that can only be found here. 
Seychelles is a true paradise in the middle of the ocean that will remain forever in your heart! 

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Seychelles easily made it onto our to-sail list, not only because of its impressive nature but also to support the amazing preservation projects that are happening in the area and that are helping to protect the unique local animals and vegetation.

If you'd like to plan a sailing holiday in this paradise, check our boat availability on our website.