With fiery red soil and a natural coco del mar forest, Curieuse is a curious little island stashed away in the Seychelles. The smallest of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, Curieuse is less than 3 square meters but has so much history and beauty already swaddled in its name. Between 1829 and 1965, it was a leper colony and you can still see a collection of stone buildings used to house residents.
These days it is home to ongoing conservation work dedicated to protecting the fragile ecosystem of the natural coco forests and the colony of giant tortoises. On the nearby island of Praslin you will find one of the world's best beaches at Anse Lazio. Boulders, Takamaka trees, a beachside restaurant, and blue and white shades set the scene for sandy days laced with saltwater.
The smaller Seychelles island of La Digue is the laid-back sibling to the larger Seychelles islands of Mahé and Praslin. Window boxes and plant pots overflow with flowers as Creole houses nestle under papaya trees. As wooden pirogues float across the bay, fishermen saunter along the road with sticks hung with fish. This is where authentic Seychellois island life can be found.
For those charter guests who dream of swimming alongside sea turtles, the Iles Cocos & Felicite are a must. This small selection of islets sit a few miles north of La Digue in the sweet Seychelles Archipelago. Iles Cocos is a first class spot for snorkeling. With crystal clear waters and hundreds of turtles, it’s a dream locale for dropping anchor and plunging into the perfect shades of blue. A little further along and you find Felicite Island. A vision of forest and granite, this island was once a coconut plantation but has now been turned into an intimate resort. As part of the protected marine park you can snorkel and dive in pristine surroundings with just a few boats for company as fellow sailors find themselves smitten by the wealth of water life and the native turtles.
A truly inspired private Island in the sweet Seychelles, Fregate is a fantasy land brimming with five-star style. This idyllic resort boasts a handful of private villas and is home to one of the world's best beaches. Perfectly named, the island is also home to an essential nesting spot for Frigate birds and is a heavenly home for Aldabra giant tortoises. For those charter guests looking to balance absolute luxury bliss with the company of some of the Seychelle's most exciting wildlife, Fregate is sure to strike a chord. Days are spent hiking the atmospheric trails and snorkelling in the pristine waters and eves are spent dining on organic dishes and watching falling stars thunder overhead.
Port Victoria is the bright and blooming capital of Seychelles. With its fabulous festival scene, its bustling markets, foodie delights, and well-tended botanical gardens. Victoria is one of the smallest capitals in the world which gives it that glorious community feel. Situated on the tight and narrow shores of Mahe, this pint-sized capital packs a punch. Founded by the French back in the 18th century before being taken over by Britain, you can find out heaps of Victoria’s history by visiting the National Museum of History. The botanical garden is an absolute highlight for charter guests wanting to bliss out in the shade of towering coco de mar palms and fragrant spice groves. Brimming with temples, monuments, churches, mosques, and quaint galleries, it's easy to get a well-stacked schedule in Victoria.
Created in the early seventies, the Saint Anne Marine Park has been protected and sculpted to perfection. Just 5km from the shores of Mahe, this watersport paradise has six islands and reefs that capture every shape and size and colour possible. While watersports are certainly on the cards, everything is geared towards protecting the area and the wildlife that call these waters home. Fishing and waterskiing are banned but snorkelling, diving, and kayaking are world class. Coral gardens, turtles, and fish along with over 75 different species of flora make for a fascinating water safari. Dolphins and reef sharks are also regular explorers around these parts. You will find the best snorkel spots at the Saint Anne Channel where visibility is mirror-like and there’s never any shortage of characters to swim alongside.
One of the most secluded islands in the Seychelles, Silhouette Island boasts only a handful of residents, a singular resort, and plenty of wide and wild open space. In fact, the island is 90% natural park meaning protected corners can be found at every turn. From walking trails to white sand beaches, cinnamon trees, and giant tortoises - everything on these shores seem to be carved from a dream. Grab a snorkel and plunge into the welcoming warm shades of blue where curious parrot fish, rays, and white tipped sharks get up close and personal. Silhouette Island is also a first-class nesting spot for turtles too and with a dedicated research center you can get an in-depth understanding of these ancient and wise creatures.
The Seychelles boasts over 115 islands and magical Mahe is the largest. Draped in palms, powder soft beaches, boulders, and unparalleled natural beauty, Mahe is a purely tropical mood. For those who want to soak up the best beach in Mahe, be sure to head over to the eastern side where Beau Vallon tempts with its incredibly clear waters and warm sunlit sands. Mahe is also spilling over with sublime hiking trails, so for those who love a wonderful walk, you can duck into the cool interior and wander through fragrant cloud forests. Beyond the beach and the forests, Mahe also boasts plenty of local encounters and culture. From buzzing market scenes to the lively capital of Victoria, there’s plenty of creole color to keep you wined, dined, and wonderfully entertained.
Your final day of charter, return to the island of Mahé where you will disembark and say goodbye to your crew. Make sure you’ve taken advantage of everything the Seychelles has to offer and arrange a morning spent swimming with whale sharks at Beau Vallon, or browsing artisanal boutiques for souvenirs. Have lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy a final view over the beautiful beaches before heading to the airport and returning home.