7-Day Catamaran Itinerary in the Seychelles - Day by Day

Over 7 days by catamaran in the Seychelles, the classic route links Mahe, the Sainte-Anne marine park, Praslin (Vallee de Mai, Anse Lazio), La Digue (Anse Source d’Argent), Curieuse Island and its giant tortoises, before reaching Cousin Island and returning to Mahe. The distances between islands never exceed 30 nautical miles, which leaves time each day for anchorages, snorkelling and life on board. This itinerary can be sailed as a crewed cruise or as a charter with a skipper.

Why choose 7 days by catamaran rather than a hotel in the Seychelles?

A catamaran opens up anchorages that a hotel simply cannot reach. Anse Source d’Argent, on La Digue, seen from the deck as you arrive by sea - the pink granite rocks emerging from the turquoise water - bears no resemblance to the same beach reached on foot from a resort. This is the fundamental difference of a catamaran itinerary in the Seychelles.

From a catamaran, you anchor in bays accessible only from the sea, you adjust your schedule to the wind and the tides, and you pick your snorkelling spot in the morning by looking at the chart rather than waiting for a hotel transfer. The Seychelles archipelago, with its 115 islands and its quiet cruising grounds, is particularly well suited to this format. The short distances between the inner islands (4 nautical miles between Praslin and La Digue, 28 miles between Mahe and Praslin) make it possible to sail comfortably in the morning and enjoy the islands in the afternoon.

What is the 7-day itinerary in the Seychelles from Mahe?

The classic 7-day route starts from Mahe (Sailoe’s base in Victoria) and links Sainte-Anne, Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse, Cousin Island, before returning to Mahe. It is the same route that experienced local crews recommend for discovering the inner Seychelles in a week.

Day 1 - Mahe: boarding and Sainte-Anne marine park

The first day is devoted to boarding, provisioning and getting to know the catamaran. The crew checks the condition of the boat, the sails, the engine and the safety equipment. Before leaving Victoria, the week’s supplies are loaded on board.

The Sainte-Anne marine park, 5-8 nautical miles from Victoria, is the first stop. It is the first marine reserve in the Seychelles, created in 1973 and made up of 6 islands. Anchoring in the bay allows for a first snorkelling session over intact coral reefs. Overnight at anchor in the park, away from the hotel complexes.

Day 2 - Sainte-Anne to Praslin (28 nautical miles)

The crossing to Praslin is the longest of the itinerary: 28 nautical miles, or 3 to 4 hours of sailing depending on conditions. The departure is early in the morning to make the most of the morning trade winds and reach Praslin before midday.

The Vallee de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, is the must-see visit on Praslin. This 19.5-hectare site shelters the largest intact forest of sea coconut palms (coco de mer), a species endemic to the Seychelles whose nuts are the heaviest in the plant kingdom. It is one of the only places in the world where all 6 species of palm endemic to the Seychelles coexist. The visit lasts 2 to 3 hours. In the afternoon, head to Anse Lazio, one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, reached by road or from the catamaran’s tender. Overnight at Praslin, anchorage at Anse Volbert or Baie Sainte-Anne.

Day 3 - Praslin to La Digue (4 nautical miles)

La Digue is 4 nautical miles from Praslin, or 30 to 45 minutes of sailing. It is the island where the bicycle is the main means of transport: renting bikes as you step off the boat lets you tour the island at your own pace.

Anse Source d’Argent is the iconic beach of La Digue. From the water, arriving by catamaran offers a unique perspective: the pink granite boulders bordering the beach gradually appear from the sea. The Union Estate Park, nearby, is home to an old vanilla plantation and a land tortoise enclosure. Overnight at La Digue, anchorage at La Passe.

Day 4 - La Digue to Curieuse Island via the Saint-Pierre islet

The Saint-Pierre islet, halfway between La Digue and Curieuse, is one of the most highly rated snorkelling spots in the archipelago. Accessible only by sea, this islet is surrounded by coral reefs that are especially rich in marine life. A 1 to 2 hour stop for swimming and snorkelling, then a course set for Curieuse (about 6 miles from La Digue).

For those who want to explore the island in more depth, our article on the Curieuse nature reserve and its giant tortoises details the history and management of the reserve. Arrival at Curieuse in the early afternoon. Anchorage in the main cove. Overnight at Curieuse.

Day 5 - Curieuse Island: giant tortoises and mangroves

Curieuse is the nature day of the itinerary. The island is home to a population of giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) as part of a conservation programme. Adult males can weigh up to 250 to 300 kg and their lifespan exceeds 150 years. These animals roam freely on the island; they approach visitors without fear in the low-vegetation areas.

The hike crosses the Curieuse mangrove to the old doctor’s house, a relic of the 19th-century leper colony. The marine life around the island is remarkably well preserved: the bay is sheltered from the prevailing winds and the waters are among the clearest in the archipelago. Overnight at Curieuse, a second night at the same anchorage.

Day 6 - Curieuse to Cousin Island, then northern Praslin

Cousin Island, 5 to 8 miles from Curieuse, is a bird reserve managed by Nature Seychelles (a BirdLife International partner). It is home to white terns, white-tailed tropicbirds, noddies and several bird species endemic to the Seychelles. The visit is guided by a reserve warden from the catamaran’s tender.

In the afternoon, return to northern Praslin (Anse Lazio or Anse Georgette depending on anchorage availability). The last night at anchor is the chance to enjoy the sunset from the deck - one of the most memorable views of the cruise. Overnight at northern Praslin.

Day 7 - Return to Mahe and disembarkation

The return to Mahe is a 28-nautical-mile sail, similar to the Day 2 crossing. Early departure. Option: a final stop in the Sainte-Anne marine park or at Moyenne Island for one last swim before disembarking. Arrival at Victoria late in the morning. Disembarkation before the return flight.

What are the sailing conditions in the Seychelles by season?

The Seychelles can be sailed all year round, but conditions vary noticeably by season. April-May and October-November offer the best conditions for a catamaran cruise: steady trade winds of 10 to 15 knots, calm seas, water temperature of 29-30°C and underwater visibility up to 30 metres. These are the transitions between the rainy season and the dry season, when the winds are most stable and the skies are clearest.

The dry season (May to October, south-easterly trade winds) is also favourable. The winds are stronger on certain crossings, notably Mahe-Praslin into a headwind, but they remain perfectly manageable in a catamaran. The wet season (November to March) is sailable, but with more variable winds, frequent showers and reduced underwater visibility. The cruise is still possible, but the itinerary may need adjustments depending on the local weather.

What does an organised crewed cruise in the Seychelles include?

An organised crewed cruise in the Seychelles includes the catamaran, the skipper, the crew (a hostess depending on the package), the onboard catering and the basic provisioning. Passengers need no sailing skills at all: the skipper handles all of the navigation, from the manoeuvres to the choice of anchorages.

Sailoe offers three formats from Mahe: an organised cruise with a full crew (all-inclusive package), a charter with a skipper (sailing handled, passengers self-sufficient for the organisation on board), and a bareboat catamaran charter for experienced sailors. The fleet is made up of Lagoon catamarans maintained and refitted by Sailoe’s technical teams in Mahe. More than 20 years of operations in the archipelago translates into a knowledge of the anchorages, the currents and the snorkelling spots that remote rental platforms cannot offer. To discover the available packages and request a quote, see our dedicated page on catamaran cruises in the Seychelles.

What variations can adapt the itinerary to your cruise?

The classic 7-day itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed framework. The Sailoe crew adapts the route to the wind, the passengers’ preferences and the time of the cruise.

The main variation is the tour of Mahe: rather than reaching Praslin from Day 2, some groups choose to spend 3 to 4 days exploring the coves and bays of Mahe before heading up to the northern islands. It is a different itinerary, quieter, particularly suited to passengers wishing to avoid the longer crossings. For 10 to 14 day cruises, it is possible to add Felicite, Grande Soeur or Petite Soeur to the programme - granite islets between Praslin and La Digue, little frequented and exceptional for snorkelling. To plan your cruise in the Seychelles around your dates and your expectations, find all of our offering on our Seychelles destination page.

FAQ - Practical questions about the 7-day cruise in the Seychelles

Are seven days enough to visit the Seychelles by catamaran?

Seven days are enough to cover the Mahe-Praslin-La Digue triangle with a stop at Curieuse and Cousin Island, which represents the benchmark itinerary in the inner islands. It is enough to discover the archipelago’s iconic sites and experience the cruise without rushing. To visit the more distant islands such as Felicite, Grande Soeur or the outer atolls, allow a minimum of 10 to 14 days.

What entry formalities apply for the Seychelles?

No visa is required for French nationals. However, an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) has been mandatory since November 2024 for all travellers, by air and by sea. This authorisation is paid for online (around 10 euros) and should be requested within the 30 days before departure. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the planned return date. Euros are widely accepted locally in commercial establishments. For up-to-date official information, consult the Seychelles page of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (diplomatie.gouv.fr).

Can you sail a catamaran in the Seychelles without sailing experience?

Yes, with an organised crewed cruise or a charter with a skipper. In both of these packages, the skipper handles all of the navigation: getting under way, crossings, choosing anchorages and managing weather conditions. Passengers need no sailing skills at all. A bareboat charter, on the other hand, requires confirmed catamaran experience and a suitable sailing licence.

What is the best time for a cruise in the Seychelles?

April-May and October-November offer optimal conditions: steady trade winds of 10 to 15 knots, calm seas, water at 29-30°C and underwater visibility up to 30 metres. The dry season (May to October) is also favourable with stronger winds. The wet season (November to March) remains sailable but with more variable conditions that may call for itinerary adjustments.

What budget for a 7-day catamaran cruise in the Seychelles?

The price of a catamaran cruise in the Seychelles varies depending on the chosen package (private catamaran or shared-cabin cruise), the size of the catamaran, the time of year and the services included. There is no standard rate: each cruise is built to measure. The Sailoe team answers any quote request within 24h at charter@sailoe.com or on +33 2 97 84 61 61.