Getting to the Seychelles and Boarding in Mahe for Your Catamaran Cruise

To reach the Seychelles on a catamaran cruise, you land at Mahe International Airport (SEZ) with your valid passport and your electronic travel authorisation (ETA, 10 euros, to be obtained before departure on seychelles.govtas.com). Eden Island Marina, the usual boarding point, is 8 to 10 minutes from the airport by taxi. First anchorage that same evening in the Sainte Anne Marine Park.

Which airport do you use to reach the Seychelles and board a catamaran?

Mahe International Airport (IATA code: SEZ) is the only international airport in the archipelago. All long-haul flights land there, whatever your city of departure in France. It sits 5 to 6 km from Eden Island Marina, an 8 to 10 minute taxi ride from the arrivals terminal. The time difference with France is +2 hours during summer time (from late March to late October) and +3 hours during winter time.

Mahe International Airport (SEZ), the archipelago’s single gateway

Mahe is the archipelago’s main island and the mandatory entry point for every international traveller. Once you have landed, the marina is close by: Eden Island lies between the airport and the capital, Victoria, in the same direction. No internal connection to plan, you step off the plane and come aboard the same day.

Which airlines fly to Mahe from France, and with how many stopovers?

There is no direct flight between France and Mahe. The route involves at least one stopover, for a total door-to-door duration of 12 to 16 hours depending on the layover you choose. The usual recommendation is to arrive the day before boarding to absorb any connection mishaps and enjoy your first night ashore before heading out to sea.

How long does the trip from France take?

Plan on 12 to 16 hours of door-to-door travel from the main French cities, with one stopover at an international hub. This time includes the connection, boarding and the journey to the marina. Arriving the day before boarding is strongly advised: you are rested, you have time to do your last bits of shopping and you avoid any stress in case of a delay.

What formalities must you complete before entering the Seychelles?

French nationals do not need a visa to enter the Seychelles for a stay of 30 days or less. However, two documents are mandatory: a passport in valid condition and an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). The ETA is requested online before departure, exclusively on the official site seychelles.govtas.com, for a cost of 10 euros. Without a valid ETA, plane boarding may be refused. This information is published and regularly updated by the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs on diplomatie.gouv.fr.

The passport and the electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a pre-trip authorisation distinct from a visa. It is nominative, linked to your passport, and must be obtained before boarding the plane in France. The official site is seychelles.govtas.com. Price: 10 euros. The application is simple and processed quickly, but allow 48 to 72 hours before departure to avoid any last-minute hold-up.

The documents to have in hand at plane boarding

Four documents are enough to board the plane without trouble: your valid passport, your ETA (digital version accepted), the booking confirmation of your cruise and your return ticket. Not having a return ticket may lead to a boarding refusal at the French airport, it is a condition of entry into the Seychelles.

How do you get to Eden Island Marina from Mahe Airport?

Eden Island Marina is 5 to 6 km from SEZ Airport, an 8 to 10 minute drive. It is Mahe’s main marina and the usual boarding point for catamaran cruises in the archipelago. The simplest way to get there is a taxi from the arrivals terminal.

By taxi from the arrivals terminal

Official taxis are stationed at the exit of the international terminal. The trip to Eden Island Marina takes 8 to 10 minutes and costs between 25 and 35 euros. The marina is well known to drivers, you simply need to say “Eden Island”. It is the most direct and most commonly used option for sailors.

And what if your cruise includes a transfer?

Depending on the package chosen, an airport welcome and a transfer to the base may be included in your programme. When you book with the Sailoe team, this point is specified: if the transfer is arranged, a crew member or a representative waits for you at the baggage exit with your name.

What happens at the marina on boarding day?

Catamaran boarding usually takes place between 4 pm and 6 pm. When you arrive on board, the crew welcomes you for a briefing: presentation of the boat, operation of the safety equipment, rules of life on board. You settle your belongings into your cabin, and weather permitting, the catamaran casts off for the first anchorage in the Sainte Anne Marine Park, only a stone’s throw away. That is where the cruise truly begins: the marina disappears, the lights of Mahe fade away, and the first stars of the Pacific appear.

What kind of luggage should you bring for a catamaran cruise?

A soft bag is mandatory on a catamaran cruise, no hard suitcase. The storage lockers on board are designed for flat or semi-rigid bags. Pack light, breathable outfits, sun protection (a hat, high-factor cream, light long sleeves), non-slip deck shoes, and a fleece layer for evenings at sea. The less you bring, the more you enjoy.

When is the best time to reach the Seychelles by catamaran?

The Seychelles lie outside the cyclone zone of the Indian Ocean, which makes them sailable all year round. The sea there holds a steady temperature of 26 to 30 degrees Celsius whatever the season. There are two seasons: the dry season (May to October), with regular south-easterly trade winds favourable for sailing, and the wet season (November to April), calmer in wind but with slightly higher temperatures. Both periods suit a catamaran cruise, with different sailing conditions depending on the islands you wish to explore.

To choose the season based on your project, a circuit through the northern granite islands, exploration of the coral islands, diving in specific areas, the Sailoe team can guide you according to the season and the availability of the fleet. Find all the available programmes on our Seychelles cruises page.

Frequently asked questions about a catamaran trip to the Seychelles

Do you need a visa to enter the Seychelles?

No. French nationals do not need a visa for a stay of 30 days or less in the Seychelles. However, the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is mandatory: it is obtained before departure on seychelles.govtas.com for 10 euros. A valid passport remains essential.

What currency should you use in the Seychelles?

The official currency is the Seychellois rupee (SCR). In tourist areas, euros are widely accepted and bank cards work in the majority of shops and restaurants. It is nonetheless recommended to keep a few rupees in cash for small markets and quayside purchases.

Is there a tourist tax to pay in the Seychelles?

Since 1 January 2026, an environmental tax applies to cruises and yachts in Seychellois waters: 100 SCR per person per night, roughly 6 to 7 euros depending on the exchange rate. Children under 12 are exempt. This tax helps protect the reefs and the protected marine areas you are going to cross.

How do you get to the Seychelles by boat from France?

There is no direct sea link between France and the Seychelles. The flight to Mahe International Airport (SEZ) is mandatory. Once in Mahe, you board your catamaran from Eden Island Marina to begin your sailing through the archipelago.

Your Seychelles cruise begins long before boarding. With your ETA in hand, your soft bag packed and your flight with a stopover arranged, all that remains is to reach Eden Island and head out to sea. To build your programme, dates, route, a catamaran suited to your group, browse the Seychelles cruises available at Sailoe or write directly to charter@sailoe.com. Reply within 24 hours.