The Seychelles are scattered over the Western Indian Ocean, at a latitude between 4° and 10° South. The island group covers a wide oceanic area of +/- 400,000 km2. They are made up of 115 islands, just 20 of which are inhabited with a total land area of 450 km2. The main island of Mahe, with the capital Victoria, is at practically equal distance from the continents surrounding the Indian Ocean. It is 1600 km from the mainland of Africa, India and Madagascar..
The isolated location in the middle of the ocean lends the island group its unique landscape and vegetation. Plants, trees and animals were able to adapt over millennia to the islands’ conditions and climate and created the distinctive tropical flora and fauna of the Seychelles. 90% of the Seychelles is a National Park, ideal for pure eco-tourism. The island group enjoys a tropical climate without cyclones all year round.
Tell people you are going to the Seychelles, and their eyes light up. Pictures of white beaches, a bright blue sea and a hammock between two palm trees are conjured up. The Seychelles deserve that heavenly image of a carefree holiday destination. In the top 10 of nicest beaches in the world, you will find 5 in the Seychelles. And there’s more to it than just sun, sea and sand
Food-wise all tastes are catered for and the authentic Creole kitchen comes highly recommended. You can also go island hopping in a catamaran. All water sports are available and if you are the more adventurous type you can go on an organised mountain walk and discover the unique fauna. Cultural excursions cannot be missing from the itinerary of course.
The Inner Islands are near the main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue which are the cultural and economic centre of the Seychelles, as well as the centre of Seychellois tourism. Almost the entire Seychellois population lives on these islands and it is also where you find most of the accommodation. In all, there are 43 Inner islands, 41 of which granite islands and 2 coral islands.
The Outer Islands comprise 72 islands. They are located between 230 km and 1150 km from the main island of Mahé. These fantastic miniature worlds, some of which are not much bigger than a pile of sand or rock and their unspoilt nature, are an ideal place to sail, fish and dive where few have gone before. Just 2 islands, Alphonse and Desroches, have accommodation.
The Seychelles have a tropical climate with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees all year round. Humidity is 80% but you hardly feel it thanks to the refreshing breeze blowing over the islands. The water temperature also fluctuates between 25 and 30 degrees. The year is divided into 2 main seasons, referred to as the Northwest and Southeast monsoons, with 2 short inter-monsoon periods.
Southeast monsoon: May to October
Pre-Northwest monsoon: November
Nortwest monsoon: December to March
Pre-Southeast monsoon: April
The Seychelles are therefore the ideal holiday destination all year round. Short showers keep the islands lush and tropical. If it’s raining on one side, it is dry on the other side of the island.
Seychelles is famous for its Creole cuisine and so is Bat-O-Bleu. Why not choose to have your own private cook on board? Our Creole chef will pamper you…
A selection of the possibilities along the way…
Salads and Hors d’oeuvres
Main courses
Desserts
Breakfast
Remark
Special personal wishes can be catered for.
Our base
We are based in Eden Island Marina on the island of Mahe, not far from the capital Victoria. You are picked up at the airport and in no time you are welcomed aboard. Our crew will brief you personally.
Airport
The Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) is 10 km to the south of the capital Victoria and the island of Mahe. It has 2 terminals (for domestic and international flights), a couple of shops, including tax-free shops, banks, exchange offices, a car rental, restaurants and bars.
International passport
A valid international passport (valid for at least 6 months upon return) and a return ticket are sufficient to be allowed to Seychellois territory. A visa is not required. You need to be able to prove that you have an accommodation booking and sufficient financial means.
Credit cards
In almost all shops you can pay with Visa or American Express. Other credit cards, such as MasterCard, Diners Club, … are not as popular.
Local currency (currency fluctuations are possible)
Seychelles Rupee (SRC). 1 euro = 18 SRC. You can also pay in € or $. On arrival you can go to one of the banks at the airport.
Customs
Arriving travellers are allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, 2 litres of alcohol or wine, 200 ml perfume or Eau de Toilette and other non-commercial goods for a maximum amount of 3000 Sr
Electricity
240 volt AC , 50 Hz
Mobile/Internet
The Seychelles have 2 mobile networks: Airtel (Telecom) and Cable and Wireless. A tri-band is sufficient.
Language
Creole, English and French
Telephone
The country code is 248
Time
Depending on our summer or winter time the time zone can vary between GMT +3 or GMT +4. The Seychelles do not have summer or winter time.
Tips
Service is included in most purchases (restaurants, hotels, taxis, etc…) (between 5% and 10%). Extra tipping is entirely at your discretion.
If you would like to mix a blissful relax in Seychellois paradise and discover wild animals such as giraffes, leopards or elephants you could not find anything better. In Kenya we invite you to a safari during which your adrenaline level will go through the roof! It will be our pleasure to take you there, as long as you’re brave enough…
Our suggestion is 8 days Kenia Safari + 7 days Seychelles sailing.