 Seychelles : Profile
The Seychelles number over 100 islands, some granite, others coral atolls including one of the world's largest atolls, Aldabra. This is now a world heritage site and permission to visit it must be obtained in Mahé. Having been uninhabited by man until 200 years ago, the islands are rich in unique wildlife, such as the giant land tortoise, many species of birds, strange plants such as the giant Coco de Mer, and untouched forests. Mahé, La Digue and Praslin have all been developed for foreign visitors to enjoy these natural advantages, but the number of tourists is kept controlled. The anchorages at La Digue and Praslin Islands are particularly striking and one of the chief attractions on the latter is Baie St Anne, with its thousands of Coco de Mer palms, some of them reputedly 800 years old. The strict controls imposed on cruising yachts in the early 1990s have been gradually lifted and formalities are no longer so complicated, although some restrictions remain in force. Most of these are meant to protect this truly unique environment. With the increase in the number of cruising yachts visiting the Seychelles and also because some charter boats are based there, facilities are steadily improving. All repair services are concentrated in Victoria, where there are several boatyards with slipways. Two new marinas have opened on Mahe, as bases for charter operations but with facilities available to visiting yachts.
Water and refuelling facilities are available on the Islands of Praslin
and La Digue.
Sailing vessels visiting Praslin or La Digue and wishing to make use of
the facilities available at the jetty at Baie Ste. Anne or La Passe
should contact the islands Pier Master - preferably 24 hours in advance
or contact either jetty on VHF Channel 16 upon arrival. For overnight
mooring please also contact the relevant Pier Master.
Pier Master - Baie Ste Anne Jetty
Baie Ste Anne, Praslin - Tel/fax +248 23 24 34
Pier Master - La Passe Jetty
La Passe, La Digue - Tel/Fax +248 22 43 00
The climate is tropical, but outside of the cyclone belt. Temperatures average 75-86°F (24-30°C). The NW monsoon lasts from November to April, while from March it is hotter and the winds are lighter until the SEmonsoon sets in from May to October.
Port Victoria (Mahe)
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*Indicates a port of entry.
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Related ReportsWorld Cruising Handbook Corrections & Additions: South Indian Ocean (14 Mar 2008) Seychelles to Red Sea (14 Feb 2008) Routing From East Africa To Med (17 Jan 2008) Thailand to Seychelles (01 Nov 2007) Cruising From Seychelles To Red Sea (01 Nov 2006) Egypt, Yemen, Eritrea and Seychelles Update (13 Sep 2005) World Cruising Handbook Corrections January to July 2004 (18 Dec 2004) Website for Cape of Good Hope cruising route (31 Dec 2001) Update on Aldabra Atoll (17 Aug 2001) Related NewsBrunei Bay Radio Services (06 Jan 2002)
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