Mahe is the hub of Seychelles charter sailing, the largest island in the archipelago and the departure point for voyages to Praslin, La Digue and the extraordinary outer island chains that extend south-west across the Indian Ocean toward Aldabra. Five motor yachts are based in or regularly operating from Mahe, ranging from day-range cruisers suited to the inner islands to expedition-capable vessels that can reach the Amirantes and beyond. The combination of granite rock formations, coral reef and emerald jungle inland makes the immediate waters among the most photogenic in the Indian Ocean.
Charter rates for motor yachts based in Mahe typically run from 75,000 to 250,000 euros per week before the advance provisioning allowance of around 30 percent, which covers fuel, provisions and port fees at the various Seychelles marine parks. The year-round charter season divides broadly between the north-west monsoon from November to March and the south-east trade wind season from May to October. April and October are transitional months with variable conditions.
Most Mahe itineraries head north-east on departure, calling at Sainte Anne Marine National Park in the channel between Mahe and Cerf Island before moving to Praslin and La Digue, the classic inner island circuit. Further south, the Amirantes group offers outstanding diving at Desroches Island and the outer atolls, while the most ambitious voyages push on to Alphonse, Cosmoledo and ultimately Aldabra, one of the most restricted and remarkable destinations in the world.
