Created in the early 70s, Sainte-Anne Marine Park has been protected and sculpted to perfection. Just 5 km off the coast of Mahé, this watersports paradise boasts six islands and reefs of every possible shape, size and color. While water sports are of course a priority, every effort is made to protect the area and its wildlife. Fishing and waterskiing are prohibited, but snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking are world-class. Coral gardens, turtles and fish, as well as over 75 species of flora, make for a fascinating aquatic safari. Dolphins and reef sharks are also regular explorers in these waters. The best snorkeling sites are to be found in the Sainte-Anne channel, where visibility is like a mirror and there's never a shortage of characters to rub shoulders with.
Silhouette Island, one of the most isolated islands in the Seychelles, has just a handful of residents, a single resort and vast wilderness. In fact, the island is 90% nature park, which means that protected corners can be found at every turn. From hiking trails and white-sand beaches to cinnamon trees and giant tortoises, everything on these shores seems to have been sculpted from a dream. Grab a snorkel and dive into the warm, inviting shades of blue, where curious parrotfish, rays and white-tip sharks get up close and personal. Silhouette Island is also a prime nesting ground for turtles and, thanks to a specialized research center, you can gain in-depth knowledge of these ancient and wise creatures.
With its fiery red earth and natural coco del mar forest, Curieuse is a curious little island hidden away in the Seychelles. The smallest of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, Curieuse measures less than 3 square meters, but its name already encapsulates so much history and beauty. Between 1829 and 1965, it was a leper colony, and you can still see a collection of stone buildings used to house the residents.
Today, the island is the focus of ongoing conservation work to protect the fragile ecosystem of natural coconut forests and the colony of giant tortoises. On the neighboring island of Praslin, you'll find one of the world's best beaches at Anse Lazio. Rocks, Takamaka trees, a beachside restaurant and blue and white tones set the scene for days of sand and salt water.
Despite being the second largest island in the Seychelles, Praslin is sparsely populated. On arrival, you'll see a jungle-covered mountain ridge rising from the ocean, with a few low-lying houses and a tiny jetty. The typical tropical island triad of sun, sea and sand is a major attraction, but there are also botanical wonders, amazing birdlife and the slow pace of traditional Seychellois island life.
For charter guests who dream of swimming alongside sea turtles, Cocos and Felicite islands are a must. This small selection of islets lies a few miles north of La Digue, in the gentle Seychelles archipelago. Cocos Island is a prime snorkeling spot. With its crystal-clear waters and hundreds of turtles, it's the perfect place to drop anchor and dive into the perfect shades of blue. A little further on is Felicite Island. A vision of forest and granite, this island was once a coconut plantation, but has been transformed into an intimate resort. Part of a protected marine park, you can snorkel and dive in pristine surroundings, with only a few boats for company, as other sailors are seduced by the rich aquatic life and native turtles.
La Digue, the smallest island in the Seychelles, is the laid-back sister of the larger Seychelles islands of Mahé and Praslin. Planters and flowerpots overflow with flowers and Creole houses nestle under papaya trees. Wooden pirogues float in the bay and fishermen stroll along the road with sticks on which fish are hung. This is authentic Seychelles island life.
Fregate, a private island in the Seychelles, is a true source of inspiration. It's a land of fantasy brimming with five-star style. This idyllic resort boasts a handful of private villas and is home to one of the world's best beaches. Perfectly named, the island is also an essential nesting ground for frigatebirds and a heavenly refuge for Aldabra's giant tortoises. For charter guests looking to reconcile absolute luxury with the company of some of Seychelles' most exciting wildlife, Fregate is sure to strike a chord. Days are spent hiking the atmospheric trails and snorkeling the pristine waters, and evenings are spent sampling organic dishes and watching the shooting stars thunder overhead.
The Seychelles have over 115 islands, of which the magical Mahé is the largest. Covered in palm trees, powdery beaches, rocky outcrops and unrivalled natural beauty, Mahé has a purely tropical ambience. For those who want to soak up Mahé's best beach, be sure to head east, where Beau Vallon seduces with its incredibly clear waters and warm, sunlit sands. Mahé also boasts a number of superb hiking trails. For lovers of beautiful walks, you can take refuge in the cool interior and wander through fragrant cloud forests. Beyond the beach and forests, Mahé is also rich in local encounters and culture. From buzzing markets to the bustling capital of Victoria, there's no shortage of Creole color to entertain you.