Photo: Michael Held / Unsplash
Seychelles
Sailing yacht charter in the Seychelles
A Beneteau monohull for guests who want to actually sail, not just shuttle between beaches.
Sailing yacht charter in the Seychelles is for people who care about the sailing itself. Unlike a catamaran, a monohull heels to the breeze, answers the helm and turns the run from Mahé to Praslin into a proper little passage, and the skipper is happy to hand you the wheel and show you how the sails are trimmed.
The Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 is a 14.6-metre French yacht for ten guests by day, with up to four cabins overnight. A tender for beach landings, a bimini for shade and masks and snorkels are aboard. It is the most affordable way to spend a week in the Inner Islands, since the base rate usually covers only the yacht and skipper.
It suits couples, friends who already sail and families with older children who do not mind a bit of heel. Anyone who values deck space and stability at anchor over the feel of a boat under sail should look at the catamarans instead.
Sailing yachts in the Seychelles
What it costs
The lowest indicative prices among the yachts of this type on this page.
- Full day
- from €1,000 / day
- Week-long charter
- from €5,000 / week
Indicative "from" market prices for this destination. The exact price depends on dates, duration and the specific yacht, and comes in your personal quote.
Usually included
- The yacht and an experienced skipper
- A tender for getting ashore
- A bimini over the cockpit
- Snorkelling gear
Usually extra
- Groceries, water and drinks for the week
- Diesel for the engine and generator
- Marine park fees and mooring charges
- A host if you would rather not cook
Exact inclusions depend on the yacht and are always listed in your written offer.
Where you go
The yacht usually departs Eden Island Marina on Mahé, sometimes Praslin. A typical week means a crossing to Praslin, a night off Anse Lazio, snorkelling at St Pierre islet, Curieuse's tortoises and a day on La Digue. The leg between Mahé and Praslin is usually sailed, while short hops between neighbouring islands take a couple of hours.
Marinas
- Eden Island Marina (Mahé)
- Victoria (Mahé)
- Baie Sainte Anne (Praslin)
When to go
Keen sailors love June to September, when the southeast trade wind blows harder and the yacht really moves. If you prefer flat water, April–May and October–November are the better pick. The yacht is usually chartered by the week, with day sails from Mahé also available.
Sailing yacht charter in the Seychelles: FAQ
Do we need experience to charter a sailing yacht in the Seychelles?
No, the skipper sails the boat. Anyone keen can learn to handle the sails and take the helm, but joining in is entirely optional.
How many people can come?
Up to ten guests by day. For a week, up to four cabins comfortably sleep two or three couples or a family.
Will a monohull make us seasick?
A monohull heels and rolls more than a catamaran, particularly from June to September. If you are prone to seasickness, go in April–May or October–November and pack a remedy.
Why is it cheaper than a catamaran?
It is smaller and simpler to run, and the base charter usually covers just the yacht and skipper. Food, fuel and fees are added on top, so the total depends on your plans.