Tropical Charms of the Seychelles

Sainte Anne Island is encircled by a Marine National Park that’s home to incredible marine life including more than 150 species of fish. Sainte Anne is also a significant nesting site for Hawksbill turtles.Late in the morning, you’ll sail to Cousin, a small island renowned as a haven for seabirds. The granitic islet was a private property until 1968 when it was purchased by the International Council for Bird Preservation to transform it into a nature reserve. It’s the most protected island in the archipelago, providing a breeding ground for 11 seabird species annually and a habitat for five birds native to the Seychelles.  Later, you will sail to Praslin to stay overnight.

Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles, is visually stunning with tropical jungle-fringed beaches, emerald waters and powdery sand. Anse Lazio beach has been voted one of the world’s best several times and there’s a dazzling reef just offshore brimming with coral and marine life. On land, coconut palms and granite boulders create a picture-postcard landscape. In the centre of the island, discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve.

Early in the morning, set sail for La Digue Island, the smallest of the three populated islands in the Seychelles. Like Praslin Island, it is also fringed by world-famous beaches. One of the most recognisable is Anse Source d'Argent – it has pink-hued sands contrasting with granite boulders and aquamarine waters. Sail to Curieuse later in the evening.

Curieuse is a rugged island swathed in unspoilt wilderness and home to hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises. Apart from its obvious natural beauty, it has a fascinating history. The island was once a quarantine station, and the original French colonial doctor’s house now has a museum and visitor’s centre. Nature trails wind through the island, passing mangrove swamps and the native coco de mer palm trees.

Early in the morning, sail to the lush, green island of Aride, a nature reserve managed by the International Conservation Society. Nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers flock to this island, where more than 30 rare bird species nest in the verdant vegetation. The landscape is enticing with fine-sand beaches, coconut palms and soaring cliffs. 

Return to Mahé for the final days of your voyage.  The capital city, Victoria, was founded in the French settler period in 1778 and named later by the British for Queen Victoria. The island of Mahé has pristine beaches dotted with huge rocks and tranquil nature trails threaded through the Morne Seychellois National Park.

Your Emerald Cruises voyage concludes here. From the yacht, you will be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to continue your holiday. Please book your flight to depart out of Mahé, Seychelles after 11:00 AM.The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary states above.