The Seychelles Sailing Cruise (May to October)

<p>Isolated in the Indian Ocean and the only mid-ocean islands of granite formation to be found on earth, the Seychelles archipelago is often mentioned in the same breath as the lost 'Garden of Eden.' The highest peaks of a submerged mountain range that broke apart from the supercontinent of Gondwana millions of years ago, the Seychelles' inner islands are the most ancient islands on earth - no other mid-ocean isles of granite formation can be found anywhere else. This curious geological feature was one of several curiosities about the islands that led the famed British General, Charles Gordon, to declare Seychelles the site of the biblical Garden of Eden. Situated some 1,500 kilometers east of mainland Africa, and northeast of the island of Madagascar, this tiny island group boasts a population of just 90,000 inhabitants, with a warm, tropical climate all year-round and some of the most stunningly beautiful beaches in the world. Mah&eacute;, the largest island, is home to the majority of the population and represents the archipelago's commercial and transportation hub, with the country's only international airport linking the islands to the rest of the globe. The island is characterised by its towering granite peaks, lush mist forests and dozens of striking coves and beaches.</p>
<p>The second largest island, Praslin, is home to the legendary Vall&eacute;e de Mai, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Coco de Mer grows in abundance. This double coconut, which curiously resembles the shape of a woman's pelvis, was another facet of General Gordon's theory about Seychelles as the Garden of Eden - he believed it to be the real forbidden fruit. La Digue, the third-most populous island, moves at an even slower pace: bicycles remain the most common mode of transportation, for both its residents and visiting tourists. The huge granite boulders that adorn the coastline at Anse Source D'Argent have led some to believe that it could very well be the most photographed beach in the world. While Mah&eacute;, Praslin and La Digue may be the principal islands, dozens of smaller 'satellite' isles nearby offer further opportunity to explore and admire. Every island has a character and charm all of its own, with colorful individual histories and unique natural features, some with steep granite cliffs and others comprising pristine coral atolls. Together, they make up a surprisingly diverse destination of great natural beauty, rare flora and fauna that have been cocooned in isolation for millions of years, and a friendly multi-cultural people eager to welcome you to their shores.</p>
<p>Your safety and comfort are our highest priority. In the event of adverse conditions, all itineraries are subject to change at the captain&rsquo;s discretion. Be sure to bring plenty of coral reef safe sun-screen, a cap or hat and sunglasses - Seychelles is generally warm and sunny throughout the year and the sun&rsquo;s rays can be especially impactful onboard the vessel, due to the reflection from the sea. Bring suitable footwear for walking on deck and on the beach, as well as in shallow water (some island visits require embarking &amp; disembarking from dinghies in shallow water).</p>
<p>There are numerous opportunities to dive on most days of the itinerary, and we can also conduct introductory dives for novices and PADI Open Water certification courses. Contact us for dive rates and equipment rental fees.</p>

Optional extras & upgrades

Diving - available at extra charge onboard. From &euro;40 EUR There are numerous opportunities to dive on most days of the itinerary, and we can also conduct introductory dives for novices and PADI Open Water certification courses. Contact us for dive rates and equipment rental fees. Each Day's First Dive: Euro 40 / Subsequent Dives: Euro 20 e.g. for 2 dives in a day the charge would be Euro 60 per day. Full diving equipment rental - Euro 10 per piece or Euro 30 for full set (per day). Introductory dive (1 to 1 with instructor) - Euro 70 per dive. 8 dive package - Euro 158 not including equipment hire. All extras onboard are excluding 15% Seychelles Government Tax/VAT except for conservation fee

PADI Open Water Courses Please contact us for more details.

• Diving and snorkelling in the Seychelles reveal the best of the magical underwater world that the Indian Ocean has to offer. Unique granite boulder formations, coral reefs and wrecks are home to colourful tropical fish, turtles, sharks, rays and many other species. Some of the best dive sites in Seychelles’ inner islands are easily accessible on our cruises. Each vessel is certified as a PADI dive resort, and has a dedicated PADI dive instructor onboard to accommodate the needs of both seasoned and novice divers alike.

• All of our cruises include complimentary equipment for kayaking and snorkelling (masks and fins). We also offer the opportunity to enjoy traditional bottom-line fishing in certain areas, with our chef ready to prepare fresh Seychelles-style sashimi or grilled fish in the event of a successful catch.

• For Sailing enthusiasts Sea Star and Sea Bird feature a modern furling system.

• Each day onboard presents a new opportunity to explore isolated bays and coves, colourful marine parks, and protected nature reserves or uninhabited islands. Spotting the incredibly rare Magpie Robin and other endemic birds, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallee de Mai, or getting up close and personal with a giant tortoise, are just a few of the many special experiences that await on the islands we visit.