Tropical Charms of the Seychelles

Like jade-coloured jewels in the Indian Ocean, the more than 100 Seychelles Islands are often regarded as the Garden of Eden. Lying just four degrees south of the equator, the Seychelles are some 1,000 miles (1,610 km) from the nearest mainland Africa. Little more than 200 years ago, all 115 islands were uninhabited. Then in 1742 a French ship dispatched from Mauritius sailed into one of the small bays. Captain Lazare Picault was the first to explore these unnamed islands. He encountered breathtaking vistas of rugged mountains, lagoons, coral atolls, splendid beaches and secluded coves. After Picault sailed away, the islands remained untouched for the next 14 years. Then France took possession of the seven islands in the Mahé group. During an expedition Captain Morphey named them the Sechelles, in honour of Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles. This name was later anglicised to Seychelles. The first settlers arrived at St. Anne’s Island in 1770; 15 years later the population of Mahé consisted of seven Europeans and 123 slaves. Today there are about 80,000 Seychellois, the majority of whom live on Mahé; the rest are scattered in small communities throughout the archipelago. The people are a fusion of three continents – Africa, Asia and Europe. This has created a unique culture and the use of three languages – Creole, French and English. Mahé is the largest island in the archipelago and the location of the capital, Victoria. Ringed by steep, magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop. The town features a mixture of modern and indigenous architecture; it is the centre of business and commerce thanks to the extensive port facilities. Noteworthy sites in Victoria are the museum, cathedral, government house, clock tower, botanical gardens and an open-air market. The major attractions are found outside of town where the island’s quiet, lazy atmosphere delights visitors. With 68 pristine, white sand beaches, Mahé boasts more beaches and tourist facilities than any of the other Seychelles Islands. Beautiful and remote Mahé with its green-clad mountains and palm-fringed beaches is indeed an island of abundance; pleasant surprises are around every bend in the trail. Come ashore and discover for yourself this marvellous island paradise.

Your tropical cruise begins in Mahé island, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your discovery of the Seychelles. In the evening, we sail to Sainte Anne Channel. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Mahé, Seychelles prior to 01:00 PM.

Docked: 17:45

Sainte Anne Island is encircled by a Marine National Park, home to incredible marine life including more than 150 species of fish. Sainte Anne is now a significant nesting site for Hawksbill turtles.  

Late morning, we 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 eleven sea bird species annually and a habitat for five birds native to the Seychelles. We stay overnight in Praslin. 

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Visit to Moyenne Island (extra expense, must be pre-booked) 
Step ashore on enchanting Moyenne Island, located within the protected waters of Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Once a neglected island, Moyenne was lovingly restored by former newspaper editor Brendon Grimshaw, who transformed it into a flourishing nature reserve and sanctuary for wildlife. After transfer by dinghy from the ship, guests enjoy a guided walking tour along scenic trails that wind through native vegetation and shaded pathways. Meet the island’s resident giant tortoises, discover educational displays detailing Moyenne’s fascinating conservation story, and take in spectacular views across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This tranquil escape offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Seychelles’ smallest national parks, rich in history and biodiversity, before returning by dinghy to the ship. 
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes 

Included Excursion
Cousin Island Birding Hike
Discover the extraordinary biodiversity of Cousin Island, a legally protected Special Reserve under Seychelles law. Managed for conservation, research, and carefully controlled ecotourism, Cousin is a sanctuary where wildlife protection takes absolute priority. Guests are transferred by small island boats directly onto the beach—an impressive landing manoeuvre designed to prevent the accidental introduction of pests and preserve the island’s fragile ecosystem. Upon arrival, visitors are divided into small groups and guided by one of the Reserve’s expert Wardens, who provide fascinating insight into the island’s rare birdlife, endemic species, and ongoing conservation efforts.The guided walk lasts approximately two hours and offers a flatter, smoother path suitable for guests preferring a gentler experience. After the walk, guests return to the beach for staggered departures back to the ship.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Anchored: 19:00 (previous day) – 11:30 | 14:00 – 18:00  

Sainte Anne Island is encircled by a Marine National Park, home to incredible marine life including more than 150 species of fish. Sainte Anne is now a significant nesting site for Hawksbill turtles.  

Late morning, we 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 eleven sea bird species annually and a habitat for five birds native to the Seychelles. We stay overnight in Praslin. 

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Moyenne Island (extra expense, must be pre-booked) 
Step ashore on enchanting Moyenne Island, located within the protected waters of Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Once a neglected island, Moyenne was lovingly restored by former newspaper editor Brendon Grimshaw, who transformed it into a flourishing nature reserve and sanctuary for wildlife. After transfer by dinghy from the ship, guests enjoy a guided walking tour along scenic trails that wind through native vegetation and shaded pathways. Meet the island’s resident giant tortoises, discover educational displays detailing Moyenne’s fascinating conservation story, and take in spectacular views across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This tranquil escape offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Seychelles’ smallest national parks, rich in history and biodiversity, before returning by dinghy to the ship. 
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes 

Included Excursion
Cousin Island Birding Hike
Discover the extraordinary biodiversity of Cousin Island, a legally protected Special Reserve under Seychelles law. Managed for conservation, research, and carefully controlled ecotourism, Cousin is a sanctuary where wildlife protection takes absolute priority. Guests are transferred by small island boats directly onto the beach—an impressive landing manoeuvre designed to prevent the accidental introduction of pests and preserve the island’s fragile ecosystem. Upon arrival, visitors are divided into small groups and guided by one of the Reserve’s expert Wardens, who provide fascinating insight into the island’s rare birdlife, endemic species, and ongoing conservation efforts.The guided walk lasts approximately two hours and offers a flatter, smoother path suitable for guests preferring a gentler experience. After the walk, guests return to the beach for staggered departures back to the ship.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Anchored: 19:00 (previous day) – 11:30 | 14:00 – 18:00  

Forty kilometers (25 miles) northeast of Mahé, Praslin is just a 15-minute flight or 45-minute ferry ride away. Praslin, at 11 km (7 miles) long and 4 km (2.5 miles) wide, is the second-largest island in the Seychelles. First settled as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants, the island’s original name, Isle de Palmes, bears testament to its reputation as home of the Vallée de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site: the only place in the world where the famous Coco de Mer, the world’s heaviest nut, grows abundantly in the wild. Praslin’s endemic palm forests shelter many rare species, and the island is a major bird-watching destination. Surrounded by a coral reef, majestic bays, and gorgeous beaches, Praslin is much quieter and less developed than Mahé. With few real “sights,” the pleasures of Praslin largely involve relaxing in or exploring its stunning beaches and fantastical forests.

La Digue Island is an island like no other. It is the smallest of the three populated islands in the Seychelles, but the tranquillity will make it feel like you’re the only one there.

The stunning surroundings should be soaked up from cycling through the vanilla plantations to lying on the white-sandy beaches, your time on La Digue should be cherished.

There is a little more to do on La Digue compared to the smaller, uninhabited islands where you can enjoy full moon tours, surfing and snorkelling with a local.

Curieuse is a rugged island swathed in unspoilt wilderness and home to hundreds of resident Aldabra giant tortoises. Apart from its obvious natural beauty, it has a fascinating history. It was once a quarantine station, and the original French colonial doctor’s house has a museum and visitor’s centre.

EmeraldACTIVE
Curieuse Island Hiking Exploration 
Discover the wild beauty of Curieuse Island, a small granitic island located just off the north coast of Praslin. Renowned for its striking red earth and rare endemic flora, Curieuse offers an authentic nature experience within a protected marine park. Arriving by boat at Baie Laraie, guests are greeted by the island’s iconic giant Aldabra tortoises, roaming freely near the shore. The excursion continues with a one-hour guided nature trail from Baie Laraie to Anse José, where you will discover mangrove ecosystems and endemic plant species, including the legendary Coco de Mer, a cultural symbol of Seychelles found naturally only on neighbouring islands. Upon arrival at Anse José, visit the historic Doctor’s House, once a colonial residence and now a small museum, followed by time to relax on the beach before returning by boat to the ship. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes 

Anchored: 19:30 (previous day) – 06:00 (next day) 

Early in the morning, we sail to Aride, a nature reserve in the Indian Ocean. Nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers flock to this island, where more than thirty rare bird species nest in the verdant vegetation. The landscape is enticing with fine-sand beaches, coconut palms and soaring cliffs. 

Included Excursion
Forest Walk
Discover the natural wonders of Aride Island on this scenic coastal exploration. Guests are transferred by small island boats from the ship to the island, arriving ashore to begin a guided walk led by island rangers. This walk focuses on the island’s shoreline ecosystem, offering insight into native flora and fauna while enjoying spectacular ocean views. Following the trail walk, guests continue with a guided stroll along the beach, where there is an opportunity to learn about the island’s turtles and their conservation. 
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 

Anchored: 07:30 – 12:30

Like jade-coloured jewels in the Indian Ocean, the more than 100 Seychelles Islands are often regarded as the Garden of Eden. Lying just four degrees south of the equator, the Seychelles are some 1,000 miles (1,610 km) from the nearest mainland Africa. Little more than 200 years ago, all 115 islands were uninhabited. Then in 1742 a French ship dispatched from Mauritius sailed into one of the small bays. Captain Lazare Picault was the first to explore these unnamed islands. He encountered breathtaking vistas of rugged mountains, lagoons, coral atolls, splendid beaches and secluded coves. After Picault sailed away, the islands remained untouched for the next 14 years. Then France took possession of the seven islands in the Mahé group. During an expedition Captain Morphey named them the Sechelles, in honour of Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles. This name was later anglicised to Seychelles. The first settlers arrived at St. Anne’s Island in 1770; 15 years later the population of Mahé consisted of seven Europeans and 123 slaves. Today there are about 80,000 Seychellois, the majority of whom live on Mahé; the rest are scattered in small communities throughout the archipelago. The people are a fusion of three continents – Africa, Asia and Europe. This has created a unique culture and the use of three languages – Creole, French and English. Mahé is the largest island in the archipelago and the location of the capital, Victoria. Ringed by steep, magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop. The town features a mixture of modern and indigenous architecture; it is the centre of business and commerce thanks to the extensive port facilities. Noteworthy sites in Victoria are the museum, cathedral, government house, clock tower, botanical gardens and an open-air market. The major attractions are found outside of town where the island’s quiet, lazy atmosphere delights visitors. With 68 pristine, white sand beaches, Mahé boasts more beaches and tourist facilities than any of the other Seychelles Islands. Beautiful and remote Mahé with its green-clad mountains and palm-fringed beaches is indeed an island of abundance; pleasant surprises are around every bend in the trail. Come ashore and discover for yourself this marvellous island paradise.

Like jade-coloured jewels in the Indian Ocean, the more than 100 Seychelles Islands are often regarded as the Garden of Eden. Lying just four degrees south of the equator, the Seychelles are some 1,000 miles (1,610 km) from the nearest mainland Africa. Little more than 200 years ago, all 115 islands were uninhabited. Then in 1742 a French ship dispatched from Mauritius sailed into one of the small bays. Captain Lazare Picault was the first to explore these unnamed islands. He encountered breathtaking vistas of rugged mountains, lagoons, coral atolls, splendid beaches and secluded coves. After Picault sailed away, the islands remained untouched for the next 14 years. Then France took possession of the seven islands in the Mahé group. During an expedition Captain Morphey named them the Sechelles, in honour of Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles. This name was later anglicised to Seychelles. The first settlers arrived at St. Anne’s Island in 1770; 15 years later the population of Mahé consisted of seven Europeans and 123 slaves. Today there are about 80,000 Seychellois, the majority of whom live on Mahé; the rest are scattered in small communities throughout the archipelago. The people are a fusion of three continents – Africa, Asia and Europe. This has created a unique culture and the use of three languages – Creole, French and English. Mahé is the largest island in the archipelago and the location of the capital, Victoria. Ringed by steep, magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop. The town features a mixture of modern and indigenous architecture; it is the centre of business and commerce thanks to the extensive port facilities. Noteworthy sites in Victoria are the museum, cathedral, government house, clock tower, botanical gardens and an open-air market. The major attractions are found outside of town where the island’s quiet, lazy atmosphere delights visitors. With 68 pristine, white sand beaches, Mahé boasts more beaches and tourist facilities than any of the other Seychelles Islands. Beautiful and remote Mahé with its green-clad mountains and palm-fringed beaches is indeed an island of abundance; pleasant surprises are around every bend in the trail. Come ashore and discover for yourself this marvellous island paradise.