A catamaran charter is the most immersive way to see Seychelles, anchoring off beaches no road reaches. Choose a skippered charter (a crew handles everything, best for most people), a bareboat charter (you sail it yourself, needs a qualified skipper in your group), or a cabin charter (book one cabin on a shared boat, the most affordable). Most charters cruise the sheltered inner islands around Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. The calm months of April and October to November give the gentlest sailing. Always confirm exactly what the package includes before booking.
There is a way to see Seychelles that turns the islands themselves into the journey, waking up in a different anchorage each morning, swimming off the back of the boat before breakfast, and reaching coves and reefs that no road and no day boat can touch. A catamaran charter is the most immersive way to experience the archipelago, and it is more accessible than most people assume. Here is how it works.
Why sail Seychelles
The inner islands sit close together in warm, sheltered, reef-strewn water, which makes them near-perfect for sailing. Distances between anchorages are short, the scenery is constant, and you can drop anchor off a beach that would take a special boat trip to reach otherwise. For snorkellers, divers and anyone who loves the water, a few days afloat is the highlight of highlights.
The three ways to charter
Skippered charter
You hire the catamaran with a professional skipper, and often a cook or host as well. You decide the rhythm, they handle the sailing, navigation and the local knowledge of where to anchor. This is the easy, relaxed choice and ideal if no one in your group is a qualified sailor.
Bareboat charter
You charter the boat and sail it yourselves. This requires a qualified, experienced skipper in your party with the right sailing credentials, and confidence in these waters. It offers total freedom and is the most economical per head if you have the skills.
Cabin charter
You book a single cabin on a catamaran shared with other guests, joining a set route with a skipper and crew. It is the most affordable way to try a sailing trip, and a sociable one, without chartering a whole boat.
| Charter type | Best for | You need |
|---|---|---|
| Skippered | Most travellers, families, couples | Nothing, the crew handles it |
| Bareboat | Experienced sailing groups | A qualified skipper in your party |
| Cabin | Solo travellers, couples on a budget | Flexibility to join a set route |
Inner islands or outer islands?
Most charters cruise the inner islands, the granite cluster around Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, taking in Curieuse, Cousin, St Pierre and quiet anchorages along the way. It is sheltered, scenic and rich in snorkelling, and a few days is enough to feel transported. The outer islands, the remote Amirantes and the legendary Aldabra atoll far to the southwest, are a different and far bigger undertaking, the realm of long expeditions and serious fishing and diving trips, reached only by extended charters.
What is usually included
Charters vary, so check carefully, but a skippered trip typically includes the boat, the crew, fuel within a cruising range, and often catering or half-board. Watch for what is extra, such as park fees, certain provisions, and outer-anchorage surcharges. Always confirm exactly what your package covers before you book rather than assuming.
When to sail
The calm transition months of April and October to November bring the lightest winds and glassiest seas, ideal for a gentle, swim-everywhere trip. The southeast trade-wind months from May to September bring steadier breezes that sailors enjoy but choppier water on exposed legs. Match the season to whether you want serene anchorages or proper sailing.
How to choose and book
Decide first whether you want skippered, bareboat or cabin, then the route and the season, then the boat. A good charter is a significant booking, so plan ahead, confirm the inclusions in writing, and base yourself on Mahe or Praslin for the start. Pair the sail with a few nights on land first, and browse our directory for where to stay either side of your time afloat.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charter a catamaran in Seychelles?
It varies widely by boat size, season, crew and route, so request a detailed quote and confirm the inclusions. A shared cabin charter is the most affordable way in, while a private skippered or bareboat charter costs more but suits a whole group.
What is the difference between skippered and bareboat charter?
A skippered charter comes with a professional crew who handle the sailing, ideal if no one in your group is a qualified sailor. A bareboat charter you sail yourselves, which needs an experienced, credentialed skipper in your party.
When is the best time to sail in Seychelles?
The calm transition months of April and October to November bring the lightest winds and glassiest seas for a gentle trip. The southeast trade winds from May to September suit those who want steadier sailing breezes.
Should you sail the inner or outer islands of Seychelles?
Most charters cruise the sheltered, scenic inner islands around Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, perfect for a few days. The remote outer islands and Aldabra are a far bigger expedition, reached only by long specialist charters.
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