A Burgess charter to Seychelles

With white sand beaches fringed with giant boulders and palm trees, the Seychelles is a paradise. Located in the Indian Ocean off East Africa, the Seychelles has more than 100 islands to explore by charter yacht.

In fact, these islands have hosted some of the world's largest and most famous superyachts in recent years. A Seychelles yacht charter offers the ultimate tropical experience. From hiking to scenic viewpoints, to diving in crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches, we explore the top 10 things to do on a luxury yacht charter in the Seychelles.  

Curieuse

The island of Curieuse wows with beaches framed by enormous granite boulders and kissed by calm turquoise waters. Along with giant boulders, the island is home to giant tortoises. More than 200 tortoises can be seen at the The Curieuse Marine National Park, a protected park on the island where you can interact with these gentle giants. There’s plenty more to explore here as well. From Anse St Jose beach, embark on a winding trail that leads up through dense mangrove forests, passing by the crumbling creole architecture of ruins from a former colony. Then in the afternoon, take to the sea to explore the Coral Garden or Pointe Rouge — a must for divers and snorkelers. 

Cousin Island

Nature lovers and bird watchers should flock to Cousin Island, which since 1998 has been managed as a protected nature reserve by Nature Seychelles. Take part in a guided tour of the island, led by one of the reserves wardens who will give you an insider’s look into Cousin’s unique biodiversity. The Seychelles has nearly a dozen bird species that you’ll only find on these islands, and five them can be spotted on Cousin Island. Look for the tiny Seychelles sunbird or the resplendent blue plumage and red face of the Seychelles blue fruit dove.  

St Pierre

Island hopping further, you’ll arrive at St Pierre Island. This small, uninhabited island is encircled by ridge-like vertical boulders. You are t allowed to land on the island, but the real reason for being here is what’s below the surface. The rocky coast of the island make it a popular snorkelling spot with the chance to swim among schools of tropical fish, from bright blue tang to neon yellow-striped surgeonfish. 

Anse Source d’Argent

Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue island in the Seychelles is one of the most-photographed beaches in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Here you’ll find a long stretch of powder-fine sand scattered with the Seychelles iconic boulders and shaded by swaying coconut palms. Accessible by tender, on a private yacht charter in the Seychelles your crew can drop you off to explore this beach.  

Anse Georgette

Only accessible by boat or by hiking the Mont Plaisir to Anse Goergette Nature Trail, Anse Georgette is one of the Seychelles' truly untouched beaches. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, you can bask on the beach, swim in the clear-blue waters or even hike up through lush vegetation on the surrounding hillsides to enjoy a lofty vista of the beach below - and admire your Seychelles yacht rental moored in the sea offshore.  

Anse Lazio

Anse Lazio on the island of Praslin has been dubbed one of the best beaches in the Seychelles, thanks to its perfect combination of white-sand beaches and bright blue water. On this long arc of beach, the sea is usually calm — it’s a lovely and safe place for people of all ages to swim, making it ideal for families enjoying a luxury yacht charter in the Seychelles.  

Anse Cocos

Another beach whose beauty you need to earn in order to enjoy. Anse Coscos on the eastern show of La Digue can only be reached on a 30-minute trek through the jungle to reach its pristine shores. Of course, the work-around is arriving by tender, as long as the weather conditions allow. Time your visit right, and you might be the only souls exploring this wild beach

Copolia Trail

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Copolia Nature Trail is a three-hour round-trip hike delving deep into the heart Morne Seychellois National Park. You will navigate around boulders, weave through dense ironwood forests and even ascend a ladder at one point. Keep an eye out for fascinating species, such as carnivorous pitcher plants, wild vanilla orchids and the Seychelles warbler. The hike rewards you with a stunning viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of Victoria, Eden Island and Sainte Anne Marine Park sprawled below. 

Morne Blanc

This short yet challenging hike leads you to a viewpoint taking in views from its 218m elevation gain. The start of the trail winds through a former tea plantation ensconced in low-land forests that feel more like a botanical garden adorned in a wide array of endemic plants. The trail rises steeply, giving you a continuous vertical climb until you reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view stretching from Port Launay to Anse La Mouche.  

Takamaka Beach 

A low-key yet beautiful hike in the Seychelles is the route from Takamaka Beach to Rock Pool. This fairly easy route follows a 2.3 km out-and-back trail starting near Pointe Au Sel, Au Cap. It typically takes around 35 minutes to finish. Due to its popularity, expect to encounter fellow hikers along the way. At the end you’ll find a tempting rock pool, but it’s just to admire its beauty as swimming in here isn’t recommended. 

Marie Antoinette

To experience authentic Seychellois creole cuisine, visit Marine Antoinette restaurant on Mahe Island. Housed in a sprawling wood-and-iron mansion that stands as a testament to bygone eras, Marine Antoinettes is the oldest restaurant in the Seychelles. Fragrant curry scents drift through the air vibrant bird of paradise flowers and lace tablecloths adorn the pretty open-air dining spaces. 

Del Place  

Set on the west coast of Mahe in Port-Glaud, Del Place serves up scenic views along with a chic atmosphere. With tables set over the water’s edge, this waterfront restaurant is ideal for romantic meals or for more lively evenings out on the weekend. Local and seasonal ingredients are showcased in culturally inspired dishes and fresh seafood. 

Le Perle Noire

Another favourite Mahe eatery is Le Perle Noire. As the story goes, 40 years ago an Italian journalist from Mahe visited the Seychelles and was so captivated by the islands that he decided to put down roots and open up a restaurant. Renowned for its exceptional cuisine and top-notch service, the restaurant offers an array of Mediterranean and fresh seafood dishes — the lobster pasta is one to try. With an extensive wine selection and an ambiance that exudes elegance, it's a fine dining destination well worth a visit. 

Desroches

The main island in the Amirante Islands, Desroches, is home to pristine diving sites. Divers can enjoy good conditions with clear visibility to take in a view of the healthy coral reefs, colourful fish and varied marine life that live below the water’s surface. It’s likely you’ll spot turtles, sharks, and eagle rays year-round, while manta rays present themselves September to May.  

Aldabra

The most remote Outer Islands of the Seychelles, the Aldabra Group is a largely unexplored area that has some of the most magnificent diving you can find. Situated approximately 1,000 kilometers from the Seychelles' main island of Mahe, the Aldabra Group was referred to by Sir David Attenborough as ‘the loneliest of islands.’ Lonely? Perhaps. But worth the visit, especially by charter yacht? Definitely. These isolated islets and atolls lie far from shipping routes and remain largely cut off from the world and offer unparalleled diving adventures. November to April is the best time to see sharks, eagle rays, turtles and enjoy wall dives here.  

Walk with Giant Tortoises

Beyond the island of Curieuse, another place to meet giant tortoises in the Seychelles is Bird Island. Along with the varied bird life that earns this island its moniker, there are up to two-dozen tortoises who call this place home. Approximately 100 kilometers north of Seychelles’ main island of Mahé, Bird Island is where you can spot giant tortoises freely roaming. 

These remarkable creatures, known to live up to 150 years, can surprisingly move swiftly if inclined. Legend has it that these fascinating tortoises have colonised numerous Seychellois islands by drifting across the ocean for months, enduring without sustenance until reaching land and determining their fate.