The Islander spoke with APS’s General Manager, Peter Alvis, who explains how there was a 71.6% increase in the arrival of yachts to Seychelles in 2021, compared to 2020. The projected total is 80% by the end of 2022, with an average of 20% being superyachts.

Seamless entry –with no visas required– typically takes as little as half an hour for a vessel to be cleared. You then have access to incredible cruising of up to 1,100km from Mahé to the Aldabra Atoll (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), with 144 islands in between. And with no further immigration checks.

Currently, yachts are given a 3-month cruise ship license for chartering with the possibility to extend for an additional 3 months. However, after that, charter is no longer permitted. APS is working actively with government authorities to have this restriction removed to allow for year-round charter if required.

Earlier this year, the government announced plans for the construction of a new marina on Praslin that will resolve the problem of the lack of berthing that Seychelles’ second most populated island currently faces. Even though there are now more specialist shops, APS has partnered with DHL Seychelles to ensure prompt collection and delivery with discounted corporate rates when other items may be needed.

Climate & Winds

The Seychelles islands enjoy a tropical climate, with air temperatures well above 20 ° C throughout the year, and water temperatures varying between 27 ° C and 30 ° C.

Between June and September, the south-east trade wind blows in this part of the Indian Ocean. The wind is mostly even, and provides a refreshing breeze on the beaches, disturbing the ocean surface too.  Average wind speeds are 12-15 knots increasing to 20 to 25 knots during the peak of the season in July and August.

Between November and March, the north-west trade wind blows weakly on the islands. Between these two periods the Doldrums months, there is almost no wind, and the sea remains calm all the time. Thanks to its location, Seychelles is never affected by bad storms. In fact, it generally only experiences gentle breezes from storms happening thousands of kilometres away. In general, north-westerly winds strengthen at daybreak with wind speeds of between 10-12 knots.

Uniquely, there is no really bad time to cruise in Seychelles, but the off-season from March to May and from September to November, the islands are less crowded with deserted beaches and sailing becoming even more enjoyable. Everything depends on your interests: Botanic lovers will prefer to go to Seychelles in January or February, while dive enthusiasts will find their happiness with even more clear seabed and a particularly calm ocean between October and March.

Seychelles is located outside the cyclone belt with no risk of contracting malaria, yellow fever, cholera, or other common tropical diseases, and with its sublime tropical climate, it has the potential for a carefree, year-round cruising season.

Peter Alvis concludes; “Seychelles has tended to be seasonal during the European winter, but is one of the few superyacht destinations that could, and should be year-round.”

Photos: APS Seychelles

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