You land in Mahé, the main island where every international flight arrives, and the first thing you notice is the green. The granite peaks of Morne Seychellois rise straight up from the coast, covered in dense forest that looks almost prehistoric. The Seychelles is 115 islands spread across the Indian Ocean, but for most visitors the trip comes down to three main granitic islands — Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue — connected by fast ferry and short domestic flights. Private boat tours change the equation entirely, opening up the smaller islands that public ferries don’t reach.
115 islands, three world-class beaches, one UNESCO forest and a private island helicopter transfer — all doable inside seven days.
That’s the promise of a well-planned private boat itinerary. You skip the ferry queues, the fixed schedules, and the crowds that gather at the popular spots by midday. Instead, you set your own pace, pull into coves the day-trippers miss, and spend time on islands like Curieuse or St. Pierre without the rush. The trade-off is cost — private charters aren’t cheap — but for families or small groups who value flexibility, the difference is significant.
Private boat tours in Seychelles are worth the premium if you want to see more than three islands without changing hotels every night. The catch is that most uninhabited islands have no facilities — you’re bringing your own food, water, and shade. Plan for that and the experience is hard to beat.
How the Inner Islands Connect
The geography of Seychelles is simpler than it looks on a map.
Mahé is the hub — 466 km², the capital Victoria, the international airport, and the most accommodation options. Praslin sits 45 minutes north by fast ferry, home to the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai and two of the country’s best beaches, Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. La Digue, another 15 minutes from Praslin, is the car-free island where everyone rents a bicycle and the famous granite boulders of Anse Source d’Argent draw photographers from everywhere.
What the ferry routes don’t cover are the smaller islands — Curieuse, St. Pierre, Cousin, Moyenne, and the private islands like North Island and Félicité. That’s where private boat tours earn their keep. A typical day trip from Praslin can hit Curieuse’s red-earth trails and giant tortoises, the snorkelling spot at St. Pierre, and a quiet beach for lunch, all before the afternoon wind picks up.
Couples wanting privacy
Families with flexible schedules
Photographers chasing early light
Mahé to the Marine Park and Beyond
The easiest place to start a private boat trip is right off Mahé’s coast.
Sainte-Anne Marine Park is a six-island protected area just a short cruise from Victoria or Eden Island. The water is calm, the coral reefs hold good populations of tropical fish, and Moyenne Island inside the park is a nature reserve where over 100 giant tortoises roam the jungle trails. Most tours from Mahé include snorkelling gear, a beach BBQ lunch, and the entrance fees — a straightforward half-day that works well for families adjusting to the time zone.
The limitation is that Sainte-Anne gets busy. Multiple tour operators run the same circuit, so the snorkel spots can feel crowded by late morning. A private charter lets you arrive earlier or skip the busiest anchorages entirely. Michael and I took the kids on a morning trip here last year — Ethan spotted a tortoise the size of a car tyre within five minutes of stepping onto Moyenne, and that single moment made the whole outing click for him. For families, having a guide who can point out the wildlife without rushing makes a real difference.
Curieuse and St. Pierre from Praslin
This is the most popular day-trip combination from Praslin, and for good reason. Curieuse Island is a nature reserve where giant Aldabra tortoises wander freely through red laterite paths and mangrove forests — no accommodation, just protected wilderness. A short boat ride away, St. Pierre is an uninhabited granite islet surrounded by shallow water that’s excellent for snorkelling, with coral formations and reef fish visible within metres of the shore.
The standard tour also stops at Anse Georgette on Praslin’s northern coast, a beach that rivals Anse Lazio but with fewer visitors because access is controlled by the nearby resort. Private boats can land here without the walk-in permit hassle that independent travellers face. The catch is that Curieuse has no shade and no food vendors — you’re bringing everything you need for the day, including drinking water and sun protection.
The north entry at Curieuse fills with tour groups by 10 a.m. in dry season — the south footpath, signposted past the old leper colony ruins, stays quiet until midday.
La Digue by Private Boat
Most visitors reach La Digue by the 15-minute ferry from Praslin, but a private boat gives you a different entry point. You can land at Anse Source d’Argent directly, avoiding the bicycle rental queue and the main jetty crowds. The beach’s granite boulders and shallow turquoise water are the most photographed scene in Seychelles, and having the place to yourself for the first hour of the day changes the experience entirely.
The trade-off is that La Digue is small — 10 km² — and almost car-free, so you’re on a bicycle or on foot once you’re ashore. A private boat can’t help you cover more ground on the island itself. Allow at least two nights if you want to explore the interior trails and the less-visited beaches on the east coast, or treat it as a full-day stop from Praslin with the boat waiting at a pre-arranged cove.
When to Go and What It Costs
Timing matters more in Seychelles than in most island destinations.
The best seasons for private boat tours are April to May and October to November. These shoulder months sit between the two trade wind periods — the southeast monsoon from May to September brings stronger winds and rougher seas on the exposed coasts, while the northwest monsoon from December to March brings more rain and humidity. The transition windows offer calmer water, better visibility for snorkelling, and fewer crowds than the peak European winter season.
| Season | Conditions | Boat suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Apr–May | Calm seas, clear visibility, low humidity | Excellent — best window for multi-island trips |
| Jun–Sep | Stronger southeast winds, rougher on exposed coasts | Moderate — leeward routes still work well |
| Oct–Nov | Transition period, settled weather, good snorkelling | Excellent — similar to April/May conditions |
| Dec–Mar | Northwest monsoon, higher rain and humidity | Fair — afternoon showers common, but water warm |
Private charter costs vary widely depending on boat size, duration, and itinerary. A full-day private trip from Praslin to Curieuse and St. Pierre typically runs between €400 and €700 for a small group, including snorkel gear, lunch, and park fees. Multi-day catamaran cruises that cover Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and the smaller islands start around €1,200 per person for an eight-day itinerary, which often works out cheaper than staying at luxury resorts on each island separately.
Fuel surcharges. Some operators add a variable fuel line item that can increase the final bill by 15–20% if global prices have shifted since you booked. Confirm the all-in rate in writing before you pay a deposit.
Getting to the Islands
All international flights arrive at Mahé’s Seychelles International Airport. From there, you have three options to reach the other islands: the fast ferry to Praslin (45 minutes, multiple daily departures), the 15-minute domestic flight to Praslin’s small airstrip, or a helicopter transfer to private islands like North Island. For private boat tours, most operators depart from Victoria or Eden Island on Mahé, or from the main jetty on Praslin near the ferry terminal.
The ferry is reliable but can be cancelled in rough weather, particularly during the southeast monsoon from June to September. If you’re on a tight schedule with a private charter booked on the other side, the domestic flight is a safer bet. Book both ferry and flight tickets in advance during peak months — December, January, and July see the highest demand.
What to Pack and How to Prepare
The things you bring on a private boat trip determine how comfortable the day will be.
Sun protection is non-negotiable. The equatorial sun is intense even on overcast days, and the reflection off the water amplifies exposure. A reef-safe mineral sunscreen protects both your skin and the coral ecosystems you’ll be snorkelling over. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and a lightweight long-sleeved rash guard for the hours when the sun is directly overhead — between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the UV index regularly hits extreme levels.
Motion sickness is a real consideration. The channels between islands can get choppy, especially in the afternoon when the trade winds strengthen. Motion sickness medication taken 30 minutes before departure makes a noticeable difference. I learned this the hard way on a crossing from Praslin to La Digue — the kids were fine, but I spent the first hour regretting the croissant I’d eaten at breakfast.
Staying Hydrated and Fed
Most private charters include lunch and drinking water, but the quality and quantity vary. On day trips to uninhabited islands like Curieuse or St. Pierre, there are no shops, no restaurants, and no fresh water sources. Bring at least two litres of water per person, plus snacks that won’t melt or spoil in the heat. A insulated water bottle keeps water cool for hours, which matters more than you’d expect when the air temperature hits 30°C by mid-morning.
Some operators offer a beach BBQ as part of the package — grilled fish, rice, salad, and fruit. Confirm this when booking, because if it’s not included, you’re responsible for your own lunch. A small soft cooler bag is useful for keeping perishables safe, especially if you have dietary requirements that the boat crew can’t accommodate.
Snorkel Gear and Cameras
Most private boat tours provide basic snorkelling equipment — mask, snorkel, and fins — but the quality is inconsistent. Ill-fitting masks leak, and cloudy lenses reduce visibility. Bringing your own full face snorkel mask ensures a proper seal and a clear view of the coral and fish below. For families, a kids snorkel set sized for smaller faces makes the difference between a child who loves snorkelling and one who spends the day on the boat.
Waterproof housing for phones or a dedicated action camera is worth the investment. The water clarity around St. Pierre and the marine park is exceptional — you can see reef fish, parrotfish, and occasionally sea turtles from the surface without diving down. A waterproof phone pouch is the budget option, but if photography matters to you, a proper action camera with a housing gives you much better control.
- Book private charters for the shoulder months (Apr–May, Oct–Nov) when seas are calmest and visibility is highest.
- Confirm all-in pricing in writing — fuel surcharges and park fees can add 20% to the quoted rate.
- Pack your own snorkel gear, sun protection, and at least two litres of water per person for uninhabited island stops.
Private Island Tours in Seychelles — Your Questions Answered
Are private boat tours in Seychelles worth the cost?
If you want to visit multiple islands in a single day without ferry schedules or crowds, yes. The premium over group tours is significant — expect €400–700 for a full-day private charter — but you gain flexibility on timing, route, and stop duration. For families with young children, the ability to cut a stop short or extend a beach break is worth the extra cost.
Which islands can you visit on a private boat tour?
From Mahé, the most common destinations are Sainte-Anne Marine Park, Moyenne Island, and Cerf Island. From Praslin, day trips typically cover Curieuse, St. Pierre, Cousin, and sometimes La Digue. Private charters can also reach Félicité and Silhouette Island, though these require longer crossings and higher fees.
What is the best time of year for a private boat tour?
April to May and October to November offer the calmest seas and best snorkelling visibility. The southeast monsoon from June to September brings stronger winds that make exposed crossings uncomfortable, though leeward routes around Praslin and La Digue remain manageable. December to March has higher rainfall and humidity, but the water is warmest then.
Do private boat tours include food and drinks?
Most full-day charters include a beach BBQ lunch and drinking water, but confirm this when booking. Some operators charge extra for alcoholic beverages or premium meals. On trips to uninhabited islands like Curieuse, there are no facilities — everything you need must come from the boat.
Can you visit private islands like North Island on a day trip?
North Island and Félicité are private resort islands with restricted access. Day visits are generally not available unless you book a specific excursion through the resort or a licensed operator. Helicopter transfers from Mahé to North Island are possible for guests, but walk-in day trips are not permitted.
One Last Thing
The thing that stays with me about private boat tours in Seychelles isn’t the beaches or the tortoises — it’s the silence when the skipper cuts the engine. You drift on water so clear you can see the sand patterns twenty metres below, and the only sound is the hull lapping against the swell. That moment, between islands, is the part no ferry schedule can deliver. For more on planning your own route, read our guide to sailing the Seychelles archipelago.
Sources and further reading
Private Island Hopping in Seychelles — The Busy Traveller’s Guide. Tour Packages Asia.
Island Hopping – the best way to discover Seychelles. Full Suitcase.
10 Best Seychelles Boat Trips. Wild Side Travellers.
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