Seychelles Cruises
Seychelles · Small-ship exploration

Seychelles Cruises

Îles granitiques, sentiers forestiers et rivages protégés

Small ships

Personal, guided voyages

Choose your season

Mar – May & Oct – Nov

Shore experiences

On your confirmed itinerary

Nature & wildlife

Coasts, trails & island habitats

Îles granitiques, sentiers forestiers et rivages protégés

The destination is the experience

Les Seychelles mêlent îles granitiques, forêt tropicale et îles coralliennes basses. Les itinéraires en petit navire permettent d'atteindre les plages et les réserves naturelles, tandis que les îles intérieures et les atolls lointains offrent des conditions d'accès et des expériences animalières très différentes.
Vallée de Mai

Un voyage à travers la Vallée de Mai et sa région permet de mieux cerner le paysage. Ton navire relie les sites côtiers, tandis que les excursions guidées révèlent ces détails qu'il est facile de manquer depuis le pont.

Choisis les escales réelles du programme, et pas seulement le nom de la destination. Les itinéraires incluant La Digue peuvent offrir un équilibre entre nature et culture différent de ceux centrés sur les îles Sainte Anne. Les activités, les permis et le niveau de marche requis varient selon le voyage.

When to go

Best time to travel: seasons & weather

Match your Seychelles route to the season, the shore experiences you want and local conditions. Coastal regions can differ considerably within the same destination.

Shore-excursion season in Seychelles at a glance

ExcellentGoodOff-season

Excellent, peak season (Mar – May & Oct – Nov)

Calm transition months: clear water, gentle winds and ideal conditions for island walks, giant tortoises and seabird reserves.

Good, shoulder season (Jun – Sep & Dec – Feb)

Trade-wind seasons bring rain (Dec to Mar) or breezier, drier days (Jun to Sep); excursions still run.

Typical patterns for planning shore excursions; weather varies year to year and is never guaranteed.

Peak season · Mar – May & Oct – Nov

Calm transition months: clear water, gentle winds and ideal conditions for island walks, giant tortoises and seabird reserves.

Shoulder season · Jun – Sep & Dec – Feb

Trade-wind seasons bring rain (Dec to Mar) or breezier, drier days (Jun to Sep); excursions still run.

Season & shore-walk conditions

Jan
Variable
251 mm
Seasonal
Feb
Variable
145 mm
Seasonal
Mar
Peak
99 mm
Seasonal
Apr
Peak
144 mm
Seasonal
May
Peak
220 mm
Seasonal
Jun
Variable
108 mm
Seasonal
Jul
Variable
74 mm
Seasonal
Aug
Variable
62 mm
Seasonal
Sep
Variable
171 mm
Seasonal
Oct
Peak
115 mm
Seasonal
Nov
Peak
192 mm
Seasonal
Dec
Variable
310 mm
Seasonal

Local conditions differ between coastlines and islands. The chart represents Victoria, Mahé, not every stop on a voyage. Cruise operation depends on the published itinerary, not the weather rating.

Air temperatures through the year

Average daily highAverage daily low
15°C20°C25°C30°C35°CJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Temperatures in Victoria, Mahé barely change through the year: daytime highs stay close to 28°C in every month, and even the coolest month (August) averages around 26°C. Nights typically fall about 2°C below the daytime high, so evenings stay mild. Pack for consistent warmth rather than seasons.

Victoria, Mahé · 2015–2024. Monthly averages, rounded for planning; not a forecast or a local station measurement. Rainfall includes water-equivalent snowfall where relevant.

Wildlife on land & along the coast

Meet the locals

The most memorable encounters often happen at walking pace. Animals live in specific habitats, so the places on your route matter as much as the month. Follow local wildlife distances and your guide.

Wildlife is wild: sightings, courtship displays and nesting activity cannot be guaranteed. Species occur in different parts of the region, not at every landing.

Show all other animals

Every shore tells a different story

Shore excursions worth planning around

These are examples of places and experiences, not a promised itinerary. Look for the actual landing names and included transfers in your ship’s day-by-day program.

01 · Paysages côtiers

Vallée de Mai

La forêt de palmiers de Praslin, classée par l'UNESCO, protège les cocos de mer et la faune indigène. La visite du parc nécessite une excursion à terre organisée.

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

02 · Patrimoine local

La Digue

Blocs de granit, chemins insulaires et plages

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

03 · Exploration guidée

Curieuse

les transports locaux et l'accès au littoral varient.

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

04 · Nature à terre

Aride

Tortues géantes et sentiers côtiers sur une île dont la visite est soumise à des règles de conservation.

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

05 · Expériences insulaires

Îles Sainte Anne

Une île sanctuaire pour les oiseaux marins, avec des restrictions de débarquement saisonnières et un accès contrôlé.

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

06 · Points forts de l'itinéraire

Hauts plateaux de Mahé

Les îles proches de Mahé offrent des plages et des excursions dans des eaux protégées là où cela est autorisé.

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

Îles granitiques et coralliennes

Îles granitiques et coralliennes

Les anciennes îles granitiques contrastent fortement avec les atolls coralliens bas et les îlots de sable.

Forêts de palmiers

Forêts de palmiers

Les cocotiers de mer, les forêts côtières et les hauts plateaux humides abritent des espèces insulaires endémiques.

Réserves insulaires

Réserves insulaires

L'accès aux réserves est réglementé ; les débarquements sur les îles peuvent être limités par les permis, les marées et les saisons de nidification.

Choose places before cabins

Which Seychelles route is right for you?

Route labels vary between operators. Compare the actual ports, landings and shore programs, not just the regional name.
Îles granitiques intérieures

Îles granitiques intérieures

Les itinéraires de Mahé, Praslin et La Digue combinent villages, palmiers et côtes granitiques.

Circuit des réserves naturelles

Circuit des réserves naturelles

Choisis des visites confirmées de Curieuse ou d'Aride pour des journées à terre axées sur les réserves.

Voyages vers les îles extérieures

Voyages vers les îles extérieures

Les îles coralliennes lointaines nécessitent des programmes spécialisés plus longs et des autorisations supplémentaires.

View Seychelles cruise departures

Your base between shore days

Seychelles cruise ships

Explore the cruise ships already in our collection. Compare cabins, guest numbers and day-by-day routes; daily prices appear only when current pricing is available.

1 published cruise ships. Ships remain listed even when departure dates are not yet available.

Ready to compare ships and dates?

Open the adventure cruise search to filter every published expedition ship by destination and travel month.

Search cruise ships

Flights & arrival

How to get to Seychelles

Fly into Mahé (SEZ), usually via the Gulf hubs or Addis Ababa.
SEZ

Flight gateway

Mahé · Seychelles International

Ports on Mahé or Praslin are reached by short transfer, domestic flight or ferry. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Mahé with your operator before booking.

Connections & onward transfers

Onward journey

Ports on Mahé or Praslin are reached by short transfer, domestic flight or ferry.

Before departure

Arrive one day early.

Arrive early, protect your departure

We recommend reaching the embarkation town at least one day before departure. Allow more time for remote destinations, separate flights, ferries or long transfers, and follow any earlier arrival or briefing required by your operator.

  • Confirm the embarkation town, harbour meeting point and check-in time before buying flights.
  • Ask which airport transfer, ferry or domestic connection is included in the cruise.
  • Book flexible connections where possible and allow extra time for remote routes.
  • The airports listed are alternatives for different routes, not confirmed flights for this ship. Check the port, meeting time and transfers in your final travel documents.

Flight schedules and entry requirements change. Confirm current arrangements with your operator before booking.

Before you set sail

A little preparation makes a big difference

Pack for the landings

  • Grippy walking shoes and suitable footwear for wet landings
  • Sun hat, high-protection sunscreen and refillable water bottle
  • Light rain jacket and a wind layer for boat transfers
  • Binoculars and a camera, with no flash around wildlife
  • Personal medication and motion-sickness advice before departure

Respect the destination

  • Follow local guides, landing permissions and protected-area rules
  • Keep the required distance from wildlife and avoid nesting or resting areas
  • Never feed or touch animals; do not collect natural objects
  • Clean footwear and equipment before sensitive island landings
  • Respect local dress, community invitations and photography permission
Hauts plateaux de Mahé

Discuss health, mobility and dietary needs before choosing a route. Remote areas may have limited medical facilities; travel insurance should cover your activities and any necessary evacuation.

Good to know

Seychelles cruise questions

When is the best time for a Seychelles cruise?
Calm transition months: clear water, gentle winds and ideal conditions for island walks, giant tortoises and seabird reserves. Trade-wind seasons bring rain (Dec to Mar) or breezier, drier days (Jun to Sep); excursions still run. The climate chart describes Victoria, Mahé; conditions elsewhere on the route can differ.
Which Seychelles route should I choose?
Îles granitiques intérieures: Les itinéraires de Mahé, Praslin et La Digue combinent villages, palmiers et côtes granitiques. Circuit des réserves naturelles: Choisis des visites confirmées de Curieuse ou d'Aride pour des journées à terre axées sur les réserves. Voyages vers les îles extérieures: Les îles coralliennes lointaines nécessitent des programmes spécialisés plus longs et des autorisations supplémentaires.
Are shore excursions included?
Check the inclusions and actual day-by-day program. Visits such as Vallée de Mai or La Digue require the right route; park entry, transfers and optional activities may cost extra.
What wildlife can I see in Seychelles?
The region supports species such as Tortue géante d'Aldabra, Perroquet noir des Seychelles, Phaéton à bec jaune. Different species use different habitats; not every animal occurs at every port. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
Not necessarily, but uneven paths, steps and wet transfers can be demanding. Ask about the exact walking distances, terrain and assistance before choosing your voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, sea state, tides, ice, permits and wildlife protection can change landings. Your captain and expedition team determine safe alternatives.
What entry documents do I need for Seychelles?
Your cruise visits Seychelles. Visa requirements, electronic travel authorisations and passport-validity rules depend on your nationality and travel documents. Check the current official guidance linked below, including transit-country rules, before travelling.Official entry guidance
When should I arrive before the cruise?
Reach the confirmed embarkation town at least one day early, or earlier if your operator requires briefing nights. Allow extra time for domestic flights, ferries and remote gateways.
Planifie ton voyage

Your Seychelles story starts here

Find the ship, route and travel dates that suit you.

  • Small-ship exploration
  • Individual shore programs
  • Routes for your travel season