Seychelles 2023 : Impressions.

Our trip on magnifique Seychelian Islands is over. And that was cool!

Here is small report, how it went and what did we do during the trip :-)

First of all, this is report about [Exotic sailing] Sailing in Seychelles, so you can read and have picture for yourself, how it looks like on breathtaking Indian Ocean. And of course JOIN!

Our floating home for the next couple of days

Before the trip, we had to find our floating home for the upcoming days. We have been incredibly lucky and got an upgrade from the company. We have got an AC and a generator, which made our daily comfort incredibly high! But first is first - deciding who stays where. Leopard 45 is very ‘transparent', with windows everywhere, making a bright and airy feeling of splendor. After making our allocated choices, it was time to find out what this big mother of the sea had to offer. We soon discovered that it was full of luxuries, from a top deck sunbathing area with beanbags to a well-equipped kitchen below. From the start, there was a cheerful energy, as though we knew that the next days were going to be icing on the cake.
Important task - crew instructions, our wellbeing and food!

Before setting sail, the skipper must check the yacht thoroughly to ensure that all systems are functioning properly. Meanwhile, the crew must make provisions shopping, ensuring that all necessary items are purchased. Of course, beer and wine should not be forgotten, as they are essential for a successful sailing adventure!
Sails up - spirit away!

After the initial crew training, we set our course to the neighboring island, Praslin. The pitching of the waves sent our spirits soaring as we sailed towards our destination. Some hours later, the sea seemed to calm and we glided our way gracefully into the bay. Anchor down, sails dropped, joy restored! That long hot day meant a well-deserved cold drink was ready and waiting for us!
First stop in the paradize

First stop in the Anse Lazio. Hook is down and we take a plunge into the water--rousing, refreshing, sparkling, and warm! At first, the tiny jellyfish sting a bit, but just for a moment. Then, all is forgotten, and we can enjoy the glorious beach at its fullest! With the sky a bright cerulean and the sand so fine, we relax and soak in all the beauty that the island has to offer! Let's make this summer the one we remember forever!
Sunset with bottle of wine and CAH - the best sunset

Once the sun sets, the kitchen gets bustling with activity, a bottle of wine is opened and a round of Cards Against Humanity sparks up a room of laughter. The clear night sky is adorned with twinkling stars, providing the perfect backdrop to the merriment and sense of camaraderie that fills the air. At the end of a perfect day, it is a beautiful reminder that life is filled with good things and great friends to enjoy them with.
Giant Tortoises of Seychelles

We started out the next day with a cheerful round of snorkeling in the brilliant coral reefs. After a tasty light meal, we ventured to the stunning Curieuse National Park - lucky for us, we were able to nab a free buoy! Here, the sunsets are especially beautiful, and just before it disappeared, we visited the majestic Tortoise Sanctuary, where we marveled at the free-roaming giant reptiles. We could even feed them some delicious fresh greens, which they accepted with delight. Along our way we also passed through magical mangroves and came across a sea of colourful crabs. What an unforgettable day!
There is always a time for a swing

One cannot stop a free spirit from the taking moment of the joy of life. That is the law - is there a swing, one sits and swings! And laughs!
Beauty of Seychelles

Seychelles is a true paradise! Everywhere one looks, it's like having the perfect postcard shot right before their eyes. Thanks to digital photography, we can snap away to our heart's content, without having to painstakingly choose the best shot from a roll of film. Everywhere one looks is simply breathtaking! Let's take a moment to truly appreciate what a natural wonder we have here.
Party hard after float hard?

As the sun sets over the picturesque horizon in Seychelles, we take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the breathtaking scenery. Then, we get ready to enjoy the evening with some fun and frolic - trying out self-made cocktails such Aperol Spritz and indulging in lively board games. We start feeling the joy and excitement of the night, as we cheers and chit-chat away into the wee hours of the morning.
One can make new friends with a handful of bread

Dropping a few bread crumbs into the crystal clear waters of Seychelles brought an instant response, with fish swimming around us eagerly in anticipation of a tasty treat! It was a heartwarming experience to share our food with these graceful creatures, and we had so much joy just watching them feast and thrive!
Climbing on granit Boulders.

One "hidden" gem on Seychelles are giant granit boulders, which are extremely interessting for climbing. So did I. I tried to climb one and, instead of simply admiring it from ground level, I made a spontaneous attempt to reach the top. While, of course, there are certainly more incredible boulders out there, I can say for sure that the experience I had climbing this one I will cherish for a long time. I'm counting down the days until my next visit to Seychelles and all the amazing boulders I'll have the chance to explore.
Riding along the coast on La Digue

On La Digue, it's customary to rent a bike and take a leisurely ride around the picturesque island. We couldn't resist the temptation and set off on an invigorating tour along the coast. As we pedalled, we stopped at a local restaurant to sample some delightful local cuisine. Later in the day, due to the rolling waves, we had to pack up and move to the neighboring island of Praslin. But even during our brief stay, we'd managed to make some truly wonderful memories and we were left with the feeling of having experienced something truly special and joyous.
Social evenings with games and laughs

After a long day of sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and sailing, what better way to end the day than to have a cook-out with a few delicious cocktails? Why not make the night even more fun by telling each other jokes, stories, and even sharing dreams and plans for the future? Cabo and UNO were a hit, with most of us challenging each other to score the highest points - though more often than not, someone wound up getting “Contra-uno!” as the final call. All in all, it was a delightful night that further strengthened the bond of the group, leaving us with wonderful memories that we will always carry in our hearts.
Way to Vallee de Mai in local bus

In Praslin we were excited to visit the world-renowned Vallee de Mai to marvel at the rare Coco de Mer palms that can only be found on this island. While Praslin is an authentic island that has yet to be polluted by over-tourism, we wanted to stay connected with the island's culture so we decided to take a ride on the local bus. To our delight, the journey wasn't without its comedic hiccups; from getting the wrong bus to figuring out how to purchase tickets, we had to make a few attempts. But eventually, with the help of the friendly and courteous locals, we managed to get the job done and truly enjoyed the ride!
Coco de Mer palms

The visit to Vallee de Mai was a wonderfully joyous experience, as we learned about all of the unique trees, flora, and palms of the Seychelles. From trying the “Millioneres salad” and “4 spices leaves” to Coconut de Meré, we were floored by the variety of rare and interesting plants we encountered. The male plant with its popcorn-y aroma was a big hit, attracting geckos and hungry tourists alike! We even learned that one leaf a year enables us to calculate the age of the tree! Not to mention, the largest nuts of the palm trees were used to make a special and unique perfume--we even got a sample! The friendly and knowledgeable park guide told us so many interesting stories about the flora in Seychelles, we were absolutely astounded. All in all, it was an amazing time spent there!
What is the sailing trip without the local fish?

By every opportunity during our sailing trips we try to support the local fisherman and enjoy the local fish. So did we, and it was such a wonderful experience! We got three jack fish and had them prepared in the most delicious way possible - with the mouthwatering maracuja sauce! It was absolutely delicious and enjoyable, and we celebrated the moment with a joyous mood and lots of laughter!
"Harray" and for sure "Seychelles again!"

Our sailing trip on the Seychelles has ended, and it’s beyond doubt that this paradise should be on the list for every family in search of a tropical experience! It has the ideal conditions for a catamaran sailing adventure - a dry season with perfect weather and a light to moderate wind. We had the privilege of getting to see the unique nature of these islands - with its giant tortoises, the Coco de Mar palms, the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. And of course, the delicious local cuisine! It was, however, too short - 7 days is simply too little to truly experience all the beauty of the Seychelles. So let's up the game and plan a longer trip of 10 days - the perfect time to explore these islands and create unforgettable memories!