Superyacht owners seeking farther-flung experiences are enjoying the “land of perpetual summer.” That’s the Seychelles, stretching through the Indian Ocean. If it’s on your list, the Eden Island Marina provides facilities for some of the biggest boats around.
The same developers behind the Eden Island luxury residences created the marina. However, you don’t have to be a homeowner to book a slip. The marina sits on the main island of Mahe, and a nearly 1,000-foot (300-meter) bridge connects it to the mainland. No matter the size of your yacht, you shouldn’t have an issue getting dockage. It caters to yachts to 377 feet (115 meters), along with boats belonging to locals. All megayachts are in a dedicated area with stern-to berthing on both sides of pontoon berths. Side-to berthing is available, too, depending on how many yachts are present. Sailing superyachts and motoryachts alike can take advantage, although the channel leading to the marina has a maximum 16’7” (5.1-meter) depth. The depth of the marina basin is a little more than double that.
What’s more, arriving and clearing customs and immigration is simple, according to Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) agents. Peter Alvis, the general manager of APS Seychelles, says typically it’s “as little as half an hour” as long as all documents are in order. Once you clear immigration, Mahe and the other 114 islands of the Seychelles are yours for exploring, without further checks. They’re granite and coral, with naturally beautiful scenery, including white-sand beaches. Some of the world’s rarest plants and creatures call the islands home, too. Expect to see the black parrot, the national bird of the Seychelles, for example. You can also see giant tortoises, tree frogs, and hammerhead sharks, among others.
Overall, you have 305 miles (491 kilometers) of coastline to explore at your leisure from the marina. Furthermore, “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,” Alvis says. Therefore, you can have beaches—and anchorages—all to yourself.
Ultimately, though, he says the right time to go all depends on what you want to do. “Botanic lovers will prefer to go to Seychelles in January or February,” he explains. “Dive enthusiasts will find their happiness with even more clear seabed and a particularly calm ocean between October and March.”
All that’s left is to mark your calendar, and plan your trip.
Asia Pacific Superyachts Seychelles asia-pacific-superyachts.com/seychelles
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