Some positive news for international visitors and yachts interested in Seychelles has just been announced. Travellers coming to Seychelles will no longer need a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or negative PCR test as of December 1st.
Straightforward Immigration (no visas required) and health regulations make for an uncomplicated, hassle-free stay. The new entry and stay conditions are available from Asia Pacific Superyachts GM, Peter Alvis, noting, “Visitors and holders of a gainful occupation permit (GOP) to Seychelles will still need to complete an online travel authorisation form on the Seychelles Electronic Border System.
This information includes the personal and travel information details of the passengers, which was previously provided on a paper form upon arrival at the airport but is now in digital form. Travellers also need to provide a scanned copy of their passport, which can be uploaded via the system’s website or an app.
Additionally, foreign visitors will need valid travel and health insurance to cover potential COVID-19-related costs and GOP holders will need relevant cover for potential health and COVID-19-related costs.
Berthing is available at Eden Island Marina once vessels have been cleared in. International yachts and superyachts interested in cruising this archipelago comprising of 115 Granitic and Coralline islands dispersed over 1.3 million square kilometres of the Indian Ocean, will find there are 42 granite islands in the Seychelles archipelago.
These islands form the heart of the Seychelles, the only remote oceanic islands in the world that originated from a single continental mass with no coral or volcanic influence. From imposing boulders to secluded award winning beach spots, the Indian Ocean’s dot on the world map, Seychelles, represents one of the very few luxurious and untouched frontiers for vessels wishing to cruise in tranquillity and diversity.
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 Seychelles islands. Between these two periods the Doldrums months, there are almost no wind, and the sea remains calm all the time. Thanks to their location, the Seychelles are never affected by bad storms. In fact, they generally only experience gentle breezes from such 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 a sublime tropical climate and has the potential for a carefree, year-round cruising season.