Mahé is the largest island of the Seychelles, based in the Somali Sea part of the Indian Ocean. Despite having a rich history and some incredible manmade as well as natural sites, Mahé is most popular for the beachside resorts and sunny weather which makes it a very famous tourist destination.

Pricing and Info on renting a boat in Mahé

To rent any boat in Mahé, it is not likely you will be able to rent for anytime less than a week, which will cost you on average between £2,500 - £3,000. However, these prices are not guaranteed and can fluctuate based on several factors including the type of boat and time of year.

Boat availability in Mahé

Mahé Island has only two seasons, the wet season, and the dry season. The dry season lasts during the summer months and is when it is best to visit with temperatures in the low 30s, which makes Mahé a great destination for the perfect summer holiday. Mahé island is the most popular among tourists of the Seychelles islands, so it can get quite busy and expensive compared to the other islands. If you are a fan of water sports, the winds of the islands are best from July to September, making this the best time to book your boat, as well as an ideal time for water activities such as surfing or swimming.

Do I need a license to rent a boat in Mahé?

Mahé follows the rules of the rest of the Seychelles, which states that to charter a boat you will need to have a valid license and an SRC, in addition to this you must have a nautical CV detailing the previous sailing experience you have and the types of boats you’ve captained. If you do not have a license but want to rent a boat, try renting a boat with a skipper for a hands-free experience.

Overview of Mahé

Being surrounded only by water, islands and islets, the only way to properly get the most out of your trip to Mahé is by boat, although the only international airport in the Seychelles is on Mahé island. The island also boasts some beautiful marinas, such as the Eden Island Marina which is the newest and is connected to Mahé by a bridge. This marina is so impressive that it is kitted out with solar-powered lights, power, water, club cars, security, and shower facilities, and is large enough for superyachts to dock. Other marinas include Angel Fish Marina, Mahé Quay and L’Escale Resort Marina. It is important to note that most of Seychelles is under protection, and so there are laws and fees for mooring or entering protected areas that must be followed.

While Mahé has some incredible sites and places to visit, the real reason it is such a popular tourist destination is the sun and beach activities. Some popular water activities include Kitesurfing, which is popular on Cerf Island due to the ideal conditions, and snorkelling, which is incredible at St Anne Marine Park due to the protected area and is home to coral reefs, fish, turtles, rays and dolphins. If you are more of a thrill seeker, try ziplining through the jungle and admire the Seychelles wildlife, such as the Coco de Mer, the iconic Seychelles plant.

If you are looking for a fun activity, you can’t miss visiting the Takamaka Rum Distillery and learning about the rum production process, as well as tasting the spice-infused rum, from dark rum to white and coco rum as well. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try visiting the tea factory instead, with SeyTe tea factory surrounded by terraces with tea plants, as well as some stunning views. You can learn about the history and the process of tea and try some of the different tea as well.

Some other unique activities to try include checking out the Rock Pool (Ros Sodyer) which is a hidden gem and a fun hour-long hike through the jungle to reach it, which is a great place to swim or relax during low tide. Another area to visit is the Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria, which is an authentic hub in the Seychelles of local culture and cuisine where you will find spices, seafood, traditional Seychellois dishes such as rougaille and dhal, papayas, coconuts and more.

Of all the beaches in Mahé, Beau Vallon is popular among tourists due to some of the clearest water on the island, as well as being conveniently located and well-stocked with beach cafes and restaurants to visit. Another beautiful beach to visit is Baie Lazare Public Beach, which is known for its white sand and is a half-moon bay.

Sailing areas around Mahé:

• Saint-Anne Marine National Park
• Silhouette
• Praslin
• La Digue
• Cousine