Back to CNN

The Island Paradise Where Exclusivity and Conservation Intertwine

From the exclusive sophistication of chartered yachts to exploring the diverse marine life hidden below, Seychelles is a sustainable aquatic haven that is capturing the hearts of a new breed of slow travel enthusiasts.


A golden sunrise breaks over the horizon as skippers prepare for another day at sea. Across the bay, dive schools stir with activity as seasoned instructors meticulously inspect scuba gear, readying for the ambitious underwater expeditions that await.

This is Seychelles—an eco-conscious aquatic sanctuary that, thanks to its position in the West Indian Ocean, offers travel activities not found anywhere else on Earth. So, take to the water and experience the very best of what this 115-island archipelago has to offer.

Chartering a yacht in Seychelles feels like a voyage of discovery

Island hopping in the paradise archipelago

Chartering a yacht in Seychelles feels like a voyage of discovery. An intimate encounter with paradise, every expedition is an adventure defined by personalized service, gourmet cuisine and secluded anchorage.

With over 47% of its land protected, and 16% of all amphibians, mammals, birds and reptiles endemic, island hopping in the Seychelles Islands is a unique experience where each port of call offers something different.

Take La Digue, a picture-perfect paradise adorned with sandy shores and palm trees. Home to over 1,000 species of marine life, La Digue invites visitors to explore crystalline bays and relax in secluded coves.

Just 20 kilometers away, Cousin Island is giving travelers the opportunity to interact with some of our planet’s most uncommon and endangered species.

As the world’s first whole island nature reserve, Cousin Island boasts a spectacular bird sanctuary and one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time, having grown the native Seychelles warbler population from 26 to 3000.

And finally, for those looking to immerse themselves in Seychellois folklore, the island of Praslin is home to the Vallée de Mai nature reserve—which offers a rare glimpse into one of the world’s botanical icons. The coco de mer palm, endemic to Praslin, bears a gargantuan seed known as the sea coconut. Central to many local myths, the tree is much loved and believed by some to be the embodiment of a legendary sea spirit.

Every stop on a Seychelles yacht charter opens a unique chapter in the archipelago’s rich story. From the smallest islet to the most imposing island sanctuaries, the Seychelles’ is a seafarer’s dream waiting to be explored.

Explore the beauty of an underwater oasis

With vast expanses of protected waters—and year-round warmth—the Seychelles’ Outer Islands serve as the perfect jumping-off point to explore a secret underwater world.

Venturing to the Atolls of Astove, Cosmoledo, and Poivre unveils what many consider to be the best scuba diving on the planet. Boasting world-class dive schools, the diversity of marine life is unparalleled—with impressive coral structures, azure blue waters, and endemic species all within touching distance.

In the remote Outer Islands, where human impact is minimal, divers can expect to see schools of humpback snapper and red-toothed triggerfish, while larger pelagic species like bluefin tuna, wahoo, and sailfish float through the waters above.

As well as scuba, the Outer Islands also provide unparalleled snorkeling opportunities, with expert guides facilitating encounters with the little-studied Reef Manta Ray and native Semicircle Angelfish—a rarity in global snorkeling hotspots.

The Outer Islands serve as an opportunity to explore a secret underwater world

But beyond the allure of diving in one of the most exclusive destinations on the planet, the archipelago has eco-consciousness at its heart, making it the perfect fit for the next generation of slow travelers.

The Seychelles Islands—which recently reached the milestone of having 30% of its waters protected—is a leader in sustainable travel, with the local diving community a central part of its commitment to safeguarding the delicate marine life that graces its waters.

With conservation embedded into every dive, the islands are ensuring that each visitor plays an active role in preserving the rich biodiversity that makes Seychelles a global diving treasure. The work is multi-layered, with dive schools regularly embarking on excursions that contribute to species identification, coral restoration projects, and marine protection efforts. And with studies showing a significant increase in coral cover and a resurgence in endangered species, the diving community continues to stand as a formidable ally in Seychelles’ conservation journey.

Dive schools are committed to coral restoration and marine protection

Every wave tells a story

In Seychelles, extraordinary aquatic experiences await. From sailing on calm waters to exploring the vibrant coral reefs hidden below, discover an island paradise where exclusivity and conservation intertwine.

Discover what makes Seychelles a remarkable island destination