Sea Pearl & Sea Shell 7-Night Cruise (November - April)

Day 1

Embarkation at the Inter-island quay at 1030hrs, followed by the Captain's welcome briefing. Depart Port Victoria at 1200hrs for a late afternoon anchorage at Round Island, just off the isle of Praslin. In the evening, introduce yourself to Creole cuisine with a welcome barbecue dinner

Day 2
Sail to Praslin, Seychelles' second-largest inhabited island, for disembarkation to the famous World Heritage Site, the Vallee de  Mai  Nature  Reserve. This  ancient  forest  is  home  to  the infamous double coconut, the coco de mer, as well as the Black Parrot, unique to Praslin. Explore the valley's eerie pathways beneath its canopy of massive palms, before returning onboard for afternoon opportunities to dive, snorkel or enjoy other water sports.

Day 3
A morning sail brings the vessel to La Digue, a sleepy island community where ox-carts and bicycles still remain the most common mode of transportation throughout the island. La Digue is home to the endemic Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, and is perhaps most famous for its massive granite boulder formations at Anse Source d'Argent, which is thought to be the most photographed beach on earth. Explore the entire island by bicycle, perhaps stopping by Union Estate, a sprawling network of traditional island activities, including a copra mill, vanilla plantation, and shipyard.

Day 4
In the morning the vessel sails toward Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur (the Sisters) for excellent snorkelling and diving, and for a relaxing visit of these unique and completely uninhabited tropical  islands.  In  the  afternoon,  visit Coco  Island,  one  of Seychelles’ tiny granite jewels, a fantastic spot for snorkelling within a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.

Day 5
Sail to Booby Island for a morning of diving and water sports. After lunch, sail to Aride Island, a globally important nature reserve with more native bird species than any other island, including five endemics and the world's largest population of 3 species (Lesser Noddy, Audubon's Shearwater and Seychelles Warbler). The nature trail leads to a spectacular cliff-top view with the largest frigatebird roost outside of Aldabra. Aride is the only natural location in the world for Wright's Gardenia and 400 species of fish have been recorded around the island.

Day 6
In the morning disembark at Curieuse for a visit of this virtually uninhabited island. Experience the island's vast mangrove forests and its giant tortoise farm, along with the historic ruins of this former leper colony. After a barbecue lunch on the island, enjoy an array of water sports or simply relax and enjoy the island's beautiful beach and turquoise waters.

Day 7
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely sail back towards Mahé, with a last stop at Ile Seche for more snorkeling or diving, followed by a farewell barbecue. The vessel then sails into Port Victoria for an overnight stay.

Day 8
Disembarkation at the Inter-Island Quay at 08.30hrs.

 

The Vessels «Sea Pearl» and «Sea Shell»:

S.V. Sea Shellwas built in Holland at the beginning of the 20th century. She has been subsequently fitted with modern amenities which respect  the traditional look and  romantic atmosphere of this exceptionally elegant testimony of the past.

S.V. Sea Shell was built in Holland in 1920 where she was used as a pilot vessel to guide foreign ships from the Netherlands and France across the English Channel.

During the Second World War the owner sank the vessel to prevent her from being used during the war. After the war, in 1949, she was recovered and redesigned as a fishing boat. Long lines were used, together with nets to trawl for prawns.

In 1982, she was purchased by a Dutch sailor who named her «Elisabeth Louw» after his mother. He laboured for three winters, stripping the vessel to her hull and carrying out complete renovations. Upon completion, she was used as a sailing school in the English Channel and the North Sea.

In 1997, she was purchased for use as a charter vessel in Seychelles and renamed S.V. Sea Shell and sailed south to her new home. Central heating was replaced with air-conditioning and the accommodation was upgraded. Diving and water sports equipment were installed.

S.V. Sea Pearl was built in Holland at the beginning of the 20th century. She has been subsequently fitted with modern amenities which respect  the traditional look and  romantic atmosphere of this exceptionally elegant testimony of the past.

S.V. Sea Pearl was built in Vlaardingen, Netherlands in 1915 as a sailing-fishing vessel named «Dirk». In 1930 she was the last sailing vessel in the Dutch Herring fleet.

After decades of fishing the North Sea she was redesigned in 1991 into a schooner rigged sailing ship, sailing the Caribbean Islands and Canada and named «Regina Chatarina».

In 1999, she was refitted, renamed and delivered to Seychelles to commence charter operations around the islands of Seychelles.

The two vessels «Shell» and «Pearl» are almost identically.

 

Additional Information:

• Your safety and comfort are our highest priority. In the event of adverse conditions, all itineraries are subject to change at the captain’s discretion.
• Be sure to bring plenty of sun-screen, a cap or hat and sunglasses — Seychelles is generally warm and sunny throughout the year and the sun’s rays can be especially impactful onboard the vessel, due to the reflection from the sea.
• Bring suitable footwear for walking on deck and on the beach, as well as in shallow water (some island visits require embarking/disembarking from dinghies in shallow water).
• There are numerous opportunities to dive on most days of the itinerary, and we can also conduct introductory dives for novices. Contact us for dive rates and equipment rental fees.
• Water skiing and tube rides are available at very reasonable rates. Snorkelling equipment and kayaks are included in the cost of the cruise.
• All of our cruises are full board — we serve a combination of International and authentic Creole cuisine. Please contact us for special dietary needs.
• Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits are all available on board. Price list available on request.

 

Special Excursiopedia Prices:

31. December — 24. February:

Category A, double cabin with double bed — 1.349,- € per person

Category A, Triple cabin with double bed + single bunk: 2 pax — 1.319,- € per person + 1 pax — 1.129,- €

Category B, Twin cabin with 2 single bunks per pax —1.149,- € per person

Category B, Triple cabin with 3 single bunks per pax — 959,- € per person

Child Price — 699,- € per person

 

25. February — 27. April:

Category A, double cabin with double bed — 1499,- € per person

Category A, Triple cabin with double bed + single bunk: 2 pax — 1449,- € per person + 1 pax — 1279,- €

Category B, Twin cabin with 2 single bunks per pax —1299,- € per person

Category B, Triple cabin with 3 single bunks per pax — 1099,- € per person

Child Price — 779,- € per person

 

27. October — 29. December:

Category A, double cabin with double bed — 1499,- € per person

Category A, Triple cabin with double bed + single bunk: 2 pax — 1449,- € per person + 1 pax — 1279,- €

Category B, Twin cabin with 2 single bunks per pax —1299,- € per person

Category B, Triple cabin with 3 single bunks per pax — 1099,- € per person

Child Price — 779,- € per person

 

The discounted price for children is applicable for children from 2 to 12 years of age. Chrildren at the age of 0 — 2 are free of charge.

Accommodation: 8 total cabins and a maximum of 20 Passengers

Single supplement: 50% on category A cabins / 30% on category B cabins

Available on the board are the following:

Dive – tanks and weights belts: Euro 28 per day (2 dives per day)

Full diving equipment rental: Euro 24 per day (2 dives per day)

Introductory dive, diving instructor led: Euro 60 per dive

Water Ski: Euro 16 per ski

Tube ride: Euro 16 per ride

Beverages: A price list is available on request

Hotel and airport transfer: On request

 

SPECIAL OFFERS

Honeymooners — 50% discount for the bride on the cruise rate

Early Birds – Any reservation made before the 31st January for our 6-night May-October cruise season – 20 % discount on the cruise rate

Families — a child sharing a cabin with 2 parents for free

Seychelles Sailors — repeat clients 20% discount on cruise rate

Group of 6 pax or more — 10 percent discount on cruise rate

The rate includes: the cruise, full board, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing gear.

Conservation fee, adult: 166€ / child: 44€ Conservation Fee includes landing and entrance fees for island visits and nature reserves (including guided tour of Vallee de Mai) as well as various national marine parks, as per the cruise itinerary. (Bicycle Rental and Fee for entrance to Union Estate are not included as this is optional for clients during their island visit to La Digue.)

For cancellation up to 3 days, a full refund will be given. For cancellation up to 1 days, 50% refund will be given.