Worldwide Diving Holidays

SEYCHELLES Inner and Outer Island Cruises

BAHIA 46 CATAMARAN

Diving Inner and Outer Islands

The main islands or Inner Islands of the Seychelles are located on an underwater granite plateau rising from the depths of the Indian Ocean . The underwater landscape around the Inner Islands is a unique combination of granite and coral reefs. Predominantly, there are hard corals and gorgonians whereas to the north of Mahe many colourful soft corals can be found. The huge granite blocks do not only dominate the land above water but also beneath the ocean where they are no less impressive. The multitude of crevices, niches and overhangs are just waiting to be discovered and offer protection for a number of sea creatures.

The Outer Islands are largely flat coral atolls. Coral reefs, which have been damaged throughout the world due to coral bleaching, have recovered very well on the whole and nowadays absolutely beautiful soft corals can still be found, particularly in deeper waters. As the reef edges on the Outer Islands often meet the deep sea, divers will occasionally encounter big fish and the reef population simultaneously. The most frequent sightings include turtles, Goliath groupers, mackerel and tuna fish and, depending on the season, whale sharks and manta rays. The chances of seeing whale sharks and manta rays in the waters off the Seychelles are particularly high in the season between October and December.

The remote Aldabra Atoll is often referred to as the Galápagos of the Indian Ocean . Aldabra is located about 1,150km south-west of the capital Mahe and has been declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. Aldabra is unique and famous for its 100,000 giant tortoises and its strikingly bizarre “champignon” coral formations in the lagoon, favourite nesting sites for various species of sea bird. The diving spots around Aldabra abound with fish and, in addition to various species of shark, you may be fortunate enough to see whales or sea cows (dugong). This marvellous atoll can only be experienced while on a diving cruise.

Fishing Trips

On our Catamaran you can also experience world-class saltwater fly-fishing on remote stretches of tropical flats, the shallow areas protected by the coral reefs. Several fish species can be found, Bonefish, Milkfish, Pompano, Trivially, Snappers, Queen Fish and Barracuda – unique in size, 20-40 catches a day are the average!

Cruises packages:

SEYCHELLES - MV Illusions Liveaboard I

The Seychelles archipelago consists of 115 granite and coral islands spread across 600 square miles of the Indian Ocean, with hundreds of miles of coral reefs. MV Illusions is a 72ft motorised catamaran accommodating up to 14 guests in 4 twin cabins (single bunks, shared facilities) and 3 double cabins (ensuite). Mid deck has a bar, with a well equipped galley and saloon with music centre, TV and VCR. Illusions follows three itineraries: Seychelles Highlights & Amirantes Desroches (both departing from Mahe) and Aldabra (departing from Assumption Island) each lasting 8 days. Seychelles Highlights combines the best of the Inner Islands visiting atleast ten different islands plus land visits. Amirantes explores uninhabited islands and true coral islands; experience walls, caves and swimthroughs – great for the ‘adventure diver’. Aldabra is the worlds largest atoll and suitable for experienced divers only
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Diving

There are many dive sites among the 115 scattered Seychelles islands ranging from wrecks to coral gardens and shark banks. The Inner Islands are granite mountains covered in lush tropical vegetation and beautiful beaches; the Outer Islands are fringed with coral reefs. The offshore dive sites of the Inner Islands offer some of the best diving in the region, but more suited to experienced divers as currents are strong. The Seychelles are home to over 900 species of fish including damselfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish and surgeonfish. Whalesharks, rays and turtles can also be found - of the worlds eight species of marine turtle, four occur in the Seychelles. The island of Aldabra, a World Heritage Site and home to the largest population of giant tortoises in the world, offers some dramatic wall diving and amazing drift diving.

Prices

From £919 for Seychelles Highlights itinerary, £1259 for Amirantes itinerary and £1555 for Aldabra itinerary*.
*Aldabra price excludes domestic flight cost from/to Assumption Island – from £1259.
International flight prices from £410 – please ask for details

For further information or to book please call 0208 744 0474 

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