The islands of the Seychelles are scattered across the Indian Ocean like a string of diamonds. The delicate coconut trees complete the lovely landscape together with the sculptured granite rocks and the white beaches – a true dream that one can still genuinely experience nowadays.

The flora on these beautiful islands is prolific and everything grows bigger and faster than it does in other climates. Many plants and trees thrive and prosper exclusively here.

The exotic undersea world of the Indian Ocean is an “El Dorado” to divers and snorkellers and it invites us to discover it. The cycling tours lead us to sights that include studios of inspired local artists and sculptors, to secluded beaches with their authentic bars, to impressive protected nature reserves and to fascinating giant tortoises.

Experience the last paradise on earth by sailing, cycling and diving as well as occasionally by foot. Simply enjoy the relaxing life on board of the pleasant and comfortable yacht and dine on the delicious and creative delicacies of Creole cuisine.

The summer trip

From June until August the weather conditions for actively exploring the Seychelles are practically ideal. The south-east monsoon brings drier, cooler weather with a constant, refreshing breeze. These elements conditions are very attractive and provide the main reason for us to conduct guided bike and hike tours during this time of the year. The water temperature is at least 26 degrees and the air temperature varies from 25 to 30 degrees.

Embarkation at 10am in Victoria on the island of Mahé. Following an afternoon at leisure a guided tour will lead us through the capital and then on to a viewpoint located at 700m altitude overlooking the city and our departure point, which is 200 m below. On the nature trail we will see a type of carnivore plant unique to Seychelles, amongst other exotic species. During the evening we will experience the enchanting atmosphere of one of the tiniest capitals in the world. The overnight stay will be in the port of Victoria. 

We will explore the northern part of Mahé by bike cycling along the coast and finally arriving at Beau Vallon Beach, which is the most important water sports centre of the Seychelles. Here we can enjoy the white sandy beach and the warm inviting sea before we embark for lunch. After lunch on board the yacht we can relax, snorkel or plunge into the water. During the afternoon we go ashore at Bel Ombre for a walk along the coast to Anse Major which is part of ‘Morne Seychellois National Park’. In the evening we will embark again and the yacht anchors in the National Park which is situated in the north west of the island. 

Today’s cycle tour brings us to Port Launay where we will find a waterfall just off the road. Here we are offered the opportunity to refresh in the water-basin that lies underneath. Shortly after this we continue cycling along the west coast until we reach Petite Anse. At Petite Anse we visit the artist Antonio Filipinos who will prepare a barbecue for us and will surprise us with his range of innovative works of art. Please look around and explore the hidden facets of Antonio’s realm. At night we go on board at Anse la Mouche where we will savour a hearty dinner.

After a filling breakfast the cycle tour brings us to the sparsely populated southern part of Mahé and leads us back, along the east coast, to Victoria. After crossing the island from Anse Takamaka, near the rustic restaurant of Batista, we will pass the site of the former Royal Spice Garden of Anse Royal. The Craft Village and Coconut Museum are further sights that cannot be missed on our way back to Victoria. Overnight stay will be in the port of Victoria. 

Early in the morning the sails are raised and we will cross open ocean to reach the island of Curieuse by early afternoon. The island is known for its tortoise conservation project, its dense mangrove and for the ruins of a former leper colony. After a short introduction given by the ranger we will hike towards the Doctor’s House (now a visitor’s centre) enjoying the peace and the seclusion of this splendid island. Still enough time is available to discover the world below sea level by diving and snorkelling or simply to enjoy life on board the ship.

In the morning we go ashore at Praslin, the second largest island of the Seychelles, where we cycle to a viewpoint situated at 340 m altitude. The panorama includes several adjacent islands and almost the entire island of Praslin. From here the tour continues another 5 km in the direction of the Anse Lazio bay, considered one of the most beautiful bays of the world. While enjoying a picnic we savour the atmosphere of this stunning beach and the ebb and flow of its clear waters .In the afternoon we return to the ship that takes us to the rocky island of St. Pierre for snorkelling and diving. 

The exploration of Praslin continues, taking us to the Vallee de Mai, one of the most wonderful yet one of the smallest of National Parks in the centre of the island. Here we walk through the virgin forest where we are provided with fascinating explanations on both the rarest and largest nuts in the world, the so called ‘coco de mer’, as well as many other palm trees and tropical plants unique to the Seychelles. From here the journey continues by bike to the south coast and we cycle along a panoramic road with little traffic. The tour includes a short distance during which the bikes are pushed until Baie St. Anne the main town of the island comes into view. We visit the small art galleries situated in charming places, offering extraordinary artefacts and providing us with an insight into island life. 

This cycling free day begins with an exploration of Cousin Nature Reserve after sailing for approximately two hours. This island is situated a short distance from Praslin. Thanks to the work of dedicated conservationists 300,000 seabirds of seven species and five land bird species unique to the Seychelles thrive on the island. After lunch, which is served on board, the captain will show us the most exciting snorkelling and diving sites of the region. 

La Dique is this morning’s target of the crossing and we will be heading for an island, which is dominated by bicycles, the like of which exists only in a children’s picture book. We spend the day cycling and exploring entranced by peculiar rock formations and deserted sandy beaches. Enjoy your picnic on the rocky beach of Anse Source d’Argent and experience the waves lapping on the shore whilst savouring a refreshing coconut cocktail at the beach bar. Wherever we cycle we will always come across the locals who get around either by ox carts or on bikes. We are possibly envied for our bicycles because the good ones we are using are rarity on the island. In the evening we will go on board again in order to sail to one of the smaller neighbouring islands where we will stay at anchor overnight. 

During the morning one of the two neighbouring islands of Les Soeurs or Ile de Coco will be explored by foot as well as by diving or snorkelling as long as the weather conditions permit. The afternoon is passed sailing back to Victoria. Arrival is scheduled in the evening when Captain’s Dinner will be served in order to say goodbye to the friendly crew. 

Return or extended stay in one of the charmingly situated hotels on the island of Mahé.

Requirements (Level 1 - 2)
The longest day track on the islands is 45 km (28 mi) long. Most of the streets are relatively well asphalted and therefore well accessible. Road traffic on Mahé is not too busy and on Praslin and La Dique is sparse. Up to 70% of the tours are along the coast line on flat to light hilly roads. In between you will face steep, but short up hill climbs. When you are tempted you can always consider pushing your bike a little bit. Luckily the rental 7-speed trekking bicycles are equipped with a transmission that even slight hills can be carried out comfortably. In order to keep the bike simple and solid we provide 7-speed trekking bikes with clearly arranged gears that are switched in a hub nearly noiseless and easily.

Catering
The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The full board starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. On one longer bike tour you will have lunch in a restaurant. 

Guided tour 
The tour will generally be guided in German language. One of the guides will translate into English for non-German-speaking participants. (Except for pure English-speaking groups.) 

Participants

• Minimal 12 partipants
• Maximal 16 participants