I came to the Seychelles dreaming of a perfect week of sailing and diving aboard Sea Star. But the weather had other plans. Strong winds and rough seas meant we couldn’t sail or dive as much as I had imagined — and for a moment, I wondered if the trip would feel like a compromise.
It didn’t.
Instead, Sea Star gave me something I didn’t expect: a deeper introduction to the Seychelles. This cruise took us to wild, beautiful beaches, into lush rainforests, and close to endangered species. Even with the limitations, the islands felt raw and extraordinary — the kind of place that stays in your mind long after you leave.
I enjoyed the experience so much that I extended my trip by another week. I realized that a Sea Star Seychelles review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning how the boat handles the elements, turning a potentially difficult week into a highlight of my travels.
After reviewing more than 30 liveaboards worldwide, I’ve learned that every destination requires a different approach; for instance, my Seychelles sailing cruise experience focused as much on island hiking as it did on the underwater world
In this review, I’ll share what the Sea Star sailing boat is really like, how the cruise flows day by day, what’s included, and what surprised me most — so you can decide if a Seychelles cruise should be on your own travel list too. This detailed Seychelles sailing cruise itinerary will walk you through the stops, the life onboard, and the unique magic of exploring the archipelago by sail.
The Seychelles often feels like it’s at the very edge of the map — remote, wild, and completely cut off from the rest of the world. But what surprised me is how easy it actually is to get there. Despite that “middle of nowhere” feeling, the islands are very well connected, with direct flights from major hubs like Frankfurt, Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul. That makes reaching the Seychelles straightforward from almost anywhere, whether you’re coming from Europe, the Middle East, or beyond. It’s one of those rare destinations that feels wonderfully far away once you arrive, yet is surprisingly simple to access.
Before you go to the Seychelles, you need to complete the Seychelles Travel Authorisation online on the official government platform. We did it a wek before arrival date and it was easy: fill in your details, upload the requested documents, and choose your processing option. Standard processing (24 hours) cost €10, with faster options available if you needed them. We used the official Seychelles Travel Authorisation website (not a third-party service), which mattered—Seychelles Tourism has specifically warned about non-official sites charging more and sometimes causing problems with acceptance.
Official Seychelles Travel Authorisation site: https://seychelles.govtas.com/en
Arriving at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), everything moved quickly. Immigration was surprisingly fast for such a small airport: within about 20 minutes, I had cleared formalities and was ready to leave.
Getting to the Sea Star felt almost too easy, because Silhouette Cruises had already taken care of the part that usually creates stress: the airport transfer. I had booked it in advance through the cruise team (€45), and it removed all the guesswork—no negotiating, no hunting for taxis, no wondering if we were going to end up at the wrong quay. I simply walked out of arrivals and saw the driver waiting for me. He greeted me warmly, helped with bags, and even assisted with buying a Seychelles SIM card before we left the airport—one of those small gestures that immediately made us feel looked after.
Outside, the weather hit us immediately—in our case, heavy rain—but even then the first drive was a moment we still remembered. The car was comfortable, and the Port Victoria Inter-Island Quay transfers took around 15 minutes, yet the scenery changed so dramatically so fast: steep green slopes, dark granite rock formations, and that wild, cinematic landscape that made the Seychelles feel different from almost anywhere else.
I arrived at the Inter-Island Quay well before the 11:30 am boarding time—almost an hour too early—but it didn’t matter. Silhouette Cruises had an outdoor lounge area by the harbour where you can sit and relax while the boat was being prepared.
And then came the moment that truly reset us after an overnight flight: we were greeted with a fresh coconut. It tasted clean, cold, and perfect—like the simplest, most satisfying welcome drink imaginable.
Silhouette Cruises operates three sister ships in the Seychelles—the Sea Star, Sea Bird, and Sea Pearl—and we travelled on the Sea Star, their newest boat. This SY Sea Star Silhouette Cruises experience is unique because, from the moment we stepped onboard, it felt more like a small sailing yacht than a typical cruise vessel. The SY Sea Star is a 40-metre, custom-built yacht with three masts and five sails, and it carries that classic, timeless look that suited the islands perfectly. It is not the newest or the fanciest vessel in the archipelago, but that is exactly part of its charm. This is a boat with character. It feels lived in, cared for, and designed for efficiency rather than show.
You will find that the atmosphere inside is warm and traditional, with rich wood finishes running through the nine guest cabins and the shared spaces. The boat has two main levels: the main deck, which is the heart of life onboard, and the below deck, where the cabins are located. With a maximum of 18 passengers, it felt social, friendly, and easygoing — exactly what I want from a small sailing cruise in the Seychelles.
The main deck is where everything happens. It’s the social core of the boat. it is small but very well thought out.
Inside, there is a spacious indoor dining room, large enough for all 18 passengers to eat together comfortably. It’s air-conditioned, which is a real luxury in the tropical heat, and decorated with warm wood paneling that fits perfectly with the sailing-boat atmosphere.
Large windows framed the ocean beautifully, letting in plenty of natural light while keeping the space cool and sheltered. We often sat here during sailings, coffee or drink in hand, watching the color of the water change as we moved between islands.
Just after the dining room is the indoor lounge area. This space has a few comfortable sofas, the onboard bar where drinks are available for purchase, and a tea and coffee station. Tea, coffee, and drinking water are available throughout the day, which I really appreciated. There’s something comforting about always being able to make yourself a hot drink between swims or excursions.
This indoor lounge is also air-conditioned and has a lovely collection of books about the Seychelles, its birds, and its marine life. It’s a great place to cool down, read, or simply sit and watch the sea go by through the windows.
Further back, you’ll find the outdoor dining and lounging area. This is a covered, shaded space, and it quickly became one of the most popular spots on the boat. Many people spent hours there during the day, chatting, reading, or just watching the water. There’s a large, oversized, very comfortable sofa that invites you to stay longer than planned. It is worth noting that there is no music on the Sea Star cruise, so it is better for those who like quiet and the sound of the waves.
Tip: Sit on the right side of this outdoor area if you can. The engine exhaust is on the left side, and during navigation, you can sometimes smell it.
Behind this area is the swimming platform, which makes it very easy to jump straight into the sea when the boat is anchored. I loved that freedom — no fuss, no ladders to climb down forever, just straight into the water.
A few yoga mats are available on board
At the front of the boat is a large sun deck with two big sofas. It gets extremely hot during the day, but it becomes a favourite place in the late afternoon and early evening, especially during navigation.
Tip: Wear sunscreen during the day. The Seychelles sun is intense, and there is very little natural shade on the front deck.
There are nine cabins below deck, accommodating two to three people each. I stayed in cabin number 2.
Like most sailing boats, the cabins are on the smaller side, but they are functional. My cabin was designed for three people, with one double bed and one single bed. The cabin has a warm, cosy feel thanks to the wooden paneling.
Storage is limited. There is one cupboard, which is manageable for two people but tight for three.
Tip: Bring soft luggage, as there is no space to store hard suitcases under the bed.
There are two small portholes, which let in some daylight but don’t expect a real view. I don’t know if the porthole was dirty or if the glass is frosted, but I couldnt see anything outside.
My cabin was located close to the engine. The noise was not overwhelming, but it was noticeable during navigation.
Tip: If you’re sensitive to noise, ask for a midship cabin if available.
As can be expected on a sailing boat, the ceilings are low. There are convenient hooks in the cabin, which are surprisingly useful for wet clothes, hats, and towels.
Tip: The power plugs are UK-style, so bring an adaptor.
There is air conditioning in the cabin, but it is not individually adjustable. They set the same temperature for the whole boat.
All the bathrooms are ensuite. The bathroom was the most awkward part of the cabin. It is located three steps down, and I bumped my head a few times before learning to duck properly. The shower height is around 185 cm, which meant I couldn’t fully stand upright.
That said, the water pressure was excellent, and there was always hot water available — something I never take for granted on a boat.
Tip: Soap is provided, but no shampoo. Bring your own shampoo, and I highly recommend conditioner too, as seawater is harsh on hair.
The food onboard Sea Star was simply delicious — honestly, one of the highlights of the trip and some of the best I have had on a boat of this category.
Breakfast was served at 8 a.m. in buffet style, with plenty of choice: toast and jam, eggs, a full English breakfast with sausages, beans, and bacon, pancakes, oatmeal, and a beautiful fresh fruit platter. There were about 10 different dishes to choose from every morning.
Lunch and dinner were also buffet style, with all dishes placed in the centre of the table, creating a very convivial atmosphere. There were usually six or seven options at each meal: a fish dish, a meat dish, a pasta, a rice dish, curries, salads, and vegetable sides.
The fish was freshly caught, and the beef stroganoff was particularly memorable. The chef, Mindsy, clearly knew how to use spices — not overpowering, but thoughtful and confident. One pumpkin salad stood out so much that I kept wondering what spices were used, because it was genuinely excellent.
The chef was also attentive to dietary preferences, which made everyone feel looked after. Each meal on the Seastar cruise was a delight, and it also allowed us to discover Seychelles cuisines, fruits, and spices.
Every day around 4 pm we would be served a snack and a juice.
Bananas are available all day
Tea, coffee, and drinking water are available at the self-service station throughout the day. There was a choice of black tea and vanilla tea, and I really appreciated the fresh mint, fresh ginger, and fresh lemon — small touches that made a big difference.
Tip: Bring a refillable water bottle so you can stay hydrated easily throughout the trip. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available for an additional fee, with prices clearly listed onboard.
Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available for a fee. You can see the prices below
The crew onboard Sea Star were friendly, helpful, and genuinely pleasant to be around. But what really distinguished them was their energy. There were constant smiles, good vibes, and a relaxed atmosphere that made the boat feel joyful rather than formal.
They were laid-back, but never careless — always efficient, always ready to help, and always present without being intrusive. That balance is not easy to get right, and they did it very well.
The crew consisted of eight Seychellois, and it felt meaningful to be hosted by people who truly belong to these islands. Their warmth and easygoing nature added a lot to the overall experience.
By the end of the cruise, Sea Star didn’t feel like just a boat. It felt like a small, floating community — comfortable, unpretentious, and full of heart.
Sea Star is not a “pure” diving liveaboard in the way the Maldives or Red Sea dive boats are. It’s a sailing-and-sightseeing cruise first, with diving offered as an extra on certain days — which is actually a great setup if you’re searching for a Seychelles cruise for non-divers, or if you want a mix of island exploration and a few underwater moments. For general information on local diving standards and safety, PADI’s guide to the Seychelles is a fantastic resource.
On my trip, there was only one other certified diver besides me, and three guests who chose to do Discover Scuba dives. Combined with the bad weather we experienced during the week, I don’t think I got the full “Seychelles diving” experience that hardcore divers might be looking for. But what I did get was a very smooth, beginner-friendly introduction to diving from a small cruise boat — and that’s worth highlighting, because it’s exactly where Sea Star can be a really good fit for.
Dives are offered on specific days of the itinerary, and they cater to two different profiles: certified divers and first-timers doing Discover Scuba. Diving is not included in the cruise price. During my week, dives cost €50 per dive, and rental equipment was an extra €30 per day if you don’t have your own gear.
In practice, we did one dive on Day 2, two dives on Day 5, and one dive on Day 6. Because our group included Open Water level divers, first-time divers, and non-divers, the team kept the dive sites shallow and chose areas with minimal current. It made the diving feel safe, relaxed, and accessible — not adrenaline-heavy, but pleasant and easy.
Our dive guide, Ismael, was a big part of why it worked so well. He was patient, attentive, and very tuned in to new divers — the kind of guide who makes people feel calm and capable instead of rushed or overwhelmed. If you’re a beginner or you’re someone who has always wanted to try diving but felt nervous, Sea Star is actually an excellent environment for that first experience.
One important detail for experienced divers: there is no Nitrox onboard, so all dives are done on air.
The “five-star” part: how seamless it feels
What I really loved is how effortless the whole process was. We would gather at the back of the boat, put on our wetsuits, and get ready without stress. The crew handled the heavy lifting — they loaded our equipment onto the dinghy, so we only needed to step on with our masks and cameras. It felt genuinely five-star in the sense that everything was taken care of quietly and efficiently, leaving us free to just enjoy the moment.
So while Sea Star won’t satisfy someone looking for a dive-intensive, multiple-dives-per-day liveaboard, it’s a wonderful option if you want a Seychelles cruise with a few well-organised dives — especially if your group includes beginners, non-divers, or anyone curious to try diving for the first time.
I did this cruise in January, which is part of the Seychelles rainy season. We were fairly unlucky and had several days of rough weather, so the captain had to adjust the itinerary a few times for safety and comfort. The day-by-day itinerary I’m sharing below reflects what we actually experienced, but it may not be fully representative of a “standard” cruise in calmer conditions.
We embarked at the Inter-Island Quay in Victoria (Mahé) at around 11:30 a.m. and settled in quickly. If you’re making your own way to the quay, it’s easy to find on Google Maps — just search for “Silhouette Cruise Ltd” and it will take you straight there.
Once onboard, the trip began in the standard way: a welcome briefing from the captain, followed by lunch. It’s always that moment — briefing, meal, first introductions — when a cruise stops being “travel” and starts becoming a floating little world.
After lunch, we departed Mahé and began navigating toward Praslin. The weather, however, had other plans. The sea was rough, the rain was torrential, and the waves were big enough that the crossing took longer than expected. It wasn’t dangerous, but it was bumpy — the kind of conditions where you feel every movement of the boat and you quickly understand why sailors respect the ocean.
Tip: If you get seasick, bring seasickness tablets and take them before the boat starts navigating. you need to take the 3 or 4 hours before. Don’t wait until you feel unwell — by then it’s usually too late.
We reached Praslin around 7 p.m., and by the time we arrived, it was already dark. There was no dramatic arrival scene or golden light — just the quiet feeling of finally being anchored after a rough crossing.
We started Day 2 the best way possible: with a dive before breakfast. Our first site was Curieuse Coral Garden, and it was the perfect check dive for our group. A few guests were diving for the first or second time, so we needed something easy, shallow, and confidence-building — and this site delivered exactly that.
The coral garden sits at around 10 metres. The reef itself is a mix of damaged coral patches and healthier living sections, so the coral isn’t the main reason to come here. The fish life is. Almost immediately, we spotted an octopus early in the dive, moving like liquid across the bottom. Not long after, we found a huge turtle tucked under a coral ledge, hiding in plain sight and completely unbothered by our bubbles. Then the reef came alive: yellow snappers and fusiliers in thick, mesmerising clouds, with a few jacks hunting them in sharp bursts. Toward the end of the dive, a curious nurse shark appeared, cruising past calmly as if it wanted to check us out before disappearing again. As a first dive of the trip, it was ideal — easy, exciting, and genuinely magical for the brand-new divers in our group.
At around 10 a.m., we disembarked at Curieuse, a virtually uninhabited island that feels wild and cinematic the moment you step onto it. This protected site is managed by the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), and you can truly feel the care put into its preservation.
We walked through the walking trail Curieuse Island mangroves and visited the giant tortoises. There are more than 180 tortoises on Curieuse, and what surprised me is how unshy they are — they move slowly across the paths like they have all the time in the world, and you can get quite close without them reacting at all. The scenery is stunning and intensely colourful: red earth, dramatic stone formations, green trees, white sand, and bright turquoise water. In a strange way, it reminded me of the Galápagos — but even more scenic, like nature turned the contrast up to maximum.
A practical note for visitors: On the left side of the beach, there’s a clear path that leads into the mangroves. It’s an easy walk — about 90 minutes return — to reach the other beach and come back the same way. The trail is simple, with only a few gentle steps up and down, and the panoramas are genuinely beautiful. Huge red crabs live among the mangrove roots too, and once you start looking, you realise they’re everywhere.
Tip: Put mosquito repellent on before you start walking — we had biting flies in the mangrove section, and it’s the kind of small detail that can distract you if you’re not prepared.
After a quick lunch, we went snorkeling — and I’ll be honest, it was disappointing. The visibility was poor, and there were lots of broken corals, so the reef didn’t feel at its best. We came back to the boat after about 30 minutes.
But then something unexpected happened. I noticed a lot of fish gathering right alongside the boat, clearly attracted by food waste from the kitchen. Out of curiosity, I decided to jump back in and snorkel near the hull. And that’s when the day suddenly turned into a real story: I came across three bull sharks hunting.
For a split second, my brain froze on the big question: do I stay very still, or do I get out as fast as possible? My heart was racing — not because the sharks acted aggressively, but because the energy of hunting animals is intense. In the end, the bull sharks stayed focused on their own business, and we all made it back to the boat safely… but it was definitely one of those moments that makes you feel very small in the ocean, in the best and most humbling way.
Tip: If you see a shark in the water, remain calm, avoid splashing fast movements as this would just show the shark that you are prey.
Later, we motored down toward Praslin, cruising around Round Island. The granite formations are beautiful — a mix of rounded curves and sharp edges — and something about that contrast is oddly pleasing to look at. It felt like the landscape was slowly sculpted by time, and we were simply passing through it.
Day 3 was our full-day trip to La Digue — and honestly, it ended up being one of my favourite days of the whole Sea Star Silhouette Cruise itinerary.
The waves were too big, and the Sea Star couldn’t reach La Digue. Instead of cancelling, they booked a speedboat to take us there. A speedboat picked us up in the morning and dropped us on La Digue, giving us around 7.5 hours of free time to explore the island independently. That freedom is, in my opinion, one of the big advantages of Silhouette Cruises: you’re not just “shown” the Seychelles — you actually get to step into island life for a few hours and feel the vibe on your own terms. It’s the kind of detail that makes Silhouette Cruises Seychelles reviews consistently positive for independent travellers.
That said, my day didn’t start gracefully. I got completely drenched on the speedboat ride over, which isn’t exactly the dreamy beginning you imagine when you wake up for a tropical island day. I spent the rest of the day wet and salty — not dangerous, just uncomfortable.
Tip: Bring a full change of clothes (and ideally a light towel or sarong) in a dry bag. You’ll enjoy the island so much more if you can reset when you arrive.
Once on La Digue, there are three main ways to get around:
The crew gave us a simple map and a few recommendations, which were helpful — but what I loved most was having the space to choose my own rhythm. I decided to walk everywhere, and while it was a big day physically, it gave me that slow, grounded feeling you only get when you move through a place at human speed.
My favourite part of La Digue was Anse Sévère and the northern coast. It’s noticeably less touristic than the main southern side, with beautiful beaches, shaded trees, and a cool, local energy. It feels relaxed and lived-in. There are a few beach bars where you can rent lounge chairs, grab a drink, and just sink into the day. It’s the kind of place where time stretches — quiet, easy, and very “Seychelles.”
On the southern side, I visited Union Estate Farm — the famous tourist park that many people go to for the photo spots and the classic La Digue experience. But for me, it was the low point of the day. It felt crowded and commercial, with tourist shops everywhere, and when I visited, there was also a lot of construction going on, which made it feel far from peaceful. It is marketed as one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
They also have a few turtles kept in an enclosure, and it looked muddy and dirty — it genuinely made me feel sad. It was such a contrast to Curieuse Island the day before, where the tortoises roam freely.
The entrance fee is 150 Seychelles rupees, and in my opinion, it isn’t worth it. If I were going to La Digue again, I would skip Union Estate completely and spend that time on the north instead.
If you do go, the bar offers a free rum tasting experience, so check that out
Tip: If you do go to Union Estate for the classic route, my one tip is: Walk all the way to Anse Source d’Argent / “Crusoe Beach” (the furthest beach inside the estate). It’s the nicest and tends to feel slightly less crowded than the closer sections — and if you’re going to pay the entrance fee, at least make sure you reach the best part.
Back on the practical side: The Sea Star offered us the option of a packed lunch for the day, which is convenient — but I actually recommend eating on the island instead. La Digue has plenty of cute beachfront restaurants, and it’s always nice to support the local economy (and enjoy a fresh meal with your feet in the sand rather than eating out of a box).
One option I didn’t take — but that’s very much worth mentioning — is the sanctuary dedicated to the Seychelles paradise flycatcher. La Digue is the only place in the world where you can spot this endemic bird, and that alone makes it special. The males, with their deep black feathers and impossibly long tail streamers, are considered one of the most beautiful birds in the Seychelles. I chose to spend my limited time walking the northern coast and lingering on the quieter beaches, so I skipped the sanctuary, but if you’re interested in nature beyond the ocean, this is a unique experience you can only have here. It’s also a good option during the hotter hours of the day, as it’s shaded and slower-paced.
By the end of the day, I had walked more than 15 kilometres. I came back to the boat completely exhausted — but with a big smile on my face. La Digue is beautiful in that effortless way: chilled, scenic, and full of small moments that make you slow down. It was a proper island day, the kind you remember long after you’ve rinsed the salt out of your hair.
Day 4 was the day the Seychelles reminded me that it isn’t only about beaches. Yes, the water is turquoise, and the sand is white — but the real magic is how strange and intelligent nature feels here, like it has been quietly experimenting for millions of years and perfecting its own rules.
We started the morning in the Vallée de Mai on Praslin — that dense, prehistoric-looking palm forest that feels cool and shadowy the second you step inside. This UNESCO World Heritage site is managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), an organization dedicated to protecting the island’s most iconic ecosystems. Even before I saw a single coco de mer palm tree, I could feel the atmosphere change. The air was damp and still. The light filtered down in thin beams. And the whole forest had that deep, cathedral feeling you only get in places that have been left alone long enough to become their own world.
The coco de mer palms are the reason you come. They are genuinely incredible — not just “big palms,” but record-breaking plants with a personality. These palms can grow to around 25–30 metres tall, with enormous fan-shaped leaves, and they are endemic to Praslin and nearby Curieuse. One leaf can be 10 metres long! What makes them so special is how slow and dramatic their life cycle is. The palms are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees (so you need both, in the right place, at the right time, for reproduction to even happen). The male produces long catkin-like flower structures that can keep producing pollen for years. And then, if everything aligns, the female creates the famous fruit: the double coconut, the largest seed in the plant kingdom. The fruit takes years to mature (it’s famously slow), and even germination takes a long time — which makes you look at the forest differently. It’s not a place that rushes. It’s a place that commits to the long game.
This is exactly why I think getting a guide is worth it. Without a guide, you’ll still see the palms — but you won’t understand the story playing out above your head. A good guide points out the differences between male and female trees, explains why the coco de mer grew into something so extreme, and shows you details you’d never notice on your own: the texture of the trunks, the way the leaves funnel water, the scale of the seed, and the odd little relationships the forest has built over time. I loved having someone translate the ecosystem for me, because Vallée de Mai is not just “beautiful.” It’s a living museum of evolution.
We also saw some of the smaller endemic life that makes this forest feel even more special. One of my favourite finds was the coco de mer snail — a chunky, yellow-brown endemic snail that’s often seen on coco de mer leaf stems and trunks, and is only found on Praslin, possibly because of its close relationship with the coco de mer itself.
And then came the moment I secretly hoped for: We spotted the Seychelles black parrot. It’s also known as the Praslin parrot, and its scientific name is Coracopsis barklyi. What makes it exciting is that it’s found only on Praslin (with occasional non-breeding sightings on Curieuse), which makes seeing it feel like a privilege rather than a casual tick on a bird list. It moved through the canopy like it belonged there — because it does — and for a few seconds we just stood still, looking up, listening, and feeling that quiet awe that nature sometimes gives you when it knows you’re paying attention.
The walk is relatively easy with good wide paths and a few steps.
Tip: Bring mosquito repellent and a bottle of water. You don’t need a hat or sunscreen as the forest is dense and the sun doesn’t reach you.
After the forest, we shifted back into “Seychelles beach life,” and honestly, the contrast made the beach feel even better. We went to Côte d’Or — that long, bright stretch of sand on Praslin that looks exactly like the version of the tropics people carry in their heads. We had about an hour to swim and relax in warm water but, but unfortunately, it started to rain. After lunch, we had another snorkelling session — with the option for anyone who wanted it to do an introductory dive instead. I loved that the day offered both. Not everyone travels with the same comfort level in the water, and having that choice makes the trip feel inclusive without feeling watered down. Some people want the simplicity of snorkelling. Others want their first real taste of breathing underwater.
Later in the afternoon, we navigated back toward Curieuse, and the whole boat had that quiet end-of-day mood: sun tiredness, salt on skin. We tried to catch the sunset, but it was too cloudy.
Tip: During the rainy season, there is a southwest monsoon, so the boats usually anchor on the protected side of the island, which is not conducive to sunsets.
Day 5 was dedicated to the Cousin Island bird sanctuary tour, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable and emotional days of the cruise. This island is a Special Reserve managed by Nature Seychelles, and it’s a brilliant example of how conservation can bring species back from the brink. Cousin isn’t about beaches or dramatic landscapes. It’s about life — loud, fragile, ingenious life — and the feeling that you’ve stepped into a protected world where nature is still very much in charge.
Even landing on the island was an adventure. The dinghy approach is not a gentle glide. To get onto Cousin, the boat has to time the waves perfectly, speed up, and quite literally surf onto the sand. For a few seconds, you’re holding on, laughing nervously, hoping the timing is right — and then suddenly you’re there, stepping onto the beach with wet feet and a big grin. It immediately sets the tone: This is not a polished attraction. This is a real, wild island.
We were met by a local guide who led us on a roughly 90-minute walk through the island. It was one of those guided tours where you realise very quickly that the guide makes all the difference. He didn’t just point out birds — he told stories. Stories about behaviour, survival, intelligence, and the strange, beautiful adaptations that make Cousin such a special place.
One of the first species we encountered was the tropical shearwater, a bird with the unusual habit of nesting on the ground. Seeing them up close — especially the families with their incredibly fluffy, wide-eyed chicks — was surprisingly moving. There’s something deeply vulnerable about ground-nesting birds, and yet here they were, thriving on an island that has been carefully protected just for them.
Cousin Island is home to several endemic Seychelles bird species, and that’s what makes it so important. We saw the Seychelles warbler, a conservation success story that went from near extinction to recovery thanks to protection efforts here.
The island is also home to around 75 giant tortoises, and they roam freely, slowly patrolling the paths like ancient guardians. Every encounter felt unforced. No enclosures. No barriers. Just coexistence.
One of the most fascinating moments was when our guide explained how intelligent some of the birds are. He told us about experiments where birds were given a glass of water they couldn’t reach — and instead of giving up, they dropped stones into the glass until the water level rose high enough to drink. Listening to these stories, standing in the middle of the island, made me reflect on just how underestimated animal intelligence still is.
Then came a moment I never expected to witness: A hawksbill turtle laying eggs on the beach. We kept our distance, of course, but just seeing it happen — slow, deliberate, ancient — felt like being allowed into something deeply private.
But the true highlight of the day was something much smaller and more intimate. We watched a pair of birds interacting, and one of them caught three small fish and offered them to its partner. There was no rush, no aggression — just a gentle, deliberate exchange. It was unmistakably an act of bonding, of care. It sounds simple, but it was incredibly touching. Love, in its most elemental form, played out in front of us.
After the visit, we returned to the boat for lunch. Later in the afternoon, we had some free time to swim and snorkel in the open sea. Unfortunately, the weather shifted again. Rain set in, the sky turned heavy, and the light flattened. The afternoon — and the sunset — were washed in grey.
I did 2 dives that afternoon at Coco Island. It was the most beautiful dive site of the entire cruise. Diving Coco Island Seychelles is a pleasure; this site has everything that makes Seychelles diving so distinctive. As soon as you descend, you’re surrounded by massive granite boulders — the same sculpted rocks you see above water all around the islands, but here they lie beneath the surface, stacked and balanced like an underwater cathedral. The formations are extraordinary. They create caves, swim-throughs, arches, and countless hiding spots, turning the dive into a slow exploration rather than a simple swim.
What makes Coco Island special is the contrast between stone and life. The granite is softened by delicate corals clinging to the rock, and some of the table corals are enormous, spreading out like umbrellas.
Tip: Buoyancy control is essential here. The corals are fragile, and the site tempts you into tight spaces. Staying perfectly neutral lets you enjoy the shapes without damaging anything — and it makes the dive feel much more fluid and calm.
Fish life was abundant and constantly moving. Large schools of yellow snappers and fusiliers swept through the boulders, while soldierfish hovered in the darker crevices. Everywhere I looked, something was happening. I counted more than 25 huge lobsters tucked under ledges and deep in cracks — and one of them casually walked out across the sand straight toward me, completely unfazed by my presence.
We spotted two porcupine fish sharing a cave, floating quietly like they were resting, and enjoyed a really beautiful swim-through where the light filtered in softly from above. In a small cave beneath a rock, we found a baby shark, still and sheltered, using the granite like a nursery — one of those gentle, intimate sightings that stay with you.
Trevallies were actively hunting along the reef, joined by a sleek great barracuda cutting through the water with purpose. We saw several groupers, including a black saddle grouper, and at one point a whole school of golden trevally passed by, flashing gold as they turned together.
Even though the weather that day was grey and rainy, none of that mattered underwater.
After breakfast on Day 6, the last day of the cruise, we started sailing back toward Mahé. It was one of those mornings that makes you understand why people fall in love with sailing even when they’re not “sailing people.” The sun was already up, the sea was quiet, and the boat moved with an easy confidence — not fighting the water, just gliding across it. I remember listening to the waves and letting my mind go blank in the best possible way. No planning. No screens. Just the sound of the ocean and that gentle feeling of crossing from one island world to another.
The crossing took around four hours, and it was genuinely enjoyable. People drifted between the shaded areas and the sun deck, some reading, some napping, some just staring at the horizon like it was a movie. It was calm, warm, and quietly beautiful.
We arrived at St Anne Island in the early afternoon and spent the rest of the day there. The nice thing about this stop is that it isn’t “one activity for everyone.” It’s flexible. You can choose what you feel like: beach time, kayaking, snorkelling, or diving.
I chose to dive at Seche Island. Underwater, it had that classic Seychelles look I was starting to recognise: big granite formations stacked and a small boat wreck. The coral wasn’t as pretty as Coco Island the day before, but the dive still had plenty of life. We saw a few turtles, a couple of Napoleon wrasse, and lots of fish moving through the rocks. It wasn’t a “wow, best dive of my life” kind of site — more a solid, relaxing dive with beautiful structure, good visibility, and that calming Seychelles underwater mood.
By late afternoon, everyone had returned to the boat with that familiar glow: sun-warmed skin, damp hair, and the happy tiredness that comes from being in the sea. We watched the sunset onboard, and then the day ended in the most perfect way — a barbecue on deck. There’s something so simple and so satisfying about eating outside at sea, surrounded by darkness and warm air, when the whole day has been water and light. It didn’t need anything fancy. It was just good food, good company, and that quiet feeling that the trip was gently coming full circle as we headed back toward Mahé.
Sea Star departed Sainte Anne around 6 a.m., but I was still asleep while we made our way back toward Mahé. I only really became aware we were close when I woke up to that softer morning light and the quieter feeling that comes when a trip is about to end. If you’re an early riser, this is a beautiful moment: sunrise near Port Victoria, the sky slowly turning pink and gold, the sea calm, and Mahé appearing again on the horizon.
After an early breakfast, reality arrived quickly. We settled our onboard consumption bills, packed up the last bits of damp swimwear and charging cables, and suddenly it was time to say goodbye — to the crew and to the other passengers who had started the week as strangers and ended up feeling like a small floating community.
We disembarked at 08:30 at the Inter-Island Quay in Victoria, Mahé — back exactly where we had started, but not quite the same as when we arrived. That’s the strange thing about a cruise like this: the geography is circular, but you don’t feel like you’re returning to the same place emotionally. After a week of islands, wildlife, rainstorms, swims, and those little moments that only happen at sea, normal life suddenly feels very far away.
Logistically, the disembarkation is easy and efficient. We were off the boat by 8:30 a.m. If you have a later flight, Silhouette Cruises has a shaded area where you can wait and store your bags, which is genuinely useful — especially if you don’t want to drag luggage around town in the heat.
And if you have a few hours to kill, you can explore Victoria. It is about 20 minutes walk from the harbour. It’s not mind-blowing, but it’s a pleasant way to pass time and see a different side of Mahé. There’s the old clock tower, a church, and a Hindu temple — small landmarks that give the town its character. The market street was the most vibrant part when I visited: very crowded, very lively, full of movement and noise. It’s not a place you go for “beauty,” but it’s a place you go to feel the everyday energy of the Seychelles — a quick final glimpse of island life before you head back to airports and schedules.
To help you plan your own Seychelles sailing cruise itinerary, I’ve summarized the highlights of the islands we visited below:
| Island | Best For | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Curieuse | Wildlife & Hiking | Giant Tortoises & Mangrove walking trail |
| La Digue | Biking & Beaches | Anse Severe |
| Praslin | Ancient Nature | Vallée de Mai (Coco de Mer) |
| Cousin | Bird Watching | Cousin Island bird sanctuary tour |
| Coco Island | Diving & Snorkeling | Diving Coco Island Seychelles boulders |
Sea Star was my first real taste of the Seychelles by sea, and even though I travelled in January during the rainy season, the trip ended up giving me far more than I expected. Yes, we had a few days of rough weather and the captain had to adjust the itinerary, but instead of taking away from the experience, it made the islands feel even wilder and more real. Over the week, we moved between granite-framed beaches and lush rainforest, explored Curieuse and its giant tortoises, walked through the prehistoric beauty of Vallée de Mai, spent a full day wandering La Digue, and visited Cousin Island’s bird sanctuary for some of the most special wildlife moments of the cruise.
Diving is optional rather than the main focus, but it was well organised and beginner-friendly—and Coco Island was the underwater highlight, with dramatic boulders, swim-throughs, lobsters, schools of fish, and that classic Seychelles underwater atmosphere.
Add the comfort of the boat, the delicious buffet meals, the constant tea-and-coffee flow, and a warm Seychellois crew that made everyone feel looked after, and you get a cruise that feels relaxed, human, and deeply memorable—so much so that I extended my Seychelles trip by another week.
I hope you found this review helpful for your own travel planning. If you are looking for more luxury inspiration in the region or are interested in similar boutique boat experiences, I invite you to explore more of my reviews on This is Luxury Travel.
To book your Seychelles sailing cruise experience, check the Silhouette website.
No, there is no Nitrox available onboard the Sea Star. All dives are conducted using regular air. For experienced divers who prefer Nitrox for its safety and longer bottom times, it’s important to keep this in mind when planning your dive profiles, especially at deeper sites.
The power plugs in the Seychelles are the UK-style Type G (three-pin) plugs. It is highly recommended to bring a universal adaptor if your electronics use European or US-style plugs, as this will allow you to charge your cameras and devices easily in your cabin.
Yes, I strongly recommend bringing your own shampoo and conditioner. While the Sea Star provides soap in the ensuite bathrooms, they do not provide hair care products. Seawater and the tropical sun can be harsh on your hair, so having your own high-quality products makes a big difference after a day of swimming and diving.
Absolutely. One of the best things about this boat is that it is a sailing-and-sightseeing cruise first. Diving is an optional extra, which makes it an ideal Seychelles cruise for non-divers. You will get to enjoy all the island excursions, beach time, and nature walks while the divers are in the water.
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