SY Sea Shell Liveaboard Review

Silhouette Cruises, based in the Seychelles, were founded in 1997. Unlike many of the more ‘modern’ vessels on which you may spend a liveaboard trip, SY Sea Shell and her sister vessels of Silhouette Cruises are traditional sailing vessels. The vessels and voyages are a unique experience, offering the amazing diving of the region combined with the romance and style of a traditional sailing vessel.

Amazing aquatic life. Shipwrecks. Pristine beaches and white sand. The Seychelles really are a slice of paradise. From tiny nudibranchs to eagle rays – there is everything here that a diver could possibly wish to see. Out in the open water, napoleon and humphead wrasses, schools of humphead parrotfish, stingrays, reef sharks and green and hawksbill turtles are sometimes found. Even snorkeling or swimming within the inner reefs you may expect to find schools of angelfish, butterflyfish. Or octopus, lionfish and mantis shrimp.

MY Sea Shell has a rich history. Originally built in the 1920s she spent the first chapter of her life traversing the English Channel and later as a fishing vessel. Then, in the early 1980s she became used as a sailing school vessel in the North Sea. Then, in 1997, she was brought to the Seychelles where she enjoys her middle age redesigned as a dive boat cruising the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

She is marginally shorter than her sister vessels the Sea Bird and Sea Star. Nevertheless, there is ample space on board for a comfortable voyage and the smaller guest numbers means that, despite her slightly shorter length, it never feels crowded. Despite being a sailing vessel she has, in addition, a 300hp engine capable of powering her at a cruising speed of 7 knots.

You can check the availability and prices for this Boat here.

Cabins and Boat Layout

Sea Shell, in common with her sister vessel Sea Pearl, has comfortable wood-trimmed accommodation for 16 guests onboard plus her 8 professional crew.

There are 8 cabins onboard with a choice of either double or triple berths. The triples being a double bed with single bunk above.

Every cabin has air-conditioning and wash basin, and is wonderfully decorated for your comfort and convenience.

If you’re looking for somewhere inviting to spend time in the evenings, why not sit in air-conditioned comfort and read a book in the the salon/lounge area. Or make use of the TV/DVD and stereo system.

At the stern of the vessel there is also a covered ‘deck lounge’ outside where you might unwind with a drink as the sun sets – or simply relax on your surface interval.

Sea Shell Cabin

On the top of the vessel there is sun-deck for sun-worshippers. And, at the very bow of the boat, a net where you can lie as if in a giant hammock absorbing vitamin D!

In addition to the diving there are snorkeling and swimming opportunities throughout the voyage – and kayaks onboard too. For those wanting to explore, island visits also form part of the usual itinerary.

Beer and wine is also available onboard. Meals onboard are a selection of wonderful local creole dishes and western cuisine.

Scuba Diving Onboard Sea Shell

English and French speaking crew onboard are there to attend to any other requirements you may have and there is a minimum of 1 diving instructor onboard should you wish to be guided in-water.

Charging points and rinse tanks are available for delicate scuba gear and cameras. The dive deck is shaded and there is a warm water shower for rinsing yourself of salt post-dive.

Dining Area/Salon

For safety dinghies are on standby for pickups and drop for divers where necessary ensuring you always get the optimum dive. If you’ve brought your own equipment and require DIN adaptors, these are available onboard.

Itineraries

Typically Sea Shell cruises inner islands over an 7-8 day, 7 night itinerary.

The vessel departs and docks at Anse Possession, Praslin. There is a planned itinerary (obviously subject to season and weather etc.) which takes in the best sites in the area.

Swimming, snorkeling and beach excursions with barbecues normally form part of the voyage. There are also opportunities explore some of these amazing islands, walk amongst the palm trees and possible explore some of the islands by bicycle. And, combined with Kayaking and the amazing views these voyages are suitable for divers and non-divers alike.

Expect to budget in the region of EUR1,085 depending on season and availability which equates to only EUR131 per day – a bargain. However, please note that this excludes some items such as marine park fees, alcoholic drinks, crew tips and equipment rental. Contact us for further details.