SY Sea Star Liveaboard Review

SY Sea Star. Sleek. Luxurious. She is owned by Silhouette Cruises, based in the Seychelles, who were founded in 1997. They offer some of the most satisfying ways to enjoy an adventure cruising the wonderful islands of the Seychelles – the ‘jewel of the indian ocean’.

The Seychelles offer a rich abundance of marine life. Everything from the ocean giants – the whale shark – which is known to circumnavigate the waters on occasion between June and year end, to intricate nudibranchs. A divers’ paradise. So, whether you’re blown away by the multiple colours of the large schools of tropical fish, or you’re in search of a stingray, the Seychelles provide an amazing diving experience.

At 40m long, the triple-masted MY Sea Star is marginally shorter than her sister vessel the Sea Bird. However, she’s equally well-trimmed and exceptionally laid out and always feels spacious and inviting. She has five sails in a Bermuda Sails configuration. In addition she has twin 500hp engines capable of powering her at a cruising speed of 9 knots. Sea Bird was substantially re-designed in 2007 improving her layout and configuration and making her an opulently trimmed, logically laid-out boat to dive from.

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

Cabins and Boat Layout

Sea Star, in common with her sister vessel Sea Bird, has comfortable wood-trimmed accommodation for 18 guests onboard plus her 9 professional crew.

There are 9 cosseting cabins onboard with a choice of essentially two layouts.

The first cabin option features a double bed for couples sharing. The second option features a double bed with additional single bed.

However, Sea Star has an ace up her sleeve in that there is also a ‘Honeymoon Cove’ for those couples wanting more space and a special experience on their diving adventure.

Honeymoon Cove

Every cabin has air-conditioning, has private en-suite bathroom facilities and is wonderfully decorated for your comfort.

The salon/lounge area offers TV/DVD, stereo, ice-machine and washing/drying facilities. Or it’s just simply somewhere pleasant to sit in air-conditioned comfort and read a book.

Cabin

There is a covered ‘deck lounge’ outside at the stern of the vessel where you unwind with a cold beer at the end of the day as the sun sets.

There are also multiple sun-decks for sun-worshippers around the vessel ensuring there is always ample space to relax, sprawl out and soak up those rays!

There are snorkeling and swimming opportunities throughout the voyage and kayaks onboard too. There really is no excuse for not getting in the water.

Beer and wine is also available onboard. And the chef with keep ensure you lose no weight by preparing a selection of wonderful local creole dishes and western cuisine.

Scuba Diving Onboard Sea Star

Diving in the Seychelles is outstanding and some of the best in the Indian Ocean.

A professional instructor is onboard to brief and guide you in the water. The friendly English and French speaking crew onboard are there to attend to any other requirements you may have.

Dining Area

The dive deck is shaded and there are warm water showers for rinsing yourself of salt post-dive. For photographers there are charging points and rinse tanks.

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

Itineraries

The vessel departs and docks at Inter-Island Quay departing Port Victoria at around midday. There is a planned itinerary (obviously subject to weather etc.) which takes in the best site in the area. Typically Sea Star cruises inner islands over an 8 day, 7 night itinerary.

Swimming, snorkeling and beach excursions with barbecues normally form part of the voyage. And, combined with Kayaking and the amazing views the voyages are suitable for divers and non-divers alike.

Expect to budget in the region of EUR2,029 depending on season and availability which equates to only 177 per day. 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.