Seychelles or Maldives?

Can anyone offer their opinion or experience in cruising either of these places?

I understand that both are beautiful but can be pretty expensive. My wife and I are looking for somewhere to sit out a change of seasons between Sept and Jan before heading up the Red Sea in time for a Med spring/summer (during our Indian Ocean crossing from Oz).

We are pretty set on this time of the year, but would love to know more about cruising in these two stopover options if anyone can help?

Thanks,

Rob

You would do well to also post this to the Indian Ocean Cruising Forum at http://www.cruisingconnections.co.za

Good luck.

[GoneTroppo]

G'Day, We spent a couple of months in the Maldives doing the same thing, waiting, prior to that Chagos. It starts out pretty cheap, but the boat anchoring fee starts to climb after the first month. You have to have an agent, but the fee is now modest and they generally earn it. It is a good place to re-supply, but the cruising is limited, but pretty. We got bored so we then got a 4 month visa for India, from the Indian embassy in Male'. Had a great stay in Cochin until mid January. India was very cheap in comparison. While we were in the Maldives and India, friends were in the Sychelles and enjoyed their stay there. No doubt you have checked out noonsite for requirements. We plan to transit the Red Sea early 2007 so might see you. Currently in Malaysia/Thailand. Happy Sailing.

Steve