Navigating Archipelagic Currents: Sharing Insights on Tidal Patterns and Safe Passages
Hey everyone, has anyone here got decent tips on handling those sneaky tidal flows when island-hopping around the Seychelles? Last year I was crewing on a catamaran between Mahé and Praslin, and we got caught in this weird push-pull in one of the narrower channels right around low water. The water was rushing out faster than expected, nearly had us scraping shallows even though charts looked fine. Made me realise how much those semidiurnal patterns can mess with your timing if you're not watching closely. Anyone else noticed stronger sets in certain spots or worked out good ways to time passages so you're not fighting the flow? Would love to hear real experiences before planning the next trip.
11 Views
Yeah, those tidal bits can definitely catch you out if you're not paying attention. I've done a fair few hops in the inner islands myself, and what stands out is how the currents pick up quite a lot in the straits or near lagoons, especially when the tide's dropping hard. One time heading towards La Digue we timed it wrong and ended up ploughing against maybe two knots of opposing flow, which just ate up fuel and made everything feel sluggish. Nowadays I try to check the height differences between the daily highs because they're not always even, and plan moves for slack or favourable push. For anyone sorting out routes, there's this handy site I've used for inspiration on charters and general Seychelles stuff and island-based charter planning https://charterclick.sc/ — not pushing anything, just sharing because their overviews helped me visualise passages better when piecing together my own plans. Keeps things relaxed rather than overthinking every knot.