Dive trip with Basilisk - 22 nights

Boat

Built in Newfoundland in 2004, M/Y Basilisk began life as a robust North Atlantic commercial fishing vessel before serving as a marine-research platform from 2011 to 2014. A major 2015 conversion added seven metres to the stern, a new aft mast and a five-ton lifting boom, turning the wave-piercing aluminium catamaran into a long-range expedition yacht. The present owner has continued upgrading systems, services and guest areas since December 2018.

Basilisk measures 26.79 metres long and 9.14 metres wide, with a 2.45-metre draft and a published displacement of 90 tonnes. Two 350 hp Cummins NTA 855 M diesels give a normal cruising speed of about 9.5 knots, a maximum of 12 knots and an exceptional stated range of 6,000 nautical miles. The vessel flies the Antigua and Barbuda flag and carries 40,000 litres of diesel plus 10,000 litres of freshwater. Two reverse-osmosis watermakers support longer expeditions.

Her unusually small maximum of six guests creates a private-yacht atmosphere rather than a high-capacity dive-cruise experience. The 35 m² air-conditioned salon has deep sofas, opening windows, a large television with digital presentation connections and indoor dining for up to eight. Outside, the 95 m² aft deck is the social and operational centre: most meals and snacks are served under the large awning, while separate areas hold cameras and dive or snorkel equipment. The fly deck offers both sun and shade and works as a lookout for sunsets and passing wildlife.

The lower dive pontoon is the departure point for diving, snorkelling and shore excursions. Basilisk carries a 7.6-metre USCG full-cabin SAFEBoat with twin 135 hp outboards, radar, GPS and depth sounder, plus a 3.6-metre Highfield RIB with a 20 hp outboard. The enclosed SAFEBoat is particularly useful for reaching distant sites with more shelter than an open tender can provide, although transfers can still be lively in wind or swell.

Environmental systems include solar-powered 110V house electricity with battery storage, an anaerobic black-water treatment plant, a grey-water holding and pump-out system and eco-sensitive cleaning products where possible. Higher-load systems run from 220V generators. Guest outlets are published as North American-style 110V sockets and 24V USB connections, so travellers using other plug types should bring a suitable adaptor after confirming voltage compatibility.

Safety equipment includes two SOLAS A liferafts, adult and child lifejackets, emergency oxygen, first-aid kits, smoke alarms, firefighting equipment, two radars, multiple GPS and VHF units, AIS, an Iridium emergency satellite phone and three EPIRBs. Safety equipment is maintained by the operator, but evacuation from remote Seychelles islands can take time; appropriate medical and evacuation insurance remains essential.

Cabin

Basilisk accommodates a maximum of six guests in exactly three en-suite cabins, each measuring approximately 14 m² / 150 sq ft. The cabins are physically separated from one another for privacy. Their location is precise:

• 2 Lower-Deck Pontoon Cabins: one cabin inside the port pontoon and one inside the starboard pontoon. Both are reached by stairs from the main level.
• 1 Main-Deck Cabin: positioned on the main deck and distinguished by two large opening windows with insect screens, allowing natural ventilation as well as air-conditioning.

Every cabin has one 150 × 200 cm queen-size bed. The operator describes this bed as convertible to two singles through a Pullman-style divider panel that allows light and air to pass. This is an important distinction: it is a divided queen sleeping surface, not two fully separated freestanding twin beds. Friends sharing should confirm that this arrangement suits them before booking.

All three cabins include a private bathroom with a large glass shower and freshwater-flush toilet. Individually controlled air-conditioning, an electric fan, overhead LED lighting, reading lights with USB connections, drawers, wardrobes, shelves and pull-down window blinds are also specified. Bed linen, bathroom towels and beach towels are changed twice weekly. The operator does not publish a safe, minibar, hair dryer, daily housekeeping schedule or the precise number of electrical outlets, so these features should not be promised without written confirmation.

Rates are quoted per person on a shared-cabin basis. A solo traveller may be paired with another guest of the same gender. A guaranteed private cabin carries a published surcharge of 75% or more, with the final amount depending on the departure. Because the yacht has only three cabins, preferred deck and sole-use requests should be secured in writing early.

Basilisk is not described as accessible for guests with disabilities. Four levels are linked by ship's ladders, the two pontoon cabins require stairs, and boarding tenders in moving water demands balance and mobility. Anyone with reduced mobility, a recent injury or difficulty using steep steps should discuss the complete route from dock to cabin and tender before paying a deposit.

Diving

Basilisk is equipped for small-group recreational diving in the Seychelles. The dive room contains two Coltri MCH11 ERGO TPS compressors, explicitly listed as air only. The published tank inventory is 16 steel 12-litre cylinders plus three children's cylinders. Nitrox is not advertised and should not be assumed available.

One dive guide accompanies a maximum of six divers. Each cruise includes a check dive, but the guide does not provide training. Divers must hold the certification, current skills and minimum logged experience required for the selected route, use the buddy system and remain responsible for planning and conducting a safe dive within the briefing. The guide may restrict an individual's diving if safety concerns arise.

Lead weights, weight belts and collapsible dive flags are complimentary. A limited selection of rental equipment is carried for guest needs or emergencies, but the operator recommends bringing personal equipment and essential spares. A complete rental set, particular sizes, dive computers, exposure protection, torches, surface markers and children's equipment must be reserved and confirmed; public pages do not provide a current inventory or price list.

Dives and excursions normally leave from the lower pontoon by tender. A typical active day can offer up to four water sessions, with the first around 07:00 and a possible night dive around 18:00. The exact number depends on itinerary, distance, daylight, current, weather and group ability. Named sites, wildlife sightings and published dive counts are never guaranteed, and the operator states that missed dives caused by adverse weather or unforeseen change do not generate a refund.

Inner Islands routes can suit newer qualified divers, snorkellers and nature-focused guests, with protected reefs as well as slopes, caves, walls, wrecks and mild-to-moderate current. Northern Drop-Off and Outer Islands itineraries introduce deeper profiles, stronger or variable currents, open-ocean crossings and more remote support. Route-specific certification and logged-dive minima must therefore be checked on the dated programme rather than inferred from the vessel description.

Other Information

Basilisk does not publish one universal package list: local charges and extras vary by itinerary. The dated proposal, invoice and booking confirmation must therefore define the final commercial package. The distinctions below reflect the operator's current boat, FAQ and terms pages.

Clearly described as part of the normal onboard cruise service:

• Accommodation in the confirmed shared cabin category
• A set-menu meal programme using Western and local dishes, with vegetarian choices and attention to declared allergies
• A check dive and guided recreational diving on a dive itinerary, at a maximum ratio of one guide to six divers
• Use of standard 12-litre tanks, lead weights and weight belts; collapsible dive flags are stated as complimentary
• Twice-weekly changes of bed, bathroom and beach linen
• Use of the vessel's public areas and the tender-supported programme listed for the departure

Because the site does not provide a single all-inclusive checklist, drinking water, tea/coffee, snacks, exact meal count, snorkel gear, kayaks and specific shore excursions should still be verified on the invoice even where the daily schedule or route description mentions them.

Mandatory charges that vary by itinerary:

• Marine-park, conservation, anchorage and landing fees
• Seychelles Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy
• Any other route-specific permits or local charges shown on the proposal

The terms say obligatory charges are listed per itinerary and collected in advance, while the Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy is identified elsewhere in the same terms as payable onboard in cash. The invoice should resolve the method and amount before travel.

Published as extra, limited or not included unless contracted:

• Local transfers, including airport, hotel and marina transfers
• Special entry fees, guided land tours and optional island visits
• Soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits; a priced beverage list is issued before the cruise
• Rental dive equipment beyond the included tanks, weights and belts
• Crew gratuities
• Guaranteed single occupancy, subject to a surcharge of 75% or more
• Flights, visas, hotels, travel insurance, personal purchases and pre/post-cruise arrangements
• Nitrox, technical diving and dive training, none of which is advertised as a normal onboard service

Alcohol consumption excludes the guest from further diving and water activities for the rest of that day. Smoking is restricted to one small designated area and is prohibited inside and across most of the yacht.

Non-divers are welcome on suitable departures and private charters, but basic swimming ability is required for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Children under 16 are accepted only on a private charter with the charter leader's consent. Tender passengers must be at least six years old, and the operator provides neither childcare nor teenage supervision.

The kitchen offers vegetarian choices but explicitly says it cannot accommodate a vegan diet because of local supply limitations. Allergies and dietary requirements must be submitted in advance. Guests requiring temperature-controlled medication should bring it in original packaging and use their own travel cooling case; ice packs can be refrozen onboard, while the medication remains under the guest's control.

A 50% deposit is due within ten calendar days of placing an option. The balance, mandatory charges, selected extras and required documents are due 90 days before departure; bookings made within 90 days are payable immediately. Cancellations more than 180 days before departure are refunded less €100; charges are 50% at 180–91 days, 75% at 90–31 days and 100% at 30 days or less. Force-majeure conditions are subject to the operator's terms and may not be refundable.

Comprehensive insurance is a contract requirement and should cover dive injury and chamber treatment, medical evacuation including low-altitude air evacuation, repatriation, cancellation, travel disruption and personal property. The operator recommends arrival in Seychelles at least one day before embarkation and booking the return flight at least 24 hours after the vessel's scheduled arrival back in port. This margin is in addition to respecting the safe no-fly interval after the final dive.

The public terms contain legacy COVID-era wording, and the public schedule page displays old unrelated sample departures. Neither should be used as proof of current entry rules, dates or prices. Obtain a dated Basilisk programme and reconfirm passport, health, visa and Seychelles entry requirements before publication or payment.