Seychelles whale and dolphin watching expedition cruise

Mahé is the largest granite island in Seychelles, covering about 150 sq km and home to 85% of the nation’s population. This mountainous island is cloaked in tropical vegetation and features are markably preserved natural environment.Morning embarkation takes place at Port Victoria, Inter-Island Quay, followed by a welcome briefing with the captain.

At noon, we set sail northwards to Denis Island. En route, we will pause for a refreshing swim during sunset in the Indian Ocean. We anchor near Denis Island for the night. A Creole-inspired welcome barbecue will be served onboard, followed by an introductory lecture on the whales we aim to encounter during the days ahead.

We begin our whale-watching expedition near Denis Island. Seychelles’ islands fall into two main geological groups: the granitic islands, such as Mahé, Praslin,Curieuse, La Digue, and Aride, which are over 650 million years old; and the coralline islands, like Denis,composed of either uplifted reef or sandy cays.

Denis lies 95 km north of Mahé and marks the northernmost point of the coralline group. It sits nearthe edge of the Mahé Plateau—an underwater shelf less than 100m deep, which abruptly plunges intowaters thousands of meters deep. This drop-off zone is a feeding ground for many species of marine mammals, making it ideal for whale and dolphin sightings.

Over these four days, guided by marine mammal specialist Michel Vély, we will explore this area byvessel and zodiac, with the chance for in-water observation under strict guidelines.

Sightings may include sperm whales, beaked whales, pilot whales, spinner dolphins, and more. In the evening of day 5, we say farewell to the whales and dolphins off Denis Island, as we start sailing south towards our next destination – Aride Island.

We arrive at Aride at first light and disembark on this secluded island nature reserve, known for its biodiversity and limited visitor access due to ongoing scientific research. Accompanied by a local ranger, we enter the forest to observe a rich variety of seabirds and five endemic land birds—including the Seychelles Warbler, with a population of about 2,000.

Similar to the Galapagos, birds here show little fear of humans, allowing for intimate observation of nesting behaviour. We continue along the trail to the summit, where towering cliffs offer panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. From here, hundreds of seabirds—especially frigate birds with 2-meter wingspans—soar on ocean winds. These agile birds can chase others midair until they regurgitate their catch, which the frigate bird snatches in flight—a spectaculr display of agility.

Aride is sole natural home of the endangered Wright's Gardenia (Rothmannia annae), a white fragrant flowering tree.

After returning to the shore, we’ll enjoy a barbecue lunch on the beach, followed by snorkeling or diving around Aride’s coral reef, home to more than 400 fish species. We anchor for the night nearby. After dinner, we gather for an evening lecture session.

During breakfast, we set sail to Praslin, Seychelles’ second-largest inhabited island. Discovered in 1744 by French explorer Lazare Picault and originally named "Isle des Palmes," the island remains renowned for its lush vegetation and natural beauty. After disembarking, we explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallée de Mai, a prehistoric palm forest where the famous Coco de Mer grows. These ancient trees produce the largest seed in the plant kingdom—up to 15 kg—and are known for their uniquely shaped double coconuts.

Walking under 30m-tall palms with 8m-long leaves, we’ll explore the primeval atmosphere of the reserve. You may spot the elusive Seychelles black parrot—the only parrot species endemic to the country, with a population of just a few hundred.

Later, we rest at Baie Ste Anne and can browse a local market. After a late lunch on board, we cruise to Anse Lazio in northern Praslin. Often listed among the world’s most beautiful beaches, Anse Lazio isideal for swimming, snorkeling or diving amid granite rock formations and vibrant marine life. After dinner, we’ll hold another engaging lecture session.

At sunrise, we anchor off Curieuse Island, home only to conservation rangers. This protected natural park is a sanctuary for the Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea), which roams freely alongthe beaches and forest trails. These gentle giants can weigh up to 250 kg and live well over a century.

We’ll also visit a nursery for juvenile tortoises, where they are raised safely until ready to return to thewild. Our walk continues through a mangrove forest—a unique salt-tolerant ecosystem teeming with life. Look out for the large Mangrove crab (Cardisoma carnifex), whose claws can reach 30 cm in span. The trail ends with a viewpoint offering a sweeping vista over the island.

At its far end, Curieuse reveals beaches adorned with surreal granite formations, where coconut palms lean dramatically towards the sea. We’ll relax here before returning to the vessel for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll snorkel or dive around the small but iconic St. Pierre Island, whose jagged granite spires and palm crowns rising from turquoise waters are emblematic of Seychelles.

Evening lecture onboard after dinner.

After an early breakfast, we disembark at La Digue, Seychelles’ third-most populated island. Our morning begins with a visit to Anse Source d’Argent—often cited as one of the most photogenic beaches in the world, thanks to its dramatic granite boulders, shallow turquoise lagoons, and powdery white sands.

We then proceed to Union Estate, where we’ll witness traditional copra (dried coconut) processing, stroll through vanilla plantations, and see colonial-era architecture. Our visit continues to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking several inner islands, before heading into the Veuve Reserve, a nature park where we may spot the rare Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphonecorvina), with its glossy plumage and long tail feathers.

In the afternoon, we sail to the Ave Maria rocks for more snorkeling or diving opportunities. These striking granite formations rise abruptly from the sea and provide a final chance to appreciate Seychelles’ unique island geology and marine biodiversity.

After dinner, we gather for a final evening lecture. While sailing among the inner islands, we may encounter schools of friendly Indo-Pacific dolphins, known for their acrobatic displays.

Disembarkation
Early morning on day 10 we set sail to Mahé. Disembarkation at the Inter-Island Quay at 08:30 hrs.