Isolated in the Indian Ocean and the only mid-ocean islands of granite formation to be found on earth, the Seychelles archipelago is often mentioned in the same breath as the lost 'Garden of Eden.'
The highest peaks of a submerged mountain range that broke apart from the supercontinent of Gondwana millions of years ago, the Seychelles' inner islands are the most ancient islands on earth - no other mid-ocean isles of granite formation can be found anywhere else. This curious geological feature was one of several curiosities about the islands that led the famed British General, Charles Gordon, to declare Seychelles the site of the biblical Garden of Eden.
Situated some 1,500 kilometers east of mainland Africa, and northeast of the island of Madagascar, this tiny island group boasts a population of just 90,000 inhabitants, with a warm, tropical climate all year-round and some of the most stunningly beautiful beaches in the world.
Mahé, the largest island, is home to the majority of the population and represents the archipelago's commercial and transportation hub, with the country's only international airport linking the islands to the rest of the globe. The island is characterised by its towering granite peaks, lush mist forests and dozens of striking coves and beaches.
The second largest island, Praslin, is home to the legendary Vallée de Mai, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Coco de Mer grows in abundance. This double coconut, which curiously resembles the shape of a woman's pelvis, was another facet of General Gordon's theory about Seychelles as the Garden of Eden - he believed it to be the real forbidden fruit.
La Digue, the third-most populous island, moves at an even slower pace: bicycles remain the most common mode of transportation, for both its residents and visiting tourists. The huge granite boulders that adorn the coastline at Anse Source D'Argent have led some to believe that it could very well be the most photographed beach in the world.
While Mahé, Praslin and La Digue may be the principal islands, dozens of smaller 'satellite' isles nearby offer further opportunity to explore and admire. Every island has a character and charm all of its own, with colorful individual histories and unique natural features, some with steep granite cliffs and others comprising pristine coral atolls. Together, they make up a surprisingly diverse destination of great natural beauty, rare flora and fauna that have been cocooned in isolation for millions of years, and a friendly multi-cultural people eager to welcome you to their shores.
The cruise includes:-
• Accommodation on board
• Friendly service from a 8/9x crew complement including captain, engineer, deckhands, dive instructor and stewardesses
• Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner) prepared by a dedicated chef. (Please note that table water and tea/coffee are included with all meals.) Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits are all available on board. Price list available on request. We serve a combination of International and authentic Creole cuisine. Please contact us for special dietary needs.
• Snorkeling, kayaking and bottom-line fishing equipment
Embarkation at the Inter-Island Quay at 1030hrs, followed by
the Captain's welcome briefing. Depart Port Victoria at
1200hrs, sailing from Mahé to a late afternoon anchorage at
Round Island, just off the isle of Praslin. In the evening,
introduce yourself to Creole cuisine with a welcome barbecue
dinner onboard.
Sail to Praslin, Seychelles' second-largest inhabited island, for
disembarkation to the famous World Heritage Site, the Vallee
de Mai Nature Reserve. This ancient forest is home to the
curiously shaped double coconut, the coco de mer, as well as
the Black Parrot, unique to Praslin. Explore the valley's eerie
pathways beneath its canopy of massive palms, before
returning onboard for afternoon opportunities to dive, snorkel
or enjoy other water sports
A morning sail brings the vessel to La Digue, a sleepy island
community where ox-carts and bicycles still remain the most
common mode of transportation throughout the island. La
Digue is home to the endemic Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher,
and is perhaps most famous for its massive granite boulder
formations at Anse Source d'Argent, which is thought to be the
most photographed beach on earth. Explore the entire island
by bicycle, perhaps stopping by Union Estate, a sprawling
network of traditional island activities, including a copra mill,
vanilla plantation, and shipyard
In the morning the vessel sails toward Grande Soeur and Petite
Soeur (the Sisters) for excellent snorkelling and diving, and for
a relaxing visit of these unique and completely uninhabited
tropical islands. In the afternoon, visit Coco Island, one of
Seychelles’ tiny granite jewels, a fantastic spot for snorkelling
within a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.
Sail to Booby Island for a morning of diving and water sports.
After lunch, sail to Aride Island, a globally important nature
reserve with more native bird species than any other island,
including five endemics and the world's largest population of 3
species (Lesser Noddy, Audubon's Shearwater and Seychelles
Warbler). The nature trail leads to a spectacular cliff-top view
with the largest frigatebird roost outside of Aldabra. Aride is
the only natural location in the world for Wright's Gardenia and
400 species of fish have been recorded around the island.
In the morning disembark at Curieuse for a visit of this virtually
uninhabited island. Experience the island's vast mangrove
forests and its giant tortoise farm, along with the historic ruins
of this former leper colony. After a barbecue lunch on the
island, enjoy an array of water sports or simply relax and enjoy
the island's beautiful beach and turquoise waters.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely sail back towards Mahé, with
a last stop at Ile Seche for more snorkelling or diving, followed
by a farewell barbecue. The vessel then sails into Port Victoria
for an overnight stay
Disembarkation at the Inter-Island Quay at 08.30hrs
Itineraries are subject to change.
23 January, 2021 to 30 January, 2021
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
30 January, 2021 to 06 February, 2021
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
06 February, 2021 to 13 February, 2021
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Book now
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
13 February, 2021 to 20 February, 2021
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Book now
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
20 February, 2021 to 27 February, 2021
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Book now
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
27 February, 2021 to 06 March, 2021
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Book now
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
06 March, 2021 to 13 March, 2021
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Book now
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
13 March, 2021 to 20 March, 2021
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Book now
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
20 March, 2021 to 27 March, 2021
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Book now
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
27 March, 2021 to 03 April, 2021
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Book now
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
03 April, 2021 to 10 April, 2021
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Book now
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
10 April, 2021 to 17 April, 2021
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Book now
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
17 April, 2021 to 24 April, 2021
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Book now
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Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Fully air-conditioned cabins with wash basin
Additional charges:
Conservation Fee : 190 EUR pp
Inclusions
Voyage on board in selected cabin category
All meals while on board
Use of snorkeling equipment, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and bottom line fishing equipment
Water, tea and coffee included with meals
Juice with breakfast
Exclusions
International and domestic flights
Passport and visa costs where applicable
Travel Insurance
Gratuities
Beverages purchased from the bar
Transfers to/from the ship for embarkation and disembarkation
Shore excursions and relevant landing fees & nature/marine park fees
Dives (including the tanks, weight-belt & dinghy ride to the dive site) (Can be booked as package or individual dives)
Rent of diving equipment (wetsuit, BCD, octopus, boots if needed)
Conservation fee - payable on board (Approx EUR150 - 200 per person)
Conservation Fee includes: landing and entrance fees for island visits and nature reserves (including guided tour of Vallee de Mai) as well as
various national marine parks, as per the cruise itinerary. (Bicycle Rental and Fee for entrance to Union Estate are not included as this is optional
for clients during their island visit to La Digue.)