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Zodiac to experience the pristine waters and abundant wildlife of Aldabra

Ultimate Aldabra: A Voyage through the Seychelles

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Island Sky
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Explore the extraordinary Seychelles and Aldabra region on this 12-day cruise. Sail for the Aldabra Island Group, which includes Aldabra Atoll, one of the largest atolls in the world. Snorkel and hike the islands for a glimpse of Eden.
Bird of AldabraZodiac to pristine islandsBathe in the crystal waters of AldabraSnorkel the magnificent reef Zodiac to experience the pristine waters and abundant wildlife of Aldabra
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles

Arrive in Mahe early on Tuesday morning. Transfer to the hotel for brunch, with the afternoon at leisure. Gather in the evening for a welcome dinner and briefing.

Day 2: Sainte Anne Marine Reserve / Embark Island Sky

Enjoy the first of many snorkeling excursions in the morning with a visit to Sainte Anne Marine National Park—a wonderful introduction to the Seychelles. This group of six islands, off the coast of Mahé, was the first marine park to be founded in the Indian Ocean, over 30 years ago. Enjoy a traditional Creole lunch in the park before returning to Victoria to embark the Island Sky.

Day 3: Cousin / La Digue

Cousin is a small granitic island which is protected as a nature reserve. The island provides a safe haven for a number of endangered bird species, notably the Seychelles fody, Seychelles warbler, Seychelles magpie robin, and Seychelles blue-pigeon. Nearly uninhabited, a number of seabirds breed on Cousin's wild interior and rocky shores. Dense concentrations of nesting seabirds show no fear of humans, allowing for fabulous photo opportunities.

Famed biologist Sir Julian Huxley described the Seychelles as akin to Hawaii and Tahiti in the 1700s, an untouched Garden of Eden, and no island is more deserving of this description than La Digue. Giant granite boulders and swaying palms offset picturesque white beaches. Explore the island like a local and bike or stroll along the sandy roads. Spend time on one of the world's most breathtakingly beautiful beaches, Anse La Source d'Argent to beachcomb, swim, or simply soak in your surroundings.

Day 4: Poivre Atoll, Amirantes

The Amirante Islands are named in honor of Portuguese admiral Vasco da Gama's 1501 visit. Take Zodiacs to Poivre Atoll for beachcombing, nature walks, birding, and a visit to the copra plantation. Snorkel over coral gardens inhabited by brilliantly-hued tropical fish, as manta rays glide through the waters below and black-naped terns soar in the skies above.

Day 5: At Sea

Relax on board as you sail.

Day 6-7: Assumption Island

Assumption Island is famous for clear surrounding waters, populated by a profusion of marine life. These qualities led Jacques Cousteau to film much of his documentary The Silent World at Assumption. Snorkel among corals teeming with over 100 species of fish, including black lionfish, blue-ribbon eels, black-streak surgeonfish, and Indian Ocean steephead parrotfish. Assumption is also home to around 100 giant tortoises introduced to the island from Aldabra.

Day 8: Astove Atoll

Board Zodiacs and land on this deserted island's sandy beach. Part of the Aldabra Group, Astove was formerly inhabited by African slaves who escaped a Portuguese ship in 1760. More recently, Astove was the site of a copra plantation. Its houses, drying sheds, and other buildings are in various states of disrepair since being abandoned in the 1980s. Mature casuarina and Indian almond trees host the finely woven pendant nests of Abbott's sunbird. Snorkelers delight in the crystal clear waters of the large lagoon, frequented by turtles, groupers, and clouds of tropical fish.

Day 9-12: Aldabra Atoll

Spend four full days at magnificent Aldabra. With a perimeter of 70 miles, Aldabra is one of the largest atolls in the world, comprising four major islands separated by channels. Because of the atoll's extreme isolation, many of Aldabra's species are endemics. Giant Aldabra tortoises, estimated to number over 100,000, roam wild over the islands. Tides permitting, cruise by Zodiac through the narrow passes to drift through a landscape of fascinating eroded limestone topography. The tides have sculpted small islets into fantastical formations known as champignons, or 'mushrooms.' Hundreds of lesser and great frigatebirds soar overhead; on land, search for the rare Aldabra white-throated rail, the only flightless bird found on any Indian Ocean island. Robber crabs, whose claws are strong enough to crack coconuts, scamper across the turf. Enjoy an exhilarating drift snorkel where the incoming tide whisks you through the pass and into a lagoon populated by turtles and eagle rays. Visit the small scientific research station on Picard Island and photograph the mighty tortoises of this magical, isolated island that few travelers ever have the privilege to see.

Day 13: At Sea

Relax on board as you sail.

Day 14: Zanzibar / Disembark

Zanzibar lives up to its storied Arabian Nights reputation: it is a lush, palm-fringed island. Visit Stone Town and admire its unique mixture of architecture. In the afternoon, take a hike along the nature trails of Jozani Natural Forest or join a tour whcih passes by the house of Dr. David Livingstone and visits the ruins of Maruhubi Palace.

Transfer to the airport in the afternoon for your independent homeward flight.

Ship/Hotel

Island Sky

The club aboard the Island Sky.
Island Sky's dining area.
Relax in the library aboard the Island Sky.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Island Sky's Category 1 Magellion Deck.
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Standard Suite
Magellan Deck, Suites #255-262. Averaging 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and portholes with exterior views.
Island Sky's Category 2 Columbus Deck.
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Superior Suite
Columbus Deck, Suites #329-348. Averaging 237 sq. ft. (22 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a large window with exterior views.
Island Sky's Category 3 Marco Polo.
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Premium Suite
Marco Polo Deck, Suites #416-428. Averaging 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a large window with exterior views.
Suite
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Corner Suite
Marco Polo Deck, Suites #414-415. Averaging 237 sq. ft. (22 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and large windows with exterior views.
Island Sky's Category 5 Erikson Cabin.
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Deluxe Balcony
Erikson Deck, Suites #505-512. Averaging 225 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a private balcony.
Island Sky's Category 6 Explorer Cabin.
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Owner's Balcony
Explorer Deck, Suites #601-604. Averaging 237 sq. ft. (22 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a large private balcony.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Cabins may be available for single occupancy at 1.6 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a suite is 2 times the shared rate.

Mandatory medical insurance: Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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