Embark on an 11-day luxury voyage aboard Aqua Lares, sailing from Zanzibar through Tanzania and the Coralline Seychelles. Begin with Pemba’s world-class diving, then step into history at Kilwa Kisiwani’s 12th-century ruins. At Aldabra Atoll, walk among giant tortoises and snorkel thriving reefs, while Astove Island reveals its dramatic “underwater canyon.” Kayak and flyfish at Farquhar, explore Saint-Francois Atoll’s mangroves, and enjoy Alphonse Island’s coconut forests. Encounter seabirds, sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles while diving or snorkeling across remote lagoons. End with a tranquil visit to Remire before disembarking in Mahe. Along the way, learn from expert naturalist guides, enjoy world-class dining, and relax on deck as you sail between some of the most remote and biodiverse islands in the world.
Highlights
Discover Zanzibar’s rich culture
Explore Kilwa Kisiwani’s 12th-century mosque and ancient Arabian ruins
Dive into Aldabra’s pristine reefs filled with tropical marine life
Snorkel Astove Wall, an underwater canyon teeming with reef fish
Kayak and flyfish in Farquhar’s clear waters and lagoons
Spot giant tortoises, seabirds, and manta rays in Seychelles
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Board Aqua Lares in Zanzibar and get settled into your design suite. Meet your Cruise Director and Naturalist Guides, enjoy views from the sundeck as the ship departs, and have your first meal on board.
Pemba Island is one of Africa’s top scuba diving destinations. It offers a mix of nature and culture, with remnants of old sultanates surrounded by green hills and clove plantations.
*Scuba Diving is limited to certified divers only.
Once a significant trading port, Kilwa Kisiwani boasts centuries-old Arabian influence. This island is home to ancient ruins including a Great Mosque from the 12th century and the Palace of Husuni Kubwa, constructed in the early 1300s. Along its shores, the island also features rich mangrove forests and stunning biodiversity.
As you spend the day sailing towards Seychelles, treat yourself to some R&R at the onboard spa or jacuzzi. For the avid birdwatchers, being out at sea presents the opportunity to spot red-footed boobies soaring overhead in their hunt for flying fish. If you wish, sit in for presentations by the expert naturalist guides to learn more about the regional geology, flora, and fauna. Savor world-class dining throughout the day and end the evening with stargazing from the sundeck.
Wake up to views of Assumption Island at Aldabra, a coral atoll known to harbor one of the world's most isolated ecosystems. Aldabra is home to the largest population of giant tortoises on the planet, with more than 100,000 of these incredible creatures roaming the atoll's four islands. The surrounding waters are home to a thriving population of tropical fish, sharks, and sea turtles, coupled with occasional manta ray sightings as well.
You continue your exploration of Aldabra with guided walks along the coast accompanied by coconut crabs and frigatebirds. On board private tenders, explore Aldabra's lagoon and rich mangrove forests made up largely of endemic flora. The coral atoll also offers incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, characterized by an abundance of marine life all year round.
*Scuba Diving is limited to certified divers only.
Astove is known to be one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Indian Ocean courtesy of the Astove Wall. Often described as the underwater Grand Canyon, this four-mile-long wall is covered in soft corals and frequented by marine life including rays, sharks, and reef fish. It features plunging depths and incredible visibility that can extend up to 40 meters. Astove is a bucket-list item for every avid underwater explorer.
Start the day exploring Farquhar Atoll with its vibrant azure waters, rich marine life, and abundance of seabirds including red-footed boobies. Snorkelers and divers get a chance to be among the few to explore undiscovered coral reefs around these islands. This is also a great spot for flyfishing and kayaking for those who wish to partake.
In the morning, you sail to Saint-Francois Atoll for the opportunity to spot juvenile sharks, crabs, and crab plovers in the mangroves. This atoll also presents snorkeling opportunities to see huge coral formations in the lagoons and surrounding barrier reef. In the afternoon, you head out on tenders for a scenic ride to Alphonse Island. While there, explore a lush coconut forest and enjoy snorkeling along the shore to discover stunning hard coral formations teeming with marine life.
You head to Remire Island to observe sea and land birds around the coastal vegetation, while keeping an eye out for giant tortoises. Remire also presents an ideal scuba diving opportunity for those interested in a closer look at the region's marine life. Cap off the day with a sundowner on the island's pristine white-sand
shores.
*Scuba Diving is limited to certified divers only.
Day 11: L'Escale Marina, Mahe | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a hearty breakfast on board before bidding farewell to Aqua Lares and the crew.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$18,0002-3 travelers
Category V
Ranging from 140 to 194 sq ft (13–18 sqm)
These suites are located across two decks—the Upper Deck and the Main Deck—and offer twin beds or a bunk bed, a bathroom, and either three large portholes or two large portholes.
Category IV
Ranging from 172 to 226 sq ft (16–21 sqm)
These suites are located on two decks—the Owner’s Deck and the Main Deck—and offer a double or twin bed, or a king bed, a bathroom, and either three or five windows.
Category III
Ranging from 269 to 301 sq ft (25–28 sqm)
Located on the Upper Deck, these suites feature a double bed, a private bathroom, and two large portholes.
Category II
Ranging from 226 to 322 sq ft (21–30 sqm)
Category II suites are spread across three decks — the Bridge Deck, Owner’s Deck, and Upper Deck — and feature a king bed or either a double or twin bed, a private bathroom, and three windows or three large portholes.
Owner Suite 105
420 sq ft (39 sqm)
Owner’s Suite 105 is on the Main Deck, has a double bed and a double Murphy bed, a private bathroom, and three large portholes for ocean views.
Owner Suite 104
592 sq ft (55 sqm)
Owner Suite 104, the second-largest Owner’s Suite on Aqua Lares, is located on the Main Deck and offers spacious comfort with a double bed, a double Murphy bed, a bathroom, and four large portholes.
Owner Suite 303
710 sq ft (66 sqm)
Aqua Lares’ largest Owner’s Suite stands in a league of its own — offering exceptional space, thoughtful design, and an unparalleled sense of luxury living at sea. The suite features expansive 6 windows, a bathroom, a King Bed and Sofa Bed, comfortable sitting room, and interiors inspired by the vibrant archipelagos of East Africa.
Notes
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy.
20% off published rates for children aged 5-11 years old.
Single supplement - 25% in addition of adult rate on all departures.
Initial deposit is $1000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
