Discover Aldabra and the Coralline Seychelles on a 10-day Aqua Lares expedition. Begin in Mahé and cruise to remote African Banks, Remire, and Aldabra, home to the world’s largest giant tortoise population. Explore lagoons, mangroves, and pristine reefs through snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. Experience the underwater Grand Canyon at Astove Wall, spot coconut crabs on guided walks, and watch red-footed boobies soar overhead. Swim alongside turtles and reef sharks, with occasional manta ray sightings. Visit Farquhar, Alphonse, Poivre, and Desroches Islands for birdwatching, marine encounters, and serene beaches. Between adventures, relax on board with fine dining, stargazing, and expert-led presentations. This cruise blends wildlife, adventure, and discovery in one of the Indian Ocean’s most secluded regions.
Highlights
Spot over 100,000 giant tortoises across Aldabra’s unique atoll
See over 100,000 giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll
Kayak calm lagoons around Alphonse Island’s sandy shores
Spot masked gannets and brown boobies at Cosmoledo Atoll
Walk through coconut forests and ruins on Poivre Island
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.
Welcome to Mahé, the largest island of the Seychelles. Board Aqua Lares, settle into your suite, and meet the Cruise Director and Naturalist Guides. As the ship sets sail, take in panoramic views from the sundeck while passing the islands of Sainte Anne National Marine Park.
Wake up at the African Banks, low coralline sand cays and atolls rarely visited by cruises in Seychelles. Swim in clear waters before continuing to Remire Island for birdwatching, giant tortoises, optional scuba diving, and a beach sundowner.
*Scuba Diving is limited to certified divers only.
As you spend the day sailing south towards Aldabra, 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 Seychelles' unique 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 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 that 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.
Continue to explore 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.
Start the day with a guided tender excursion along Cosmoledo Atoll's lagoon, in search of seabirds such as masked gannets and brown boobies, both of which aren't found anywhere else in the Seychelles. After lunch, make your way to Astove, 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 Island 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 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. Cool off at the pristine white-sand beach, and if conditions are favorable, embark on a serene kayaking adventure in the lagoon.
Spend the morning exploring Poivre atoll, made up primarily of two islands. The northern island features a coconut forest and the ruins of an old distillery. Occasionally, migratory birds such as whimbrels and ruddy turnstones can be spotted here. Over in the south, find a completely uninhabited island ruled by nature. The lagoons around the southern island are home to an abundance of sea turtles, juvenile sharks, and stingrays. After lunch, head to Desroches Island for encounters with giant tortoises. There are also opportunities to snorkel and discover the island's reef system.
Day 10: 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.
$16,2002-3 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
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
