Spend 15 days exploring the Coralline Seychelles and Inner Islands aboard Aqua Lares. Start in Mahé and visit remote destinations including African Banks, Remire, Aldabra, Cosmoledo, Astove, Farquhar, Alphonse, Poivre, Desroches, Cousin, Praslin, Curieuse, La Digue, Grande Soeur, Ile Cocos, and Aride. Snorkel colorful reefs, scuba dive the Astove Wall, kayak lagoons, and explore coconut forests and island historic ruins. Spot giant tortoises, rare seabirds including masked gannets, and marine life such as turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Between excursions, enjoy onboard dining, stargazing, and presentations from expert naturalist guides.
Highlights
Explore African Banks and swim in crystal-clear Seychelles waters
Observe giant tortoises roaming freely on Aldabra Atoll’s islands
Kayak calm lagoons along Alphonse Island’s pristine shorelines
Spot masked gannets and brown boobies at Cosmoledo Atoll
Stroll coconut forests and historic 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 in the Seychelles! Step aboard Aqua Lares, settle into your suite, and meet your Cruise Director and Naturalist Guides. As the ship sets sail, relax on the sundeck and take in the stunning views 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.
The ship docks in Mahe as the ship replenishes itself for the next leg of the journey. Spend the day partaking in R&R on board Aqua Lares. Enjoy an outdoor workout, relax in the jacuzzi, or book yourself a spa session. In the afternoon, meet the new guests joining the expedition, as the ship sets sail for Beau Vallon Bay.
In the morning, wake up to views of Cousin Island, designated a Special Nature Reserve in Seychelles. Cousin Island has a flourishing ecosystem with bird species such as the flycatcher and moorhen coexisting with colonies of hawksbill turtles, giant tortoises and other fauna endemic to the archipelago. Upon arrival, experience a guided walk around the island that shelters over 250,000 birds. After lunch, head over to Praslin Island, the second-largest granitic island in the Seychelles archipelago. This island presents the opportunity to visit and hike through the ancient Vallée de Mai palm forest.
Begin the morning at Curieuse Island, a national marine park on the northwest coast of Praslin. Embark on a guided hike to discover the island’s rich mangrove forest, home to Coco de Mer palm trees and giant tortoises. Afterwards, jump into the water for a snorkel to explore the vibrant reef system and observe the diverse marine wildlife. Continue the day’s activities with an excursion to La Digue Island in the afternoon. La Digue is unspoiled by the passage of time, steeped in tradition and history. Discover the island's beautiful vistas and stunning beaches. At L'Union Estate, visit local hallmarks such as the coconut distillery, art gallery, and museum.
In the morning, explore Grand Soeur Island, one of the best deep-sea diving sites to observe sharks and other marine life. The island offers excellent snorkeling opportunities along the reef and granitic coast, where you can spot parrotfish and sea turtles. After lunch, visit Ile Cocos, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and
remarkable rock formations.
The day begins with an exciting beach landing on Aride, the northernmost island of the archipelago. Aride Island is a Special Ornithological Nature Reserve that boasts one of the largest populations of birds in the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a walk through the forest that a myriad of seabird species, such as the white-tailed tropicbird, call home. The island also houses rare endemic flora including Wright’s Gardenia which can only be found in its
natural state on this island.
Day 15: 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.
$25,2002-3 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
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
