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Giant tortoise walking on a sandy beach in Seychelles.

The Coralline Seychelles & Zanzibar, Tanzania

Mahe to Zanzibar - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Aqua Lares
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Embark on the 11-day Coralline Seychelles & Zanzibar, Tanzania luxury cruise aboard Aqua Lares, sailing from Mahé in the Seychelles to Zanzibar. This expedition explores the Indian Ocean’s most remote and biodiverse islands, from the coral reefs of Remire and Alphonse to the seabird colonies of Farquhar. Snorkel or dive the legendary Astove Wall, often called an underwater Grand Canyon, and encounter over 100,000 giant tortoises on UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll. Explore Assumption’s lagoons and mangroves before crossing to East Africa, where history and culture unfold. Visit the Swahili ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and the spice-covered hills of Pemba Island. The voyage concludes in Zanzibar, blending pristine marine life, cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes.
Dive among colorful coral reefs and vibrant marine life in the clear waters of the Seychelles.A calm beach in the Seychelles with turquoise water, white sand, and lush greenery.Aerial view of tropical island Zanzibar in the Indian ocean in Tanzania, East AfricaAnglers fly-fishing on the shallow flats of Astove Atoll, Seychelles.Giant Aldabra tortoise from the Seychelles resting on sand.Giant tortoise walking on a sandy beach in Seychelles.
Highlights
  • Spot seabirds, land birds, and giant tortoises on Remire Island
  • Explore coconut forests, reefs, and mangroves on Alphonse & Saint-François
  • Kayak along Farquhar’s lagoons observing exotic birds and wildlife
  • Experience Pemba Island diving, spice plantations, history, & green hills.
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: L'Escale Marina, Mahe | Embark

Begin your cruise on Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles. Board Aqua Lares, settle into your design suite, and meet your Cruise Director and Naturalist Guides. As the ship departs, enjoy panoramic views from the sundeck while sailing past neighboring islands.

Day 2: Remire

Arrive at Remire Island, where you can observe sea and land birds around the coastal vegetation and look for giant tortoises. For those interested, the island offers an excellent opportunity to scuba dive and see local marine life. End the day with a sundowner on the white-sand beach.

Day 3: Ile Alphonse | Saint-Francois Atoll

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. In the afternoon, 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.

Day 4: Farquhar Island

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.

Day 5: Astove Island

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.

Day 6: Aldabra Atoll

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 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.

Day 7: Aldabra Atoll & Assumption

You continue your exploration of Aldabra and Assumption 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.

Day 8: At Sea

As you spend the day sailing towards Tanzania, 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 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.

Day 9: Kilwa Kisiwani

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

Day 10: Pemba Island

Known to be one of Africa's best scuba diving destinations, Pemba Island is a treasure trove of both nature and culture. It features remnants of great sultanates, now overrun by lush green hills and clove plantations.

Day 11: Azam Marine, Zanzibar | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The final day of the expedition begins with a decadent breakfast set against the backdrop of the beautiful sunrise. Savor the views aboard Aqua Lares one more time and wave goodbye to the crew before disembarking in Zanzibar. You are escorted back to the airport for your flight home, ready for your next adventure.

Ship/Hotel

Aqua Lares

Aqua Lares sailing
Aqua Lares Main Saloon
Aqua LAres, Heli Deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$20,800 2-3 travelers
Aqua Lares, Cabin Category V, bedroom
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.
Aqua Lares cabin Category IV, bedroom
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.
Aqua Lares, Cabin Category III, bedroom
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.
Aqua Lares cabin Category II bedroom
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.
Aqua Lares, Owner Suite 104, bedroom
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.
Aqua Lares, Owner's suite 303, bedroomAqua LAres, Owner's suite, bathroom
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.
  • 5-year age minimum
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Laundry Service
  • Non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Group transfers between vessel on recommended flights
  • All available non-motorized water sports
  • All meals while on board
  • Small-group excursions with expert guides.
  • Internet connection (intermittent depends on locations)
  • Scuba Diving
  • House wines and beer
  • Use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa
  • Private Transfers
  • Boutique purchases
  • Cocktails
  • Massage services
  • Premium wines
  • Spirits

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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).
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