Embark on the Crystal Esprit at Mahe/Eden Island Marina, Seychelles.

Here, in the Indian Ocean, where exotic trees edge beaches of fine white sand, is Mahé. Coconut plantations surround its majestic granite peaks rising to 3,000 feet. Mahé was uninhabited until the French arrived in 1768, and this culture remains despite over 180 years of British rule. The true magnificence of the Seychelles lies beyond city limits, as you explore these islands' stunning natural beauty.

Today, head to St. Anne Island as well.

Palm trees shade idyllic sandy beaches here, as cinnamon grows wild on verdant hillsides and sea turtles nose around their favorite nesting site. Once a commercial whaling outpost and later a World war II gun battery, St. Anne Island is today a place of peace and tranquility with abundant wildlife protected by the St. Anne Marine National Park.

With lush jungled hillsides rolling into pristine white sands lined with palm trees, the beaches of Praslin are exactly what you imagine when dreaming of a tropical paradise. With Crystal Esprit at anchor, a beach landing by Zodiac means time to swim, snorkel and kayak in gin-clear waters. Bird enthusiasts will thrill to the sounds – and hopefully, the sights – of the Seychelles magpie-robin and brush warbler, both endemic to the islands and highly protected.

Also sail towards Praslin, Seychelles on this day.

Praslin, the second-largest island of Seychelles and arguably tops in attractions, features stunning beaches, azure seas, tangles of the jungle and a trademark relaxed atmosphere. What makes Praslin unique is the Vallée de Mai, a protected forest of rare fauna, and most famously the coco de mer palm, a tree that produces the world’s largest seed and palm flower. The grove is one of Seychelles’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has been aptly called the Garden of Eden.

This slice of heaven defines quintessential island life, nestled on the coast of Silhouette Island and beckoning visitors to its shores with turquoise-emerald waters. Days filled with beachside adventures and jungle trails give way to festive evenings along the sand. The tree-lined roads of La Passe are populated with more bicycles than motorized vehicles, accenting the unhurried pace of life here.

Head to Laraie Bay, Curieuse Island this day.

Hundreds of giant hump-head parrotfish swim the harbor’s waters while beyond native coco de Mer palms and low-slung branches of giant takamaka trees line sandy beaches. Curieuse Island is known for its giant tortoises, native to the Seychelles and once nearly extinct. Today, thanks to conservation efforts, tortoises roam freely in the lush forests.

Sail from Laraie Bay to Aride Island and cruise Big Sister, Felicite, Marine Isl.

As one of the most important seabird habitats in the Indian Ocean, if not the world, Aride is home to more breeding species than on any other island in Seychelles: 18 native birds, including five, found only in the archipelago, reproduce on this tiny, eyelash of an isle. While its bird population is vast, Aride itself is petite, just a mile long and half a mile wide. Its human population is even smaller: only rangers, conservation officers and a few volunteers live here.

This capital city of the Seychelles lies on Mahé, the largest of the 115 islands. It is not boastful about its importance to the island’s cultural and administrative center, as its mere two dozen avenues are cozy and inviting, backing up against steep mountains and bustling with cafés and colorful architecture. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a glimpse into the lush fauna that cloaks the island, and venture from Victoria in search of the Seychelles natural splendor.

Here, in the Indian Ocean, where exotic trees edge beaches of fine white sand, is Mahé. Coconut plantations surround its majestic granite peaks rising to 3,000 feet. Mahé was uninhabited until the French arrived in 1768, and this culture remains despite over 180 years of British rule. The true magnificence of the Seychelles lies beyond city limits, as you explore these islands' stunning natural beauty.

After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at the beautiful port.