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Victoria, Mahe Island

Paradise Islands of the Indian Ocean

Mahe Island - Mombasa - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard SH Diana
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Embark on a 12-day expedition cruise aboard the SH Diana and explore the diverse landscapes of Seychelles and East Africa. Discover palm-fringed beaches and unique wildlife as you explore a selection of the remote 115 islands within the Indian Ocean archipelago. Then, journey to Tanzania and Kenya to immerse yourself in their rich cultures and flavorsome spices. Enjoy activities like diving, snorkeling, and surfing in these vibrant waters teeming with colorful fish. On land, encounter nesting turtles, giant tortoises, and pink flamingos thriving in lush environments.
White Sand Beach of Pemba IslandGiant TortoiseGreen Sea TurtleLamu Old Town WaterfrontVictoria, Mahe Island
Highlights
  • Explore Victoria, the vibrant capital of Seychelles, with its mix of cultures and traditions
  • Explore UNESCO-listed Aldabra atoll, world's largest coral atolls
  • Experience the beauty of Bijoutier Island, with its palm-fringed shore and clear, shallow waters
  • Enjoy the tranquil white-sand beaches of Assumption Island
Activities
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: Victoria, Mahe Island

Arrive in Victoria, and head on to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Pre/Post hotels and flights are always subject to change until the Travel Documents are provided.

Day 2: Victoria, Mahe Island | Embark

In the morning, join the group to be transferred to the port where you will embark on SH Diana for your adventure.

Victoria is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Seychelles, situated on the northeastern side of Mahé Island, the archipelago’s main island. It is a vibrant city with a mix of cultures and traditions, home to many attractions such as Victoria Market (Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market), the Clock Tower and National Museum of History, Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, the colorful house "Jivan Imports," the Botanical Gardens, and more.

Day 3: Day at Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 4: Farquhar Atoll

Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles' largest true atoll, consists of ten islands, with Ile du Nord and Ile du Sud making up 97 percent of the landmass. Nearby, Déposés, Ile du Milieu, Lapins, Banc du Sables and Goëlettes islands complete the atoll. Banc Fantala appeared in 2016 after Cyclone Fantala. The atoll is renowned for sooty and black-naped tern colonies, as well as significant sea turtle breeding.

Day 5: Cosmoledo Atoll

Cosmoledo Atoll in Seychelles comprises islands known for white sand flats, lagoon edges, and channels, home to fish like bonefish, milkfish, permit, triggerfish, trevally, and more. Hawksbill and green turtles nest on beaches. An important bird area, Cosmoledo has Seychelles' largest colonies of all three booby species, including the last brown booby population, plus many terns, frigatebirds and other endemic birds.

Day 6-7: Aldabra Atoll | Assumption Island

Aldabra, a massive raised coral atoll consisting of 13 islands encircling a lagoon, is home to the world's largest colony of 100,000 giant tortoises. The isolated archipelago features a protected landscape with hundreds of flowering plant and fern species. Endemic Aldabra drongos and pink flamingos are often seen. The white-throated rail, the last remaining flightless bird in the Indian Ocean, scours this unique habitat.

Included Excursion

ZODIAC CRUISE WITH SWAN HELLENIC EXPEDITION TEAM
  • Zodiac cruise the magnificent coral limestone formations near sandy beaches
  • Explore the coastal world of this magic atoll
  • Keep a watchful eye out for wading pink flamingos, adding to the magical experience of this unique destination
SNORKELING WITH SWAN HELLENIC EXPEDITION TEAM
  • Drift snorkel with your expedition team, from one end of the channel to the other end
  • Slowly drift over Aldabra's pristine marine world
  • Watch for the possibility of encountering elusive sharks as you snorkel in this captivating paradise
NATURE WALK WITH SWAN HELLENIC EXPEDITION TEAM
  • Go ashore at this remote research station and learn about intriguing scientific projects in this untouched wilderness
  • Learn about the Giant Tortoise, the living legends of Aldabra Atoll
  • Try to spot the Aldabra drongo, a rare and elusive bird found only on the Aldabra Atoll
The kidney-shaped Assumption Island, a part of the Aldabra Group located over 1,000 km southwest of Mahé, is renowned for its diverse butterfly species, such as the belenois aldabrensis. The island is also home to giant tortoises, and Assumption Day geckos, and hosts nesting sea turtles near the shoreline. A tranquil white-sand beach stretches for miles alongside brilliantly turquoise water on the west coast.

Day 8: Day at Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 9: Zanzibar

Cosmopolitan Zanzibar Island, or Unguja, known as the Spice Island, features Zanzibar City's UNESCO-listed Stone Town(Mji Mkongwe)—a lively warren of narrow streets with 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Highlights include the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and a spice market with stalls heaped with locally grown spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Nearby, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to the red colobus monkey, unique to Zanzibar.

Included Excursion

HIGHLIGHTS OF STONE TOWN
  • Visit Stone Town, a fine example of a Swahili Coastal trading town, and delve into its Afro-Asian history
  • See the piled-high tropical fruits and inhale the aroma of freshly ground spices neatly packed at the colorful City Market
  • Take time to learn about the "dark ages" at the East Africa Slave Exhibition, a collection of photographs that documents the role Zanzibar played in it

Day 10: Pemba island

Cloaked in lush vegetation, hilly Pemba Island is famed for its clove farms, peaceful islets, and white-sand beaches. The island’s biodiverse forests are a haven for grazing blue duiker (small antelope) and the Pemba flying fox, identifiable by its distinctive rusty-red fur and enormous wingspan stretching over five feet. Offshore, vibrantly colored coral teems with marine life including green turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and nudibranchs.

Day 11: Lamu

A Swahili settlement and former trading hub dating back 700 years, Lamu is a storied seafront town on Lamu Island. Clusters of ornate, well-preserved buildings built from coral stone and mangrove timber fill its maze of narrow streets. Tiny alleyways reveal intricately carved wooden doors, arcaded facades, and hidden courtyards. The fort and museum are fantastic places to learn about Swahili culture. Dhow cruises visit neighboring Manda island.

Day 12: Mombasa | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
On this day, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and crew. Take the group transfer to the airport and catch your flight home.

A dynamic coastal metropolis, Mombasa's rich history comes from a beguiling blend of cultures. Over centuries, Arabs, Portuguese, Asians, and British settlers coexisted in the old town, blending African, European, and Asian architectural styles. Perched above the sea, Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese in the 1590s to protect the city, while the bustling spice market is packed with fragrant stalls selling pepper, ginger, and cardamom.

Ship/Hotel

SH Diana

SH Diana
SH Diana Observation Lounge
SH Diana Swan Nest

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,880 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
SH Diana Oceanview D4
Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Oceanview M4
Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Balcony D5
Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Balcony M5
Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Balcony D6
Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Junior Suite
Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
SH Diana Suite
Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
SH Diana Premium Suite
Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Self-service laundry 
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
  • 24-hour room service
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation

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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!
Meyer Smolen
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