Join a 13-day cruise through the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean aboard the Emerald Kaia, beginning in Mahe and concluding in Mombasa. Explore both inner and outer islands, including La Digue, Praslin, and the remote Farquhar Atoll. Encounter unique wildlife and striking scenery, from giant tortoises in Aldabra to coral-rich lagoons and palm-fringed shores. Visit Kilwa Kisiwani to view the oldest standing mosque on East Africa’s coast, then continue to Tanzania’s Mafia Island and Zanzibar. This itinerary offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, cultural discovery, and coastal exploration across one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions.
Highlights
Explore La Digue’s pink beaches and dramatic granite boulder views
Discover Praslin’s lush jungle and UNESCO Vallee de Mai reserve
Experience Amirante’s isolated atolls and thriving birdlife habitats
Observe Aldabra’s unique wildlife and giant tortoise population
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.
Your tropical journey begins on Mahe Island, where you are going to be transferred to your Emerald Kaia luxury yacht to commence your exploration of the Seychelles. Later in the afternoon, the yacht sets course for La Digue.
Please ensure your flight arrives in Mahe, Seychelles, before 01:00 PM.
Day 2: La Digue Island | Praslin Island, Seychelles
La Digue is the smallest of the three inhabited Seychelles islands and is home to some of the archipelago’s most iconic beaches. Among them is Anse Source d'Argent, renowned for its pink-tinged sands, granite boulders, and striking aquamarine waters. After lunch, the yacht sails onward to Praslin.
As the second-largest island in the Seychelles, Praslin offers an impressive blend of jungle-backed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and soft white sand. Anse Lazio, frequently ranked among the world’s top beaches, boasts a vibrant offshore reef teeming with coral and marine life. Inland, the landscape is dotted with coconut palms and granite formations, while the island’s interior hosts the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve.
The Amirante Islands are known for their pristine beauty, the perfect haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Their isolated location and untouched environment make them an ideal destination for diving, fishing, and wildlife observation. You could take a stroll or hike under the canopy of exotic palm trees, where various bird species can be spotted.
Whether you're an angler, diver, birdwatcher, or simply a lover of nature and tranquillity, the Alphonse Group of Atolls offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It has one of the world’s healthiest climates, which creates an incredible biome of diversity.
The Farquhar Group is made up of ten islands and atolls covering an area of 370 square kilometers. Explore the sparkling lagoon encircled by this ringed-shaped atoll dotted with coconut and casuarina trees. Hawksbill and green sea turtles come to the atoll to nest and several of the Farquhar Group’s islands are important biodiversity regions.
Aldabra Atoll is a remarkable and remote atoll in the most south westerly part of the Seychelles, closer to African coast than to Mahé. It's one of the largest atolls in the world and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding natural beauty and significant biodiversity.
The atoll comprises four large coral islands which enclose a shallow lagoon; this ecosystem supports a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the atoll. Notably, Aldabra is home to the world's largest population of giant tortoises, with an estimated 100,000 individuals living there. Today, access to Aldabra is strictly monitored to minimize human impact on the environment.
The marine life around Aldabra is also distinct and plentiful. The atoll's lagoon provides a habitat for numerous species of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and various types of corals. Hawksbill and green turtles' nest on the atoll's beaches, and the surrounding waters are frequented by manta rays, sharks, and dolphins.
Relish the nautical adventure of a lifetime with some relaxing time at sea. Enjoy the lavish comforts of your luxury yacht — slide into the infinity-style pool where the water seems to touch the horizon; ascend to the Sky Deck to drink in panoramic views or relax in the Observation Lounge.
Kilwa Kisiwani is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage site, off the southern coast of Tanzania. The island was a significant trade hub from the 13th to the 16th centuries, due to its control over the gold trade. One iconic structure is the Great Mosque, the oldest standing mosque on the East African coast. With its sixteen domed and vaulted bays, the mosque’s grand architecture reflects the city's golden age.
Mafia has an incredibly diverse landscape, dotted with coconut and cashew nut plantations, palm trees, tidal mangroves and plump baobab trees standing in vast African savannah grasslands. The island is also famous for its population of whale sharks, attracting tourists who wish to swim with these gentle giants. The best time to see whale sharks is usually between October and February.
Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of East Africa. It's part of Tanzania and consists of several islands, with Unguja (often referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba being the largest. Known as the ‘Spice Islands’, Zanzibar has a rich history in the spice trade and it's still a major producer of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. ‘Stone Town’ is the historical heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage site — the narrow streets lined with coral-hewn houses blend African, European and Indian influences.
Day 13: Mombasa, Kenya | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your time aboard your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in Mombasa. From the yacht, transfer to the airport for your journey home or to continue your holiday.
Please book your flight to depart out of Mombasa after 01:00 PM.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to the terms and conditions for further information.
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.
$24,9902-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Oceanview Stateroom
Suite size: 21-23m²
Balcony Suite B
Suite size: 30m²-32m²
Balcony Suite A
Suite size: 32m²
Balcony Suite AB
Suite size: 32m²
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Suite size: 44m²
Terrace Suite
Yacht Suites offer a spacious 77m² layout, including a wraparound terrace
Yacht Suite
Yacht Suites offer a spacious 82m² layout, including a wraparound terrace
Owner's Suite
Larger suites at 131m² feature a Spa Pool a deux on the private terrace
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Visa or Master card only. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.