DETAILS
Explore the wonders of some of the 115 paradisical Seychelles islands led by experienced local naturalists, featuring guided nature walks and, if you wish, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Start in Mahé, the largest island, then cruise to the Outer Islands, Alphonse group, and Aldabra, home to giant tortoises. Then search for lemurs among Madagascar’s diverse landscapes and other unique fauna. This 12-day program on the Island Sky includes expert lectures, with an optional post-trip extension near Kruger National Park, South Africa, to see incredible African wildlife.
- Pricing from
- $12,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Nov 7, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
The Island Sky is a 59-cabin, all-suite expedition ship. All cabins have an ocean view, en-suite bathroom with marble-topped vanity unit and walk-in shower, sitting area, spacious wardrobe, safe, minibar, individually controlled heat/air-conditioning, flat-screen television and dressing table. The ship’s amenities include complimentary WiFi, a dining room, two lounges with bar service, a small library, an observation deck with
comfortable lounge chairs, a hairdresser and laundry service. An elevator services all passenger cabin decks. The Island Sky’s chefs prepare quality international meals, predominantly Western-style, served at a single open seating. A friendly crew provides exceptional, personalized service, with more than a 1:2 crew-to passenger ratio. The ship features advanced satellite navigation and communication equipment, roll stabilizers and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1 & 2
Home / Mahé, Seychelles
Depart the U.S. for Mahé, Seychelles, arriving November 9. NOTE: flight times vary by gateway city; some flights might depart on November 8.
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day 3
Mahé, Seychelles
Settle into the Savoy Resort & Spa, located on Beau Vallon Beach, where you’ll find elegantly appointed rooms equipped with a private balcony or terrace. Later, gather this evening to meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and orientation.
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day 4
Mahé
Tour Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden, featuring vibrant tropical flowers, fragrant herbs, exotic spices, and medicinal plants, while learning how the Seychelles once stood at the center of the spice trade in the 18th century. Visit the excellent National Museum of History, which offers informative exhibits on Seychellois Creole culture and heritage. Board the Island Sky this afternoon and enjoy the captain’s welcome reception this evening before dinner.
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day 5
Praslin Island
Spend the morning on Praslin exploring the Vallée de Mai, the last remnant of the original high-canopied Seychelles palm forest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the endemic and endangered coco de mer palm tree, as well as the rare black parrot. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk along the beach and in the forest on an uninhabited island, followed by an opportunity to snorkel among hawksbill and green turtles.
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day 6
Alphonse Islands
In the morning, cruise to the three islands of the Alphonse group, located directly south of the Amirantes and considered by many to be the most beautiful of the 115 islands in the Seychelles archipelago. Conditions permitting, call at the idyllic island of Bijoutier, home to a wide variety of seabirds. Snorkel in the crystal clear waters after exploring by foot.
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day 7
At Sea
Enjoy a full day at sea to experience the amenities of the ship and attend the lecture series while cruising to the Outer Seychelles Islands.
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day 8
Aldabra Group, Outer Seychelles
Visit Aldabra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 and the world’s largest coral atoll, home to the largest population of giant tortoises. This vast atoll consists of a ring of four reef islands surrounding a massive emerald lagoon, with channels linking the lagoon to the ocean. Explore the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon on Zodiacs and snorkel among the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
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day 9
Assumption, Seychelles
Choose to snorkel or take a nature walk on Assumption Island, where you can search for the Assumption Island day gecko and enjoy identifying the diverse birdlife. Depart from the Seychelles and spend the afternoon cruising to Madagascar, with time set aside for lectures.
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day 10
Nosy Hara National Park, Madagascar
Nosy Hara National Park, Madagascar Nosy Hara means “mountainous island” in Malagasy and is considered one of the last true paradises of Madagascar. The island features a stunning bay, sandy beaches, and unique, sharply eroded limestone spikes known as Tsingy formations, where you can choose between guided walks. You can hike the shorter Brookesia Micra Circuit in search of animals such as chameleons or take the steeper route on the longer Tsingy Mitsiry Circuit to see the unique Tsingy formations and reach a sweeping viewpoint. Then, relax on a beautiful beach in the afternoon.
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day 11
Nosy Tanikely, Madagascar
Morning snorkeling at Nosy Tanikely’s marine reserve. Recognized for its outstanding marine biodiversity, the reserve offers some of the best snorkeling in the area, featuring a spectacular coral reef teeming with colorful fish and other sea creatures. In the afternoon, enjoy cruising with time for a lecture.
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day 12
Mahajanga, Madagascar
Morning visit “Lac Sacre”, or Sacred Lake, and learn about the significance of clear waters and special trees planted on the lakeshore; walk through nearby mango trees to observe the sifaka lemurs, iguanas, lizards, and colorful birds that reside there. Afternoon chance to swim at a beachside resort before returning to the ship.
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day 13
At Sea
During a day at sea, enjoy the continuation of the education program and the amenities of the Island Sky as it cruises.
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day 14
Morandava, Madagascar
Zodiac to shore with a choice of excursions for an Avenue of Baobabs walk, followed by a specially arranged visit to the Zazamalala Forest Reserve and Botanical Garden. Established in 2000, the reserve’s staff harvest seeds as part of an extensive community reforestation effort and run a turtle breeding program. During a forest walk, observe and learn about the 11 species of lemurs, 5 species of chameleons, and numerous rare bird species that reside here.
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day 15
Toliara, Madagascar
Today, visit the curious spiny forest region, a unique ecosystem found only in the southern part of Madagascar, and view the spectacular baobab trees at Reniala Private Reserve. The reserve is a paradise for birds and is home to the grey mouse lemur, radiated tortoise, and warty chameleon. Enjoy the captain’s farewell reception and dinner this evening.
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day 16
Toliara, Madagascar / Disembark
Start with breakfast, followed by a guided visit to Antsokay Arboretum, which protects 900 species of endemic plants. Transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, for onward flights back to the U.S.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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