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
- $14,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
-
Oct 23, 2027 - Nov 7, 2027
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.
Travelers will have the option of a post-trip Safari near Kruger National Park, South Africa.
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 Tours nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
-
day 1 & 2
Home / Mahé, Seychelles
Depart the U.S. for Mahé, Seychelles, arriving November 9. NOTE: flight times vary by gateway city. Arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) any time during the day; group transfers to the hotel provided; gather for a welcome reception.
-
day 3
Mahé, Seychelles
Tour National Botanical Garden of Seychelles with its vibrant endemic tropical flowers, and learn about the conservation and restoration projects underway; visit the National Museum of History, with informative exhibits on Seychellois Creole culture and heritage. Embark in late afternoon.
-
day 4
Praslin & La Digue, Seychelles
Explore the ‘Vallee de Mai’, the last remnant of the original high canopied Seychelles palm forest, home to the endemic endangered coco de mer palm tree and rare black parrots; PM at La Digue, known for its granite rocks and lush forest, and snorkel in the crystalclear water among the colorful fish. Captain’s Reception & Dinner.
-
day 5
Poivre, Amirantes, Seychelles
Cruise to the Amirantes, which harbor many important species. PM Call at Poivre, Amirantes. The sheer drop-off of the Amirantes Trench lends itself to rich currents and an abundance of fish & marine life. The sandy shores are also important nesting grounds for hawksbill and green sea turtles. Nesting birds include Chinese and blue herons, whimbrels, fodies, noddies, greater frigatebirds and fairy terns.
-
day 6
At Sea
Full day at sea to enjoy the amenities of the ship and lectures while cruising to Outer Seychelles Islands.
-
day 7
Cosmoledo / Astove, Seychelles
Call at Cosmoledo in the Aldabra island group. PM exploration of Astove Atoll, known for offering some of the best snorkelling in the 115 islands in the Seychelles archipelago
-
day 8
Aldabra, 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.
-
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.
-
day 10
Nosy Hara National Park, Madagascar
Walk on Nosy Be to view lemurs, chameleons and other wildlife; midday cruising. Late PM to snorkel and look for lemurs at Nosy Tanikely marine reserve.
-
day 11
Mahajanga, Madagascar
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; chance to swim at a beachside resort and visit a local batik workshop before returning to the ship.
-
day 12
at Sea
Full day at sea; Lecture series continues.
-
day 13
Morandava, Madagascar
Zodiac to shore with choice of excursions: 1) half-day Avenue of Baobabs walkabout with free time in Morandava market or 2) a full day excursion that combines Avenue of Baobabs with a visit to Marofandilia Forest to look for primates, including Verraux’s Sifaka, and the White-browed owl.
-
day 14
Tulear, Madagascar
Meet with leaders of Tahiry Honko, a community-based mangrove reserve; walk in Reniala Reserve, run by a local NGO, to protect the oldest Baobab trees in Madagascar and the only known natural habitat for radiated tortoises; Captain’s Farewell.
-
day 15
Tulear, Madagascar / Disembark
Disembark; guided visit to Antsokay Arboretum, protecting 900 species of endemic species; transfer to the airport for charter flight to Johannesburg, South Africa for onward flights back to the U.S.
-
day 16
Return to US home city
Everything you need to know about the tour
Save this information for later by downloading the full tour brochure.
Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan
Since 1973, USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services has served travelers just like you, to help protect their travel plans