DETAILS
This is an extraordinary cruise for travelers who love the natural world and all its wonders. Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles are known for crystal-clear waters, endless stretches of powdery white-sand beaches, their diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem, and a range of unique plant and animal species. Embark the 59-cabin Island Sky and cruise to the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, the remote Alphonse group, and Aldabra, home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises (over 100,000). Guided nature walks and snorkeling opportunities reveal colorful reef fish, fascinating coral formations, and diverse marine life. Continue to Madagascar, a thousand-mile island boasting spectacular landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, including nearly 100 species of lemurs. Explore its marine reserves and national parks from the comfort of the Island Sky, complemented by lectures from an outstanding team of experts.
- Pricing from
- $14,990
- Trip Type
- International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Oct 23, 2027 - Nov 7, 2027
ITINERARY
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day 1 & 2
Home / Mahé, Seychelles
Depart the U.S. for Mahé, Seychelles, arriving October 24. 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. Gather this evening to meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and orientation. Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa (R) * Flight times vary by gateway city; some flights might depart as early as October 22 to arrive on October 24.
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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. After a delicious Creole lunch, explore the National Museum of History, which offers informative exhibits on Seychellois culture and heritage. Board the Island Sky this afternoon.
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day 4
Praslin & La Digue, Seychelles
Spend the morning on Praslin Island 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 La Digue, known for its granite rocks and lush forest, and snorkel in the crystal-clear water among the colorful fish. Enjoy a captain’s welcome reception this evening before dinner.
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day 5
Poivre, Amirantes, Seychelles
In the morning, enjoy lectures on board as you cruise to the Amirantes Island Group, which harbor many important bird, plant, and reptile species. This afternoon, call at Poivre, Amirantes, considered by many to be the most beautiful of the 115 islands in the Seychelles archipelago. 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.
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day 6
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 7
Cosmoledo / Astove, Seychelles
In the morning, call at Cosmoledo Atoll in the Aldabra Island Group, where a ring of islands surrounds a turquoise lagoon and seabirds fill the skies, including all three Seychelles booby species. This afternoon, visit Astove Atoll, known for offering some of the best snorkeling among the 115 islands of the Seychelles archipelago. Go ashore for a walk before snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
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day 8
Aldabra, Seychelles
Visit Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 and the world’s largest raised coral atoll, home to more than 100,000 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 Tanikely National Park, Madagascar
Snorkel at Nosy Tanikely National Park. This protected marine reserve is celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity and carefully preserved ecosystems and is widely regarded as one of the finest snorkeling sites in the region. Its crystal-clear waters reveal an unspoiled coral reef teeming with vibrant marine life and an extraordinary spectrum of tropical fish.
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day 11
Mahajanga, Madagascar
Enjoy a morning visit to “Lac Sacré,” or Sacred Lake, to learn about the significance of its clear waters and the sacred trees along the lakeshore. Walk through nearby mango trees to observe sifaka lemurs, iguanas, lizards, and colorful birdlife in their natural habitat. There will be an opportunity to swim at a beachside resort, followed by a visit to a local batik workshop to observe the traditional wax-and-dye textile art practiced by local artisans before returning to the ship.
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day 12
at Sea
Full day at sea to enjoy the ship’s amenities and lecture series while cruising along Madagascar’s western coastline.
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day 13
Morandava, Madagascar
Zodiac ashore in Morondava, Madagascar, a vibrant coastal town known as the gateway to one of the country’s most iconic landscapes. The towering baobabs and surrounding dry forest create one of Madagascar’s most distinctive and atmospheric landscapes. Select a half-day walk along the Avenue of the Baobabs with free time in Morondava’s local market, or a full-day excursion combining the Avenue of the Baobabs with Marofandilia Forest in search of native primates, including Verreaux’s sifaka, as well as the white-browed owl.
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day 14
Tulear, Madagascar
Visit Reniala Reserve, a locally managed NGO-run sanctuary, home to spectacular baobab trees and one of the last strongholds of the radiated tortoise. This protected area is a haven for birdlife and supports species such as the grey mouse lemur, radiated tortoise, and warty chameleon. This evening, enjoy the captain’s farewell reception and dinner.
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day 15
Tulear, Madagascar / Johannesburg, South Africa / Home
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 overnight flights back to the U.S.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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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
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