Route Description - Weekly 7-night Cruise Itinerary from November to April
Embark in Mahé and sail through the enchanting islands of the Seychelles. Anchor at Round Island before exploring Praslin’s UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai and cycling through La Digue’s scenic villages and famous beaches. Continue to the uninhabited Sisters and Coco Island for pristine snorkeling, then on to Booby and Aride Island, a birdwatcher’s paradise. Discover Curieuse with its giant tortoises and mangroves, before a final stop at Ile Seche for snorkeling and diving. The journey concludes back in Mahé.
Day 1 - Saturday
Embarkation takes place at the Inter-Island Quay at 10:30 hrs, followed by the Captain’s welcome briefing. At 12:00 hrs, the vessel departs Port Victoria, sailing from Mahé to a late-afternoon anchorage at Round Island, just off the isle of Praslin. In the evening, guests are introduced to Creole cuisine with a welcome barbecue dinner onboard.
Day 2 - Sunday
Sail to Praslin, Seychelles' second-largest inhabited island, for disembarkation to the famous World Heritage Site, the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve. This ancient forest is home to the curiously shaped double coconut, the coco de mer, as well as the Black Parrot, unique to Praslin. Explore the valley’s eerie pathways beneath its canopy of massive palms, before returning onboard for afternoon opportunities to dive, snorkel or enjoy other water sports.
Day 3 - Monday
A morning sail brings the vessel to La Digue, a sleepy island community where ox-carts and bicycles still remain the most common mode of transportation throughout the island. La Digue is home to the endemic Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, and is perhaps most famous for its massive granite boulder formations at Anse Source d'Argent, which is thought to be the most photographed beach on earth. Explore the entire island by bicycle, perhaps stopping by Union Estate, a sprawling network of traditional island activities, including a copra mill, vanilla plantation, and shipyard.
Day 4 - Tuesday
In the morning the vessel sails toward Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur (the Sisters) for excellent snorkelling and diving, and for a relaxing visit of these unique and completely uninhabited tropical islands. In the afternoon, visit Coco Island, one of Seychelles’ tiny granite jewels, a fantastic spot for snorkelling within a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.
Day 5 - Wednesday
Sail to Booby Island for a morning of diving and water sports. After lunch, sail to Aride Island, a globally important nature reserve with more native bird species than any other island, including five endemics and the world's largest population of 3
species (Lesser Noddy, Audubon's Shearwater and Seychelles Warbler). The nature trail leads to a spectacular cliff-top view with the largest frigatebird roost outside of Aldabra. Aride is the only natural location in the world for Wright's Gardenia and 400
species of fish have been recorded around the island.
Day 6 - Thursday
In the morning disembark at Curieuse for a visit of this virtually uninhabited island. Experience the island's vast mangrove forests and its giant tortoise farm, along with the historic ruins of this former leper colony. After a barbecue lunch on the island,
enjoy an array of water sports or simply relax and enjoy the island's beautiful beach and turquoise waters.
Day 7 - Friday
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely sail back towards Mahé, with a last stop at Ile Seche for more snorkelling or diving, followed by a farewell barbecue. The vessel then sails into Port Victoria for an overnight stay.
Day 8 - Saturday
Disembarkation at the Inter-Island Quay at 08.30hrs.