Cruising in the Seychelles (Garden of Eden)

Embarkation will take place between 15:00 to 16:00 pm. After the Welcome cocktail and safety drill, we leave Port Victoria and sail to nearby St Anne for a refreshing swim stop off the ship. Overnight at anchor near St Anne and Welcome dinner.

We leave St Anne Island early in the morning to reach Curieuse. This morning we visit this island for an included walking excursion with a park guide. Lying about one mile to the north-east of Praslin, this island of about 2 miles long, was first given the name Ile Rouge on account of its red earth. As part of the Marine Park the island is strictly protected and only a few families live here. Like Praslin, Curieuse is home to the Coco-de-Mer palm. The island has a wild population of about 250 Giant Tortoises, brought over from Aldabra in the 1980s and a breeding scheme has been in place there for several years. Curieuse was once a leper colony, and the ruins of the houses can still be seen. There is also a large, restored colonial villa, known as the Doctor’s House, where the island doctor lived in the 1870s. Nature trails wind their way across the island, notably through the extensive swamps, home to eight different species of mangrove. Later we return to the beach for a BBQ under the trees. In the afternoon you can enjoy the beach and sea activities. Overnight at anchor in Curieuse.

In the morning we sail for Cousin Island for an included excursion. Cousin Island is a granitic island covering 27 hectares and lies approximately 2km from Praslin island. It became the world’s first internationally owned-reserve when it was purchased in 1968 by the International Council for the Protection of Birds (ICBP), now Birdlife International. The objective was to save the last remaining population of the Seychelles warblers. First made into a Nature Reserve in 1968 it was afforded further protection when it was designated a Special Reserve in 1974. It is not only significant for sea birds and endemic land birds but is also the most important breeding site for Hawksbill turtles in the Western Indian Ocean. The reserve is managed solely by local staff and benefits local communities on the neighboring Praslin island through eco-tourism. Today, Cousin is managed by Nature Seychelles. Conservation activities include monitoring of the island's biodiversity, research, re-introduction of endangered species such as the Seychelles Magpie Robin. Later in the afternoon we reach Anse Lazio, Praslin, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Time for water sports, snorkelling or optional diving. Evening at anchor.

In the morning we leave for Aride. A visit to Aride Island is an essential part of the itinerary for any visitor to Seychelles to discover what the islands were like 250 years ago before human settlement. Aride is the northernmost island of the granitic Seychelles and is 1.6 km long and 0.6 km wide. Aride hosts one of the most important seabird populations in the Indian Ocean with more breeding species than any other island in Seychelles. Eighteen species of native birds (including five only found in Seychelles) breed on Aride. The island is managed as a nature reserve by the Island Conservation Society of Seychelles and the only human inhabitants are the reserve's staff, including the Island Manager, Conservation Officer and rangers. Aride Island hosts thousands of breeding seabirds each year, especially during the southeast monsoon and land birds that breed year round. Aride is also an island where native plants find fertile soil for growth. Because of this, it plays a very important role in the conservation of Seychelles wildlife both terrestrial and marine (with a 200m of protected area from the coastline). At noon we sail for St Pierre Island for a 3 hour snorkeling and swimming stop. At sunset, we leave St Pierre to sail into Baie St Anne, Praslin. Overnight at dock and a Creole themed night.

This morning, we offer an optional excursion to Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, via the main mountain pass. A scenic coastal drive through picturesque fishing villages and dense forest of contrasting shades of green. On arrival at Vallee de Mai, we start our guided tour. Discover the mystical World Heritage Site famous for its Coco de Mer – the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Capture the Cathedral feel of this primeval forest with its gigantic palms, a truly uplifting experience. Watch for the Black Parrot, one of the rarest birds in the world and listen to its high pitched whistle. Depart Vallee de Mai for Cote d’ Or Beach – voted on several occasions as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where you will have time for swim and a refreshing soft drink. Rejoin the boat for an afternoon sailing to the uninhabited island of Felicite for snorkelling, swimming and optional dive excursion. Evening sailing to La Digue where we will anchor in the port overnight.

This morning, take a half day optional excursion in La Digue, the most photographed and quaint community in the Seychelles. After disembarking by zodiac, this excursion will take us by bus to the Veuve Nature Reserve and through Union Plantation to l’ Anse Source d’ Argent beach. Arrive at L’ Union Estate and tour the copra kiln, a traditional coconut oil mill and the colonial plantation house. Time at Anse Source D’ Argent one of the most magnificent beaches in the world. Marvel at some of Seychelles most impressive rock formations, whilst enjoying a refreshment. Time for hunting souvenirs at La Passe, the islands main village before returning to the ship. In the late afternoon, we set sail for Moyenne island, opposite Mahe where we will spend the night at anchor.

Take a short, included guided tour around the island before there is time for swim and a beach BBQ. This is the last opportunity for snorkelling and swimming bfore the end of the trip. We leave Moyenne island for Mahe’s Victoria port in the afternoon arriving late at the Inter Island Quay. Enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner with live music and dancing. Overnight in Mahe

Disembarkation takes place after breakfast between 9.00 and 10.00am. Make your way to the airport for you onward flights or stay on and enjoy one of the amazing resorts of the Seychelles.