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Tropical beach on Mahe in the Seychelles Islands.

Heart of the Seychelles

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard SH Diana
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Embark on an 11-day cruise through the heart of the Seychelles aboard the SH Diana. Begin your adventure in Victoria, Mahe Island, where you will explore the vibrant city before setting sail. Discover the red-earth mountains and giant tortoises of Curieuse Island, the thriving wildlife sanctuary of Cousin Island, and the pristine beaches of Praslin Island. Snorkel with sea turtles at Grande Soeur Island and marvel at the seabird colonies of Aride Island. Experience the serene beauty of La Digue, with its granite boulders and secluded beaches, and explore the biodiversity of Moyenne Island. Conclude your journey back in Victoria, enriched by the natural beauty and unique experiences of the Seychelles.
Beautiful beaches of PraslinMahe - Morne Seychellois National ParkGiant TortoiseCurieuse Island in the SeychellesDramatic sunset over La Digue Island in the SeychellesTropical beach on Mahe in the Seychelles Islands.
Highlights
  • Explore Victoria's vibrant markets and botanical gardens
  • Explore UNESCO-listed Vallee de Mai, home to the rare coco de mer palm forest
  • Hike to panoramic views on Grande Soeur Island
  • See Curieuse giant tortoises unique red-earth terrain
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Victoria, Mahe Island

Arrive in Victoria, and head on to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Pre/Post hotels and flights are always subject to change until the Travel Documents are provided.

Day 2-3: Victoria, Mahe Island | Embark

In the morning, join the group to be transferred to the port where you will embark on SH Diana for your adventure.

Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, is a vibrant city on Mahé Island's northeastern side, blending diverse cultures and traditions. Attractions include the bustling stalls of Victoria Market, the Hindu shrine of Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, and the colorful "Jivan Imports" store. The Victoria Botanical Garden features Aldabra giant tortoises and 200 plant species, including unique trees like the coco-de-mer.

Day 4: Curieuse Island

Curieuse Marine National Park's captivating landscape is made up of red-earth mountains and granite hills. The Coco de Mer palm, which produces the world's largest nuts, grows only here and in Praslin. Baie Laraie is home to all seven mangrove species in Seychelles, while the area is also the site of a tortoise sanctuary. Once a leper colony, Curieuse hosts giant Aldabra tortoises and sea turtles. Pointe Rouge offers diving in vibrant coral reefs.

Day 5: Cousin Island

Cousin Island, a land and sea special reserve, is a conservation success story. In 1959, just 26 Seychelles warblers remained, clinging to life in a mangrove swamp. An intensive program cut back coconuts, allowing the warbler's native forest to recover. Cousin's restoration also benefited the endangered Seychelles magpie robin. The island is now a thriving Indigenous forest and wetland, attracting birds, giant tortoises, lizards, and more.

Day 6: Praslin Island

Praslin has some of the Seychelles' finest beaches, like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, with granite boulders dotting the soft sands. Busy Anse Volbert-Côte D’Or offers views of Chauve Souris islet. Inland, Praslin National Park's rugged jungle hosts rare flora and fauna. The Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO site, features a coco de mer forest, one of only two populations of these enormous trees, bearing the world's largest fruit and heaviest seeds.

Day 7: Grande Soeur Island

Grande Soeur, the slightly larger of the Sister Islands, is a peaceful spot known for its granite rocks emerging above palm-fringed beaches, creating stunning landmarks like Table Rock. Grande Soeur East, the most picturesque beach on the island, claims the crown as Seychelles' finest. The island is also one of the archipelago's best snorkeling spots with sea turtles, tropical fish, and small reef sharks. Hiking trails lead to panoramic views.

Day 8: Aride Island

Aride Island, one of Seychelles' finest nature reserves, offers a glimpse into the islands' unspoilt past. The uninhabited granitic island hosts vital seabird colonies, with 10 breeding species, including the world's largest populations of two frigatebird species and the roseate tern subspecies arideensis. Reptile density is among the highest globally. Rare native plants like Wright's Gardenia grow in their natural state only on Aride.

Day 9: La Digue

La Digue is renowned for idyllic beaches dotted with granite boulders like Anse Source d'Argent on the west coast. Secluded beaches like Anse Bonnet Carré and Anse Cocos on the east are accessible only on foot, featuring calm, shallow waters. Hikers enjoy the ascent to Nid d'Aigle, the 333-m high island peak, with a restaurant halfway up. The Veuve Nature Reserve protects the rare Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher's breeding habitat.

Day 10: Moyenne Island

The tiny Moyenne Island in the inner Seychelles covers just 9 hectares. The 2km shoreline features white sand beaches and granite boulders characteristic of the Seychelles. Despite its size, Moyenne hosts high biodiversity. Moyenne Island National Park, the world's smallest, was established in 2009 by Brendon Grimshaw to preserve the ecosystem. Densely covered in trees and plants, it represents 40 native species, many unique to Moyenne.

Day 11: Victoria | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
On this day, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and crew. Take the group transfer to the airport and catch your flight home.

Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, is a vibrant city on Mahé Island's northeastern side, blending diverse cultures and traditions. Attractions include the bustling stalls of Victoria Market, the Hindu shrine of Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, and the colorful "Jivan Imports" store. The Victoria Botanical Garden features Aldabra giant tortoises and 200 plant species, including unique trees like the coco-de-mer.

Ship/Hotel

SH Diana

SH Diana
SH Diana Observation Lounge
SH Diana Swan Nest

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Africa Safaris, Tours & Cruises.
SH Diana Oceanview D4
Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Oceanview M4
Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Balcony D5
Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Balcony M5
Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Balcony D6
Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Junior Suite
Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
SH Diana Suite
Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
SH Diana Premium Suite
Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

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