Explore the best of the region’s undersea. Visit remote, paradisiacal islands few humans will ever see and dive or snorkel top sites: extraordinary vibrant reefs in crystal clear, warm water. See incredible wildlife, including the endangered Aldabra giant tortoises and massive aggregations of seabirds. Visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town, and learn about traditional Swahili culture.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial capital, situated along the Indian Ocean, and transfer to the Hyatt Regency Kilimanjaro for the night. Have dinner at the hotel and get to know your fellow passengers.
After a morning at leisure and lunch, tour Dar es Salaam, seeing its waterfront, the National Museum, which contains some of the Leakey family’s discoveries from Oldupai Gorge, and the craft center. Transfer to the pier and embark National Geographic Orion.
You have the day on the storied “spice island” of Zanzibar, where cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon are still cultivated. Take a walking tour of the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about traditional Swahili culture and the island’s rich history, visiting Zanzibar’s museum, the Sultan’s Palace and Old Fort.
Arrive in the Seychelles, anchoring off Assumption Island. Take a stroll ashore through coconut groves to see the remains of the guano mining that once took place here. Swim in the crystal-clear waters from the powder-white sand landing beach, or snorkel and if you wish scuba dive to observe the prolific undersea life, with over 100 species of fish including black lionfish, blue-ribbon eels, black-streak surgeonfish, and Indian Ocean steephead parrotfish.
Today sail to remote Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest atolls on Earth. An expedition cruising paradise, two days exploring Aldabra allows ample time to see the best of this incredible island. Plans remain flexible to make the best of conditions. This afternoon you may have an opportunity to walk ashore, perhaps visiting the research station that houses the island’s only inhabitants — scientists and rangers who protect the wildlife. Zodiacs pass through narrow channels between fossilized coral islands to enter the lagoon where you can see the rich marine life below and cruise between mangrove-covered islands to observe large colonies of nesting boobies and great frigatebirds. As the tides pump water in and out of the lagoon, massive numbers of fish come and go through channels to feed. Snorkel in these same channels, allowing the current to carry us along a magical scene. Scuba divers are also in for a thrill as they ride the current on an exciting drift dive.
Astove, also part of the Seychelles’ Outer Islands, offers remarkable snorkeling and diving along the outer wall of the coral reef. The wall plummets to huge depths and rises to within a few feet of the surface at the top. The reefs have enormous and colorful marine populations. Make a Zodiac landing on a sandy beach and look for nests of hawksbill and green turtles, and Abbott’s sunbird. Spend the afternoon at sea.
Poivre consists of two sandy islets surrounded by outstanding coral reefs. The snorkeling and diving here are excellent, and offer chances to see reef fish, rays and other marine life. Zodiacs take you ashore, where you can look for birds that nest here and then explore the local coconut plantations.
St. Joseph’s Atoll is surrounded by coral reefs which there is time to explore before going ashore to see the thousands of shearwaters that nest here.
Tiny Aride is one of the most important seabird breeding grounds in the Indian Ocean, with large populations of shearwaters, lesser noddies, white (or “fairy”) terns, roseate terns, sooty terns, tropicbirds, and a host of others. Make a Zodiac landing on the beach and hike up a trail for great views.
Praslin is famous for its unique palm forest, the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the rare coco-de-mer. This palm has mammoth fan-shaped fronds and a seed weighing up to 40 pounds — the largest leaf and seed in the tree kingdom. Some trees are over 900 years old.
La Digue is a photogenic island with powdery white sand beaches and giant granite boulders, and visit Anse Source d’Argent, the most famous beach in the Seychelles, for a swim. Explore the island by open vehicle or bicycle, and walk through the forest reserve to look for the rare Seychelles black parrot and paradise flycatcher.
Day 13-14: Disembark in Mahe, Vicotira
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Disembark on the island of Mahé in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. Tour Mahé in the morning, seeing the Botanical Gardens and the town of Victoria, including its lively market. After lunch, check in to the Savoy Resort and Spa, with a free afternoon to enjoy the beach. In the evening, transfer to the airport for overnight flights home — or stay on in the Seychelles if you wish.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
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