Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra is one of the world’s most diverse coral atolls and home to more than 100,000 giant tortoises. Explore its lagoon and mangrove forests aboard private tenders, where thriving marine life includes sharks and elusive manta rays. Expert-led coastal walks reveal unique flora and rare bird species such as the red-footed booby. Discover Aldabra’s best-kept secrets on a luxury cruise through the Seychelles.
Embark on the voyage of a lifetime from Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago. Settle into your luxurious design suite on board Aqua Lares and meet your Cruise Director and Naturalist Guides. Enroute to our first destination, enjoy panoramic views from the sundeck as we sail past neighboring islands of the Sainte Anne National Marine Park.
We head to D’Arros Island, a secluded, privately owned coral cay in the Amirantes Group, renowned for its pristine ecosystem and rich marine environment. Managed by the Save Our Seas Foundation for conservation, the island is surrounded by waters teeming with sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Begin the morning with diving or snorkeling at St Joseph Channel, then explore Turtle Town in the afternoon for more underwater encounters. We cap off the day with a delicious dinner on board as we sail onward.
As we spend the day sailing south towards Aldabra, treat yourself to some R&R at the onboard spa or jacuzzi. For the avid birdwatchers, being out at sea presents the opportunity to spot red-footed boobies soaring overhead in their hunt for flying fish. If you wish, sit in for presentations by our expert naturalist guides to learn more about the Seychelles’ unique geology, flora, and fauna. Savor world-class dining throughout the day and end the evening with stargazing from the sundeck.
Astove is known to be one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Indian Ocean courtesy of the Astove Wall. Often described as the underwater Grand Canyon, this four-mile-long wall is covered in soft corals and frequented by marine life including rays, sharks, and reef fish. It features plunging depths and incredible visibility that can extend up to 40 meters. Astove is a bucket-list item for every avid underwater explorer.
Arrive at Aldabra, a coral atoll known to harbor one of the world’s most isolated ecosystems. Aldabra is home to the largest population of giant tortoises on the planet, with more that 100,000 of these incredible creatures roaming the atoll’s four islands. In the afternoon we visit the Aldabra Research Station and old settlement before heading to the island’s west side for a snorkel or dive to discover the surrounding waters that are home to a thriving population of tropical fish, sharks, and sea turtles, coupled with occasional manta ray sightings as well.
Explore Providence Atoll with its vibrant azure waters, rich marine life, and abundance of seabirds including red-footed boobies. Snorkelers and divers get a chance to be among the few to explore undiscovered coral reefs around these islands.
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