Trip Highlights
Discover Aldabra Atoll, called ‘one of the wonders of the world’ by Sir David Attenborough, home to 100,000+ giant tortoises, endemic birds, and vibrant marine life
Snorkel among vibrant marine life including Moorish idols, parrotfish, angelfish, reef sharks, manta rays, turtles, and more.
Spot lemurs like the red ruffed lemur in their natural habitat, and enjoy exceptional birdwatching in the Seychelles, with species such as grey herons, frigatebirds, and Madagascar fodies.
Discover Madagascar’s unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes, from the ancient baobabs of the Avenue of the Baobabs to rare species found nowhere else on Earth.
On Praslin Island, explore the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, home to the rare coco de mer palm, which produces the world's largest seed, weighing up to 40 pounds.
Enjoy the flexibility of optional excursions and walks for all levels whenever possible so travelers can pursue individual interests and sights at their own pace.
About This Trip
Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles are known for crystal-clear waters, endless stretches of white-sand beaches, and a rich diversity of marine life and endemic species. Your journey begins on Mahé, the largest island in the archipelago and home to 90% of the population. With its pristine beaches, lush forests, and dramatic granite peaks, Mahé is a tropical paradise infused with Creole culture and a blend of global influences. After a day of exploration, board the 59-cabin Island Sky (92 passenger limit) to cruise through the Seychelles’ Outer Islands, including the remote Alphonse group and Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 100,000 giant tortoises, the largest population on Earth. This virtually untouched sanctuary comprises four small reef islands separated by emerald-water passes, hosting hundreds of plant species, endemic Aldabra Drongos, Pink Flamingos, and the flightless White-throated Rail. Our expert naturalists will lead guided nature walks and snorkeling excursions among vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life.
The voyage continues to Madagascar, a thousand-mile-long island renowned for its astonishing biodiversity and striking landscapes, from coral reefs and mangroves to rainforests and iconic baobab groves. Isolated for millions of years, Madagascar hosts countless species found nowhere else on Earth, including nearly 100 kinds of lemurs. Its people reflect a fascinating cultural mosaic shaped by Malay-Polynesian mariners, African ancestry, and Arab, Indian, and Portuguese traders. Over twelve full days, explore the Seychelles’ and Madagascar’s finest marine reserves and national parks from the comfort of the Island Sky, complemented by enriching lectures from a distinguished team of experts.
Conservation Impact
Established in 1969, Oceanic Society stands as the oldest nonprofit organization in America committed to ocean conservation. We are trailblazers in the realm of "eco travel," crafting expeditions that not only align with our charitable mission but also actively support marine research and conservation efforts globally. Moreover, with every booking made, we take pride in sponsoring the removal of 200 lbs. of plastic waste from the ocean. Dive deeper into our innovative travel approach here.
Dates & Prices
Oct 23–Nov 7, 2027
Request to BookWhat's Included
One hotel night in Mahé, Seychelles, and twelve nights aboard the Island Sky; a privately chartered jet from Tulear, Madagascar to Johannesburg, South Africa; a comprehensive program of briefings, lectures, and presentations; shared airport transfers for group arrival and departure dates; baggage handling; gratuities to porters, wait staff, guides, drivers, and shipboard personnel; port charges and entrance fees; welcome and farewell wine receptions; house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunches and dinners aboard the ship; bottled water throughout; a professional tour manager throughout the program; and a team of expert naturalists and Zodiac drivers.
What's Not Included
U.S. domestic and international airfare; passport or visa expenses; medical expenses and immunizations; private airport transfers or transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates; travel and trip cancellation insurance; excursions not part of the scheduled tour options; airline baggage charges; meals not specified in the itinerary, including dishes and beverages not part of included meals, liquor, or soft drinks except as noted; laundry or dry cleaning; telephone, Internet, and email charges; room service; and other personal expenses. Limited single cabins available starting at $23,490. Click here for more detailed trip cost information or read our full expedition terms and conditions.
Sample Itinerary
Depart on overnight flights to Mahé, Seychelles. (Travelers from remote areas may need to depart one day earlier)
Overnight: In-flight
Meals included: None
Arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) at any time during the day and transfer to the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa. Gather for a welcome reception in the evening.
Overnight: Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa
Meals included: Reception
Visit Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden, filled with vibrant flowers, fragrant herbs, and exotic spices, and learn about Seychelles’ role in the 18th-century spice trade. Continue to the National Museum of History for insight into Creole culture and heritage. Embark the Island Sky in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning visit to Vallée de Mai, the last remnant of Seychelles’ high-canopied palm forest, home to the rare coco de mer palm and black parrot. In the afternoon, explore Ile Thérèse, walking white-sand beaches and snorkeling among colorful reefs. Enjoy the Captain’s Reception & Dinner in the evening.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Reception & Dinner
Cruise to the Alphonse group, considered among the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles. Snorkel with hawksbill and green sea turtles and join guided island walks led by the Expedition Team.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day at sea to relax, explore the ship’s amenities, and attend lectures while cruising toward the Outer Seychelles Islands.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest coral atoll, home to over 100,000 giant tortoises. Explore the emerald lagoon by Zodiac and snorkel over vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, snorkel or take a nature walk on Assumption Island, spotting the endemic day gecko and diverse birdlife. In the afternoon, depart the Seychelles and cruise toward Madagascar, with time for lectures onboard.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zodiac ashore for guided walks at Nosy Hara National Park: choose the shorter Brookesia Micra Circuit to spot chameleons, or the longer Tsingy Mitsiry Circuit to see unique limestone formations. Afternoon free for independent beach exploration.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning snorkeling at Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve; afternoon cruising with time for onboard lectures.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Lac Sacre (Sacred Lake) and walk through nearby mango groves to see sifaka lemurs, iguanas, lizards, and colorful birds. Opportunity to swim at a beachside resort. Later, visit the Durrell Breeding Program, protecting the endangered ploughshare tortoise.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Full day at sea with continuing lecture series.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zodiac ashore with choice of excursions: a half-day walk along the Avenue of the Baobabs with free time in Morondava market, or a full-day trip including the Avenue of Baobabs and Marofandilia Forest to observe primates such as Verraux’s sifaka and the White-browed owl.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Tahiry Honko, a community-based mangrove reserve, and walk through Reniala Reserve, home to the oldest baobabs and the only known natural habitat for radiated tortoises. Conclude the day with the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Reception & Dinner
Disembark and visit Antsokay Arboretum, protecting 900 endemic plant species, before transferring to the airport for a charter flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, for onward flights to the U.S.
Overnight: In-flight / Johannesburg
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Ship
Island Sky
The Island Sky is an elegant, 59-cabin expedition ship that offers an intimate and luxurious cruising experience. Designed for a maximum of 92 guests, it provides a high crew-to-passenger ratio, ensuring personalized service and attention to detail. Al…
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
