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 Amirantes 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
As America’s oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ocean conservation, Oceanic Society designs each expedition to deepen connections between people and nature while empowering travelers to play a direct role in preserving marine ecosystems. Through the Expedition Impact Program, your participation supports local ocean conservation projects in visited destinations, coral restoration, and plastic pollution offset initiatives.
Dates & Prices
Oct 23–Nov 7, 2027
Request to Book2028 Departure TBA
Join WaitlistWhat'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
Tour the beautiful National Botanical Garden in Victoria, which boasts over 280 plant species, from endemics to ornamentals. Here you will learn about the conservation and restoration projects underway.
Continue to the National Museum of History with informative exhibits on Seychellois 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, visit La Digue, a tiny island known for its granite rocks and lush forest. Spend time snorkeling in the crystal-clear water among schools of colorful fish. Enjoy the Captain’s Reception & Dinner in the evening.
Overnight: Island Sky
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Reception & Dinner
Sail to the islands of the Amirantes group, which harbors many important species. The sheer drop-off of the Amirantes Trench lends itself to rich currents and an abundance of fish and marine life.
Enjoy the afternoon snorkeling through the protected waters of Poivre Island, a nesting site for hawksbill and green turtle.
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
In the morning arrive at Cosomoledo, just over 1,000 km from Mahé and only a short distance from the famed Aldabra Atoll. Cosmoledo is one of the most remote and ecologically intact destinations in the Seychelles.
Explore the Astove Atoll, known for offering some of the best snorkeling in the 115 islands in the Seychelles archipelago.
Visit Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest coral atoll, home to over 100,000 giant tortoises. Set out on guided nature walks with expert naturalists across Aldabra’s pristine landscapes. Wander among hundreds of flowering plants and ferns, and keep your eyes peeled for the atoll’s unique wildlife.
Cruise through the emerald lagoon by Zodiac. Here you may have the opportunity to snorkel among the robust coral reefs that teem with tropical fish, graceful rays, and curious marine creatures.
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
Step off the ship and travel ashore to the beaches of Nosy Be by Zodiac. Explore one of Madagascar’s most spectacular and untouched islands. Enjoy a leisurely walk to view lemurs, chameleons and other fascinating species along easy, wildlife-rich trails.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, a protected paradise teeming with vibrant coral reefs and an astonishing variety of marine life. Swim alongside schools of tropical fish, spot graceful rays gliding through the water, and discover colorful invertebrates hiding among the corals.
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
Arrive back home
Overnight: N/A
Meals included: N/A
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:
Trip Extensions
Post-trip extensions are available and can be customized for additional snorkeling, cultural touring, or time exploring Seychelles or mainland Madagascar. Please contact our travel team for more information.
