Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure

Your cruise begins in Mombasa, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your discovery of the Indian Ocean and Seychelles.  Please book your flight to arrive into Mombasa prior to 02:00 PM.

Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of East Africa. Its part of Tanzania and consists of several islands, with Unguja (often referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba being the largest. Known as the ‘Spice Islands’, Zanzibar has a rich history in the spice trade and its still a major producer of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. ‘Stone Town’ is the historical heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage site — the narrow streets lined with coral-hewn houses blend African, European and Indian influences. 

Mafia has an incredibly diverse landscape, dotted with coconut and cashew nut plantations, palm trees, tidal mangroves and plump baobab trees standing in vast African savannah grasslands. The island is also famous for its population of whale sharks, attracting tourists who wish to swim with these gentle giants. The best time to see whale sharks is usually between October and February. 

Kilwa Kisiwani is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage site, off the southern coast of Tanzania. The island was a significant trade hub from the 13th to the 16th centuries, due to its control over the gold trade. One iconic structure is the Great Mosque, the oldest standing mosque on the East African coast. With its sixteen domed and vaulted bays, the mosque’s grand architecture reflects the citys golden age. 

Relish the nautical adventure of a lifetime with some relaxing time at sea. Enjoy the lavish comforts of your stylish yacht — slide into the infinity-style pool where the shimmering water seems to blur with the horizon, ascend to the Sky Deck to drink in panoramic views, or simply relax in the Observation Lounge. 

We will arrive to Aldabra Atoll late in the morning. Aldabra Atoll is a remarkable and remote atoll in the most south westerly part of the Seychelles, closer to African coast than to Mahé. Its one of the largest atolls in the world and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding natural beauty and significant biodiversity. 

The marine life around Aldabra is also distinct and plentiful. The atolls lagoon provides a habitat for numerous species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and various types of corals. Hawksbill and green turtles nest on the atolls beaches, and the surrounding waters are frequented by manta rays, sharks, and dolphins. 

The atoll comprises four large coral islands which enclose a shallow lagoon; this ecosystem supports a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the atoll. Notably, Aldabra is home to the worlds largest population of giant tortoises, with an estimated 100,000 individuals living there. Today, access to Aldabra is strictly monitored to minimise human impact on the environment. 

Enjoy your morning out to sea as we cruise to the Farquhar Group, made up of ten islands and atolls covering an area of 370 square kilometres. You will explore the sparkling lagoon encircled by this ringed-shaped atoll dotted with coconut and casuarina trees. Hawksbill and green sea turtles come to the atoll to nest and several of the Farquhar Group’s islands are important biodiversity regions.  

Spend another morning at sea as we cruise the Alphonse group of atolls. Whether youre an angler, diver, birdwatcher, or simply a lover of nature and tranquillity, the Alphonse Group of Atolls offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It has one of the world’s healthiest climates, which creates an incredible biome of diversity.  

The Amirante Islands are known for their pristine beauty, the perfect haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Their isolated location and untouched environment make them an ideal destination for diving, fishing, and wildlife observation. You could take a stroll or hike under the canopy of exotic palm trees, where various bird species can be spotted.

Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles, is visually stunning with tropical jungle-fringed beaches, emerald waters and powdery sand. Anse Lazio beach has been voted one of the world’s best beaches several times and there’s a dazzling reef just offshore brimming with coral and marine life. On land, coconut palms and granite boulders create a picture-postcard landscape. In the centre of the island, discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve.  We cruise to La Digue Island after lunch.  La Digue Island, the smallest of the three populated islands in the Seychelles. Like Praslin Island, it also possesses world-famous beaches, with one of the most recognisable being Anse Source dArgent. It has pink-hued sands contrasting with granite boulders and aquamarine waters. 

Your time aboard your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in Mahè island. From the yacht, you will be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to continue your holiday.  Please book your flight to depart out of Mahé, Seychelles after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.