Zanzibar, Tanzania & The Coralline 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.​

We head to Remire Island to observe sea and land birds around the coastal vegetation, while keeping an eye out for giant tortoises. Remire also presents an ideal scuba diving opportunity for those interested in a closer look at the region's marine life. We cap off the day with a sundowner on the island's pristine white-sand shores.​

In the morning, we head out on tenders for a scenic ride to Alphonse Island. While there, explore a lush coconut forest and enjoy snorkeling along the shore to discover stunning hard coral formations teeming with marine life. In the afternoon, we sail to Saint-Francois Atoll for the opportunity to spot juvenile sharks, crabs, and crab plovers in the mangroves. This atoll also presents snorkeling opportunities to see huge coral formations in the lagoons and surrounding barrier reef.​

Start the day exploring Farquhar Island 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. This is also a great spot for flyfishing and kayaking for those who wish to partake. ​

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. ​

Wake up to views of 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. The surrounding waters are home to a thriving population of tropical fish, sharks, and sea turtles, coupled with occasional manta ray sightings as well.

We continue our exploration of Aldabra and Assumption with guided walks along the coast accompanied by coconut crabs and frigatebirds. On board private tenders, explore Aldabra's lagoon and rich mangrove forests made up largely of endemic flora. The coral atoll also offers incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, characterized by an abundance of marine life all year round.​

As we spend the day sailing towards Tanzania, 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 regional geology, flora, and fauna. Savor world-class dining throughout the day and end the evening with stargazing from the sundeck. ​

Once a significant trading port, Kilwa Kisiwani boasts centuries-old Arabian influence. This island is home to ancient ruins including a Great Mosque from the 12th century and the Palace of Husuni Kubwa, constructed in the early 1300s. Along its shores, the island also features rich mangrove forests and stunning biodiversity. ​

Known to be one of Africa's best scuba diving destinations, Pemba Island is a treasure trove of both nature and culture. It features remnants of great sultanates, now overrun by lush green hills and clove plantations. ​

A small island off Pemba’s west coast, Misali is fringed by white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Inland, its forest shelters vervet monkeys, while offshore reefs provide excellent snorkeling opportunities over vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life.

The final day of the expedition begins with a decadent breakfast set against the backdrop of the beautiful sunrise. Savor the views aboard Aqua Lares one more time and wave goodbye to the crew before disembarking in Zanzibar. We will escort you back to the airport for your flight back home, onto your next adventure.​