Lindblad Expeditions Cruises, Fabled Islands Of The Indian Ocean Cruise Vacation Package

Far from anywhere, surrounded by warm seas, these tranquil places have wildlife, plants, landscapes and people different from any others on Earth. They represent something rare and beautiful: the chance to explore remote and idyllic regions and to learn about their unique wildlife and cultures. From the lemurs of Madagascar to the rare birds and giant tortoises of the Seychelles, to the coral reefs and extraordinary marine life you’ll find almost everywhere we go, you’ll see tropical nature at its most exuberant. And no less fascinating is the infinite variety of the Swahili, Seychellois and Malagasy cultures — a subtle blending of Asian, African, Arab, French and English influences. Our expedition staff will share with you their passion for exploring.

Fabled Islands Of The Indian Ocean Itinerary

Day 1 — U.S./Fly overnight to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Day 2 — Dar es Salaam
Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial capital, situated along the Indian Ocean, and transfer to the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski for the night.

Day 3 — Dar es Salaam/Embark
After a morning at leisure and lunch, tour Dar es Salaam, seeing its waterfront, the National Museum, which contains some of the Leakey family’s discoveries from Olduvai Gorge, and the craft center. Transfer to the pier and embark the National Geographic Endeavour. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Zanzibar
We have the day on the storied “spice island” of Zanzibar, where cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon are still cultivated. We take a walking tour of the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about traditional Swahili culture and the island’s rich history, visiting Zanzibar’s museum, the Sultan’s Palace and Old Fort. Walk through the forest of Jozani Natural Forest Reserve, home to the endemic red colobus monkey. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Ibo Island, Mozambique
Visit Ibo Island, at one time a hub for the Portuguese slave and ivory trade — one of Mozambique’s oldest and most atmospheric places. Ruined elements of the past are everywhere, including colonial mansions and the 18th-century Fort of São João Batista, where silversmiths today practice their craft. Visit the old Catholic Church and see the current residents’ village life: fishermen and their dhows, children playing and people tending to their chores. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Mayotte, French Comoros
Although geographically within the Comoros Group, Mayotte is a territory of France. Our visit shows us French colonial architecture, colorful local cultures and a distinctive style of dress. We’ll see the fragrant ylang-ylang tree, cultivated here, whose oil is prized by perfumers. We plan to board Zodiacs and head off to Ile M’Bouzi in search of brown lemurs, and there may be a chance to snorkel. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)/Amber Mountain, Madagas
From the town of Antsiranana, also called Diego Suarez, drive to Amber Mountain National Park, known for its lemur populations including Sanford’s and crowned lemurs. Among the remarkable birds found here are Madagascar paradise flycatchers and pitta-like ground-rollers. Look also for chameleons. Walk to lakes and waterfalls within this rainforest park, and return to our ship in the afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Anjajavy
We’ve made special arrangements to visit a private reserve called Anjajavy, where we look for Coquerel’s sifakas, brown lemurs, fish eagles, ibises and flocks of lovebirds. There may be kayaking opportunities at a nearby river mouth and a chance for some fine Zodiac cruises along the coast. (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Assumption & Aldabra, Seychelles Islands
We arrive in the Seychelles, anchoring off Assumption Island. Take a stroll ashore through coconut groves to see the remains of the guano mining that once took place here. Swim in the crystal-clear waters from the powder-white sand landing beach, or snorkel and if you wish scuba dive to observe the prolific undersea life, with over 100 species of fish including black lionfish, blue-ribbon eels, black-streak surgeonfish, and Indian Ocean steephead parrotfish. (B,L,D)

Day 11-12 — Aldabra, Seychelles Islands
We sail to remote Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest atolls on Earth. An expedition cruising paradise, our two days exploring Aldabra gives us ample time to see the best of this incredible island. Our plans will remain flexible to make the best of conditions. This afternoon we may have an opportunity to walk ashore, perhaps visiting the research station that houses the island’s only inhabitants — scientists and rangers who protect the wildlife. Walking through a shaded grove we find the Aldabra giant tortoise, emerging from the shade to feed. Aldabra’s lagoon is so large that the curvature of the earth hides the opposite shore. Our Zodiacs pass through narrow channels between fossilized coral islands to enter the lagoon. Through the clear water we see the rich marine life below — reef sharks, rays, and turtles — and cruise between mangrove-covered islands to observe large colonies of nesting boobies and great frigatebirds. There’s some of the most amazing snorkeling in the world. As the tides pump water in and out of the lagoon, massive numbers of fish come and go through channels to feed. We snorkel in these same channels, allowing the current to carry us along a magical scene. Scuba divers are also in for a thrill as they ride the current in an exciting drift dive. (B,L,D)

Day 13 — Astove
Astove, also part of the Seychelles’ Outer Islands, offers remarkable snorkeling and diving along the outer wall of the coral reef. The wall plummets to huge depths and rises to within a few feet of the surface at the top. The reefs have enormous and colorful marine populations. We’ll make a Zodiac landing on a sandy beach and look for nests of hawksbill and green turtles, and Abbott’s sunbird. We spend the afternoon at sea. (B,L,D)

Day 14 — Exploring the Amirante Group
There are 25 islands in the Amirante group, offering us good opportunities for expedition stops. We may land at Alphonse Island, an atoll which offers good coral reefs and some of the finest snorkeling and diving in the entire Seychelles archipelago, with rays, eels, lionfish, cod, lobsters and myriad other creatures. (B,L,D)

Day 15 — Aride
Tiny Aride is one of the most important seabird breeding grounds in the Indian Ocean, with large populations of shearwaters, lesser noddies, white (or “fairy”) terns, roseate terns, sooty terns, tropicbirds and a host of others. Make a Zodiac landing on the beach and hike up a trail for great views. (B,L,D)

Day 16 — Praslin/La Digue
Praslin is famous for its unique palm forest, the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the rare coco-de-mer. This palm has mammoth fan-shaped fronds and a seed weighing up to 40 pounds — the largest leaf and seed in the tree kingdom. Some trees are over 900 years old. La Digue is a photogenic island with powdery white sand beaches and giant granite boulders, and we visit Anse Source D’Argent, the most famous beach in the Seychelles, for a swim. We explore the island by open vehicle or bicycle, and walk through the forest reserve to look for the rare Seychelles black parrot and paradise flycatcher. (B,L,D)

Day 17 — Mahe/Disembark
Disembark on the island of Mahé in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, and transfer to the airport for overnight flights home — or stay on in the Seychelles if you wish. (B)