The Seychelles archipelago is a group of islands just north of Madagascar that is truly the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean." Discover plant and animal life that is dramatically different from anywhere else in the world. The Sooty Tern which spends most of its life over the open seas nests here in the millions. In addition to vanilla and cinnamon, the legendary Coco de Mer (a.k.a., Double Coconut) palm tree grows here in abundance yet grows naturally no where else on earth. Shipwrecks from early explorers testing the rugged waters are eerie reminders of why these small islands have remained pristine for so long. As you learn about the conservation efforts to preserve the magnificent Seychelles ecosystem, you have the opportunity to enjoy richly diverse and immensely beautiful habitats which include rain forests and white sand beaches offset by turquoise waters all under the tropical sun.
Day 1-2
ENROUTE TO SEYCHELLES
Day 3
MAHE
Arrive this morning at Seychelles International Airport at Anse Dejeuner on the island of Mahe. Transfer to the five-star Fisherman's Cove Resort. Explore the mature botanical gardens to discover the elephant apple and octopus trees, whose names reveal their appearance. Look for the sealing wax palm with its distinguished red collar and cannon-ball tree. Visit historic Victoria, the capital of Mahe, for its seafood and produce markets before having lunch at Chez Batiste.
Day 4
MAHE
Visit the Salazie Tea Plantation and discover the history of the plantations in Seychelles (spice growing, etc.). Afterwards, transfer to Seychelles Tea and Coffee Company for vanilla tea and snacks. You may also visit the crafts village where you have the opportunity to visit with the local artisans. In the afternoon, visit the historic Mission Ruins to learn about the history of the mission and the freed African slaves who were brought here for a new-found life.
Day 5
MAHE / PRASLIN
After breakfast charter by helicopter to the nearby island of Praslin where you find your luxury hotel located on the secluded private Anse Petite Cour Bay on the north side of Praslin, in the middle of a large tropical garden. Sheltered the whole year by the surrounding hills and the island of Curieuse, the calm and shallow bay with its coral reef is one of the best places for snorkeling.
Praslin is one of only two places in the world where the mysterious coco de mer or "double coconut" grows wild. At Vallee De Mai you discover why General Charles Gordon thought he had found the original "Garden of Eden."
Also at the Vallee de Mai, you readily find the black parrot, tiger chameleon and Seychelles skink (a species of lizard). Other birds found on the island are Seychelles Bulbuls and Seychelles Cave Swiftlets, the Madagascar Fody, Barred Ground Doves, Indian Mynahs and Seychelles Sunbirds.
Day 6
LA DIGUE
After breakfast transfer by local schooner to the island of La Digue. Visit L'Union Estate where you view the majestic colonial architecture and learn how coconuts are made into copra then into oil. You may also visit the Paradise Flycatcher Reserve to catch a glimpse of one of the rarest birds in the world such as the Black Paradise Flycatcher as well as the extremely rare yellow-bellied and star-bellied terrapins.
La Digue is one of the most photogenic islands in Seychelles, with coconut trees towering over secluded coves and huge granite rocks jutting from the white sand beaches. Part of its charm lies in the fact that the main transport for the islanders and visitors is ox-cart or bicycle.
Day 7
COURIEUSE
Today you sail to the almost deserted and very charming island of Curieuse. Named for the ship whose captain discovered the island in 1768, Curieuse is approximately ½ mile north of Praslin. Today it is covered in lush vegetation and huge takamaka trees. Have a barbeque lunch at the grand colonial house and then transfer to St. Pierre Island by boat to go snorkeling.
Day 8
BIRD ISLAND
After breakfast, charter to your lodge which offers individual bungalows with private patios overlooking the gardens with the sea beyond.
Bird Island, the most northerly of the Seychelles islands, is a small coral cay of only 170 acres. During the months of May to October, the island attracts millions of Sooty Terns which, after spending the rest of the year at sea, come here to nest. There is also a good variety of other birds including Fairy and Noddy Terns, Cardinals, Ground Doves, Mynahs, Crested Terns and Plovers. Hawksbill turtles breed on the beach during the day from October to February.
The emphasis here is on conservation and you are given a tour and lecture by the island's director of conservation. Home to Esmeralda, the world's largest land tortoise and said to be 150-years-old, this private island offers peace and tranquility and is yours to explore comfortably on foot - there is no need for a car or bicycle!
Day 9
BIRD ISLAND
Today is a relaxing day to be spent listening to the calls of the fairy terns or watching the habits of the other beautiful resident birds, including noddies, ground doves, tropic birds and egrets. Swimming, diving and other water sports are also available.
Day 10
DEPART FOR U.S.
Early this morning you transfer to the airport for your flight to Mahe and homeward.
NOTE: This is just one example of many custom itineraries we can do for you in this diverse country.
GENERAL INFORMATION
There are no set departure dates for this trip. Please contact EXPLORE for more information on recommended travel dates and prices.
Tour Includes:
All ground and air charter transportation upon landing in Africa; all accommodation; all meals; all nonalcoholic drinks with meals; park fees
Tour Excludes:
U.S. domestic and international airfare; medical immunizations; passport fees; visa fees; airport departure taxes; accident/baggage/medevac & cancellation insurance; dive courses; dive equipment; excursions deviating from the scheduled tour; excess baggage charges; laundry; medical expenses; telephone or fax charges; room service; gratuities to guides and staff; and other items of a purely personal nature.
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