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Peregrine Travel Centre

Ultimate Seychelles with Aldabra Atoll

Ultimate Seychelles with Aldabra Atoll

From USD $11,980

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Description

Enjoy snorkeling and diving in the Seychelles; spend two full days exploring the Aldabra Atoll; and discover the unique flora and fauna of the region.

We visit many of the most spectacular islands in the Indian Ocean, exploring their wildlife, both above and below the sea. The itinerary includes:
+ Assumption is famous for clear surrounding waters populated by a profusion of marine life.
+ Spend two full days at magnificent Aldabra, a World Heritage Site, and a highlight of your adventure. With a perimeter of 70 miles, Aldabra is one of the largest atolls in the world, comprising four major islands separated by channels. Because of the atoll’s extreme isolation, many of Aldabra’s species are endemics. Giant Aldabra tortoises—estimated to number over 100,000—roam wild over the islands.
+ Astove Atoll was formerly the home of African slaves who escaped a Portuguese ship in 1760.
+ Cosmoledo – The vast majority of this huge atoll, measuring about nine miles across, is lagoon. Approximately 15,000 pairs of red-footed boobies nest in the bushy vegetation of the island, the largest breeding colonies of this species in the entire Indian Ocean. Other species found here include red-tailed tropicbirds; black-naped, sooty, and crested terns; and three species of endemic land birds—Madagascar white-eyes, souimanga sunbirds, and Madagascar turtle doves.
+ Alphonse Island group to experience the beauty and serenity of these three islands that lie in the heart of the Seychelles Archipelago.
+ Poivre Atoll for beachcombing, nature walks, birding, and a visit to the copra plantation.
+ Des Roches, La Digue, Praslin.

Whats included
Daily activity options including nature walks, Zodiac cruises, and snorkeling; all accommodations; world-class lecture and expedition team; all onboard meals and group meals ashore, including soft drinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner; all entrance fees, taxes, and landing and port charges; arrival and departure transfers on group dates; gift certificates for recommended expedition gear; medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation insurance.

Trip Name
Ultimate Seychelles with Aldabra Atoll
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Bougainville will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Bougainville has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Zanzibar, Tanzania
Arrive in exotic Zanzibar and transfer to our group hotel. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before gathering this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 2 - Day 2 Zanzibar / Embark Le Bougainville
Zanzibar is a lush, palm-fringed island with a long and storied history. This morning, visit Stone Town—a World Heritage Site, its mélange of architecture reflects a unique mix of Moorish, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences. After lunch, take a hike along the nature trails of Jozani Natural Forest Reserve where you are likely to spot the red colobus monkey. Embark Le Bougainville this evening.
Day 3 - Day 3 At Sea
Today, relax on board enjoying the ship's amenities and attending informative lectures to prepare you for your exploration of the magical Seychelles islands.
Day 4 - Day 4 Assumption Island, Seychelles
Assumption is famous for clear surrounding waters populated by a profusion of marine life. These qualities led Jacques Cousteau to film much of his documentary The Silent World at Assumption. Snorkel or dive among corals teeming with over 100 species of fish, including black lionfish, blue-ribbon eels, and Indian Ocean steephead parrotfish. Assumption is also home to around 100 giant tortoises introduced from Aldabra.
Day 5 - Days 5 - 6 Aldabra Atoll
Spend two full days at magnificent Aldabra, a World Heritage Site, and a highlight of your adventure. With a perimeter of 70 miles, Aldabra is one of the largest atolls in the world, comprising four major islands separated by channels. Because of the atoll’s extreme isolation, many of Aldabra’s species are endemics. Giant Aldabra tortoises—estimated to number over 100,000—roam wild over the islands. Tides permitting, cruise by Zodiac through the narrow passes to drift through a landscape of fascinating, eroded limestone topography. The tides have sculpted small islets into fantastical formations known as champignons, or “mushrooms.” Hundreds of lesser and great frigatebirds soar overhead; on land, search for the rare Aldabra white-throated rail, the only flightless bird found on any Indian Ocean island. Keep an eye out for robber crabs, whose claws are strong enough to crack coconuts, as they scamper across the turf. Enjoy an exhilarating drift snorkel where the incoming tide whisks you through the pass and into a lagoon populated by turtles and eagle rays. Visit the small scientific research station on Picard Island and photograph the mighty tortoises of this magical, isolated island that few travelers ever have the privilege to see.
Day 6 - Day 7 Astove Atoll
Board Zodiacs to land on this uninhabited island’s sandy beach. Part of the Aldabra Group, Astove was formerly the home of African slaves who escaped a Portuguese ship in 1760. More recently, Astove was the site of a copra plantation—its houses, drying sheds, and other buildings in various states of disrepair since being abandoned in the 1980s. Mature casuarina and Indian almond trees host the pendant nests of Abbott’s sunbird, while snorkelers will delight in the crystal-clear waters of the large lagoon, frequented by turtles, groupers, and schools of tropical fish.
Day 7 - Day 8 Cosmoledo Atoll
Part of the Aldabra group, the vast majority of this huge atoll, measuring about nine miles across, is lagoon. Approximately 15,000 pairs of red-footed boobies nest in the bushy vegetation of the island, the largest breeding colonies of this species in the entire Indian Ocean. Other species found here include red-tailed tropicbirds; black-naped, sooty, and crested terns; and three species of endemic land birds—Madagascar white-eyes, souimanga sunbirds, and Madagascar turtle doves. Take a walk along the beach and snorkel in the vast, shallow lagoon where turtles can often be found grazing on sea grass.
Day 8 - Day 9 At Sea
Spend the day at sea attending lectures and joining naturalists on deck to search for sea birds and marine mammals.
Day 9 - Day 10 Alphonse Island Group
We anchor in the Alphonse Island group to experience the beauty and serenity of these three islands that lie in the heart of the Seychelles Archipelago. Their remote location provides many opportunities for unspoiled exploration, including beachcombing on powdery white-sand beaches, and snorkeling and diving to spot the Madras snapper or any of the nine species of butterflyfish.
Day 10 - Day 11 Poivre Atoll, Amirantes
The Amirante Islands are named in honor of Portuguese admiral Vasco da Gama’s 1501 visit. Take Zodiacs to Poivre Atoll for beachcombing, nature walks, birding, and a visit to the copra plantation. Snorkel or dive over coral gardens inhabited by brilliantly-hued tropical fish, as manta rays glide through the waters below and black-naped terns soar in the skies above.
Day 11 - Day 12 Desroches
Desroches’ low-lying coral reef encloses a serene lagoon. This reef-surrounded island offers opportunities for snorkelers and divers to spot more colorful tropical fish or even a hawksbill turtle, or to stroll the white-sand beaches.
Day 12 - Day 13 La Digue / Praslin
Giant granite boulders and swaying palms offset the postcard-perfect white beaches of La Digue. Explore this tranquil island by bike or take a stroll along the picturesque, sandy roads. Pass quaint, balconied houses and shops, a vanilla plantation, and a copra factory to reach the small Veuve Nature Reserve, where you may observe the endangered Seychelles paradise-flycatcher in its native habitat. Other common sights include the yellow bittern, Seychelles swiftlet, and common waxbill. Spend time on one of the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful beaches, Anse La Source d’Argent, to beachcomb, swim, or simply soak in your surroundings.After lunch on board, step ashore on Praslin and visit enchanting Vallée de Mai National Park, a World Heritage Site. The high-canopied, primeval palm forest is home to 4,000 coco-de-mer palms, which can grow to over 100 feet and live 800-1,000 years. The palm bears the world’s largest nut, weighing 20 - 40 pounds. Several other endemic palm species, as well as the Seychelles flying fox, populate this magical valley. We may spot the rare Seychelles black parrot and other birds of notable interest, including the Seychelles blue-pigeon, cave swiftlet, and Seychelles bulbul.
Day 13 - Day 14 Mahé / Disembark
After breakfast, disembark for a tour of the Seychelles’ charming capital city. Mahé’s century-old botanical garden is home to 80 indigenous plant species, including five palm species, the vanilla orchid, and the rare jellyfish tree. An abundance of birds inhabit the area as well, including the Seychelles kestrel, Seychelles bulbul, and the rare, endangered Seychelles sunbird. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your independent homeward flight.
Day 14 - Please Note:
Based on the expeditionary nature of our trips, there may be ongoing enhancements to this itinerary.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-02-202028-02-2020USD $11,980Category 1
15-02-202028-02-2020USD $13,580Category 2
15-02-202028-02-2020USD $15,380Category 3
15-02-202028-02-2020USD $18,580Category 4
15-02-202028-02-2020USD $21,880Category 5
15-02-202028-02-2020USD $25,680Category 6
15-02-202028-02-2020USD $28,380Suite
15-02-202028-02-2020USD $38,480Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Enjoy world-class snorkeling and diving, the Seychelles is home to some 850 species of rainbow-hued fish.
    • Spend two full days exploring the magnificent Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Photograph a variety of sublime vistas, including La Digue, where huge granite boulders and swaying palms frame the picture-perfect white-sand beaches.
    • Wander the labyrinth of serpentine alleyways in Zanzibar's Stone Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Discover a wealth of rare and endemic species, including giant Indian Ocean tortoises, Aldabra white-throated rails, Seychelles paradise-flycatchers, and Seychelles blue-pigeons.

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