Discover Seychelles, Tanzania & Kenya

Your cruise begins in Mombasa, a coastal city in southern Kenya that was the first capital of British East Africa. It’s a melting pot of cultures from all corners of Africa and the Indian Ocean. Here you’ll be transferred to your luxury Emerald yacht to embark on your discovery of the Indian Ocean and the Seychelles. Please book your flight to arrive into Mombasa prior to 01:00 PM.

Cruise south to Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. Once known as the ‘Spice Island’, 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 historic heart of Zanzibar and a World Heritage site – the narrow streets lined with coral-stone buildings blend African, European and Indian influences.

Continuing south, Mafia Island is one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. It 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 visitors who wish to swim alongside these gentle giants. The best time to see whale sharks is usually between October and February. 

Sitting just off the coast of Tanzania, Kilwa Kisiwani is a captivating World Heritage site. The island was a significant trade hub from the 13th to the 16th centuries with much of the gold, silver pearls, perfumes and other goods traded in the Indian Ocean passing through here. Ruins cover the island, with palaces, bathing pools and prisons excavated. The most striking site is the Great Mosque, the oldest standing mosque on the East African coast. With its 16 domed and vaulted bays, the mosque’s grand architecture reflects the citys golden age.

Relish the nautical adventure of a lifetime with a relaxing day at sea as you sail east across the Indian Ocean. 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.

Arrive at the Aldabra Atoll late this morning. This remote atoll is in the most south-westerly part of the Seychelles, closer to the African coast than to Mahé. Its one of the largest atolls in the world and recognised as a World Heritage site due to its outstanding natural beauty and significant biodiversity.

Spend another day exploring the fascinating Aldabra Atoll. The marine life around Aldabra is diverse 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 that 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 150,000 tortoises living there. One of the largest species of tortoise in the world, they can reach up to 350kg and live for more than 150 years. Today, access to Aldabra is strictly monitored to minimise human impact on the environment.

Enjoy a relaxed morning on board as you cruise to the Farquhar Atoll, made up of 10 islands and atolls covering an area of 370 square kilometres (142 square miles). You will explore the sparkling lagoon encircled by this ring-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 hotspots.

Spend another morning at sea as you cruise the Alphonse group of atolls. Whether youre an angler, diver, birdwatcher, or simply a lover of nature and tranquillity, the Alphonse Group 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, azure 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 World Heritage-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a compact area of palm forest that has remained almost unchanged since prehistoric times. Cruise to La Digue Island after lunch. La Digue is the smallest of the three populated inner islands. Things move slowly here, with almost no cars on the island and most transport undertaken by horse or ox cart. Like Praslin, it’s fringed by world-famous beaches such as Anse Source d’Argent, where pink-hued sands meet granite boulders and turquoise waters.

After breakfast, take your time exploring Mahè Island. The largest island in the Seychelles and home to the capital city, Victoria, it is dotted with excellent nature trails and enticing tropical beaches. In the afternoon, step back on board your Emerald luxury yacht for the second leg of your journey through the magnificent Seychelles.

Sainte Anne Island is encircled by the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, which is home to incredible marine life, including more than 150 species of fish. Sainte Anne is also a significant nesting site for Hawksbill turtles, with the nesting season running from October to March. Late in the morning, you’ll sail to Cousin, a small island renowned as a haven for seabirds. The granitic islet was a private property until 1968, when it was purchased by Nature Seychelles (formerly the International Council for Bird Preservation) to transform it into a nature reserve. It’s the most protected island in the archipelago, providing a breeding ground for 11 migrating seabird species annually and a habitat for five birds native to the Seychelles. Later, you’ll sail to Praslin to stay overnight.

Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles, is visually stunning with tropical jungle-fringed beaches, azure waters and powdery sand. Anse Lazio beach has been voted one of the world’s best 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 World Heritage-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a compact area of palm forest that has remained almost unchanged since prehistoric times.

Early in the morning, set sail for La Digue Island, the smallest of the three populated islands in the Seychelles. Things move slowly here, with almost no cars on the island and most transport undertaken by horse or ox cart. Like Praslin Island, it is also fringed by world-famous beaches. One of the most recognisable is Anse Source dArgent – it has pink-hued sands contrasting with granite boulders and aquamarine waters. Sail to Curieuse later in the evening.

Curieuse is a rugged island swathed in unspoilt wilderness and home to hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises. One of the largest species of tortoise in the world, they can reach up to 350kg and live for more than 150 years. Apart from its obvious natural beauty, it has a fascinating history. The island was once a quarantine station, and the original French colonial doctor’s house now has a museum and a visitor’s centre. Paths wind through mangrove swamps and groves of coco de mer palms.

Early in the morning, sail to the lush, green island of Aride, a nature reserve managed by the Island Conservation Society. Nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers flock to this island, where more than 30 rare bird species nest in the verdant vegetation. The landscape is enticing with fine-sand beaches, coconut palms and soaring cliffs.

Return to Mahé for the final days of your voyage. The capital city, Victoria, was founded in the French settler period in 1778 and was later named by the British for Queen Victoria. One of the smallest capital cities in the world, it’s home to around 30,000 people, and you could walk around its central area in just 10 minutes. The island of Mahé has pristine beaches dotted with huge rocks and tranquil nature trails threaded through the Morne Seychellois National Park.

Your Emerald Cruises voyage concludes here. From the yacht, you’ll 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 11:00 AM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.