The waters of these paradise islands teem with whales and dolphins. This amazing holiday combines island based watching plus a seven day voyage to Aldabra, a unique raised atoll which holds three endemic bird species and is home to the famous Giant Tortoises. At least fourteen species of cetacean are possible, the recce trip in 2005 seeing at least ten of them, with over 4000 individual animals recorded! Whales could include Sperm, Bryde’s, Short-finned Pilots, Dwarf Sperm, False Killer, Melon-headed plus Cuvier’s and Blainvilles’ Beaked Whales. Dolphins seen previously were Spinner, Spotted, Bottlenose, Rough-toothed, Rissos’s and Fraser’s. 

 

We will have time to swim and snorkel during the holiday, including with luck with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays along with thousands of colourful fishes. Flying fish will leap from the waves and we should also see turtles, Sailfish, Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna. A good selection of tropical seabirds can also be expected such as frigatebirds, tropicbirds, boobies, and up to nine species of tern and noddy. We will also visit the colonies on Aride.

 

On land, an excellent selection of other Seychelles wildlife will also be on offer, up to ten of the sixteen endemic birds including Seychelles Kestrel, Blue Pigeon, Black Parrot, Magpie-robin, Paradise Flycatcher and Sunbird. The three endemics on Aldabra are the flightless Rail, the Drongo and the Fody. Our timing also means anything could turn up as winter visitors from further north will be in the islands. We will also visit Valle de Mai on Praslin, home of the mythical Coco-de-mer.

 

We will stay in comfortable beach resort hotels on Praslin and Mahe on a half board basis. Our voyage will be aboard the Indian Ocean Explorer, a small comfortable expedition vessel with ensuite air-conditioned twin and double cabins. A shaded upper area makes her perfect for whale and dolphin watching in the tropics.

 

More detailed information and the 2005 trip report can be found here or is available from us.

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Itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrive Mahe, Seychelles. We take a local flight to Praslin and check into our hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

Days 2-5: We will visit the Valle de Mai, Aride and La Digue Islands during our stay here.

Day 6: Morning flight back to Mahe with a connection to Assumption Island. Board the vessel and set sail.

Days 7-12: At sea exploring the outer waters of the southwest Seychelles in search of whales, dolphins and other marine life. We plan landings on both Aldabra and Cosmoledo Atolls and if time permits, may visit Astove Atoll.

Day 13: Disembark vessel and fly back to Mahe. Transfer to our beach resort hotel in the north. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 14:Afternoon boat excursion to try and see (and snorkel with, subject to conditions) Whale Sharks.

Day 15: Morning at leisure. Transfer to airport for flights home.

 

 

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Holiday Information

Dates:  11^th – 25^th October 2008                    

Guide: Dr. Charles ‘Chas’ Anderson

Price :  £3490 per person sharing a twin cabin, single cabins not available.

Single supplement (hotels) £290

Facilities: All cabins and hotel rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities.

Deposit: £500

Max group size: 12

 

Dates: 3^rd – 17^th November 2009

Price: £3900 per person sharing a twin cabin, single cabins not available.

Single supplement (hotels) £320

 

NB Both voyages subject to fuel surcharges

 

Price includes: Voyage as described (full board), hotel accommodation on a half board basis, transfers and internal flights, excursions as described, services of naturalist/guide, tourist tax and atoll permits.

 

Price excludes: Flights UK - Mahe (available from £609), travel insurance, drinks, lunches, gratuities and other items of a personal nature.

 

Please note no departures are planned until at least 2011 after these.