ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA AND THE CORALLINE SEYCHELLES

Embark on the voyage of a lifetime from Zanzibar. Settle into your luxurious design suite on board Aqua Lares and meet your Cruise Director and Naturalist Guides. Enroute to our first destination, enjoy panoramic views from the sun deck and indulge in your first taste of the signature Aqua dining experience.

The day begins at Mafia Island - renowned for its calm, turquoise waters and as the only island in Tanzania regularly frequented by whale sharks. At Kilindoni Bay, guests can snorkel or dive alongside these gentle giants before returning on board for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit Ras Kisimani, a serene stretch of beach that once served as a major Swahili trading port between the 12th and 14th centuries. As evening falls, enjoy sundowners at Aqua’s beach bar, with a final chance to spot whale sharks as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

Start the day at Mange, a sandbank off the coast of Mafia Island. This small patch of land surrounded by otherworldly coral reefs teeming with tropical fish is ideal for snorkeling or a refreshing morning dive. In the afternoon, we head back north to Mafia Island’s Chole Bay, where an underwater exploration of the lagoon’s crystalclear waters and vibrant coral reefs awaits the seasoned diver and casual snorkeler alike.

As we spend the day sailing towards Seychelles, treat yourself to some R&R at the onboard spa or jacuzzi. For the avid birdwatchers, being out at sea presents the opportunity to spot red-footed boobies soaring overhead in their hunt for flying fish. If you wish, sit in for presentations by our expert naturalist guides to learn more about the regional geology, flora, and fauna. Savor world-class dining throughout the day and end the evening with stargazing from the sun deck.

Arrive at Aldabra’s Assumption Island, a coral atoll known to harbor one of the world’s most isolated ecosystems. Aldabra is home to the largest population of giant tortoises on the planet, with more that 100,000 of these incredible creatures roaming the atoll’s four islands. The surrounding waters are home to a thriving population of tropical fish, sharks, and sea turtles, coupled with occasional manta ray sightings as well.

Astove is known to be one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Indian Ocean courtesy of the Astove Wall. Often described as the underwater Grand Canyon, this four-mile-long wall is covered in soft corals and frequented by marine life including rays, sharks, and reef fish. It features plunging depths and incredible visibility that can extend up to 40 meters. Astove is a bucket-list item for every avid underwater explorer.

Start the day exploring Farquhar Atoll with its vibrant azure waters, rich marine life, and abundance of seabirds including red-footed boobies. Snorkelers and divers get a chance to be among the few to explore undiscovered coral reefs around these islands. This is also a great spot for flyfishing and kayaking for those who wish to partake.

In the morning, we sail to Saint-Francois Atoll for the opportunity to spot juvenile sharks, crabs, and crab plovers in the mangroves. This atoll also presents snorkeling opportunities to see huge coral formations in the lagoons and surrounding barrier reef. In the afternoon, we head out on tenders for a scenic ride to Alphonse Island. While there, explore a lush coconut forest and enjoy snorkeling along the shore to discover stunning hard coral formations teeming with marine life.

We head to Remire Island to observe sea and land birds around the coastal vegetation, while keeping an eye out for giant tortoises. Remire also presents an ideal scuba diving opportunity for those interested in a closer look at the region’s marine life. We cap off the day with a delicious dinner on board as we sail back to Mahe.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast on board before bidding farewell to Aqua Lares and the crew.