Zanzibar, Aldabra & the Treasures of the Indian Ocean by PONANT
Join PONANT aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville for a 13-day expedition cruise through the Indian Ocean, offering the chance to explore breathtaking natural environments, exceptional wildlife, and historic UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Starting from Victoria on the island of Mahé, your first destination is La Digue, a quintessential Seychelles paradise with palm trees, granite rocks, white sand, and crystal-clear waters.
Next, you’ll sail to the stunning Saint-François atoll before reaching Aldabra Atoll, a pristine natural sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by mangroves and fine sandy beaches, it hosts the world's largest colony of land turtles. The small island of Astove offers opportunities for snorkelling and diving among vibrant marine life.
After a visit to the beautiful Assumption Island, your journey continues to Tanzania, where you'll uncover the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, a 13th-century Swahili trading post, explore the coral island of Misali, and visit Pemba Island with its clove plantations and excellent scuba diving spots.
The voyage concludes in Zanzibar, a rich historical city with UNESCO-listed buildings that blend African, Arab, Indian, and European influences spanning over a millennium.
Highlights
- A fascinating expedition cruise between Tanzania and the Seychelles, visiting sites filled with history and witnessing wild, preserved nature
- Visit the world's largest coral atoll, Aldabra, home to tortoises
- Enjoy regular Zodiac outings and fascinating shore excursions
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Mahé
Day 2: La Digue Island
Day 3: St. François Atoll
Day 4: At sea
Days 5 & 6: Aldabra Atoll
Day 7: Astove Island
Day 8: Assumption Island
Day 9: At sea
Day 10: Kilwa Kisiwani
Day 11: Pemba Island
Day 12: Misali Island
Day 13: Zanzibar
Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here
Itinerary
Explore Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles and home to the capital, Victoria. With nearly 70 beaches of fine sand framed by iconic granite rocks, Mahé's crystal-clear waters are renowned for their vibrant marine life. The island also boasts stunning mountain views, such as those from Morne Seychellois, which stands 905 metres tall and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Rich in history, Mahé features a mix of fine colonial properties and Creole houses. Don't miss the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Victoria.
La Digue Island epitomises the beauty of the Seychelles. Situated 6km southeast of Praslin, this small paradise is the third-largest island in the Seychelles despite its modest size (5 km by 3 km). Its turquoise waters beckon you to swim while lush vegetation shelters giant tortoises. The island's fine sandy beaches are fringed with coconut trees and adorned with iconic large granite rocks with pink highlights, such as those at the famous Anse Source d’Argent. Authentic and preserved, La Digue maintains a tranquil pace, with transportation limited to bicycles and traditional oxcarts.
In the heart of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, St. François Atoll paints the Indian Ocean in an infinite palette of blues. This coral atoll, comprising the Bijoutier and St. François islands, embodies the quintessential Seychelles dreamscape. Formed around volcanoes that have sunk into the abyssal depths of the Indian Ocean, these islands are safeguarded by splendid yet delicate coral reefs. The land teems with various bird species, while the waters are home to sea turtles and a multitude of fish, making it an ideal destination for hiking and snorkelling.
While at sea, take full advantage of the many services and activities on board. Indulge in some relaxation at the spa or stay fit in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, you can enjoy the swimming pool or some sunbathing. This journey without a port of call also offers opportunities to attend conferences or shows, shop in the boutique, or meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. For those who love the open sea, the ship’s upper deck offers spectacular views of the waves and the chance to spot marine species. This truly enchanted interlude combines comfort, rest, and entertainment.
Located in the heart of this remote archipelago, Aldabra Atoll is one of the last nearly untouched sanctuaries on Earth, providing a refuge for a large population of sea turtles. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this expansive area comprises four small coral reef islands separated by narrow channels, enclosing an emerald-water lagoon bordered by mangroves and fine-sand beaches. As your ship approaches the clear, reflective waters of its shoreline, seize the opportunity to explore this natural marvel, renowned as the largest atoll in the world and a source of inspiration for countless explorers.
Astove, the southernmost island in the Seychelles, lies closer to Madagascar than to Victoria. It belongs to the Aldabra group within the Outer Islands of the Seychelles and is currently uninhabited. Adorned with coconut trees, this coral island was once home to workers employed on its coconut plantations. Today, Astove Atoll is renowned for its rich seabeds, making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. Experienced divers are also drawn to explore the "Astove Wall," where the sea floor plunges to about 40 metres. The wall is adorned with coral and teeming with various fish and green sea turtles.
Assumption Island, part of the Aldabra group in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, is located southwest of the archipelago. Discovered in the mid-18th century by the French captain Nicolas Morphey, this bean-shaped island is characterized by its dunes and shrub-covered, relatively flat terrain. A small village in the island’s west is home to a handful of residents. Assumption Island's beaches serve as a significant nesting and breeding site for sea turtles, while its surrounding waters are renowned for scuba diving. Jacques-Yves Cousteau filmed segments of his renowned documentary film "The Silent World," released in 1956, in these waters.
Another day at sea means ample opportunity to relax and unwind aboard your ship.
Located approximately 300km south of Dar es Salaam, off the Tanzanian coast, Kilwa Kisiwani Island is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inhabited from the 9th to the 11th centuries, the island reached its zenith during the 13th and 14th centuries. Renowned explorer Ibn Battouta once described it as "one of the most beautiful cities in the world." As a former Swahili trading hub, Kilwa Kisiwani thrived on the commerce of gold and ivory from the inland regions. Today, the island's extensive ruins of its ancient port city are a testament to its past prosperity. Of particular note is the magnificent Great Mosque, the oldest mosque still on the East African coast, which remains a significant historical site worth exploring.
Pemba Island, the second-largest in the Zanzibar Archipelago, captivates, surprises, and enthrals visitors. The island's charm is enhanced by the melodies of local women gathering red algae on its fine sandy beaches during low tide—an enchanting and unique sight. Known as "the Green Island," Pemba is mountainous, with fertile hillsides and serene shores that exude authenticity. Its lush vegetation includes banana trees, coconut palms, clove trees, nutmeg, and other spices like vanilla, cinnamon, turmeric, and pepper, which thrive locally and have contributed to its renowned spice production.
Famous for its marine biodiversity, Misali Island was designated a protected conservation area in 1998. While swimming and observing its vibrant seabeds are permitted, fishing is prohibited. If conditions permit, you may have the opportunity to encounter diverse underwater wildlife. Located northeast of the island, a pristine white sandy beach, washed by crystal-clear turquoise waters, offers an ideal spot for relaxation.
Once a legendary stop on the historic Indian Ocean trade route, Zanzibar retains a hint of adventure today. Situated off the Tanzanian coast, this island, often dubbed the "spice island," is abundant with natural wonders like Jozani Forest. This forest, the last vestige of the extensive primaeval woodlands that once covered the island, harbours a unique ecosystem. Explore "Stone Town," Zanzibar's historic core and a UNESCO World Heritage site during your visit. Its maze-like streets are lined with coral stone houses, showcasing a blend of architectural styles from African, European, and Indian influences.
Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here
Departures and Prices
Le Dumont-d'Urville
31st January 2025 - 12th February 2025
Prices from £6,250 pp
Enquire
31st January 2025 - 12th February 2025
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Prices from £6,250 pp
Enquire