Experience the stunning Seychelles with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests. Paradise awaits your exploration!
After a comfortable flight, you will land at Seychelles Int Apt (SEZ) on Mahe, the largest island in the Seychelles. Victoria, the capital city and the smallest capital in the world, is surrounded by lush greenery: coconut palms, flowering trees, shrubs, and hills covered in tropical forests. The harmonious landscape features charming Victorian-style houses, including the Natural History Museum, the National Museum of History, Kenwyn House, the National Library, and the Supreme Court building.
You will be greeted by a representative from Swan Hellenic, and a transfer will take you to the port for boarding the ship. If time permits, stroll through Victoria, admire the colorful streets, and taste authentic Creole or Cajun cuisine in local restaurants. A popular dish is "poisson ec d'iri," a fish served with rice, enhanced by special oils and spices. On Market Street, you will find old Indian and Chinese shops, local markets for souvenirs, and fresh coconuts.
Today, you will visit the stunning and wild Curieuse Island, famous for its colony of giant tortoises, once brought from the distant Aldabra Atoll. Here, they breed in a nursery, grow for up to five years, and are then released into the wild. Another attraction is the unique mangrove grove, where six species of mangrove trees thrive in saline waters. Nature lovers will marvel at the breathtaking landscapes and the intertwined roots, sprouts, and shells along the hiking trail. The rocky path leads to gigantic granite boulders, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands from a viewpoint 170 meters above sea level.
Cousin Island is a nature reserve, home to rare birds like the Seychelles warbler and the white-tailed tropicbird, which symbolizes Mauritius. The birds are friendly, often landing on people's hands and allowing close access to their nests. This island is a true paradise for ornithologists, boasting over forty ecological and scientific projects. Unique plants not found elsewhere also thrive here, and the island is preserved in its pristine state under strict government protection. Cousin is an emerald gem in the Seychelles archipelago.
Praslin is renowned for its seclusion, beautiful shores, and privacy, making it a diver's paradise with exceptional visibility of up to thirty meters. Home to over 900 fish species and more than a hundred types of shells, you may encounter rays and sea turtles, but not sharks. The beautiful Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, known for its unique coco de mer palm trees, which bear enormous coconut-like fruits weighing around 20 kg. This valley is considered the biblical Eden, with its intricate roots and lianas, gentle mosses, and the sounds of rare black parrots.
Grand Soeur, along with Petit Soeur, forms the Sister Islands, both covered in lush vegetation and surrounded by well-preserved coral reefs. The beach on the western side of Grand Soeur is often regarded as the most beautiful and untouched beach in the Seychelles. Marine life is abundant, featuring sea turtles, hundreds of tropical fish, and small reef sharks.
Aride Island is now a nature reserve, home to a remarkable population of birds, with around 1.5 million seabirds nesting year-round. Eighteen species of rare birds reside here, five of which are exclusive to the Seychelles. British scientists monitor the bird populations. The reserve also houses various reptiles and over four hundred fish species around its stunning coral reefs. The island's forests feature the Wright's gardenia, which produces white flowers with pink spots, as well as the rare peponium, a type of cucumber.
La Digue is a charming small island with a relaxed pace of life, beautiful rocks, and pink beaches. The island's highlight is the Anse Source d'Argent beach, known for its dramatic granite formations that glow pink in the morning and red at sunset. Long stretches of pink-tinged beaches are surrounded by granite cliffs, while the Union Estate park, once owned by the famous Hossen family, features one of the oldest colonial buildings in the Seychelles.
Moyenne Island has a pirate history, with legends of undiscovered treasures. However, it gained notoriety when English businessman Brandon Grimshaw bought it in the 1960s, transforming it from a wild overgrown island into a national park. Grimshaw dedicated his life to making it a paradise, now home to remarkable biodiversity. The tiny national park measures only 0.4 kilometers in length and 300 meters in width, featuring walking paths with giant tortoises and a viewpoint offering stunning views.
The cruise through the Seychelles ends in Victoria, Mahe. After breakfast, you will bid farewell to the ship's crew and disembark. Transfers to the airport will be arranged for the expedition participants. Soon after returning home, you can expect a pleasant surprise from Swan Hellenic—a link to download a video report and photo album of the expedition cruise as a lasting memory.
The cabin interiors feature elegant Scandinavian design with natural hues and abundant wood. Richly colored textiles, varied textures, and thoughtful lighting create a cozy environment. Spacious cabins equipped with modern amenities like interactive TVs, minibars, safes, and 24/7 room service provide a comfortable home away from home.