Group Size: Up to 92 passengers across all co-sponsors Price: Starting from $14,990 per person, double occupancy Co-sponsored with: Commonwealth Club World Affairs, Oceanic Society, National Trust Tours, and World Affairs Council of Philadelphia
This is an extraordinary cruise for travelers who love the natural world and all its wonders. Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles are known forcrystal-clearwaters, endless stretches of powdery white-sand beaches, their diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem, and a range of unique plant and animal species.
Your journey starts in Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago and home to 90 per cent of the country’s population. After a day of exploration in Mahé, embark the 59-cabinIsland Skyand cruise to the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, then travel to the remote Alphonse group, and finally to Aldabra, a vast coral atoll that is home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises (over 100,000). The experienced Expedition Team ofnaturalists will lead several guided nature walks, plus there will be many opportunities for snorkeling among colorful reef fish, interesting coral formations, and various marine creatures.
Continue to Madagascar, a thousand-mile island boasting an impressive variety of spectacular landscapes, from pristine coral reefs and coastal mangroves to virgin rain forests and native groves of Baobab trees. Geographically isolated for millions of years,nearly allof Madagascar’s intriguing animals and plants are found nowhere else on Earth, includingnearly 100speciesof lemurs.This programutilizestwelve full days to explore Madagascar's best marine reserves and national parks from the comfort oftheIsland Sky, including a private charter flight between Madagascar and Johannesburg, all accentuated by a robust set of lectures from an outstanding team of experts.
Travelers will have theoptionof a post-trip safari near Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Schedule by Day
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Depart the U.S. for Mahé, Seychelles, arriving October 24*.
* Flight times vary by gateway city; some flights mightdepartas early asOctober 22 toarriveonOctober 24.
Arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) any time during the day. Settle into the Savoy Resort & Spa, located on Beau Vallon Beach, where you’ll find elegantly appointed rooms equipped with a private balcony or terrace. Gather this evening to meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and orientation.
Overnight: Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa
Meals: R
Tour National Botanical Garden of Seychelles with its vibrant endemic tropical flowers and learn about the conservation and restoration projects underway. After a delicious Creole lunch, explore the National Museum of History, which offers informative exhibits on Seychellois culture and heritage. Board the Island Sky this afternoon.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Spend the morning on Praslin Island exploring the Vallée de Mai, the last remnant of the original high-canopied Seychelles palm forest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the endemic and endangered coco de mer palm tree, as well as the rare black parrot. In the afternoon, enjoy La Digue, known for its granite rocks and lush forest, and snorkel in the crystal-clear water among the colorful fish. Enjoy a captain’s welcome reception this evening before dinner.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, R, D
In the morning, enjoy lectures on board as you cruise to the Amirantes Island Group, which harbor many important bird, plant, and reptile species. This afternoon, call at Poivre, Amirantes, considered by many to be the most beautiful of the 115 islands in the Seychelles archipelago. The sheer drop-off of the Amirantes Trench lends itself to rich currents and an abundance of fish & marine life. The sandy shores are also important nesting grounds for hawksbill and green sea turtles. Nesting birds include Chinese and blue herons, whimbrels, fodies, noddies, greater frigatebirds and fairy terns.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Enjoy a full day at sea to experience the amenities of the ship and attend the lecture series while cruising to the Outer Seychelles Islands.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
In the morning, call at Cosmoledo Atoll in the Aldabra Island Group, where a ring of islands surrounds a turquoise lagoon and seabirds fill the skies, including all three Seychelles booby species. This afternoon, visit Astove Atoll, known for offering some of the best snorkeling among the 115 islands of the Seychelles archipelago. Go ashore for a walk before snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Visit Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 and the world’s largest raised coral atoll, home to more than 100,000 giant tortoises. This vast atoll consists of a ring of four reef islands surrounding a massive emerald lagoon, with channels linking the lagoon to the ocean. Explore the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon on Zodiacs and snorkel among the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Choose to snorkel or take a nature walk on Assumption Island, where you can search for the Assumption Island day gecko and enjoy identifying the diverse birdlife. Depart from the Seychelles and spend the afternoon cruising to Madagascar, with time set aside for lectures.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Snorkel at Nosy Tanikely National Park. This protected marine reserve is celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity and carefully preserved ecosystems and is widely regarded as one of the finest snorkeling sites in the region. Its crystal-clear waters reveal an unspoiled coral reef teeming with vibrant marine life and an extraordinary spectrum of tropical fish.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Enjoy a morning visit to "Lac Sacré," or Sacred Lake, to learn about the significance of its clear waters and the sacred trees along the lakeshore. Walk through nearby mango trees to observe sifaka lemurs, iguanas, lizards, and colorful birdlife in their natural habitat. There will be an opportunity to swim at a beachside resort, followed by a visit to a local batik workshop to observe the traditional wax-and-dye textile art practiced by local artisans before returning to the ship.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Full day at sea to enjoy the ship’s amenities and lecture series while cruising along Madagascar’s western coastline.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Zodiac ashore in Morondava, Madagascar, a vibrant coastal town known as the gateway to one of the country’s most iconic landscapes. The towering baobabs and surrounding dry forest create one of Madagascar’s most distinctive and atmospheric landscapes. Select a half-day walk along the Avenue of the Baobabs with free time in Morondava’s local market, or a full-day excursion combining the Avenue of the Baobabs with Marofandilia Forest in search of native primates, including Verreaux’s sifaka, as well as the white-browed owl.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, D
Visit Reniala Reserve, a locally managed NGO-run sanctuary, home to spectacular baobab trees and one of the last strongholds of the radiated tortoise. This protected area is a haven for birdlife and supports species such as the grey mouse lemur, radiated tortoise, and warty chameleon. This evening, enjoy the captain’s farewell reception and dinner.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L, R, D
Start with breakfast, followed by a guided visit to Antsokay Arboretum, which protects 900 species of endemic plants. Transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, for onward overnight flights back to the U.S.
Overnight:Island Sky
Meals: B, L
Arrive back in the U.S.
Pricing
More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.
Cabin Category
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Category 1, Standard Suite Forward
$14,990 per person
$23,490
Category 2, Standard Suite
$15,990 per person
$24,990
Category 3, Superior Suite
$17,990 per person
$26,990
Category 4, Premium Suite
$19,490 per person
Inquire
Category 5, Corner Suite
$20,990 per person
Inquire
Category 6, Deluxe Balcony Suite
$22,990 per person
Inquire
Category 7, Owner's Balcony Suite
$23,490 per person
Inquire
Category 8, Island Suite
$25,490 per person
Inquire
One hotel night in Mahé, Seychelles and twelve nights aboard Island Sky • Privately chartered jet from Tulear, Madagascar to Johannesburg, South Africa • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures and presentations • Shared airport transfers for on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, wait staff, guides and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Welcome and farewell wine receptions • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunches and dinners aboard the ship • Bottled water throughout • Professional tour manager through the program • Team of expert naturalists and zodiac drivers
U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, Internet and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature.
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (June 25, 2027) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
One night, Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa in Mahé, Seychelles
Twelve nights aboard Island Sky
Optional Post-Tour Extension: Kruger National Park, South Africa
November 2027
Under development, more information coming soon
The opportunity to register for the extension will be provided directly from the tour operator following the participants confirmation on the program
What to Expect
Activity Level 3
We consider this to be a moderately strenuous program, at times physically demanding and busy, with considerable walking at some destinations. Daily activities can involve up to two miles of walking, unaided, over varied terrain (e.g., uneven beaches, steep and sandy or muddy trails, dirtstreetsand paths in small villages),possiblyindirect sun,extremeheat,humidityandrainyor dustyconditions. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for most excursions. Please note that some locations involve wet landings. All participantswho plan to swim or snorkelshould be comfortable swimming unassisted in open water. No prior snorkeling experience is necessary. Participants must be physically fit,activeand in good health.Emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended due to the remote areas that you will be visiting.
The Island Sky is a 59-cabin luxury expedition ship. She provides an abundance of public space and state-of-the-art amenities for relaxation, scenic viewing, and taking in lectures.
We consider this to be a moderately strenuous program, at times physically demanding and busy, with considerable walking at some destinations. Daily activities can involve up to two miles of walking, unaided, over varied terrain (e.g., uneven beaches, steep and sandy or muddy trails, dirt streets and paths in small villages), possibly in direct sun, extreme heat, humidity and rainy or dusty conditions. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for most excursions. Please note that some locations involve wet landings. All participants who plan to swim or snorkel should be comfortable swimming unassisted in open water. No prior snorkeling experience is necessary. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. Emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended due to the remote areas that you will be visiting. 
