Wildlife & Wonders of the Indian Ocean
An expedition from Tanzania to Mauritius including the Outer Seychelles & Madagascar aboard the MS Island Sky
- 12 November 2021
Join us aboard the MS Island Sky for this island hopping expedition through the Indian Ocean which will appeal to those who enjoy the natural world and all its wonders, travelling aboard a small ship and staying clear of the well-beaten tourist tracks. The allsuite MS Island Sky with her fleet of Zodiac landing craft is the perfect vessel for such an enterprise. Carrying just over 100 guests, she is a far cry from the latest breed of cruise ships and can visit small islands and backwaters that are denied to larger vessels. Your experience will be made all the more memorable by the expert crew and officers, who along with our expedition team of marine biologists, ornithologists and botanists have many years of experience in the Indian Ocean and will provide commentary on all we see.
Setting sail from Dar es Salaam, we will have a day to explore atmospheric Zanzibar before we continue to the Seychelles and the Aldabra Island Group. Being one of the most difficult places in the world to access and having a lack of freshwater has saved Aldabra from any tourism development and the only viable means of reaching this untouched region is by small ship. Aldabra is the last breeding ground of the giant tortoise and in addition to seeing some of these endearing creatures you should also encounter dolphins, turtles and whales as well as countless birds including the flightless rail, the last flightless bird in the Indian Ocean.
We continue to Madagascar where we will have three days exploring this incredibly verdant and beautiful island. The animals, plants, landscapes and people that make up this thousand mile long island are unlike anywhere else in the world and during our time on the island we will explore rainforests full of wildlife including lemurs, chameleons and indigenous birdlife as well as seeing the underwater world and village life. Finally, before our expedition ends in Mauritius, we will land on its nearest neighbour, Reunion, a little bit of France in the Indian Ocean and a truly stunning place with its awesome and dramatic landscape.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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What to expect
Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; sometimes the whole day’s schedule will be changed to maximise your experience, something that would not be possible on a large cruise ship. Each day holds something new and below are some extracts from the ship’s log from last season which will provide you with an idea of what to expect.
Aldabra: We set off soon after breakfast dropping some of our party at the research base for guided walks, while the rest continued into the lagoon to explore. Beneath our boats eagle rays sped away and small schools of coloured fish seemed to be everywhere. At one point we entered a narrow channel deep into the red mangroves, with sunbirds twittering around us and a huge green turtle swam around, its back fuzzy with green algae. Then along the mangrove edge we came to the best patch of all: a mixed nesting colony of red-footed boobies and both lesser and greater frigate birds. Some nests had chicks almost 12 months old which will soon fledge. Others were sat tight on tiny white fluffy chicks. The strangest thing was to see boobies fast asleep in the branches, their bright red feet clutching hard, their head and beak hanging down below their feet, and their eyes closed tight. That afternoon we saw why they get so tired. Watching from the decks, we passed through some large flocks of birds scanning for fish at the surface, while the most agile individuals queued up alongside our ship to plunge down in split second dives to try and catch flying fish bursting out of the water.
Nosy Mangabe: This morning we were anchored off the Masoala Peninsula which is covered in primary rainforest. Our destination Nosy Mangabe is a small island in the national park. We disembarked the long and ‘Birder’ walks first followed by the medium and short walks on a beautiful golden beach backed by primary rainforest. Once ashore we split into our various groups and headed off into the forest in search of wildlife. We were on the lookout for creatures big and small, and we found them. The lemurs appeared, racing through the treetops and there were frogs everywhere. There were the green-backed mantellas, quite brash in their black and green colours, tiny nondescript frogs laying their single egg in the stumps of bamboo. There were a number of leaf-tailed geckos which were so well camouflaged that they were almost impossible to see even at close range. Near the landing site, the lemurs came down to check us out and allowed for some great close up photographs. On walks inland we saw some huge boulders of 3.2 billion year old granodiorite that formed akin to how tors formed in the UK. This afternoon we had the opportunity to land at the camp for a second time and embark on an afternoon exploratory walk or enjoy a long Zodiac cruise along the peninsula. Both options were rewarded with excellent wildlife sightings. We were all back on board for a quick recap followed by dinner. Those who chose to dine outside were rewarded with a lovely sunset and the noises of the rainforest.
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Caledonian Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 Dar es Salaam.
Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 3 Zanzibar.
Here the colourful harbour, crowded with dhows, very much sets the scene for our visit to this Arab-style city with its long narrow streets, bazaars, houses with overhanging balconies and intricately carved doorways. On a morning walking tour, soak up the timeless atmosphere of Stone Town including Livingstone House, Sultan’s Palace, the slave market and the Old Fort. The afternoon is free to relax and explore independently or join a tour to a spice farm to experience the various fruits and spices cultivated on the island. Alternatively, travel to Jozani Forest which sustains a variety of wildlife and birds, including the rare red colobus monkey, indigenous to the island.
Day 4 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards the Seychelles.
Days 5 to 7 Aldabra Islands, Seychelles.
Spend a relaxing morning at sea before arriving at the Aldabra group of islands where we have two and a half days to explore. Our itinerary will be in the hands of our Expedition Leader and Captain who will monitor the local conditions to ensure we maximise our time here. Whilst our itinerary is flexible, we hope to call at the island of Assumption which was ruthlessly plundered for its vast deposits of guano in the early 20th century. Happily, peace has returned, and the wildlife of rare birds and green turtles are once again in abundance. Our time here will be spent beachcombing, on a nature walk or snorkelling. We also hope to reach Cosmoledo where a huge ring of twelve islands circle a lagoon. Many of the atolls are still to be surveyed and we will explore some of them by Zodiac. This is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area with all three species of booby found in the Seychelles including the last breeding site for the brown booby. Also spot sooty terns and great frigate birds. We will also spend time on Aldabra, the island referred to by Sir Julian Huxley as “One of nature’s treasures and should belong to the whole world”. Aldabra is unique and every time we call at what is believed to be the world’s largest atoll we find something new of interest. Sightings have been made of the extremely rare white throated rail and the atoll is also home to the world’s second largest colony of frigate birds and to the largest crab, the coconut crab. Whilst exploring by Zodiac it is difficult to know in which direction to look. The clear blue seas abound with life, the skies are alive with varied birdlife and ashore giant land tortoises forage as they have done for millions of years. We hope to explore Picard Island with a short walk to see some of the thousands of tortoises and numerous robber crabs or swim in the lagoon, a vast 17 mile stretch of shallow clear water. From our Zodiacs we can watch the ever-changing undersea world and snorkel in colourful coral waters.
Day 8 Farquhar Islands.
After a morning at sea we will anchor off Farquhar over lunch where we will use our Zodiacs to explore the sparkling lagoon of this remote atoll ringed island of coconut and casuarina trees. Hawksbill and green sea turtles come to the atoll to nest, and several of the Farquhar Group’s islands are Important Bird Areas. The island is a haven providing us with a delightful afternoon of bird watching or snorkelling. Sail tonight for Madagascar.
Day 9 Diego Suarez, Madagascar.
For our first call in Madagascar, we will enter dramatic Diego Suarez, a stunning natural harbour with a cosmopolitan mix of inhabitants including Creoles, Indians, Chinese, Comorans and Arabs. This morning choose from a city tour visiting the Commonwealth Cemetery and Place Joffre, or the Malagasy Rain Forest at the Mount Amber National Park. Dividing into short and long walk parties we will go in search of lemurs and chameleons as we explore the rain forest. In the towering vegetation, we may spot several species of lemurs and chameleons as well as endemic birds, including parrots.
Days 10 & 11 Masoala National Park & Nosy Mangabe.
Spend a day and a half in the Antongil Bay area. We discover Nosy Mangabe, a 520-hectare island reserve and one of the most diverse areas of virgin rainforest in Madagascar which has also been an important research centre since the mid- 1960s when several aye-ayes and lemurs were released into the forest. We will use our Zodiacs to land on the beach next to the forest and organise a series of nature walks looking at the varied trees, plants and ferns and we hope to spot chameleon, lizards and black and white ruffed lemur. For the birders, we will keep an eye out for Madagascar buzzard, kingfisher and paradise flycatchers. We also explore Madagascar’s largest protected area, the Masoala National Park, which comprises of coastal rainforest, flooded forests, marsh and mangroves. Mammal species encountered include the red-ruffed lemur, the red-fronted brown lemur and the ring-tailed mongoose. The park is also home to various species of brightly coloured mantella frogs, all manner of extraordinary chameleons and is a refuge of the endangered Madagascar red-owl, Madagascar serpent eagle and many endemic bird species. A series of walks for all levels will operate whilst there will also be the option to swim off the beach or perhaps visit the local village.
Day 12 At Sea.
Maybe join a lecture in the lounge, enjoy a book in the library or spend time on deck as we cross to the island of Reunion.
Day 13 Reunion Island.
We arrive at breakfast in Port Est, Reunion where we have a choice of excursions. On a full day tour we will visit the central highlands where spectacularly rugged peaks of dormant or extinct volcanoes cradle huge amphitheatres known as cirques, where mountains tower to over 10,000 feet and beautiful waterfalls plummet hundreds of feet. We will enjoy views from the Nez des Bouefs and see the Piton de la Fournaise crater. After enjoying a Creole lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit the “Cite du Volcan” museum. Alternatively enjoy a morning tour to a vanilla plantation in St Andre where we learn about the history and culture of this integral part of Reunion’s heritage. We will also enjoy some free time in St Denis before returning to the MS Island Sky for lunch and an afternoon at leisure before we set sail this evening.
Day 14 Mauritius to London.
Disembark this morning and enjoy a morning tour of Mauritius including the Trou-aux-Cerfs Volcano, the Grand Bassin Lake and Black River Gorges. After lunch we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 15 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
12 to 26 November 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £9495 | £8995 |
Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £9795 | £9295 |
Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £10295 | £9795 |
Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £10795 | £10295 |
Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £11295 | £10795 |
Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £11595 | £11095 |
Explorer Deck Island Suite | £12995 | £12495 |
Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £11495 | £10995 |
Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £11795 | £11295 |
Tour Reference Code: SCIS121121
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner on board • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Madagascar & Tanzania visas.
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Deckplan
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Caledonian Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world.
Video Library
What to expect
Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; sometimes the whole day’s schedule will be changed to maximise your experience, something that would not be possible on a large cruise ship. Each day holds something new and below are some extracts from the ship’s log from last season which will provide you with an idea of what to expect.
Aldabra: We set off soon after breakfast dropping some of our party at the research base for guided walks, while the rest continued into the lagoon to explore. Beneath our boats eagle rays sped away and small schools of coloured fish seemed to be everywhere. At one point we entered a narrow channel deep into the red mangroves, with sunbirds twittering around us and a huge green turtle swam around, its back fuzzy with green algae. Then along the mangrove edge we came to the best patch of all: a mixed nesting colony of red-footed boobies and both lesser and greater frigate birds. Some nests had chicks almost 12 months old which will soon fledge. Others were sat tight on tiny white fluffy chicks. The strangest thing was to see boobies fast asleep in the branches, their bright red feet clutching hard, their head and beak hanging down below their feet, and their eyes closed tight. That afternoon we saw why they get so tired. Watching from the decks, we passed through some large flocks of birds scanning for fish at the surface, while the most agile individuals queued up alongside our ship to plunge down in split second dives to try and catch flying fish bursting out of the water.
Nosy Mangabe: This morning we were anchored off the Masoala Peninsula which is covered in primary rainforest. Our destination Nosy Mangabe is a small island in the national park. We disembarked the long and ‘Birder’ walks first followed by the medium and short walks on a beautiful golden beach backed by primary rainforest. Once ashore we split into our various groups and headed off into the forest in search of wildlife. We were on the lookout for creatures big and small, and we found them. The lemurs appeared, racing through the treetops and there were frogs everywhere. There were the green-backed mantellas, quite brash in their black and green colours, tiny nondescript frogs laying their single egg in the stumps of bamboo. There were a number of leaf-tailed geckos which were so well camouflaged that they were almost impossible to see even at close range. Near the landing site, the lemurs came down to check us out and allowed for some great close up photographs. On walks inland we saw some huge boulders of 3.2 billion year old granodiorite that formed akin to how tors formed in the UK. This afternoon we had the opportunity to land at the camp for a second time and embark on an afternoon exploratory walk or enjoy a long Zodiac cruise along the peninsula. Both options were rewarded with excellent wildlife sightings. We were all back on board for a quick recap followed by dinner. Those who chose to dine outside were rewarded with a lovely sunset and the noises of the rainforest.
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