The Coralline

DAY 1 | EMBARK IN MAHÉ | 11 NIGHTS

Arrive in Mahé, the largest of the Seychelles islands, and step aboard the Aqua Lares to begin your Indian Ocean expedition. After settling into your elegant design suite, you’ll meet your Cruise Director and expert Naturalist Guides.

As the ship pulls away from the granite shores of Mahé, head to the sundeck for sweeping views of the surrounding archipelago and distant islands shimmering on the horizon. As you cruise toward your first destination, enjoy a welcome dinner under the stars, accompanied by the gentle lull of the ocean and the anticipation of the days to come.

DAY 2 | RÉMIRE ISLAND

Today you arrive at remote and rarely visited Rémire Island, a sanctuary for both seabirds and land birds. Stroll through coastal vegetation with your guides, scanning for giant tortoises and native avian species. Remire is also an excellent location for diving, offering the chance to encounter vibrant marine life up close. Whether snorkelling in the shallows or diving among reef outcrops, the underwater world here is thriving.

End the day with a sundowner on the island’s white-sand beach, a perfect introduction to the coralline wonders ahead.

DAY 3 | ALPHONSE ISLAND & SAINT-FRANÇOIS ATOLL

After breakfast, take a tender ashore to Alphonse Island, part of the Alphonse Group, where a walk through its lush coconut forest brings you to dazzling coral-rich shallows ideal for snorkelling. Keep an eye out for reef fish darting between hard coral formations.

In the afternoon, continue to Saint-François Atoll, a remote sand-fringed lagoon teeming with juvenile sharks, ghost crabs, and crab plovers. You may also explore its barrier reef by snorkel, where huge coral bommies support an abundance of tropical fish. With two diverse marine habitats in one day, this is a snorkeller’s paradise.

DAY 4 | FARQUHAR ISLAND

Farquhar’s striking turquoise lagoon and untouched outer reefs make it a highlight of the expedition. Begin your day with a beach walk and birdwatching, with the chance to see red-footed boobies and other nesting seabirds. The reef systems here are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving, revealing colourful corals and rich marine life. You may also kayak through shallow channels or try your hand at flyfishing in these clear flats.

The sense of remoteness and pristine beauty on Farquhar is unmatched, offering a day of varied adventure both above and below water.

DAY 5 | ASTOVE ISLAND

Often described as the ‘underwater Grand Canyon,’ Astove Wall is a diver’s dream. This vertical reef drops dramatically into the deep, covered in soft corals and swarming with reef fish, rays, and even sharks. With visibility often reaching 40 metres, this is one of the Indian Ocean’s most spectacular dive sites. Snorkellers can also enjoy the rich shallows, and naturalists will lead coastal explorations on foot to uncover the island’s birdlife.

Whether you choose to dive, snorkel, or explore on land, Astove is unforgettable.

DAY 6 | ALDABRA ATOLL

Arrive at Aldabra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s second-largest coral atoll. Home to over 100,000 giant tortoises, Aldabra is one of Earth’s most untouched ecosystems. Today you’ll explore its reef-fringed shores and meet these gentle reptiles up close, while your guides reveal the ecology of this astonishing place.

Underwater, keep an eye out for sea turtles, reef sharks, and swirling schools of fish. Sightings of manta rays are also possible in the surrounding waters.

This is one of the planet’s last great marine wildernesses.