This is an extraordinary cruise/tour 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 for crystal-clear waters, endless stretches of powdery white-sand beaches, a diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem, and a range of unique plant and animal species. Along the way, an experienced Expedition Team of naturalists will lead several guided nature walks, and if you wish there will be opportunities for snorkeling among colorful reef fish, interesting coral formations, and various marine creatures.

Your journey starts in Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago and home to 90 percent of the country’s population. With pristine beaches, lush forests, and dramatic mountains, it is a tropical paradise with a unique culture that blends a wide range of influences. After two days in Mahé, embark on the 57-cabin Island Sky and cruise to the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, then 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 (over100,000).

Continue to Madagascar, a thousand-mile island boasting an impressive variety of spectacular landscapes from pristine coral reefs and coastal mangroves to virgin rainforests and native groves of BaoBab trees. Geographically isolated for millions of years, nearly all of Madagascar’s intriguing animals and plants are found nowhere else on earth, including nearly 100 varieties of lemurs. Madagascar’s people are also unique, having descended from Malay-Polynesian mariners, slaves from African, as well as traders from Arabia, India and Portugal.

This program features 12 days to explore numerous islands and Madagascar’s best marine reserves and national parks from the comfortable expedition vessel Island Sky, all accentuated by a robust set of lectures from an outstanding team of experts. Travelers will have the option of a post-trip extension near Kruger National Park, South Africa.