Cruise the Garden of Eden on this unique island-hopping voyage through the paradise isles of the Seychelles archipelago, uncovering white sandy beaches and incredible wildlife. From dots on the map in Ste. Anne Marine Park, to the diversity on lively Mahé, discovering the culture and nature of this Creole nation
Day 1 - Flight
Day 2 - Ste. Anne Marine NP
Day 3 - Curieuse
Day 4 - Cousin
Days 5 & 6 - Praslin
Day 7 - La Digue
Day 8 - Moyenne
Day 9 - Mahé/Return Flight
With ocean views accompanying you all the way, from the open deck, the restaurant, and every cabin window; and with zodiac excursions to access all areas; the MY Pegasus cruises to islands large and small, across the Seychelles archipelago, anchoring in Ste. Anne Marine National Park and at Curieuse, Cousin, Praslin, La Digue, and Moyenne Islands; stopping for swimming and snorkelling at tiny St. Pierre and extravagant Felicité, and returning to Mahe for time in the capital, Victoria. Each of the islands and islets has its own character and tempo, but all share the Creole heritage, a wild, unpolished beauty, and a dedicated programme of conservation, successfully protecting and re-introducing rare and indigenous flora and fauna. From barefoot casual to unashamed luxury, from gleaming beaches to mangrove swamps, from nesting sea turtles to strolling giant tortoises, and from the world’s heaviest nut, the Coco-de-Mer to the very rare Jellyfish Tree, this collective ‘garden of Eden’ has it all; and that’s just on land. In the clear blue Indian Ocean are coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, canyons and shipwrecks for scuba divers, shallow shelves for snorkelers, and whale sharks for a touch of excitement.
Natural Wonders & Wildlife
Small Ship Sailing
2 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Excursions Included
Day 1 Fly from your chosen airport to Mahé. The largest and liveliest island in the archipelago, Mahé is the place that 90% of Seychellois call home.
Day 2 Embark on the MY Pegasus for a 7-night cruise, sailing first to Ste. Anne Marine National Park. Just 5km from Mahe, this is a world apart, its islands steeped in history; its clear waters covering multi-coloured coral gardens and seagrass meadows grazed by green turtles, with bottle nose dolphins visiting the bays. Established in 1973, the pristine Marine Protected Area was the first such project in the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a walk and/or a swim. (D)
Day 3 Cruise to Curieuse, a bio-reserve of flora and fauna, known for its several species of mangrove trees, one of just two places on earth where the Coco de Mer palm grows naturally (Praslin Island being the other), and housing a tortoise nursery to nurture the youngsters until they are ready to join their giant family in the wild. Walk across the little island for lunch, and enjoy free time to relax on the beach or explore independently. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Call at Cousin Island, with broad beaches hemming its indigenous forest, for a walking tour of this Special Reserve. A sanctuary for seabirds and endemic land birds, and a breeding site for Hawksbill turtles, it is predator-free and so undisturbed that birds nest safely on the ground; and was formed to protect the last tiny group of Seychelles Warbler songbirds. Sail to Praslin to swim or snorkel from the gorgeous sweep of Anse Lazio sands, rated among the best beaches of the archipelago. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Cruise to Aride Island, the northernmost of the archipelago, and uninhabited except by the conservation staff, to see what the islands were like centuries before human settlement, and to view the huge population of several species of seabirds, for which the island is famed. A swimming / snorkelling stop at the islet of St. Pierre lets you share the clear waters with colourful tropical fish. Continue to the port of Baie St. Anne on Praslin, the Seychelles’ second-largest island. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Explore the town, enjoy a coastal walk, or join an optional tour to Valée de Mai Reserve (bookable locally), A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is home to the ‘national bird’ of the Seychelles, the Black Parrot; and in its natural forest, six species of palm include the Coco de Mer. Sail to Felicité, where man-made luxuries complement natural beauty, to swim from the sparkling sands; and onward to La Digue, the paradise island with jade green waters, pristine beaches and lush jungle. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Explore La Digue on foot or by bicycle, or join an optional tour of the island (bookable locally), to visit the Veuve Nature Reserve, its 21 acres of wooded habitats forming a breeding and feeding environment for endangered species, including the blue/black Paradise Flycatcher; the vanilla and coconut estate of L’Union, its Plantation House a national monument; and Anse Source d’Argent beach, with weirdly shaped, weather-smoothed rocks rising on its sparkling white sands. Cruise to Moyenne Island. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Wade through the shallows for a walk around (jetty-less) Moyenne, ‘the world’s smallest national park’. The tiny low-lying islet is undeveloped thanks to Brendan Grimshaw, an Englishman and one-time solo inhabitant, who bought the island in 1962. He spent the rest of his life transforming the tangled wilderness into a forest of 16,000 trees, a mix of mango and mahogany, palm and pawpaw, roamed by unhurried Aldabra tortoises, while hawksbill turtles nest at Pirates Beach. Enjoy a barbecue at the Jolly Roger Bar, and time to soak-up the island’s other-worldly tranquillity, before sailing to Mahé. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Disembark the MY Pegasus and enjoy a sightseeing morning in Mahé, home to the country’s capital, Victoria, with Creole architecture and colourful market stalls; to the rainforest hills of Morne Seychellois National Park; and the unique habitat of the Jellyfish Tree. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon for your return flight. (B)
Notes
Optional excursions are subject to minimum numbers and bookable locally.
Excursions include some walking, sometimes on uneven terrain with inclines.
Groups will be divided for sightseeing. The cruise vessel takes up to a maximum of 42 passengers.
On occasion Aride Island is not accessible.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
Operated by our long-term partner, Variety Cruises, the 147 ft. twin-hulled MY Pegasus, was launched in 1990, rebuilt in 2007 and refurbished in 2016.
On board enjoy magnificent sea views as you stroll on the open deck, relax in the lounge bar or in the Zen mini-spa on the Lower Deck, snorkel, kayak or simply cool down on a refreshing swim stop off the back of the ship.
Meals are a combination of buffet and served dining, using fresh local produce. Enjoy ocean-view dining in the convivial and spacious restaurant or weather permitting al fresco dining.
The vessel has 21 air-conditioned, outside cabins over three decks with TV, hairdryer and safe. Prices are based on Sun Deck twin bedded cabins (Category C – 140 sq. ft.), upgrades are available to (Category B – 140 – 183 sq. ft.) double bedded cabins on the sun deck or twin bedded cabins on the Main Deck, (Category A – 183 sq. ft.) twin or double bedded cabins on the Main or Upper Decks and twin or double bedded cabins (Category P – 183 sq. ft.) on the Main Deck. All cabins have picture windows.
A 4-star hotel set on the beach with restaurants, bar and outdoor pool, 165 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge and TV.
2023
Click here for 2023 departures
2024
Fridays
per person in a Category C cabin
Qatar Airways from Heathrow
Fridays
per person in a Category C cabin
Qatar Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £995
Cabin Upgrades
Cat. B cabin £315
Double for sole use £1545
Cat. A cabin £995
Double for sole use £1845
Cat. P cabin £1345
Double for sole use £2045
Flight Options
Qatar from Manchester – On request
Extension Options
Extra nights – Mahé Island
Coral Strand Hotel (Ocean View)
(per night) £315
Single supplement £120
Hotel – Boat
Hotel transfer add £55 per way
Tour Only
Save £800
Arrival or departure transfer add £55
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, all port and conservation charges, 7-night cruise, full board, excursions, cruise director and local expert guides. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement fee, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
© 2023 Jules Verne - 96 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BE
VAT No. 805146159
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