9-Night & 14-Night Expeditions to the Outer Islands
Sail to the most remote and biologically extraordinary atolls on Earth. Our nature-focused expeditions aboard the 30-metre MY Basilisk take you deep into the Amirantes and then on to the legendary Aldabra Group, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the planet’s most untouched ecosystems.
Choose between 9-night and 14-night routes, each designed for travellers seeking true wilderness, world-class marine encounters, pristine islands, and a scientific-style expedition experience led by expert naturalists and crew.
Choose between 9-night and 14-night routes, each designed for travellers seeking true wilderness, world-class marine encounters, pristine islands, and a scientific-style expedition experience led by expert naturalists and crew.
Upcoming Dates:
2026
14 Nights – 8th – 22nd May
9 Nights – 10th – 19th October
9 Nights – 19th – 28th October
2026
14 Nights – 8th – 22nd May
9 Nights – 10th – 19th October
9 Nights – 19th – 28th October
| nature - 9 nights from Aldabra atoll nature’s secret sanctuary |
| nature - 9 nights to Aldabra atoll nature’s secret sanctuary |
| nature - 14 nights Aldabra atoll nature’s secret sanctuary |
Expedition Highlights
- Sail to the farthest reaches of the Seychelles, including the Aldabra Group which is only accessible only by liveaboard and research vessels
- Guided exploration of UNESCO-protected Aldabra Atoll, home to more than 100,000 Giant Tortoises, rare birds, and Green Turtle nesting beaches
- Snorkelling and diving at some of the richest coral reefs in the western Indian Ocean
- Encounters with manta rays, turtles, sharks, dolphins, and seasonal whale sightings
- Visits to entirely uninhabited islands, abandoned settlements, and former coconut plantations now reclaimed by nature
- Expert-led lectures on marine life, island ecology, and natural history
- Remote island landings, lagoon explorations, and reef drop-offs untouched by tourism
Unique Experiences
- Cosmoledo Atoll: One of the most isolated places in Seychelles, with the country’s largest Red-footed Booby population and coral reefs that have survived almost untouched
- Aldabra Atoll: Snorkel mangrove channels, visit the research station on Picard Island, and witness the world’s largest population of Giant Tortoises roaming freely
- Turtle Encounters: From nesting beaches to shallow nurseries where juveniles can be seen feeding and resting
- Rare Wildlife Spotting: Aldabra Rail (the Indian Ocean’s last flightless bird), Brown Boobies, endemic fodies and drongos, plus the possibility of the elusive Dugong
- World-class Diving & Snorkelling: Steep reef walls, huge schools of fish, sharks, rays, and pristine corals
- Astove & Assumption: Shipwreck relics, turquoise lagoons, and ghostly vestiges of old island settlements
- St. Joseph & D’Arros: Manta ray aggregation sites and the region’s most important nursery for sharks, rays, and turtles
Itinerary Overview (14-night expedition)
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Day 1 – Mahé
Embark MY Basilisk at 10:00. Welcome briefing and departure toward the Amirantes. Days 2–4 – Desroches & Alphonse Group Explore remote islands, exceptional reefs, seabird colonies, and historic plantations reclaimed by nature |
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Day 5 – South-west Crossing
Sea day: whale and dolphin spotting, evening naturalist lecture. Days 6–7 – Cosmoledo Atoll One of the wildest, least-visited atolls in the Indian Ocean. Abandoned settlement, rare birds, turtles, world-class diving. |
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Days 8–10 – Aldabra Atoll
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the research station, snorkel mangrove channels, marine life encounters, tortoise colonies, historic ruins. Day 11 – Assumption Tropical sands, shallow reefs, recovering vegetation, thriving marine life |
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Day 12 – Astove
Famous reef wall drop-offs, shipwreck remnants, turtle lagoons. Day 13 – Sailing Day, Bijoutier Stop Paradise island, pristine beaches, clear-water snorkelling. |
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Day 14 – St. Joseph Atoll & D’Arros
Protected marine reserve, manta ray hotspots, shark and ray nursery. Day 15 – Return to Mahé Arrive Eden Marina around 15:00, disembarkation. |
Curieuse Island
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Note: As this is a remote expedition, itinerary adjustments may occur based on weather and the captain’s discretion.
9-Night Expeditions include a flight either to or from Astove island. For more details about the differing itineraries, please see the downloadable expedition guides.
9-Night Expeditions include a flight either to or from Astove island. For more details about the differing itineraries, please see the downloadable expedition guides.
On Board Expert
Michel Vély, a passionate marine mammal specialist and veterinarian from France, has been studying marine mammals since 1979. He specializes in satellite telemetry on large cetaceans and has conducted extensive research in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean. Michel will share his vast knowledge and experience, enriching your understanding of these majestic creatures.
Upcoming Dates
2026
14 Nights – 8th – 22nd May
9 Nights – 10th – 19th October
9 Nights – 19th – 28th October
2026
14 Nights – 8th – 22nd May
9 Nights – 10th – 19th October
9 Nights – 19th – 28th October
| nature - 9 nights from Aldabra atoll nature’s secret sanctuary |
| nature - 9 nights to Aldabra atoll nature’s secret sanctuary |
| nature - 14 nights Aldabra atoll nature’s secret sanctuary |
For information about visiting and diving in the granitic Seychelles (inner islands), visit our website at www.seychelles-cruises.com