Marvels of Madagascar - 14 Day Indian Ocean Cruise

Find the perfect trip

14 days from

£9095.0

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Avenue des Baobabs: Visit the iconic Avenue des Baobabs near Morondava, home to the majestic Adansonia grandidieri baobab trees, and learn about their spiritual significance.
  • Madagascar Wildlife Adventures: Explore Madagascar's unique ecosystems, from rainforests to marine reserves, and encounter diverse wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and endemic bird species.
  • Reunion's Rugged Landscape: Discover Reunion's spectacular rugged landscape, with dormant volcanoes and towering peaks in the central highlands. Visit the Piton de la Fournaise crater and enjoy stunning views of the island.
  • Mauritius Highlights: Experience the beauty of Mauritius with a visit to the Trou-aux-Cerfs volcano, the Grand Bassin Lake, and Black River Gorges. Explore the island's natural wonders before heading home.

Highlights

  • Avenue des Baobabs: Visit the iconic Avenue des Baobabs near Morondava, home to the majestic Adansonia grandidieri baobab trees, and learn about their spiritual significance.
  • Madagascar Wildlife Adventures: Explore Madagascar's unique ecosystems, from rainforests to marine reserves, and encounter diverse wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and endemic bird species.
  • Reunion's Rugged Landscape: Discover Reunion's spectacular rugged landscape, with dormant volcanoes and towering peaks in the central highlands. Visit the Piton de la Fournaise crater and enjoy stunning views of the island.
  • Mauritius Highlights: Experience the beauty of Mauritius with a visit to the Trou-aux-Cerfs volcano, the Grand Bassin Lake, and Black River Gorges. Explore the island's natural wonders before heading home.
Capacity: 114, Type: Luxury Small Ship Cruise

The term ‘unique’ is an often overused description in the travel world but certainly applies to the island of Madagascar. The animals, plants, landscapes and people that make up this thousand mile long island are unlike anywhere else in the world. This extraordinary country long remained obscure as a destination and is still relatively unknown amongst even the most serious of travellers. There is minimal infrastructure in many parts of the island and for those wishing to explore in some depth, doing so by small ship, especially one as well-suited as the MS Hebridean Sky is far preferable to exploring by any other means.

Our unique ten night voyage focuses on the wonders of the island of Madagascar with opportunities to explore rainforests full of wildlife including lemurs, chameleons and indigenous birdlife as well as witnessing the underwater world and village life. Our days will be spent exploring ashore, often traversing over rugged terrain and walking through spectacular rainforests and each evening we will have the benefit of returning to our comfortable ship to relax and look forward to the next adventure. With the vessel’s fleet of Zodiacs for forays ashore, allowing access to some wonderful places denied to larger ships, you can enjoy encounters with fabulous endemic wildlife in this immensely rich and timeless corner of the Indian Ocean. Our onboard experts will greatly enrich your experience and ensure that we make the most of our time on the world’s “eighth continent”.

  • Avenue des Baobabs: Visit the iconic Avenue des Baobabs near Morondava, home to the majestic Adansonia grandidieri baobab trees, and learn about their spiritual significance.
  • Madagascar Wildlife Adventures: Explore Madagascar's unique ecosystems, from rainforests to marine reserves, and encounter diverse wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and endemic bird species.
  • Reunion's Rugged Landscape: Discover Reunion's spectacular rugged landscape, with dormant volcanoes and towering peaks in the central highlands. Visit the Piton de la Fournaise crater and enjoy stunning views of the island.
  • Mauritius Highlights: Experience the beauty of Mauritius with a visit to the Trou-aux-Cerfs volcano, the Grand Bassin Lake, and Black River Gorges. Explore the island's natural wonders before heading home.
21 November, 2024 to 04 December, 2024 on Hebridean Sky
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
£ 9095 GBP pp
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath
Mawson Deck Corner Suite
£ 9895 GBP pp
 Mawson Deck Corner Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
£ 10495 GBP pp
 Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite
£ 11495 GBP pp
 Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath
Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
£ 9095 GBP pp
 Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath
Byrd Deck Superior Sole
£ 9295 GBP pp
 Byrd Deck Superior Sole
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath
Byrd Deck Superior Suite
£ 9295 GBP pp
 Byrd Deck Superior Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath
Mawson Deck Premium Suite
£ 9495 GBP pp
 Mawson Deck Premium Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
£ 10795 GBP pp
 Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies. All cabins have the following facilities: • Dressing gowns and slippers • TV • Electrical outlet • Hairdryer • Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled) • Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin. • Safe • Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion • Telephone Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath
show reverse itinerary
Day 1 London to Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 Johannesburg.
Arrive today and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure before we meet for drinks and dinner.
Day 3 Johannesburg to Tulear, Madagascar.
Return to the airport this morning to join our specially chartered flight to Tulear. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky for embarkation. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 4 Morondava.
After a morning cruising we arrive during lunch at our anchorage off the town of Morondava. We will use the Zodiacs to land on the local beach from where we will visit the Avenue des Baobabs. Of the eight baobab species in the world, six are endemic to Madagascar and here we will see the Adansonia grandidieri species with a row of 20 to 25 trees which border the gravel road. We will learn about the trees and their spiritual significance before returning to Morondava and exploring the local market.
Day 5 At Sea.
Spend a leisurely day on board as we continue our journey around the Madagascan Coast.
Day 6 Mahajanga.
Mahajanga is a major port in northwest Madagascar situated on the Betsiboka River and is our base for a full day excursion to the Ankarafantsika National Park. This deciduous forest is a haven for birds, lemurs and reptiles and on a choice of walks, we will explore with our guides. Eight species of lemur have been observed here including the famous microcebus, the smallest primate in the world. Meanwhile over 120 species of birds nest here and we will keep an eye out for the Madagascan fish eagle and banded kestrel whilst the 44 species of reptile include chameleon, turtles and crocodiles that live in Lake Ravelobe. We will enjoy lunch in the park and in the afternoon there will be options to join further walks or watch for birdlife at the nearby lake before returning to the MS Hebridean Sky.
Day 7 Nosy Tanikely.
We arrive mid-morning at the Nosy Tanikely Island Marine Reserve, an uninhabited island which offers snorkelling opportunities and wonderful beaches. We will take the opportunity to either swim in the clear waters or snorkel over the corals keeping an eye out for reef fish, turtles and morays. Alternatively our naturalists will lead guided walks on the island where we may see the resident lemurs, fruit bats and hermit crabs and enjoy fantastic views from the lighthouse on the island’s highest point.
Day 8 Diego Suarez.
This morning 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 a visit to the Malagasy rainforest 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 rainforest. In the towering vegetation, we may spot several species of lemurs and chameleons as well as endemic birds, including parrots. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruising.
Days 9 & 10 Masoala National Park & Nosy Mangabe.
We will spend a day and a half exploring from our anchorage in Antongil Bay. 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 will 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 11 At Sea.
Enjoy the day at sea to relax and reflect on our Madagascan adventure as we sail to Reunion.
Day 12 Reunion.
We arrive at breakfast in 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. The rich soil and mellow climate produce a lush and verdant landscape which is dotted with villages and towns with a uniquely French atmosphere. Fields of sugar cane and plantations of tropical fruits, vanilla and all manner of spices perfume the air. We will enjoy views from the Nez de Boeuf 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. Continue to Salazie, a verdant landscape and home to many waterfalls including the ‘Voile de la Mariee’ before spending some free time in St Denis on the way back to the ship. This afternoon is at leisure before we set sail this evening.
Day 13 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 transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 14 London.
Arrive this morning.
Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky has always been known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Now we add increased adventure options and an on-site Passenger Service Re…

Hebridean Sky

Length 90 metres
Built/refurbished 1992/2016

Hebridean Sky has always been known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Now we add increased adventure options and an on-site Passenger Service Representative. Hebridean Sky is the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration. Is it a luxury ship? An adventure ship? It’s both! The vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016.

ONBOARD DINING

Great expeditions require great food! We are pleased to offer daily changing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with an emphasis on providing well balanced and nutritional cuisine. Our team of international chefs has boat loads of creativity and you are sure to experience a variety of interesting dishes throughout your voyage. The restaurant is located on Deck 2 and our service team looks forward to providing a memorable dining experience.

IMPECCABLE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES

Returning from excursions, passengers enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea and all-day coffee in The Club, a gracious space for relaxation, surrounded by panoramic windows. Other Sea Explorer features include:

  • Library with Internet access
  • Lounge with audiovisual facilities
  • Dining room
  • Wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi
  • Exercise room
  • Medical facilities with available doctor
  • Elevator serving all passenger decks
  • Swimming/zodiac platform
All Voyages Include:

Up to Two Pre-Voyage Hotel Nights
Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner
Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
World Class Cuisine
Live Entertainment
Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
Voyage Photographer
Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
Complimentary Expedition Jacket

Please note deck plan may vary.

Cabin layout for Hebridean Sky
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

14 days from £9095.0

Find your favorite region