Aldabra Atoll: Nature’s Secret Sanctuary - Join us for an unforgettable 9-night expedition through the Amirantes and Seychelle Outer Islands—culminating in the legendary Aldabra Atoll.
This is a very unusual and remote expedition, with just 12 berths available for 2026.
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
Note: As this is a remote expedition, itinerary adjustments may occur based on weather and the captain’s discretion.
- Extraordinary wildlife of Aldabra
- Assumption Island
- Cosmoledo Atoll
- Alphonse Atoll
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
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.
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.
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.
From Mahe, you’ll fly to Astove island in the Aldabra group, where you’ll embark upon MY Basilisk to begin your expedition. After a welcome and cruise briefing, we will explore a little of Astove Island itself whilst settling into your accommodation.
Assumption Island is home to a stunning arc of coral sand and vibrant offshore waters, where you can explore colourful reefs teeming with snappers, butterflyfish, and angelfish. Though its seabird colonies were impacted by early 20th-century guano mining, the island’s vegetation is now gradually recovering. Today, construction on a new hotel development is taking place on the island, bringing with it funds for future conservation programs.
Often called the Crown Jewel of Seychelles, Aldabra is the world’s largest raised coral atoll and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering 150 sq km, it has no permanent population aside from the research team on Picard Island.
Home to around 100,000 Giant Tortoises, Aldabra also shelters rare plants, birds, and one of the world’s key nesting grounds for endangered Green Turtles.
Bird highlights include the flightless Aldabra Rail, Frigatebirds, and several endemics like the Aldabra Drongo and Fody.
We visit the research station and old settlement, cruise the West and Main Channels, and snorkel at sites like Passe Dubois and Anse Var. Snorkelling through the mangrove forests offers a unique opportunity to visit the home to a plethora of marine life.
Recent Dugong sightings hint at a possible return of this elusive marine mammal to Seychelles waters.
A visit to Cosmoledo rivals that of Aldabra, yet in many ways, it surpasses it in sheer remoteness and isolation. Wild, untouched, and uninhabited, Cosmoledo remains one of the least visited corners of the Seychelles—and the world.
Home to bird species not found on Aldabra, including vast colonies with Seychelles’ largest populations of Red-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and Sooty Terns. A unique race of Madagascar White-eye is found only here. It is also the last breeding site in Seychelles for the Brown Booby, extinct elsewhere in the islands.
Explore rich marine life and coral reefs that have survived more intact than almost anywhere else in the western Indian Ocean. The shallow lagoon near the main island is full of turtles, including hatchlings.
We expect to arrive in the afternoon, with a visit to the abandoned settlement and dive off West Island, where turtles are especially plentiful. We expect to arrive in the afternoon, with a visit to the abandoned settlement and snorkel off West Island (Menai), where turtles are especially plentiful.
As we make our crossing from the Aldabra Group toward Alphonse, we’ll
be on the lookout for marine mammals, including various species of whales and dolphins. In the evening, join us for a fascinating lecture on the natural history of the Seychelles.
The Alphonse Group comprises two neighbouring atolls—Alphonse and St.François, the latter home to the islands of St. François and Bijoutier. Among the most stunning in Seychelles, Alphonse is arrowhead-shaped, with white surf trailing behind like a wake. Once a thriving coconut plantation producing 100,000coconuts a month, the island is now peacefully abandoned, reclaimed by nature.
St Joseph Atoll and D’Arros Island, managed by the Save Our Seas Foundation, include the St Joseph Channel and lagoon—a hotspot for manta ray aggregations and over 500 fish species, the islands offer incredible natural beauty. St Joseph is the Amirantes Bank’s most vital nursery and a crucial breeding ground for sharks, rays, and turtles.
Disembark in Mahe at approximately 15.00.
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Basilisk
Basilisk was built in 2004 by Bon Pelley Enterprises Ltd. of Newfoundland, Canada. Her high-strength marine-grade aluminum structure was designed to resist tough North Atlantic seas. She was first employed as a commercial fishing and scientific research vessel then transformed in 2015-2016 into an expedition yacht at Harbor Grace Shipyards, Newfoundland.
Basilisk offers a carefree, relaxed experience in modern, bright spaces for groups interested in exploring the Western Indian Ocean. Her expansive Aft and Fly Decks allow for outdoor dining protected from wind and sun, an early morning check from the Fly Deck for rare species and in the evening, cocktails with fabulous views of exotic sunsets. She is fully equipped for diving, eco-tours, snorkeling and kayaking in the most remote regions.
Cabins
Basilisk accommodates 6 guests in 3 spacious cabins. The master cabin is located on the main deck and features openable, screened windows. The two guest cabins located in the pontoons mirror one another. All cabins feature modern en-suite glass showers, large
windows, high ceilings, ample storage and queen beds with two mattresses.
Salon
The 25’ x 15’ (7.6 x 4.6m) Salon with vaulted ceiling and five large windows is bright and airy. On entering from the Aft Deck, a large seating area is to the right with two big, deep sofas and 3 coffee tables. A wall of bookcases and cabinets features a large TV with CD/DVD player and USB ports. To the left is the dining area with table and seating for six and a
buffet cabinet along the wall. To Port and Starboard, staircases lead to the 2 guest cabins below. In short corridor forward is the Guest WC with stone countertop, raised ceramic wash basin and large mirror.
Aft main deck
Spanning the entire generous width of the vessel, the 1050 sf. / 97.5 m2 main deck is the hub of activity day and night. Designed to accommodate 2 tenders (7.6 and 3.6m) while enroute, it is shaded by a large Sunbrella canopy and protected from strong winds and rain by side hangings. Sunrise breakfasts, talks by marine specialists, al fresco luncheon followed by a game of cards, sunset cocktails, and romantic candlelight dinners all take place around the solid Canadian red maple table which seats eight comfortably.
Bridge and fly decks
Though not often frequented by guests, the Bridge Deck becomes THE place to watch dolphins gambol at the bow around the wave-piercing pontoons. It is also where ten solar panels provide natural electrical energy stored in BASILISK’s house batteries, contributing to a decrease in global CO2 emissions.
A large Sunbrella canopy covers the forward half of the Fly Deck where four comfortable fixed seats along the rail offer the perfect perch for sighting whales or watching red-footed boobies zero in on unsuspecting flying fish. Take in a glorious evening sunset or gaze up at brilliant stars, far from disturbing ground light, while cradled in a lounge chair on gently rocking waves. From here, the Captain can also guide Basilisk into port or a berth at the marina, thanks to a remote steering device. Her sea-going kayaks are also stored here and it is where the vessel’s telecommunications, radar and wind speed devices are located.
Ecological Note: Basilisk proudly contributes to cleaner seas through her anaerobic black water treatment plant and grey water holding system. We use eco-friendly soaps and toiletries whenever possible and encourage guests to do the same.
Includes
Cruise as per planned itinerary
Full board meals
Professional crew onboard
Snorkeling and equipment
Island Visits as per itinerary
Naturalist guide
Domestic flight (included in fees)
Excludes
- Beverages from the bar (Soft drink and alcohol)
- Satellite Communication:
- Wifi (2 GB) 62 EURO
- Wifi (additional on top of 2 GB) 31 EURO per GB
- Insurance: Passengers must hold a valid a travel and medical insurance and evacuation by air from the Seychelles Outer Islands.
- International Flights to and from Seychelles.
- Transfers before and after the cruise.
- Accommodation before and after the cruise.