Embark on a breathtaking voyage across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, where every wave carries you closer to paradise. This exclusive cruise sails from the serene island of Maye in the Seychelles, a hidden gem known for its pristine beaches and coral-rich lagoons, to the vibrant shores of Zanzibar, Tanzania’s cultural jewel.
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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.
Embark on the voyage of a lifetime from Mahe, the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago. Settle into your luxurious design suite on board Aqua Lares and meet your Cruise Director and Naturalist Guides. Enroute to our first destination, enjoy panoramic views from the sundeck as we sail past neighbouring islands.
We head to Remire Island to observe sea and land birds around the coastal vegetation, while keeping an eye out for giant tortoises. Remire also presents an ideal scuba diving opportunity for those interested in a closer look at the region's marine life. We cap off the day with a sundowner on the island's pristine white-sand shores.
In the morning, we head out on tenders for a scenic ride to Alphonse Island. While there, explore a lush coconut forest and enjoy snorkeling along the shore to discover stunning hard coral formations teeming with marine life. In the afternoon, we sail to Saint-Francois Atoll for the opportunity to spot juvenile sharks, crabs, and crab plovers in the mangroves. This atoll also presents snorkeling opportunities to see huge coral formations in the lagoons and surrounding barrier reef.
Start the day exploring Farquhar Island with its vibrant azure waters, rich marine life, and abundance of seabirds including red-footed boobies. Snorkelers and divers get a chance to be among the few to explore undiscovered coral reefs around these islands. This is also a great spot for flyfishing and kayaking for those who wish to partake.
Astove is known to be one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Indian Ocean courtesy of the Astove Wall. Often described as the underwater Grand Canyon, this four-mile-long wall is covered in soft corals and frequented by marine life including rays, sharks, and reef fish. It features plunging depths and incredible visibility that can extend up to 40 meters. Astove is a bucket-list item for every avid underwater explorer.
Wake up to views of Aldabra, a coral atoll known to harbor one of the world's most isolated ecosystems. Aldabra is home to the largest population of giant tortoises on the planet, with more that 100,000 of these incredible creatures roaming the atoll's four islands. The surrounding waters are home to a thriving population of tropical fish, sharks, and sea turtles, coupled with occasional manta ray sightings as well.
We continue our exploration of Aldabra and Assumption with guided walks along the coast accompanied by coconut crabs and frigatebirds. On board private tenders, explore Aldabra's lagoon and rich mangrove forests made up largely of endemic flora. The coral atoll also offers incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, characterized by an abundance of marine life all year round.
As we spend the day sailing towards Tanzania, treat yourself to some R&R at the onboard spa or jacuzzi. For the avid birdwatchers, being out at sea presents the opportunity to spot red-footed boobies soaring overhead in their hunt for flying fish. If you wish, sit in for presentations by our expert naturalist guides to learn more about the regional geology, flora, and fauna. Savor world-class dining throughout the day and end the evening with stargazing from the sundeck.
Once a significant trading port, Kilwa Kisiwani boasts centuries-old Arabian influence. This island is home to ancient ruins including a Great Mosque from the 12th century and the Palace of Husuni Kubwa, constructed in the early 1300s. Along its shores, the island also features rich mangrove forests and stunning biodiversity.
Known to be one of Africa's best scuba diving destinations, Pemba Island is a treasure trove of both nature and culture. It features remnants of great sultanates, now overrun by lush green hills and clove plantations.
A small island off Pemba’s west coast, Misali is fringed by white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Inland, its forest shelters vervet monkeys, while offshore reefs provide excellent snorkeling opportunities over vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life.
The final day of the expedition begins with a decadent breakfast set against the backdrop of the beautiful sunrise. Savor the views aboard Aqua Lares one more time and wave goodbye to the crew before disembarking in Zanzibar. We will escort you back to the airport for your flight back home, onto your next adventure.
Aqua Lares
| Length | 77-metre |
|---|---|
| Number of Cabins | 15 |
| Built/Refit | 1980/2020, |
| Refurbished | 2025 |
| Stabilizers | Rolls Royce Aquarius 50 |
Superyacht sailing in Seychelles & Tanzania
An awe-inspiring presence in the Indian Ocean, Aqua Lares is the first superyacht to offer both charter and individual cabin bookings for expeditions to Seychelles & Tanzania.
Featuring 15 bespoke cabins, a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, and expert-led excursions, Aqua Lares offers a superyacht experience unlike any other in East Africa. While sailing on this small-ship expedition, guests have the opportunity to discover biodiversity hotspots such as Aldabra and La Digue, as well as remote islands including the African Banks which are generally inaccessible to larger cruises.
Aqua Lares pairs days of adventure with all the comforts of a five-star hotel, including a curated fine dining experience, highly personalized service, and a range of social spaces for rest and relaxation. Whether it's sipping cocktails on the sun deck, cooling off at the jacuzzi, or indulging in a spa treatment, moments on board can be just as special as those spent exploring the pristine beaches and island towns of Seychelles and Zanzibar.
Spread across six decks, Aqua Lares offers a bespoke blend of grandeur and elegance, creating an extraordinary oasis for adventurous exploration and world-class luxury.
Accommodating a total of 30 guests, Aqua Lares features 15 elegant design cabins across five categories, including three Owner’s Suites sized between 419 and 710 sqft (39 and 66 sqm). The remaining cabins are sized between 139 and 322 sqft (13 and 30 sqm), each one individually designed and custom-furnished down to the smallest detail. Every room features warm interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere, complemented by solid wood veneers, as well as wallpaper and fabrics sourced from Italian renowned Dedar. Their sophisticated, artistic patterns subtly tie into the natural surroundings, reflecting the vibrant cultures and rich textures of both Europe and Africa.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
Includes
Onboard meals
House wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks
Laundry service
All excursions and scuba diving*
Use of snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
All available non-motorized water sports
High-speed Wi-Fi
*Scuba Diving is limited to certified divers only.
Excludes
All air tickets
Visas
Transfers
Cocktails, spirits, premium wines
Spa services
Boutique purchases
Guide and crew gratuities