Seychelles: Vallee de Mai, Curieuse Island & the Shores of Anse Lazio
- From $4,999.00 USD
The Seychelles doesn't need the resort brochure treatment — the islands do the selling themselves. Kayak over coral reefs and fish nurseries, hike or search for giant tortoises depending on your mood, and let Vallee de Mai's UNESCO-listed jungle remind you nowhere else grows quite like this. Add in Creole cooking and some of the finest sand on the planet, and this trip earns its reputation.
Travel Style
The Geluxe Collection
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your OMG Day: Hike in Morne Seychellois National Park or Visit Giant Tortoises at a Reserve, Beau Vallon. Complimentary arrival transfer. Welcome dinner. Excursion to Anse Lazio Beach. Full-day catamaran cruise to St Pierre and Curieuse Islands with swimming and snorkelling. See giant land tortoises on Curieuse. Guided tour of Vallee de Mai on Praslin Island. Bicycle rental for the 2 days on La Digue Island. Clear Kayak tour at Anse Source d'Argent. Farewell dinner. Departure airport transfer. All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Choose between hiking the Copolia Trail or spotting giant tortoises at Cap Lazare, Spend an afternoon on the soft white sand of Anse Lazio Beach, Cruise by catamaran to Curieuse and St Pierre Islands to see giant tortoises, Explore the endemic flora and fauna of Vallee de Mai on a guided tour, Glide over coral gardens on a clear kayak tour at Anse Source d'Argent
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, ferry, truck, catamaran, bicycle, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (7 nts).
Itinerary
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Mahé: Welcome to the Seychelles
The different shades of blue in the water along the coastline seem almost unreal as your plane touches down on Mahé Island. Sitting some 1500 kilometres from mainland Africa, the archipelago sits blissfully in the Indian Ocean and is home to incredible beaches, wildlife and culture. We welcome you to the Seychelles, and we invite you to go beyond the resort walls as you immerse yourself in the vibrant landscapes of this incredible part of our planet. Arrive to the Seychelles at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.
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Mahé: Your OMG Day
Kick off the adventure on a day that is all about you. Feel like a hike? Head into Morne Seychellois National Park to walk along Copolia Trail and soak in the panoramic views. Can't wait to see the giant land tortoises? Take an excursion to the Cap Lazare Private Nature Reserve and visit the free roaming giant tortoises who reside on the property. Whichever option you choose, your first full day in the Seychelles will be unforgettable. Choice of activity today, both options with lunch. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure.
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Praslin: Anse Lazio Beach
Swap one gorgeous island for another as you travel by ferry across the Indian Ocean to Praslin. Waste no time as you drive to the tip of the island to Anse Lazio Beach, considered by some to be the most beautiful beach in the Seychelles or even the world. Judge for yourself and take advantage of the time to swim and relax on the golden sand and in the turquoise water, edged by lofty palm trees and giant boulders. Travel by ferry from Mahé Island to Praslin. Swing by the hotel to drop off bags and get beach towels before driving to Anse Lazio Beach for time to relax and swim. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
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Praslin: Boat Cruise & Giant Tortoises
Imagine a day of cruising from one blissful paradise to another, swimming and snorkelling all along the way from sandy beaches in warm azure water. Now, prepare to live it as that day has finally arrived! Cruise to the St Pierre Islands and to Curieuse to stand in awe of the roaming giant land tortoises, one of the few places on the planet to be able to do so. Stroll along the mangroves and swim at idyllic spots before returning to Praslin with a full stomach and and an even fuller heart. Full-day catamaran cruise to Curieuse & St Pierre Islands with swimming and snorkelling opportunities throughout the day. Enjoy a barbecue lunch on board and return to Praslin and to the hotel in the late afternoon.
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La Digue: Valle de Mai Nature Reserve and a New Island
One last exploration on Praslin Island awaits as you venture into the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve where the Coco de Mer, the world's heaviest seed, grows naturally. Wander through this otherworldly forest of towering palms, keeping en eye out for resident birds and wildlife along the way. A short ferry ride brings you to the island of La Digue, our home for the next 2 nights and our new base of exploration by foot and by bicycle. Take a morning excursion with a local guide to the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve. Hop on a ferry to La Digue Island and enjoy a free afternoon. Bicycles are provided for the time spent on La Digue.
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La Digue: Clear Kayaking and Beach Time
Spend the morning paddling a clear kayak over coral reefs and schools of tropical fish, passing the iconic giant boulders of Anse Source d'Argent. Continue to a remote gem of a beach only accessible by water with time to laze, swim or wander on foot to some other nearby stretches of white sand and blue water. The remainder of the day is yours to continue beach-hopping on foot or by bike or simply soak it all in from the hotel pool. Take a guided clear kayak excursion at Anse Source d'Argent with ample time for swimming and relaxing on the beach. Free afternoon to explore or relax.
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Mahé: An Island Farwell
A gently-paced morning brings you another final day in paradise as you again swap islands and make your way back to Mahé where this adventure all began. Spend the afternoon doing any last-minute shopping for those who are interested, otherwise it is a perfect opportunity for some more time by the water before regrouping in the evening to share a last meal with your travelling companions. Take a midday ferry back to Mahé. The afternoon is free before a farewell dinner in the evening.
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Mahé
The adventure finishes today, and you can depart at any time. A departure transfer to the airport is included for your departing flight.
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
