Madagascar & Beyond
Flights from Manchester→Mahe → Curieuse → Aride → Amirante Islands → Alphonse Islands → Aldabra islands → Nosy Hara → Nosy Tanikely → Mahajanga → Morondava → Tulear → Taolagnaro → Port Est → Mauritius→Return to Manchester
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £13495
per person
Overview
Discover the wonders of the Seychelles & Madagascar aboard the MS Island Sky
Join Noble Caledonia aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky for a wonderful expedition that combines idyllic islands, some of which are a mere dot in the Indian Ocean, with the natural wonders of Madagascar. Noble Caledonia’s voyage begins with a week in the Seychelles including the magnificent Aldabra islands before sailing to the world's ‘eighth continent' for nine days of discovery of Madagascar's astonishing flora and fauna. The journey then continues to the island of Reunion where guests have the benefit of a full day to discover its beautiful scenery before the expedition concludes in Mauritius.
The Seychelles offer a tropical beauty that is difficult, if not impossible to match anywhere else in the world and whilst exploring the islands, one of the highlights will be the time spent in the Aldabra Islands, the last breeding ground of the giant tortoise. In addition to seeing some of these endearing creatures, guests should also encounter dolphins, turtles and whales as well as countless birds including the flightless rail, the last flightless bird in the Indian Ocean. To explore the abundant crystal clear waters of the vast lagoon and to set foot on atolls that have never been exploited by the hand of man is a rare experience.
Highlights
- Experience an immersive expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky, navigating the remote islands of the Seychelles and the unique landscapes of Madagascar and Reunion.
- Explore Curieuse and Aride islands, renowned as vital nesting sites for hawksbill turtles and home to over one million breeding seabirds.
- Visit the pristine Amirante Group, discovery site of Vasco da Gama, and enjoy world-class swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Bijoutier.
- Discover the remarkable Aldabra Group, the world’s largest atoll and a UNESCO-recognized "nature’s treasure" home to giant land tortoises and coconut crabs.
- Encounter Madagascar’s diverse endemic wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and unique flora, across various protected reserves and botanical gardens.
- Walk through the iconic Avenue des Baobabs, where you can participate in a local reforestation effort by planting your own young baobab tree.
- Explore the unique spiny forests and rich biodiversity of the Reniala Private Reserve and the Antsokay Arboretum in southwestern Madagascar.
- Discover the cultural blend of Mahajanga, featuring a visit to the sacred Lake Mangatsa to search for local wildlife and learn about regional traditions.
- Tour the historical sites and lush valleys of Fort Dauphin, including the Nahampoana Private Park, home to four distinct species of lemur.
- Conclude your voyage in Reunion with a choice of excursions, from exploring dramatic volcanic cirques and craters to touring traditional vanilla plantations.
Explore further
Destination guides
More expedition cruises
The ship
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London or Manchester to Mahe, Seychelles.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
- 2
Day 2 Mahe.
Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky moored in Port Victoria. Later we sail the short distance to our overnight anchorage.
- 3
Day 3 Curieuse & Aride.
Spend the morning on Curieuse, a rugged island that was once home to a leper colony and now houses an eco-museum and visitor centre. The island is an important nesting site for hawksbill turtles and boasts endemic vines and mangroves which we will explore during our island walk. Over lunch we sail the short distance to Aride, one of the finest and most important seabird islands in the Indian Ocean. Over one million seabirds breed on the island including tropical shearwater, lesser noddy, frigate birds and roseate tern and also five species unique to the Seychelles such as the Seychelles warbler and Seychelles magpie robin. The island is largely covered in native woodland including the endemic Wright's gardenia, a shrub with beautifully scented flowers found nowhere else in the world.
- 4
Day 4 Amirante Islands.
Over lunch we arrive at the 28 islands in the Amirante Group which were discovered by Vasco da Gama in 1501 and are considered to be some of the most pristine and untouched islands in the world. If conditions permit we will visit Poivre Atoll which is made up of three islands. In the past the islands were used for vanilla, nuts, maize, cattle and pig farming but in recent years, the atolls' landscapes have become a popular nesting ground for bird species like Chinese and blue heron, whimbrels, fodies, noddies and greater frigate birds. The sandy shores are also important nesting grounds for hawksbill and green turtles.
- 5
Day 5 Alphonse Islands.
There are three islands in the Alphonse group, and as we approach them you will understand why they are regarded by many to be the most beautiful of the 115 islands in the Seychelles archipelago. Our day will be directed by sea and weather conditions but we hope to call at the tiny and idyllic island of Bijoutier which, rarely visited, is a haven for a variety of seabirds. There will be the opportunity to swim and maybe snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Bijoutier sits between two larger atolls so the ocean current flows passing Bijoutier replenish the coral reefs and make them especially rich in biodiversity.
- 6
Day 6 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we continue our journey through the Seychelles. Maybe watch for wildlife on deck or join a lecture. Arriving in the Outer Seychelles we have one and a half days to enjoy the remarkable Aldabra group of islands. Our itinerary will be in the hands of our Expedition Leader and Captain, who will monitor the local conditions to ensure we maximise our time here. Whilst our itinerary is flexible, we hope to call at the island of Assumption which was ruthlessly plundered for its vast deposits of guano in the early 20th century. Happily, peace has returned, and the wildlife of rare birds and green turtles is once again in abundance. Our time here will be spent beachcombing, on nature walks or snorkelling. We will also plan time on Aldabra, the island referred to by Sir Julian Huxley as “One of nature's treasures and should belong to the whole world”. Aldabra is truly unique, and every time we call at what is believed to be the world's largest atoll we find something new of interest. Sightings have included the extremely rare white-throated rail, while the atoll is also home to the world's second largest colony of frigate birds and the largest crab, the coconut crab. Whilst exploring by Zodiac it is difficult to know in which direction to look first. The clear blue seas abound with life, the skies are alive with varied birdlife and ashore giant land tortoises forage as they have done for millions of years. We hope to explore Picard Island with a short walk to see some of the numerous tortoises and robber crabs or swim in the lagoon, a vast 17 mile stretch of shallow clear water. From our Zodiacs we can watch the ever-changing undersea world and snorkel in colourful coral waters.
- 9
Day 9 Nosy Hara, Madagascar.
Our first call in Madagascar will be off the northwest coast where we will find a number of strangely shaped limestone islets that dot the aquamarine-coloured sea. The expedition team will decide on the most suitable island for landing, such as Nosy Hara with its abundant birdlife and great places to swim off the beach. We will spend the day exploring the islands on foot or alternatively join a Zodiac cruise around the islands and have a chance to snorkel over the coral.
- 10
Day 10 Nosy Tanikely.
Spend the morning at the Nosy Tanikely Island Marine Reserve, an uninhabited island which offers snorkelling opportunities and wonderful beaches. We will take the chance to either swim in the clear waters or snorkel over the corals keeping an eye out for reef fish, turtles and morays. Alternatively, explore the island where we may see the resident lemurs, skinks, fruit bats and hermit crabs and enjoy fantastic views from the 1908 lighthouse on the island's highest point. Sail this afternoon.
- 11
Day 11 Mahajanga.
Mahajanga is a major port in northwest Madagascar. This cosmopolitan city, situated on the Betsiboka River, mixes Sakalava, Tsimihety, Arab, Chinese, Indian and European influences and is our base for a full day tour of the surrounding area. After landing by Zodiac we will commence with a drive to Lake Mangatsa, a sacred site of many legends where we will learn about local traditions as we search for lemurs, chameleons and birds in the trees. Lunch will be served at a hotel, which offers lovely sea views, before we return to the MS Island Sky via the local market.
- 12
Day 12 At Sea.
Spend a leisurely day on board as we continue our journey around the Madagascan coast.
- 13
Day 13 Morondava.
From our anchorage off the town of Morondava, the capital of the Menabe region, we will use the Zodiacs to make a beach landing. From here there will be a choice of excursions to explore the local region. We will explore Marofandilia Forest, a protected area that is home to a number of species of lemurs, birds, reptiles and plants, and is managed by the proactive NGO Fanamby (the Malagasy ‘arm' of Conservation International). During our visit we will take part in walks through the forest before a picnic lunch. We will then head to the Avenue des Baobabs. Of the eight baobab species in the world, six are endemic to Madagascar and here we will marvel at the majestic Grandidier's baobabs, a couple of dozen of which form a natural avenue. We will learn about the trees and their spiritual significance and have the opportunity to contribute to local reforestation efforts by planting a young baobab ourselves. Alternatively, if you would prefer a more leisurely day, there will be a morning tour to the Avenue des Baobabs which will return to the ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board. After a morning at sea we arrive in Tulear and this afternoon will visit the Antsokay Arboretum which is entirely devoted to the conservation of the plants from the southwest of Madagascar and, after more than 30 years of hard work, offers a densely kept selection of flora presenting a typical sub-arid thicket with baobab trees towering over the smaller plants. We will see the four hectare botanical garden which comprises over 900 species of plants of which 90% are endemic to the region. After mooring overnight we spend our second morning at the Reniala Private Reserve, a small area of just 60 hectares but containing a spiny forest which is unique to southeastern Madagascar. The park is home to 200 plant species including baobabs as well as being a haven for birders with sightings of paradise flycatchers, Madagascar hoopoe and Madagascar crested drongo. Return to the ship for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea. Our final call in Madagascar is the southeastern port of Taolagnaro, also known as Fort Dauphin. This was the first French settlement in Madagascar, situated on a peninsula overlooked by the Anosy mountains. We will moor overnight and our afternoon and morning excursions will include the Nahampoana Private Park. The reserve is only 67 hectares but home to four species of lemur including ring-tailed and sifakas whilst the gardens showcase Madagascan plants with three-cornered palms and spiny Desiderata trees. A tour of Taolagnaro will include the historical buildings where we will learn about the arrival of the Malagasy people to Madagascar and the links with Reunion. Also enjoy walks at Manantantely, a 136 hectare park consisting of a nursery set in a paradisiacal valley with several walking trails where we may see chameleons and lizards. Day 18 At Sea. Spend the day at sea as we leave Madagascar and sail towards Reunion Island.
- 19
Day 19 Port Est, Reunion Island.
Over breakfast we arrive 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 des 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. Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board before we sail to Mauritius this evening.
- 20
Day 20 Mauritius to London or Manchester.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
- 21
Day 21 London or Manchester.
Arrive this morning.
The Ship
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Deck plan
Life aboard Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is an intimate, 118-passenger vessel offering a relaxed atmosphere akin to a private yacht or country hotel. Ideal for travellers seeking peaceful, small-ship exploration without the bustle of large resort-style ships.
Quick facts
Passengers
118
Crew/Staff
75
Year built
1992
Length
90.60 metres
Gross Tonnage
4200 tonnes
Suites
The vessel features 59 spacious, outside-facing suites across five decks, designed with a traditional maritime aesthetic using wood panelling and brass. All suites offer en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers and adjustable climate control.
- •All beds can be configured as either double or twin.
- •Suites on Explorer and Erikson decks feature private balconies.
- •Marco Polo deck suites have tinted sliding glass doors for enhanced views.
- •Amenities include mini-fridge, safe, television, hairdryer, and Noble Isle toiletries.
- •Island Suite features an extra-large balcony, complimentary minibar, and laundry service.
Life on board
The ship focuses on a peaceful, informal environment with comfortable public spaces for reading, lectures, and socialising. Entertainment is low-key, centered on port briefings, guest speakers, and casual conversation.
- •Main Lounge features presentation equipment for daily briefings and talks.
- •The Club on the Marco Polo deck includes the main bar and a 24-hour tea and coffee station.
- •Library contains reference books, games, and internet access devices.
- •Outdoor spaces include an observation area on the Explorer deck and a rear Lido deck.
- •A hairdressing and beauty salon is available for treatments.
Dining
Dining is a highlight, featuring one-sitting service in the Restaurant or al fresco on the Lido deck when weather permits. The onboard chefs prioritize fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create varied international menus.
- •Open seating policy with no reservations required.
- •House wine, beer, and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner.
- •Breakfast is buffet-style, while lunch and dinner are served à la carte.
- •Special diets can be catered for with sufficient advance notice.
- •Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés are served daily.
Practical information
Life on board is casual, with no formal or black-tie evenings, and guests are encouraged to relax. Key operational services including medical care, laundry, and internet are provided, though guests should note specific power and connectivity requirements.
- •Dress code is casual during the day and smart casual in the evenings.
- •Complimentary satellite Wi-Fi is provided but bandwidth is limited; text-based communication is recommended.
- •Power sockets are 110v/60Hz (American standard); two flat-pin adaptors are required.
- •Medical facilities with a doctor are available 24/7 on a chargeable basis.
- •Smoking is restricted to a specific designated area on deck; prohibited inside and on balconies.
- •Laundry service is available with a 24-hour return; no self-service launderette facilities.
- •A lift serves all passenger decks.
- •Some ports may require the use of Zodiacs or local tender boats to go ashore.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 29 November to 19 December 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £13995 | £13495 |
| Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £14495 | £13995 |
| Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £14995 | £14495 |
| Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £15495 | £14995 |
| Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £16995 | £16495 |
| Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £17495 | £16995 |
| Explorer Deck Island Suite | £17995 | £17495 |
| Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £16495 | £15995 |
| Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £16995 | £16495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK291127a
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • 18 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes
Not Included:
- Travel insurance
- Madagascar visa
- Seychelles Travel Authorisation
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787