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PARADISE OF INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS…Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion & Comoros
September 06 - September 29, 2023
Led by Local GuideS
The Indian Ocean covers about one-fifth of the world's total ocean area, spanning from the Eastern shores of Africa to the western shores of Asia and Australia. It is the youngest of the three major oceans, with fewer islands when compared to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Many have explored it, from the Egyptians around the 18th century BC to the Arabs between the 9th and 15th centuries. European navigators began their explorations of the Ocean in the early 16th century, including the famous British navigator James Cook in 1772. This journey voyages to some of the Indian Ocean's most stunning islands, including the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion, and Comoros.
The Maldives, an archipelagic state in South Asia of the South Inia shores, comprises 1,192 coral islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls. The islands are known for their attractive white sandy beaches, striking emerald waters, and beautiful over-the-water bungalows. Its people are master boatbuilders and skillful artisans. The Maldives is home to around 5% of the world's reefs that attract thousands of fish, making it an excellent destination for snorkeling.
The journey continues west towards the African coast to Seychelles, an island republic consisting of 115 islands, mostly uninhabited. It is a paradise for nature lovers who will find its lush, tropical vegetation, rocky mountains, and pristine sandy beaches worth exploring. Seychelles is among the world's leading countries that protect its threatened species, such as the Seychelles black parrot and the Aldabra giant tortoise.
Mauritius lies off the eastern coast of Madagascar and is known for its stunning beaches, lush national parks, towering mountains, and iridescent lagoons. Although settled by Portuguese sailors in the early 16th century, it was dominated by the French in the early 18th century contributing to its profound French presence.
Another French-influenced destination not far from Mauritius is Réunion, a volcanic island with substantial ethnic diversity. The country has a high rate of endemic species of plants and is home to many native bird species. Its waters teem with sea life, including eels, angelfish, sea urchins, sea turtles, and dolphins. Humpback whales migrate annually between June and September to breed.
Comoros is a group of islands on the northern end of the Mozambique Channel off the east coast of Africa that receives very few visitors. This tropical island paradise is a unique destination where one can escape the crowds and familiarity of the well-known tourist paths offering an exotic blend of rich history, strong culture, and magnificent landscapes.
