INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion & Comoros
September 11 - October 03, 2024
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 as early as 2300 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, Comoros, Mauritius, and Réunion. 

The Maldives, an archipelagic state in the South India shores, comprises 1,192 coral islands 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. It is also 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.  

Next is Mauritius, a French-occupied island 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.

A short flight takes you to Réunion, another small French volcanic island off the east coast of Madagascar with a 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, and sea turtles. Dolphins and humpback whales migrate annually between June and September to breed.

An exciting new addition to this program is Mayotte, a French territory that has been politically separated from the rest of the Comoros since the 1970s. This stunning and unique country contains around 30 protected areas that are, home to more than 1,300 plant species – half of them endemic. While there are few mammal species such as lemurs and flying foxes found here, there are many reptiles, snails, butterflies, and bird species that litter the island. Its waters contain some 250 different species of coral reef within a National Marine Park teeming with over 3,600 marine species.

Not far from Mayotte are the Comoros 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. 

Can be combined with Madagascar extension (October 03 - October 10, 2024)

Trip Grade:
II Active – Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides.

LODGING Level:
***-****Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service, and comfort level acceptable to western standards (4 stars).

Tour Remark:
Possible upgrade for Maldives hotel to a villa over the water for about $750 extra per person in double or $1,400 in single accommodation. Please advise if interested.