Adventures in Madagascar (Seychelles to Mauritius)

Arrive in Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand and is renowned for the rich underwater life in its crystal-clear waters. Embark Le Champlain this afternoon and set sail at 1800.

Located 6km south-east of Praslin, the beautiful paradise of La Digue is the third-largest island in the Seychelles. Turquoise waters invite you to swim in them, lush vegetation shelters giant tortoises, beaches of fine sand are fringed with coconut trees and surrounded with emblematic large granite rocks with pink highlights. Anse Source d’Argent makes the perfect picture postcard.

Nosy Hara is a veritable open-air aquarium inhabited by around 280 marine species, making this is an ideal location for snorkelling.  Located to the north-west of Madagascar, the island is a protected area due to its incredible biodiversity. Its limestone rock formations rising from the waters, or marine “tsingies” typical of Madagascar, make Nosy Hara both exceptional and immediately recognisable.

Today your ship will stop in Nosy Komba, otherwise known as “lemur island”. Not far from the Madagascar mainland, this volcanic island shaped like a gigantic turtle shell is covered in dense tropical rainforest. The many small beaches and the emerald-coloured water make Nosy Komba a natural gem that only a select few visit.

In the heart of the Nosy Be archipelago, discover Nosy Tanikely, an uninhabited island with exceptional marine and terrestrial biodiversity. This is the perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling. Hikers won’t be left out either: a stunning walk that climbs to the summit of the island leads to incredible views over the ocean and surrounding islands.

Majunga, also called Mahajanga, is a vibrant town on the west coast of Madagascar, renowned for its outstanding natural sites. This port of call will provide you with the opportunity to visit Ankarafantsika National Park, home to many endemic animal and plant species, or the immense red sandstone formations of the Cirque Rouge.

The peninsula of Belo sur Mer is edged with mangroves alternating with fine sandy beaches; the rocks plunge into a sea of deep blue and crystal-clear green. This fishing village is renowned for its dhows, the traditional sailing boats of Madagascar, which are built in situ in the local artisanal boatyard. These vessels coming and going on the beach set the pace of life in the village.

Located to the south-west of the island of Madagascar, near the mouth of the River Onilahy, Toliara is a port town that opens onto the Mozambique Channel. Inhabited for several centuries and becoming prosperous during the colonial period in the 19th century, Toliara’s exceptional flora will certainly appeal to fans of botany.

Located to the south-west of the island of Madagascar, near the mouth of the River Onilahy, Toliara is a port town that opens onto the Mozambique Channel. Inhabited for several centuries and becoming prosperous during the colonial period in the 19th century, Toliara’s exceptional flora will certainly appeal to fans of botany.

5 kilometres out to sea from the Malagasy village of Anakao, Nosy Ve is an unspoilt paradise of exceptional wild beauty, an Eden dotted with natural pools and a setting for coral, fish and sea turtles you can discover while snorkelling. Located on a 2km long coral bank, this island is unique in that it is home to a colony of red-tailed tropicbird, this species’ only reproduction site.

5 kilometres out to sea from the Malagasy village of Anakao, Nosy Ve is an unspoilt paradise of exceptional wild beauty, an Eden dotted with natural pools and a setting for coral, fish and sea turtles you can discover while snorkelling. Located on a 2km long coral bank, this island is unique in that it is home to a colony of red-tailed tropicbird, this species’ only reproduction site.

Another day to enjoy all the comfort of your cruise ship. Lovers of the open sea will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species.

Pointe des Galets is the main port on the island of La Réunion, and in the old town you’ll be able to discover the former house of the Réunion Railway and Port Company, its marine cemetery and its teeming covered market.

On the north-west coast of Mauritius, discover Port Louis, the country’s multicultural capital. Constantly in movement, the city, which was once a port of call on the route to India, is home to many cultural and historic treasures. We disembark here today.