Passage from Mahe to Mumbai - A Voyage from the Seychelles to India

Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky for embarkation. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail the short distance to our overnight anchorage.

Spend two days exploring the islands of the Inner Seychelles group. We hope to include time on Aride which is 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 in addition to 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. See Curieuse, a rugged island which 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 vine and mangroves which we explore on an island walk. Maybe relax on Grande Soeur, an idyllic uninhabited island. Walk the island trails which link the white sand beaches and perhaps catch sight of some of the island’s giant Aldabra tortoises or take a swim in the turquoise waters. Our last call in the Seychelles will be at Praslin where we explore the ‘Vallee de Mai’, the last remnant of the original high canopied Seychelles palm forest and home to the coco de mer. We will walk its paths looking out for the rare black parrot and enjoying its natural beauty. This evening we will clear custom formalities as we start our journey to the Maldives.

Relax on board, enjoying our time at sea sailing between the islands of the Seychelles and the Maldives. Watch out for the bird and marine life and listen to the intriguing talks by our expedition team. We are assured of warm weather so make the most of the fresh air and enjoy all the comforts of the MS Island Sky.

We spend four days exploring the whole archipelago. This vast area of ocean is scattered with staggeringly beautiful dots of land surrounded by a cerulean sea. It offers some of the finest lagoons, beaches and coral reefs in the world. Our day to day schedule will be left in the capable hands of the Captain and Expedition Leader and we hope to include visits to a number of atolls as we sail from the southern islands to the north. Our expedition team will be on hand to lead guided walking tours to explore the birds and wildlife on land whilst our Snorkel Master will take us to some stunning reefs to view the wonderful coral and marine life.

Our lecture programme continues as we make our way across the Laccadive Sea to India.

Our first call in India is Cochin, an extraordinary city with strong influences of Portuguese, Chinese, Arab, Dutch and British cultures still much in evidence today. From our berth you can choose to visit the serene Kerala backwaters at Alleppey where we will board a local boat for a cruise past colonial warehouses and coconut thatched houses. For centuries, these canals provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the heartland of Kerala and the port towns along the coast. Even today, traditional barges, or kettuvallams, haul coconut, pepper, rice and other goods along the waterways. Alternatively stay in Cochin to explore the diverse mix of cultures and religions that together, with its strong trading past in spices and silks, make for a fascinating city. Discover Mattancherry Palace with its ornately decorated rooms including some marvellous ancient murals and also see the oldest European church in India, St Francis, and the ruins of the fort.

Situated about 200 miles east of Cochin, the idyllic Lakshadweep archipelago comprise the smallest Union Territory of India, totalling just 11 square miles of land. Stunning lagoons, colourful birds, profuse marine flora and fauna, swaying palms and pristine beaches make these an island paradise. During our day and a half here we will stroll along lovely, unspoiled beaches and explore the underwater realm. Weather and tide conditions will determine our course but we hope to land for walks as well as explore the clear waters that surround these pristine islands which are perfect for swimming and witnessing the colourful hard and soft corals which teem with many marine species.

In the 15th century Goa was the largest trading centre on India’s west coast and when the Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century they planned to set up a colony to seize control of the spice trade. Goa remained a Portuguese colony until 1961 when it became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. Whilst famous for her beautiful beaches Goa also offers wonderful architecture with a mixture of Hindu and Catholic styles, unique history, rich culture and pretty natural scenery. Arriving over lunch we spend the afternoon exploring Old Goa with its fine Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Neo-Classical Church of St Cajetan. Afterwards choose to return to the ship or continue to a spice plantation where the cultivation of cardamom, chilli, cloves and coriander can be seen. We will enjoy the smells and tastes whilst we learn about their uses in Indian life.

Relax on board as we make our way to our final destination of Mumbai.

This morning we sail into Mumbai, a cluster of seven islands which were first home to the ‘Koli’ fisherman, who still occupy parts of the city shoreline today. Mumbai was derived from ‘Mumba’ the name of the Hindu goddess ‘Mumbadevi’ and ‘Aai’ – mother in the local Marathi language. First ceded to the Portuguese, the British Government took possession of the islands in 1665 before leasing them to the East India Company who founded the port and saw the city grow in size and importance. Choose to explore the city and see the prominent landmarks visiting the Gateway of India, Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi when he stayed in Mumbai from 1917 to 1934 and Dhobi Ghat where we can observe the vast open air Indian laundry. Alternatively, travel to Gharapuri Island, better known as Elephanta Island and view the remarkable caves designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This labyrinth of cave temples features courtyards, shrines, remarkable statues and vibrant sculptures that date from the 5th to 7th century AD. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Itineraries are subject to change.