INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS… Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion, Mayotte and Comoros
September 10 - October 03, 2025
Led partially by Tour Manager, David William
and 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, Mayotte, 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.
Mayotte is a French territory that has been politically separated from the rest of the Comoros since the 1970s. This stunning and unique country is surrounded by a barrier reef, creating the world’s largest closed lagoon. contains around 30 protected areas that are home to more than 1,300 plant species – half of them endemic. Its surrounding 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. This tropical island paradise receives few visitors and is a unique destination where one can escape the crowds and familiarity of the well-known tourist paths while offering an exotic blend of rich history, strong culture, and magnificent landscapes.
Possible Zanzibar Extension (October 03 - October 06, 2025) OR
Madagascar Extension (October 03 - October 11, 2024) AND Zanzibar Extension (2nd departure (October 11- October 14, 2025)
Tour Cost (Land Only): $10,495.00
per person sharing in double occupancy
Single supplement: $2,595.00
Price based on group size minimum of 6 participants and maximum of 10 participants
Trip Grade: II Lodging Level: ****
Tour Includes
Airport/Hotel/Airport Transfers.
Accommodation in standard first-class hotels and lodges (3-4*) mentioned or similar.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
English-speaking guide or naturalist/assistant during all tours and safaris.
Transportation by 4-WD or vans depending on the group size.
Bottled water during touring days only.
Helicopter Tour in Réunion and boat/catamaran excursion as mentioned in the itinerary.
All entrance fees to mentioned sites, activities, and safaris.
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare USA - Maldives / Comoros - USA.
Between the islands flights (approx. $1,600).
Maldives visa (Free on arrival), Comoros (obtainable upon arrival for $60), Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion, and Mayotte (no visa required) - all subject to change).
Beverages, water, and alcoholic drinks with or without meals and meals not mentioned .
Items of a personal nature (camera fees, laundry, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or misconnections.
Gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel staff, etc.
Travel protection insurance (HIGHLY Recommended).
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.
