Mahe (Seychelles) - Mauritius Seychelles expedition: Premiere – Warm winter on tropical islands

La Digue, the fourth-largest island in the Seychelles, is legendary for its relaxed atmosphere and imposing granite cliffs: the colossal rounded rocks are particularly impressive at the idyllic Anse Source d’Argent, which is perfect for bathing thanks to its shallow turquoise waters. There are hardly any cars on La Digue and most people use bicycles to get around. It’s a great way to explore the island and its hidden wild beaches in the north. In the south of the island is the L’Union Estate, a former plantation estate, which provides insights into the traditional trades of the island and is home to two extremely rare species of terrapin.

The small, private island of Grande Soeur will enchant you in the heart of the Seychelles with its idyllic seclusion and picture-perfect natural paradise. Fine white sand meets crystal-clear water – ideal for snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. The colourful underwater world with corals and tropical fish invites you to dive into a living aquarium directly from the beach. On guided shore excursions with your experts, you can explore narrow paths through the unspoilt vegetation. Spectacular viewpoints opening up onto the vast ocean appear time and again – tranquil retreats that make the magic of this island unforgettable.

Ile au Cerf – a quiet pearl in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park – delights visitors with its natural serenity and unspoilt charm. This small island is a retreat for anyone seeking peace and quiet without compromising on diversity. Hidden, often deserted beaches invite you to swim, snorkel and enjoy water sports. The clear lagoons reveal a colourful underwater world with lively schools of fish and coral. Those who prefer to stay on land can walk along enchanted paths through tropical forests, accompanied by the calls of exotic birds and the fluttering of bats in the dense canopy. With a little luck, you may even spot giant tortoises – silent inhabitants of a peaceful paradise.

Like a bright green splash of colour, the uninhabited St. Francois Atoll rises from the azure-blue expanse of the Indian Ocean. Discovered on 28 Jan 1730, it bears the name of St Francis de Sales, patron saint of writers, journalists and the deaf. Visitors to St. Francois are immersed in a world beyond time – a place where nature appears to be one big miracle and the sea whispers softly of its ancient secrets.

Welcome to the Aldabra Islands. A true Garden of Eden in the Indian Ocean, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Visitors to the Aldabra Islands are immersed in a world of secrets and silent wonders. This unique paradise touches the heart, opens the senses and brings the soul into harmony with the rhythm of nature.

Above the Cosmoledo Atoll, there is a lively buzz in the air: countless seabirds such as the banded frigate bird and the sooty tern have made their home here. The colony of colourful red-footed boobies is even the largest in the entire Indian Ocean. A mixture of sand dunes, mangroves and meadows, as well as the approximately 145 km² (56 mi.²) lagoon, provide an ideal habitat for the animals. Let yourself be enchanted by the turquoise-blue water and breathtaking coastline on an exciting Zodiac ride.

Aldabra, formed by a volcano that was active around 20 million years ago, is one of the largest atolls in the world with a circumference of around 100 km (62 mi.). This remote island region is famous for its majestic Aldabra giant tortoises, which wander leisurely through the dense greenery and across the wide sandbanks as if they were the silent rulers of this primeval realm.

Astove also tells its story: discovered by Arab sailors between 1500 and 1000 BC, the first settlement was established here in 1760 by enslaved people who had been abandoned by the Portuguese ship “La Dom Royal”. Today, the island is under strict nature conservation, preserving its fragile connection between history, memory and wild beauty. Discover the unique flora and fauna of this atoll on guided hikes through mysterious mangroves and along pristine beaches.

Where the Indian Ocean seems to flow into infinity lies a small island kingdom that appears to have fallen out of time – the Farquhar Group. Discovered in 1501 by Portuguese navigator Joao da Nova, this tranquil archipelago stretches across two atolls: Farquhar Atoll in the south and Providence Atoll in the north. Even from a distance, you can see the sand dunes of Farquhar Atoll, which are up to 10 m (33 ft) high and can be explored on a guided hike with your experts. The island is also home to a small settlement of about 15 inhabitants, who are connected to the outside world by a modest airfield. Providence Atoll, with the Wizard Reef off its coast, is sure to thrill sea lovers. Not far from there, your route takes you to the completely uninhabited island of St Pierre, which has a calming effect on the soul and spirit.