STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Ultimate Aldabra THE SEYCHELLES AND BEYOND November 16 to December 2, 2014 a program of the stanford alumni association The remote Seychelles in the heart of the Indian Ocean are a wonderful combination of dramatic tropical beauty and wondrous wildlife comparable to the Galápagos and the colorful Creole heritage of Seychellois locals. The islands’ many designated reserves and national parks are home to unique birds, lush foliage and warm, azure waters teeming with life, making this a superb snorkeling destination. On this unique voyage, we focus seven full days on the extraordinary Aldabra island group, including Assumption Island, Astove Atoll and Aldabra itself with its astonishing richness of terrestrial and marine environments. A feast for the senses awaits — please join us! BRETT S. THOMPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights SPEND four full days DISCOVER a wealth of SNORKEL among PHOTOGRAPH a variety exploring the magnificent rare and endemic species stunning coral reefs and of sublime vistas, including Aldabra Atoll, a World Heri- including giant Indian Ocean marvel at hundreds of La Digue Island, where tage site that has remained tortoises, Aldabra white- species of rainbow-hued huge granite boulders and largely untouched by throated rails, Seychelles fish, as well as manta rays, swaying palms frame its humans due to its remote- paradise-flycatchers and spinner dolphins and green picture-perfect white-sand ness and inaccessibility. Seychelles blue-pigeons. and hawksbill turtles. beaches. La Digue KENYA Cousin Victoria SEYCHELLES Poivre Atoll Mahe Zanzibar I n n AMIRANTE d i a n c e a O ISLANDS TANZANIA Aldabra Assumption ALDABRA Astove ISLANDS MOZAMBIQUE MADAGASCAR MAHE, SEYCHELLES National Park—a wonderful endangered bird species, Here we may observe the Itinerary introduction to the Seychelles notably the Seychelles endangered Seychelles and the first of our many fody, Seychelles warbler, paradise-flycatcher in its SUNDAY TO TUESDAY, snorkeling excursions. This Seychelles magpie robin native habitat. Spend time NOVEMBER 16 TO 18 DEPART U.S. / group of six islands off the and Seychelles blue-pigeon. on one of the world’s most VICTORIA, MAHE, coast of Mahé was the first Nearly uninhabited and breathtakingly beautiful SEYCHELLES marine park to be founded rat-free, a number of seabird beaches, Anse Source Depart the U.S. on in the Indian Ocean over 30 species breed in Cousin’s d’Argent, to beachcomb, swim independent flights, transiting years ago. Enjoy a traditional wild interior and on its rocky or simply soak up the beautiful through Europe or the Middle Creole lunch in the park shores. Dense concentrations surroundings. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) East and arriving in Mahé on before returning to Victoria to of nesting seabirds show no Tuesday morning. Transfer to embark the Island Sky, our fear of humans, allowing for FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21 our hotel for brunch, with the AMIRANTE ISLAND home for the next 12 nights. fabulous photo opportunities. GROUP afternoon at leisure. Gather ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) We may also encounter giant The Amirante Islands are Tuesday evening in our hotel tortoises. named in honor of Portuguese for a welcome reception and THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 COUSIN / LA DIGUE admiral Vasco da Gama’s dinner. LE MERIDIEN BARBARONS In 1980, famed biologist Sir (11/18: B,D) Cousin is a small granitic visit in 1501. Take Zodiacs to island and a nature reserve Julian Huxley described the Poivre Atoll for beachcombing, Seychelles as akin to what WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 protected by Seychelles law. nature walks, birding and SAINTE ANNE MARINE This island provides a safe Hawaii and Tahiti were like a visit to the atoll’s copra NATIONAL PARK / in the 1700s, an untouched plantation. Snorkel over coral EMBARK ISLAND SKY haven for a number of Garden of Eden, and no island gardens inhabited by brilliantly This morning visit Sainte could be more deserving Anne Marine hued tropical fish as manta of this description than La rays glide through the waters Digue. Giant granite boulders below and black-naped terns and swaying palms frame soar in the skies above. postcard-picture-perfect white ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) beaches. Explore this tranquil island like a local, strolling SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22 or biking along picturesque, AT SEA sandy roads. Pass quaint Enjoy a relaxing day at sea balconied houses and shops, and attend lectures on the a vanilla plantation and a natural history of these copra factory to reach the fascinating islands. ISLAND SKY small Veuve Nature Reserve. (B,L,D) SUNDAY & MONDAY, Indian almond trees host the lesser and great frigatebirds Arabian Nights reputation— NOVEMBER 23 & 24 finely woven, dome-shaped soar overhead while on a lush palm-fringed island, ASSUMPTION ISLAND pendant nests of the Abbott’s land we search for the rare often referred to as the Bali Assumption Island is famous sunbird. Snorkelers will delight Aldabra white-throated rail, of East Africa. This morning, for its clear surrounding in the crystal clear waters of the only flightless bird found after disembarking the ship, waters, populated by a the large lagoon, frequented on any Indian Ocean island. take a hike along the nature profusion of marine life. by turtles, groupers and Robber crabs, whose claws trails of Jozani Forest Reserve These qualities led Jacques clouds of tropical fish. are strong enough to crack in hopes of spotting the Cousteau to film much of ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) coconuts, scamper across red colobus monkey. Other his documentary, The Silent the turf. Enjoy an exhilarating species found here include World, at Assumption. Snorkel WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY, drift snorkel where the Skye’s monkeys, duikers (small among corals that teem NOVEMBER 26 TO 29 incoming tide whisks us antelopes) and bush pigs. with over 100 species of ALDABRA ATOLL through the pass and into a Alternatively, take a tour of fish, including black lionfish, Spend four full days at lagoon populated by turtles Stone Town, a UNESCO World blue-ribbon eels, black- magnificent Aldabra Atoll, and eagle rays. Visit the small Heritage site, its mélange streak surgeonfish and Indian a World Heritage site and a scientific research station on of architecture reflecting a Ocean sheephead parrotfish. highlight of our adventures. Picard Island and photograph unique mix of Moorish, Arab, Assumption is also home With a perimeter of 70 miles, the mighty tortoises of this Persian, Indian and European to about 100 giant tortoises Aldabra is one of the largest magical, isolated place that influences. A third tour option introduced to the island from atolls in the world, comprising few travelers ever have the takes us by the house of Dr. Aldabra. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D—BOTH four major islands separated DAYS) by channels. Because of privilege to see. ISLAND SKY David Livingstone, stops at the the atoll’s extreme isolation, (B,L,D—ALL 4 DAYS) ruins of Maruhubi Palace, then TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 many of Aldabra’s species proceeds to the countryside SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 ASTOVE ATOLL are endemics. Giant Aldabra where we have the chance Board Zodiacs to land on AT SEA tortoises—estimated to Be on deck today to search to observe the cultivation of this deserted island’s sandy number over 100,000—roam for dolphins and other marine fragrant spices and seasonal beach. Part of the Aldabra wild across the islands. Tide mammals and attend lectures fruits, as well as plants used Group, Astove was formerly permitting, cruise by Zodiac recapping our experiences in for medicinal purposes. inhabited by African slaves through the narrow passes to the magical Seychelles. This Transfer to the airport this who escaped a Portuguese drift through a landscape of evening aboard ship, enjoy afternoon for independent ship in 1760. More recently, fascinating eroded limestone a farewell reception before homeward flights. (B,L) Astove was the site of a copra topography. The tides have dinner. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) plantation—its houses, drying sculpted small islets into TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 sheds and other buildings are ZANZIBAR / U.S. fantastical formations known MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 Arrive in the U.S. today after in various states of disrepair as champignons, French for ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA / DISEMBARK overnight flights from Zanzibar. since being abandoned in the “mushrooms.” Hundreds of 1980s. Mature casuarina and Zanzibar lives up to its storied COLUMBUS DECK CABIN ISLAND SKY Island Sky Originally built in 1992 and refurbished in 2010, the Island Sky accommo- * dates all guests in outside suites, each affording sea views and elegantly Program Cost furnished with a sitting area, flat-screen TV, safe, mini-refrigerator and en suite bathroom with robes, slippers, hair dryer and toiletries. Spacious and Rates are per person, based on double occupancy unless finely decorated public areas include a large lounge, elegant bar and library. otherwise specified The dining room accommodates all guests in a single seating. The ship also offers a beauty salon, onboard clinic and doctor, elevator servicing all passenger decks, top deck with Jacuzzi and rear sun deck with bar. The Island Sky is staffed by experienced officers and crew and features a fleet of Zodiacs that we can use to easily maneuver onto shore and for snorkeling excursions. The ship is equipped with snorkel equipment— fins, masks and snorkels—for all guests’ use. Flag: Bahamas | Length: 297 ft. | Beam: 50 ft. | Draft: 14 ft. Information Terms & Conditions DATES Deposit & Final Payment Responsibility November 16 to December 2, 2014 (17 days) A $1,000-per-person deposit is The Stanford Alumni Association, required to hold space for this Stanford University and our SIZE program. Complete and return operators act only as agents Limited to a total of 100 participants, including travelers from the attached reservation form or for the passenger with respect sign up online.