Nautitech 82' Sualiga or Neptune

BIRD DREAM
Description: Bird Island is the northernmost Seychelles island. An ornithological legend, it is home to more than a million roosting sooty terns, many other seabird species and an ancient male giant tortoise erroneously named Esmerelda. This glorious eleven day cruise in a comfortable catamaran visits Bird along with other lesser known Inner Islands to produce a programme of exceptional breadth and depth..

Itinerary:
Day 1:	Morning embarkation in Mahe and sail to Saint Anne Marine Park. (L, D)

Day 2:	Sail along the north coast and up to Beauvallon Bay and Anse Major. This coast is excellent snorkelling. (FB)

Day 3:	Sail to Silhouette Island and explore on foot. Night Sailing to Bird Island. (FB)

Day 4:	Spend the day visiting Bird Island then night sail to Curieuse. (FB)

Day 5:	Curieuse Island is part of the Marine National Park and home to more than 100 giant tortoises. After lunch visit Saint Pierre islet for some classic Seychelles scenery. This is also an excellent spot for snorkelling. (FB)

Day 6:	Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallee de Mai National Park on Praslin Island and hike through the unique coco-de-mer palm forest. (FB)

Day 7:	Sail around Marianne, Felicite and Cocos Islands for magnificent views and unforgettable snorkelling. (FB)

Day 8:	Rent a bike on La Digue and visit this beautiful island, one of the most beautiful in the Seychelles. (FB)

Day 9:	Relax on Grande Soeur with a barbecue on the beach and watersports. (FB)

Day 10:	Visit Cousin Island special reserve, a haven for many species of rare birds and giant tortoises. Return to Mahe in the afternoon and anchor. (FB)

Day 11:	Disembark after breakfast. (FB)

2012 DATES AND RATES (GBP per person)

DEPARTS

APR 1, 11	£2840
APR 21; MAY 1	£2545
MAY 11, 21, 31	£1910
JUN 10, 20, 30; JUL 10, 20	£2295
JUL 30; AUG 9, 19	£2840
AUG 29; SEP 8, 18, 28	£2295

Class: Catamaran • Capacity: 16 passengers • Overall Length: 82 feet • Cabins: 8 double cabins with private facilities • Facilities: Lounge/dining room; large sunbathing mats; dinghy; snorkelling equipment; fishing gear; 2 sea kayaks.

Click for deck plan

Additional costs (per person)

Flights: London to Mahe: From £680 • Personal Items: Tips; drinks; transfers; landing fees; excursions on the islands etc

Reading Suggestions:

In association with nhbs Environment Bookstore

Collins Traveller's Guide: Wildlife of Seychelles

Field Guide to the Birds of Seychelles

Reef and Freshwater Fish of Seychelles