Indian Ocean Explorer

While the islands of the Indian Ocean are renowned for their pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons and swaying palm trees – and understandably so – there is far more to discover beyond their postcard-perfect coastlines.

Born from ancient volcanic activity, these islands sit at the meeting point of Africa, Asia and Europe. Over centuries, waves of migration, thriving trade routes and competing colonial powers have shaped some of the world’s most culturally diverse societies, while their isolation has allowed extraordinary endemic wildlife and ecosystems to flourish.

On this Native Eye journey, we explore four remarkable islands: the emerald-clad mountains of Réunion, the vibrant multicultural heritage of Mauritius, the timeless Creole traditions of Rodrigues, and the unique biodiversity of the Seychelles.

Together they reveal a fascinating picture of the Indian Ocean, with time to unwind on its celebrated beaches but also uncovering what lies beyond …

Highlights

  • Visit one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise
  • Spend the day aboard a boat looking for pods of dolphins off the coast of Mauritius
  • Explore the laid-back Rodrigues Island
  • Travel across the 3 main islands of Seychelles, each with their own identity
  • Enjoy the stunning beaches, beautiful viewpoints, and lovely weather that the Indian Ocean provides.

Day 1 - Reunion

Arrive in Reunion and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Overnight Hotel Relais De L’Hermitage or similar.

Reunion

Rising from the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, Reunion is a tropical volcanic island and a French overseas territory. The official language here is French but almost all of the locals speak Reunion Creole, reflecting the island’s rich and distinctive identity.

Reunion is a landscape of soaring peaks, deeply incised cirques, lava fields, and luxuriant rainforests. The island is often compared to Hawaii but the terrain here is considerably more rugged and mountainous, offering some of the most spectacular scenery in the Indian Ocean. The island owes its dramatic topography to the volcanic forces of the still-active Piton de la Fournaise and the long-dormant Piton des Neiges.

Successive waves of settlement and migration has shaped the island over centuries. French, African, Malagasy, Indian and Chinese influences have blended to create a remarkably diverse cultural tapestry, expressed through music and traditions, cuisine and architecture.

As part of France, the island boasts modern infrastructure, excellent transport links and European comforts, all while retaining the warmth and relaxed rhythm of a tropical island.

Day 2 - Piton de la Fournaise

Today we discover one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise. This part of the island is shaped by lava formations caused by successive eruptions, often once every year, which has created an amazing landscape and fertile land, perfect for the lush forest that engulfs Reunion. Overnight Hotel Relais De L’Hermitage or similar. (BLD)


Day 3 - Cirque de Cilaos

Spend the day in Cirque de Cilaos, a spectacular mountain basin in the heart of Reunion Island. Travel along winding roads which offer spectacular views, and explore the charming village of Cilaos, nestled in the heart of the island, surrounded by tall peaks and lush vegetation. There are also natural thermal springs here, and the village is rich in Creole culture, with opportunities to see Reunion’s natural heritage and local crafts. Overnight Hotel Relais De L’Hermitage or similar. (BLD)


Day 4 - Cirque de Salazie

This morning, we begin exploring the most verdant of Reunion’s volcanic cirques, Cirque de Salazie. Our journey takes us past impressive waterfalls, mountains, and charming Creole villages. We also visit Hell-Bourg, famous for its colourful traditional houses and rich cultural heritage, a highlight of Reunion. Overnight Hotel Relais De L’Hermitage or similar. (BLD)


Day 5 - Mauritius

Transfer to the airport and fly to Mauritius. Arrive at your hotel with the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your leisure. Overnight Tarisa Resort or similar. (BD)

Mauritius

Mauritius was an uninhabited island until European settlers arrived, with the island passing under Dutch, French and British rule. Each colonisation left a lasting imprint on the island’s culture, architecture and institutions. After the abolishment of the slave trade, many Indian labourers arrived to work on the island’s sugar estates, with their descendants now forming the majority of the population on the island, alongside smaller communities of African, Chinese and European heritage.

As one of the most diverse societies in the Indian Ocean, religion is woven into everyday life, with Hinduism being the predominant faith, and Christianity, Islam and Buddhism also being widely practised. Hindu temples, Christian churches, Islamic mosques, and Chinese pagodas commonly stand within the same neighbourhoods in peaceful coexistence.

After gaining independence in 1968, the island transformed from an economy centred around sugar production into one of Africa’s most stable and successful nations, with tourism remaining a cornerstone of its prosperity.

As well as being culturally rich, Mauritius boasts exceptional scenery. The island’s coastline captivates visitors with its white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, whilst inland, verdant forests and colourful villages dominate the landscape.

Day 6 - Mauritius

Discover the natural treasures of southern Mauritius. We spend the day travelling through and visiting some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes, including the Black River Gorges viewpoint, the coloured earth and waterfall of Chamarel, and Le Morne Mountain and beach. We’ll also stop at the Takamaka winery, where local wine is produced from lychees, and the Chamarel rum distillery, before returning to the hotel. Overnight Tarisa Resort or similar. (BD)


Day 7 - Mauritius

Board our catamaran to start exploring the stunning west coast of Mauritius. With any luck, pods of dolphins may accompany the boat ride, swimming beside us. You also have the chance for some snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, looking for marine wildlife. We also stop to see the famous Crystal Rock, a unique natural formation rising from the lagoon. Relax on the boat with a BBQ lunch before returning to the mainland later. Overnight Tarisa Resort or similar. (BLD)


Day 8 - Rodrigues Island

Transfer to the airport and fly to Rodrigues. Arrive at your hotel with the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your own leisure. Overnight Cotton Bay Hotel or similar. (BD)

Rodrigues Island

Situated around 560 km east of Mauritius, Rodrigues is the smallest and most secluded of the Mascarene Islands. Life here unfolds at an unhurried pace and offers a quieter and more traditional alternative to its larger, well-known neighbours.

Like Reunion and Mauritius, Rodrigues is of volcanic origin. Its rolling hills, secluded coves and dramatic coastline are encircled by one of the largest lagoon systems in the Indian Ocean, protected by extensive coral reefs. The island is refreshingly untouched by large-scale development and its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches and gentle climate make the island a haven for nature lovers.

With less of a focus on tourism, Rodrigues concentrates on fishing and farming to support its economy. Rodrigues has a rich Creole heritage with the majority of the population tracing their ancestry to African and Malagasy peoples, with French and Rodrigues Creole both widely spoken. Although the island shares some historical ties with Mauritius, its isolation has helped to retain many of its deep-rooted customs and ancestral legacies.

Day 9 - Rodrigues Island

We spend the full day exploring Rodrigues, with its spectacular views and rich local culture. We visit the island’s highest point, Mont Limon, and the capital Port Mathurin, exploring the market to see daily life and local crafts. As well as this we visit the Saint Gabriel Cathedral – the largest in the Indian Ocean – the traditional fishing village of Port Sud Est, and see the island’s giant tortoises, among other sites. Overnight Cotton Bay Hotel or similar. (BLD)


Day 10 - Seychelles

Transfer to the airport and fly to Seychelles. Arrive at your hotel with the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your own leisure. Overnight Savoy Resort or similar. (BD)

Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago consisting of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean. The vast majority of the population here live on the islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.

Distinguished by imposing granite landscapes with iconic boulders that punctuate the picture-perfect beaches, the islands harbour remnants of some of the world’s oldest continental rock formations, as well as exceptional biodiversity, including the endemic coco de mer palm.

Seychelles is a Creole society, shaped over the years by enslaved Africans, French settlers, British colonial administration, and immigrants from China and India. Today Roman Catholicism is the predominant faith, followed by Anglicanism, Islam and Hinduism.

Owing to high-end tourism and luxury escapes, the Seychelles manages to sustain a healthy modern economy and high living standards, all whilst delicately balancing the development on the islands with the conservation of this precious and ecologically important ecosystem.

Day 11 - Mahé

Full day exploration of Mahe, the largest island in the Seychelles. We explore the tiny capital Victoria, see the Botanical Gardens, home to the giant Aldabra tortoise, and take lunch in a traditional Creole restaurant. In the afternoon we drive through the island to take in stunning views, pristine beaches and see local crafts. Overnight Savoy Resort or similar. (BLD)


Day 12 - Praslin

Transfer by boat across the Indian Ocean to the island of Praslin. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own leisure. Overnight Indian Ocean Lodge or similar. (BD)


Day 13 - La Digue

Travel by boat to the nearby island of La Digue, one of the prettiest islands in the archipelago. Explore idyllic beaches, coconut plantations, and scenic coastal paths, including the world-famous beach of Anse Source d’Argent, renowned for its striking granite boulders and crystal-clear waters. Overnight Indian Ocean Lodge or similar. (BLD)


Day 14 - Praslin

Spend the day exploring Praslin Island, including the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient palm forest and rare coco de mer. We stop off at multiple viewpoints throughout the day, to admire the island’s breathtaking natural beauty, before returning to the hotel. Overnight Indian Ocean Lodge or similar. (BLD)


Day 15 - Mahé

Transfer back to Mahé by boat and then arrive at the airport for your flight home.


What's included?

  • Airport transfers

    We include arrival and departure transfers on the first and last days of the tour regardless of whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you. If you’re booking them yourself, then please let us know the details so that we can arrange the transfers. Please note though that if you arrive earlier than Day 1 of the tour, and leave after the final day, we may need to make an additional charge for an airport transfer.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation as listed in the dossier. The nature of the destinations that we operate may sometimes mean that we need to change hotels, but we’ll always endeavour to keep the same standards. Please be aware that as we operate in many countries where tourism is in its infancy, hotel standards may not be the same as you’re used to elsewhere.

    Please note that while we prefer to use centrally located hotels where possible, this is not always practical and in some locations they may not be the best option in terms of standards or reliability.

  • Guides

    You will be accompanied by English-speaking guides on each island, and the connecting flights will be unaccompanied.

  • Meals

    As listed within the itinerary / dossier (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). These will vary from trip to trip – in some areas it makes sense to include all meals while in others there is a good choice of restaurants and we feel people might like to ‘do their own thing’ now and again. Please note that when meals are included, sometimes these will be in hotels, as often these are the most appropriate option, and will sometimes be set menus. Local restaurants are often lacking in variety, as well as the capacity to cater for groups. Drinks are not included and are at your own expense.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees are listed for those sites that we mention within the itinerary. If there are any other sites that you’d like to see, these would be at your own expense.

What's not included?

  • Visas

    We don’t arrange visas for our travellers, but if an invitation letter is necessary then we will arrange this for you. If you need any advice with visas then just give us a call, or alternatively a visa agency such as Travcour (www.travcour.com) can assist.

  • Airport taxes

    If there are any departure taxes to pay that are not included within the cost of your ticket, you’ll need to pay these yourself.

  • International flights

    Many of our travellers arrive from different destinations and so we don’t include international flights in the cost of our tours. If, however, you would like us to book flights for you, then just give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.

  • Travel insurance

    If you need any assistance with this, then let us know – although we can’t arrange it ourselves, we can point you in the direction of a reputable provider that can assist.

Visas

Most travellers do not need a visa for Seychelles unless you are staying over 90 days, but all travellers need an online travel authorisation before arrival, proof of accommodation, an onward ticket, and adequate funds for your trip.

UK, EU and US citizens don’t need a visa for Mauritius if they are staying under 30 days, but some nationalities do require a visa so please check with your nearest embassy. You will need a return ticket and proof of accommodation.

Réunion follows French overseas territory rules, meaning UK, EU, US and many other nations can enter Réunion without a visa.

Visa applications can sometimes be complicated, and e-visa platforms do not always work as well as they might, particularly across different internet browsers and when uploading particular documents. We provide supporting documentation that you may need from us, such as hotel confirmations and invitation letters, but once you have actually made your application, our ability to get involved and resolve any minor issues (such as files not uploading) is extremely limited. We therefore strongly recommend that you consider using the services of a visa agency when making a visa application. Of course, they will charge for their services but can save you a lot of time and frustration, and are familiar with the processes and occasional quirks of visa applications. In the UK, we would recommend Travcour (https://travcour-vls.com) as a reliable visa agency.

Health and Vaccinations

We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations you can also visit https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries

Insurance

It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.

Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.

Money

The local currency in Seychelles in the Seychellois Rupee, and in Mauritius it is the Mauritian Rupee. You can acquire the local currency at hotels, or local ATMs or the airport.

The local currency in Réunion is the Euro. You can easily exchange this internationally at airports or local currency exchanges.

When to go

The best time to visit Seychelles, Mauritius and Réunion is from April to November / early December as this is the dry season. From December to March the region experiences the rainy season as well as cyclones.

Local conditions

When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.

Travel advice

We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the FCO does not advise against travelling to these countries.  Should you have any concerns over safety please do not hesitate to contact us and we can address your concerns.

This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.

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Date(s)
Price (PP) Exc. Flights
Single Supplement
Trip Status
Date -
06 November 2027
Price (PP) -
£7,999
Single Supplement -
£1250
Trip Status -
Available
Book Now
Date -
04 November 2028
Price (PP) -
£8,699
Single Supplement -
£1320
Trip Status -
Available
Book Now

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