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Aldabra Kayak Expedition - August: 2012

The name alone has inspired ancient explorers, some

of the world's most famous scientists and now the

modern travellers of today.

The name itself is a mystery, believed to be a word

of Arabic origin but with any number of theories about

its actual meaning, which could be ‘green’ or ‘doorknocker’or

possibly the navigational star Aldebaran.

Indeed, it seems there has always been a mythical

aura attached to the name of the most far-flung and

isolated of all the islands of the Seychelles archipelago.

Aldabra, the world's largest raised coral atoll, is the

finest surviving tropical atoll ecosystem on earth. The

giant tortoises on the island form by far the world's

largest population and the marine life is prolific. The

last surviving flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, the

Aldabra rail, is found only here as are many other

unique land birds and it is a vital breeding ground for

turtles and seabirds.

The atoll was known for centuries by Arab

navigators and was first charted by the Portuguese in

1511. The French were the first recorded visitors when

Captain Lazare Picault, sent to chart Seychelles in

1742, came upon Aldabra.

In more recent times, Aldabra has been the

centrepiece of numerous conservation initiatives on

account of its unspoilt environment.

The unique species that have evolved over time in

complete isolation on the atoll have prompted some to

call Aldabra the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean”.

In fact, Charles Darwin himself, whose work in the

Galapagos is largely responsible for that archipelago's

esteemed status as a naturalist's paradise, recognised

Aldabra's unique natural properties, as well as being

the only other place in the world aside from the

Galapagos where giant tortoises could be found

naturally, and recommended to British authorities that

they ensure the atoll would be protected from

exploitation or development.

Soon after Seychelles' independence, the

government granted Aldabra protected status as a

nature reserve, and in 1982 Aldabra became a UNESCO

World Heritage site. Today, only a small team of rangers

and scientists inhabit the island, with the limited

funding but wholehearted support of the Seychelles

Islands Foundation, which manages the atoll for

conservation and research purposes.

Despite its status as one of the world's most strictly

protected natural wonders, travel to Aldabra is still –

and will likely always be - incredibly difficult due to its

extreme isolation.

But with the MV Maya's Dugong, a 40-metre

expeditionary vessel owned and operated by Silhouette

Cruises, one of the most recognised names in liveaboard

cruising in the Seychelles, a handful of kayakers

will be able to experience the atoll of Aldabra and its

fascinating sights and treasures as part of an in-depth 7-

night eco-tourism and diving expedition.

Useful information

Getting to Seychelles

Commercial flights into Seychelles’ main island of Mahé

are operated from Europe, Africa and Asia by Air

Seychelles and several of the world’s major airlines, on

a scheduled basis every week. Contact your tour

operator or your preferred airline to book international

flights into Seychelles.

Flights to Assumption

All of the Aldabra expeditions aboard Maya’s Dugong

embark and disembark from the island of Assumption,

which is the closest “launching point” from which to get

to Aldabra. This coral atoll is one of just a few islands of

Seychelles to feature an airstrip. Special charter flights

from Mahé to Assumption are operated by the Island

Development Company, which are chartered by

Silhouette Cruises in order for guests to embark on the

Maya’s Dugong from Assumption. Please note that most

departures to Assumption are conducted in the predawn

hours of the morning, so it’s imperative that all

guests arrive into Mahé at least the day before the start

date of the cruise.

Travel Insurance

Aldabra is one of the most remote and pristine places

on earth for a reason: the atoll is completely isolated

from civilisation in every sense and is, to a certain

degree, inhospitable for humans. We have operated

many expeditions safely to Aldabra over the past

decade, but due to the remoteness and nature of this

expedition, as a precaution we require all of our guests

to show proof of adequate travel insurance which

would cover the cost of any emergencies that could

possibly arise during the cruise.

Important Information

Your safety and comfort are our highest priority. In

the event of adverse conditions, all itineraries are

subject to change at the captain’s discretion.

Be sure to bring plenty of sun-screen, a cap or hat

and sunglasses - Seychelles is generally warm and sunny

throughout the year and the sun’s rays can be especially

impactful onboard the vessel, due to the reflection

from the sea.

Bring suitable footwear for walking on deck and on

the beach/shore. Some areas of Aldabra can be quite

rugged so good walking shoes/boots are recommended.

Other items to consider bringing along include:

binoculars, notebooks/logbooks for birding and diving

finds, and any personal medicinal supplies, such as

mosquito repellent (please note that there is NO

malaria in Seychelles, however).

Supporting Aldabra & the SIF

The Seychelles Islands Foundation is a not-for-profit

organisation entrusted with the management and

protection of Aldabra. The SIF has implemented and

maintained a wide range of scientific research and

conservation initiatives on the island, including one of

the longest monitoring programmes for turtles

and tortoises in the Western Indian Ocean, with over 40

years worth of data. If you would like to support the SIF

with contributions toward these research and

conservation initiatives to ensure the sustained

protection of Aldabra, please contact the SIF by e-mail

on . A variety of SIF sundries and

souvenirs will be available for purchase onboard, and

will also go towards the SIF.

Aldabra Expedition plan

Day 1 - Arrival to Aldabra

A two-hour flight from the main island of Mahé brings

you to Assumption Island, where passengers will

embark aboard the Maya's Dugong for the 4-hour

crossing to Aldabra. Depending on sea conditions

there may be an opportunity to observe whales near

either island along the way. Upon arrival at Aldabra,

the vessel will anchor outside of the atoll near Picard

Island for clearance formalities, while guests will be

briefed about the week's programme by the

naturalist guide, before enjoying a welcome BBQ

onboard in the evening.

Day 2- Visiting Picard

A visit to Picard Island in the morning. Here we'll

meet the rangers from the Seychelles Islands

Foundation (SIF) who manage Aldabra's lone science

and monitoring station,
Our first kayak navigation in the Aldabra Chanels.

Day 3 - The Main Channel

The main channel leading into Aldabra's massive

lagoon is famous for its drift dive possibilities, where

currents propel guests effortlessly along its pristine

underwater world, with an assortment of massive

tropical fish and an interesting array of marine life.

. We discover a unique assemblage of coral

reef fishes in a fully mature mangrove forest, where

we'll also easily sight rays, sharks and turtles from

the surface. We will also encounter many seabirds

commuting to and from the vast breeding colonies

that fringe the lagoon. Humpback whales often

frequent the waters outside the main channel, so if

time (and luck) allows, we might have an opportunity

for an up-close encounter, with a whale song and a

swim before dinner.

Day 4- In Search of the Dugong

An exploration of Aldabra's giant lagoon awaits.
, two small islands located in the lagoon's

southwest corner. To and from these islands, we'll

look out for the elusive dugong,
These gentle creatures are incredibly

rare and thought to be extinct in most parts of the

world, but recent sightings over the past few years in

Aldabra's protected lagoon offer a glimmer of hope

for future generations of the dugong. Here too is the

world's only oceanic breeding site for Caspian tern,

the world's largest tern and a large high tide roost for

migratory wading birds. We may also have time to

journey along the creeks of Grand Terre, the atoll's

largest body of land. Back onboard the Maya's

Dugong, we'll take advantage of an opportunity for

night diving along the drop-off.

Day 5 - Johnny Channel

The Channel will provide excellent diving or snorkell

opportunities, as well as to explore the amazing

frigate bird and booby colony that resides along this

passage. Aldabra has the world's second largest

frigatebird population with two breeding species,

greater frigatebird and lesser frigatebird. Males

compete for partners by inflating bright red throat

pouches to display to passing females. Outside the

channel, we'll keep an eye out for humpbacks and

dolphins in the hopes of an encounter. In the

evening, enjoy a presentation about whales in the

Indian Ocean and the work being done by the

conservation group Megaptera to protect these

precious mammals.

Day 6 - Polymnie

We will kayak eastward along Malabar

Island, which comprises most of Aldabra's northern

coast. Along the way, we'll search for whale and

dolphin pods, and take a closer look in the event of an

encounter. On the way back a visit will also be

organised to the island of Polymnie, where we should

have an opportunity to observe the Aldabra rail, the

last surviving flightless bird of the Indian Ocean – a

region once famous for flightless forms including the

dodo, the solitaire and the elephant bird. We will also

have the opportunity to take a closer look at a few of

the world's largest population of giant land tortoises –

up to 100,000 of them according to the latest

estimate – that inhabit Aldabra.

Day 7 - Our last paddling day, We'll bid

farewell to the SIF rangers at the settlement as we

enjoy our last night off Aldabra.

Day 8 - Return to Assumption

Before first light, the vessel begins cruising back

toward Assumption, and hopefully one last

encounter with a humpback whale or dolphins,

before boarding the plane on Assumption for the

return flight to Mahe

On Board The Maya's Dogong

Crew

Maya’s Dugong boasts a high staff-to-guest ratio to

ensure all of our passengers are well looked-after

throughout the expedition. In addition to the captain,

engineer, and two deckhands, all expedition cruises are

staffed with two stewardesses, a dive instructor and a

dedicated chef, as well as the naturalist tour leader.

Dining & Cuisine

Cruises aboard Maya’s Dugong are full board (breakfast,

lunch and dinner) and also include afternoon

tea/coffee and cake. A dedicated chef prepares an

enticing blend of authentic Indian Ocean cuisine and

traditional European fare.

Beverages

Table water and tea & coffee are served with all meals.

A full range of beverages are also available onboard at

extra charge, including mineral water, soft drinks,

beer, wine, spirits and champagne. Price list available

on request.

Lectures & Presentations

In addition to the excursions led by the naturalist tour

leader, throughout the cruise there will be several

lectures and film presentations on a variety of subjects

relating to the expedition.

Timings may vary depending on the arrivals to various

islands and destinations, but will often be held onboard

in the evenings, prior to dinner.

Attendance of these presentations is highly encouraged

in order for guests to gain a better appreciation and

understanding of their surrounding environment and

the species they may encounter, but they remain

completely voluntary for guests.

fishing is prohibited on this cruise, and

visitors are not allowed to collect shells or to damage or

interfere with the plants and animals. No biological or

geological specimen can be collected, and visitors are

also required to abide to sanitary measures to avoid

introducing alien plant seeds.

Diving

Maya’s Dugong is a certified PADI dive resort, with a full

range of equipment onboard as well as a dedicated dive

instructor with vast Indian Ocean experience. A variety

of interesting dive sites will be accessible throughout

the expedition, and may vary on each voyage

depending on sea conditions, visibility and itinerary

timings.

Drift dives in the channels are possible but are

recommended only for experienced divers and strong

swimmers.

Maya’s Dugong features a convenient rear deck

platform allowing divers to easily access the water

directly from the vessel. Other dives will utilise the

vessel’s tender boat for dives sites which are further

afield or inaccessible by Maya’s Dugong.

Available onboard: 18 dive tanks, 7 full diving sets for

rent and 2 dive compressors.

Expedition Information

This Kayak Expedition is

For intermidate kayakers who consider themselves

adventurers and not just tourists, who seek

fulfilment from a holiday and not just leisure, and

who appreciate the excitement and unpredictable

nature of travelling to isolated locales in a unique

way, there may be no better way to make use of seakayaks in this

Expedition.

The Kayak Expedition

has been specifically designed for this small niche of

travel pioneers. Operated by Silhouette Cruises & Terra Santa Kayak Expeditions.

Expedition Information

One of the most exciting aspects of a Kayak expedition

is the fact that natural events and sightings can

help shape our journey. For this reason, the

expedition plan featured in this document should

only be used as a general guide instead of being

treated as an exact scheduled itinerary.

It is expected that no two expeditions will be exactly

like, because weather, tides and chance nature

encounters will influence the day-to-day activities

that are possible throughout a given week.

Excursions & Tides

Aldabra's massive lagoon is subject to unique tidal

currents which require all excursions into the lagoon

to follow strict timelines. The speed at which water

travels in and out of the channels means that certain

areas of the atoll can be experiencing high tide at the

same time as other areas in the lagoon are

impassable at low tide. Especially in a place as

remote as Aldabra, ensuring the safety
is the number one priority, so

the timings for some excursions may have to be

modified according to the tide movements of a given

day

The Sea Kayaks we use

We only use high-end composite performance kayaks made in UK by NIgel Dennis

From

Equipment List for Aldabra Kayak Expedition

Big wide-brimmed hat!
Sun-screen (factor 50 recommended)
Long-sleeved sun protection shirt
Lip balm with sun screen
After-sun lotion
Gloves - for sun protection.
Camel pack - for water
Sandals or booties for paddling
Sunglasses
Swimming goggles
Camera
Book
Light clothing for after paddling
Wash bag
Mask and snorkel - no need to bring these (available on the yacht)
Towel - available on the yacht