Imagine an elegant cruise ship that offers the comfort of an expedition megayacht. It’s even better than chartering a superyacht because everything is already taken care of for you. There’s no need to hire a team of naturalist guides, lecturers, or water sports instructors, nor do you have to plan the itinerary.

Every detail is included in the price: luxurious cabin accommodations, gourmet meals, 24-hour room service, an extensive menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, lectures by expedition experts and guest speakers, Zodiac landings, and guided activities like snorkelling, paddleboarding, and more. Swan Hellenic has thought of everything.

SH Diana: A Floating Boutique Hotel

The SH Diana is a true floating boutique hotel. Its open decks invite guests to immerse themselves in ever-changing ocean vistas. After a day of exploration, relax in the infinity pool or soak in the open-air jacuzzi. The onboard spa offers a variety of rejuvenating treatments, while spacious cabins with cosy en-suite bathrooms and panoramic sea views are often described by Swan Hellenic guests as their "home away from home".

Dining options include three exceptional venues: the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, and Pool Bar & Grill. Meals are designed to cater to every taste and schedule, from early breakfasts for early risers to late-night dinners, with 24/7 room service available. The chefs create culinary masterpieces inspired by local traditions, served either indoors or on the open decks.

---

Itinerary Highlights: 10 Days of Exploration

Mahé Island
The heart of the Seychelles archipelago and home to its international airport. Upon arrival, a Swan Hellenic representative will greet you and escort you to the port, where the SH Diana awaits.



Victoria
The charming capital of the Seychelles, Victoria is a kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions, nestled in lush greenery on the northeast coast of Mahé. Explore the bustling Creole market, admire the intricate Hindu temple, visit the miniature replica of Big Ben, and stroll through the botanical gardens.

Curieuse Island
A pristine paradise untouched by human hands. This island is home to giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which were brought here from distant atolls. Juvenile tortoises are raised in a sanctuary until they’re five years old, after which they’re released into the wild. Today, around 500 of these ancient creatures roam freely on the island.

The island also boasts a unique mangrove forest, where trees thrive in saltwater. A wooden boardwalk allows visitors to traverse the mangroves, offering a chance to see six of the seven mangrove species found in the Seychelles. Nearby, you’ll find a stunning beach with golden sand, towering palm trees, and massive granite boulders—perfect for swimming and snorkelling.



And don’t miss the iconic coco de mer palm tree, whose legendary fruit resembles human forms. These palms grow exclusively on Curieuse and Praslin.

Aride Island
Aride is an uninhabited gem, a glimpse into the untouched past of the Seychelles. It’s a haven for birds, with a population rivalling cities like Munich or Barcelona. Over 1.5 million seabirds nest here, including the world’s largest colonies of two frigate species. The island is home to 18 rare bird species, five of which are Seychelles endemics, such as the Seychelles magpie robin and the rosy-faced tern.

Reptiles are also abundant, including various lizards, geckos, and harmless snakes. The turquoise waters surrounding the island teem with marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to over 400 fish species. Rare plants, like the Wright’s gardenia, can only be found here.



Praslin Island
Praslin offers a quintessential Seychelles beach experience. Picture soft white sand, granite boulders scattered like sculptures, and inviting turquoise waters. The famous Anse Lazio beach is a must-see.

Praslin is also a diver’s dream, with crystal-clear waters offering visibility up to 30 metres. The vibrant underwater world is home to over 900 fish species, graceful rays, and gentle sea turtles—no sharks, just a peaceful aquatic paradise.

The island’s crown jewel is the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai nature reserve, a forest of giant coco de mer palms. This is one of the few places where you can legally purchase a coco de mer fruit as a souvenir.

For golf enthusiasts, the island features the Lemuria Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course considered one of the best in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Its hilly terrain and stunning views make it a challenging and rewarding experience.



Bird Island
The northernmost of the Seychelles, Bird Island is a dazzling gem surrounded by coral reefs. Its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters are breathtaking, but the island’s true treasure lies in its avian inhabitants. Home to 20 bird species year-round and a stopover point for nearly 100 species, Bird Island is a haven for birdwatchers.

The island also shelters giant tortoises, including Esmeralda, who is over 200 years old. Offshore, the coral reef suddenly drops into a deep ocean trench, reaching depths of 2,000 metres. This spot is a favourite for fishermen and divers, offering endless opportunities for exploration.



Cousin Island
Cousin Island is a shining example of ecological restoration. Once devastated by coconut plantations, the island has been transformed into a thriving nature reserve. Rare birds, like the Seychelles warbler and Seychelles magpie robin, have made a remarkable comeback here.

La Digue
La Digue is a small island known for its dramatic granite cliffs and idyllic beaches. The Source d’Argent bay is a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the pink granite boulders glow in the soft light. The island is also home to an 18th-century Creole house, featured in the film Emmanuelle.



For hikers, the Nid d’Aigle peak (333 metres) offers panoramic views, while birdwatchers can visit the Veuve Nature Reserve, home to the rare Seychelles paradise flycatcher.

Grande Soeur Island
Grande Soeur, or "Big Sister", along with Petite Soeur ("Little Sister"), forms the Sister Islands. These private islands are surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, making them ideal for snorkelling with sea turtles, tropical fish, and small reef sharks. The granite cliffs and palm-fringed beaches create postcard-perfect scenery, with Grande Soeur East Beach often considered one of the best in the Seychelles.

---

https://www.swanhellenic.com