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Indian Ocean Cruises

Indian Ocean

Embark on an epic journey to some of the world’s far-flung beautiful islands, such as Mauritius, Madagascar, and Seychelles. This captivating region is known for its tropical climate, immaculate beaches, and crystal clear waters – offering sunseekers and beachgoers unlimited fun in the sun and sand! Adventure enthusiasts, on the other hand, will be thrilled with the amazing wildlife viewing opportunities on the vast landscapes of Tanzania and Mozambique.

Seychelles is a stunning part of the region, dotted with ivory shorelines and framed by the cobalt-blue ocean waters. View the thick-trunked baobab trees in the Avenue of Baobabs, whilst the exotic lemurs are best seen in the Lemurs’ Park in Madagascar. Tanzania is home to the Serengeti National Park, where most of the sought-after dramatic scenes of the Great Migration occur, including the treacherous crossing of the herds across the crocodile-filled Mara River. These are just a few of the shore excursion highlights that await you on an Indian Ocean cruise.

Due to the region’s remote location, most sailings are launched on small luxury vessels, allowing guests to have the finest of everything on board. An Indian Ocean cruise is an ideal getaway that’ll put you in touch with some of earth’s greatest offerings – unspoiled flora and fauna and marvellous wildlife spectacles that are hard to find elsewhere!

Featured Indian Ocean Cruise Deals

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Indian Ocean Cruise Destinations

Indian Ocean Cruise Highlights

Avenue of Baobabs in Madagascar

Madagascar is one of the last places on Earth to have been inhabited by humans, making its nature well-preserved and a favourable habitat to endemic flora and fauna. Baobab is the country’s emblem, with a record-breaking height and eye-catching beauty. Coined as the “tree of life,” these towering trees also provide large amounts of fresh water stored in their enormous trunks during scarcity and produce fruits to eat during the dry seasons. Perhaps the best spot to admire the queens of the forest is the Avenue of Baobabs, a dirt road between Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina in western Madagascar. The sightseeing experience is especially noteworthy during the sunrise or sunset when the daylight douses the trees in golden glow.

Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius

Port Louis is known for its striking French colonial architecture and historical landmarks, with stunning beaches and plenty of sunshine to top it all off. One of the must-see attractions in the city is Place d'Armes, a palm-lined boulevard lined that centres around the statue of a French naval officer and colonial administrator — Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais. The thoroughfare leads to the Government House, a striking French-colonial building dating to the early 1700s. The Blue Penny Museum is another point of interest in the capital, which contains the world-renowned Post Office stamps and other prestigious collections showcasing Mauritius' fascinating history.

Maputo, the capital of Mozambique

Steeped with Portuguese colonial architecture, Maputo is an oasis for history buffs and culture vultures. Maputo Railway Station is an iconic example of the Beaux-Arts architectural style, welcoming travellers with an imposing white and dark-green facade and a grand central drome. The main entrance is designed with wrought-iron lattice work, marble pillars, and ornate verandas. Learn about the city’s storied past in Maputo Fortress, a defensive stronghold built by the Portuguese that carries the capital’s military heritage, as well as narratives of cultural decolonization and political disputes.

History and Culture

History and Culture

The history and culture of the sovereign states and dependent territories making up the Indian Ocean are diverse and deeply rooted in tribal heritages and traditions, with influences from foreign settlers and colonists. Most of the archipelagos, islands, and atolls on the Indian Ocean were uninhabited until the colonial period, unlike the Pacific Ocean where even the most remote areas were reached by the civilisation. With such history, the region remains exceptionally untouched through and through. Experience the rich culture of the cosmopolitan region by immersing yourself in these activities and experiences:

 

  • Visit the royal hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising an imperial city and graveyard in Antananarivo, Madagascar, where cultural and spiritual heritage are thriving.  

  • Retrace the beginning of the indentured labour diaspora in Port Louis, Mauritius, where you can find Aapravasi Ghat – a former immigration depot that shaped one of the global bonded labour systems and witnessed one of the greatest human migrations in history.

  • Learn about the local lifestyle and native customs in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a traditional Maasai village in Tanzania that gives insight into African culture – watch the warriors’ demonstration of making fire and spear throwing and observe how women craft beaded jewellery.

Things to Do in Indian Ocean

Hike the varied terrain of the Andohahela National Park

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Andohahela National Park is a haven of biodiversity and has different climates all at once. The eastern side can experience warm and wet weather, while the west has a relatively warm and dry climate. And somewhere in the middle, a zone of transition between the two rainy climates can be found. Spot many endemic species, including lemurs and birds with ultra-colored feathers, while trekking the circuits on foot or by bicycle. You can also get a glimpse of the rare Do, a long yellow-coloured snake spotted with brown that can span three metres or more. 

Witness the Great Migration in Tanzania

The Great Migration is the annual movement of herds of wild beasts, zebras, and antelopes to hunt for food and water and seek suitable grazing grounds. This wildlife phenomenon is a major spectacle for safari enthusiasts as it includes suspenseful battles against hungry predators looking for a sumptuous supper. The group must successfully cross through the crocodile-filled Mara River, which is one of the event’s highlights. You can also catch the mating season in the Serengeti National Park from June to July for a more uneventful yet still unforgettable encounter.

Go island hopping in Seychelles 

Seychelles is composed of three main islands: Mahe, Praslin, La Diguem, But there’s over a hundred islets scattered on the Indian Ocean. Each of these islands has a distinct charm and character, with a range of water activities to enjoy. The best way to discover the treasures of this archipelago is by island hopping, allowing you to reach the most far-flung destinations in the region. Mahe Island is home not just to one of the smallest capitals in the world but also to some of the archipelago’s most popular beaches, including Beau Vallon, the country’s longest beach, Anse Louise, and Petite Anse.

Natural Wonders

Natural Wonders

Surrounded by azure waters, the countries and islands settling on and along the Indian Ocean are blessed with natural beauty above and beyond. Seychelles is often associated with the scenic coastal bliss, backed by imposing landscapes and pink-coloured boulders. Mauritius, on the other hand, is a picturesque islet, home to a one-of-a-kind underwater waterfall – a remarkable optical illusion created by the rush of sediment and silt from the rivers plunging into the ocean.

Sighting the unique baobab trees in the Alley of the Baobabs is one of the quintessential nature experiences when your ship lays anchor in Madagascar. Adjacent to Madagascar, Mozambique is a country that’s often overlooked but boasts unspoilt natural glory and diverse ecology – the Bazaruto Archipelago is a prime example. Further, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers are drawn to Tanzania’s rich biodiversity, where most of the action-packed scenes of the Great Migration can be seen, and where Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, is idyllically perched. 

Indian Ocean Cruise FAQs

Is there a cruise in the Indian Ocean?

Yes. Cruise lines that offer sailings with the Indian Ocean include Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, Azamara Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Ponant. Due to its remote location, most cruises are operated by luxury liners. However, budget cruise lines, such as MSC and Costa Cruises also journey to this region.

Where do Indian Ocean cruises go?

Most Indian Ocean itineraries feature destinations on the coasts of Africa, such as Mozambique and Tanzania, as well as the islands of Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives, and Reunion. The ships dock on several ports of call, such as Pomene, Zanzibar, Nosy Bé, Port Louis, and Port Victoria.

When is the best time to go on an Indian Ocean cruise?

The winter months for the Northern Hemisphere, November through April, is the best time to go cruising on the Indian Ocean as it’s the driest and warmest season, with a peak month being February. If you’re after the best Great Migration viewing in Tanzania, you can book your cruise holiday between August to October to witness the treacherous river-crossings in the Mara River, or from June to July, just in time for the mating season.

What should I pack for an Indian Ocean cruise?

Most of the ports within the Indian Ocean boast beautiful beaches, so be sure to pack swimwear and sun protection if you plan to hit the beaches. Women should also consider bringing shawls and cover-ups if you’re visiting temples and conservative sites.

Where do cruise ships dock in Seychelles?

Port Victoria is the principal cruise and cargo port of Seychelles as it’s in the capital, so most cruises often dock here. Small pleasure ports for inter-island ferries and passenger's vessels are also present, such as the ports of La Digue and Praslin.

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