Outer Islands
M/V Maya’s Dugong
The M/V Maya’s Dugong boasts the space and comfort of a modern yacht, combined with the durability and functionality required for scientific and long-distance expeditions. Originally built as a research vessel by the Canadian Government in 1966, the Maya’s Dugong was completely retro-fitted in the early 2000s as a private yacht, before being overhauled once again in 2009 to accommodate charters and cabin cruise voyages. It now serves as an oceanographic and expedition cruising vessel throughout the Indian Ocean.
Facilities
There are 7 cabins with ensuite bathrooms, a spacious dining salon and lounge with air-conditioning for meals and entertainment, outdoor leisure deck for al fresco dining and relaxation. All cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, reading lights and a storage cupboard. There is plenty of open deck space on board for sunbathing and relaxing, and a spacious bridge and observation deck allowing guests to take in the adventure with a captain’s eye view of all the surroundings. Also available on board:
- Flat-screen TV in the Dining Salon/Lounge
- DVD player & stereo
- Games, cards, small library
- Ice machine
- Laundry service (extra charge)
Local Wildlife
On land you can find many Madagascar bird species, endemics such as the Aldabra drongo, Aldabra fody and the flightless white-throated rail, plus thousands of breeding seabirds including red-tailed tropicbirds and red-footed boobies. The islands also contain a hundred thousand giant tortoises, the coconut crab (the world’s largest terrestrial arthropod), three species of lizard, three endemic bat species, many endemic insects including several butterflies, and some interesting plants. In the waters around Aldabra live large numbers of hawksbill and green turtles, various sharks, manta rays and barracuda, and a cast of thousands of other fish and corals.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
Of the 4 less expensive Explorer’s Cabins, cabin #4 is the most spacious with a double and a single bed.
If you have any questions regarding our Seychelles tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
M/V Maya's Dugong was a nice small ship, and got us to Aldabra which was the aim! All of the staff – from the Captain down – were absolutely fantastic and they worked wholeheartedly to make the trip as pleasurable as possible. Happily, they succeeded!
