The Indian Ocean islands offer a different kind of safari, one where coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, and white-sand beaches replace savannas and watering holes. This is the realm of the marine safari, where travelers trade game drives for reef dives, and wildlife sightings involve sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, and pods of dolphins gliding through crystal-clear water. Seychelles is a standout, an archipelago of 115 islands where protected marine parks like Sainte Anne and Aldabra Atoll shelter a dazzling array of ocean life. With strict conservation laws and some of the world’s most pristine reefs, Seychelles is ideal for snorkelers and divers who want vibrant coral gardens and encounters with rare species like hawksbill turtles and giant groupers.

Mauritius and Zanzibar offer a perfect blend of cultural depth and marine adventure. In Mauritius, travelers can sail on catamarans to snorkel in the Blue Bay Marine Park or dive alongside eagle rays off Coin de Mire. Zanzibar’s surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, particularly around Mnemba Atoll and Pemba Island, where visibility is excellent and encounters with dolphins and reef sharks are common. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Madagascar’s Nosy Be archipelago and Mozambique’s Quirimbas and Bazaruto archipelagos offer spectacular diving and seasonal humpback whale sightings. Here, marine safaris go hand in hand with barefoot luxury, island hopping, and vibrant coastal culture, making the Indian Ocean a paradise for travelers who want their wildlife wild and their beaches untouched.