Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
From Madagascar to the Seychelles, unsuspected Islands
Nosy Be - Victoria, Mahé
Dates:
18/11/2024
to
28/11/2024
days
nights on board
Flight Mauritius/Nosy Be + Transfer
As the gentle trade winds caress the turquoise ocean, a light breeze skims over the vegetation… The idyllic islands and captivating atolls of the Indian Ocean stretch out before you. During an 11-day expedition cruise aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville, time seems to stand still and, between the island country of Madagascar and the Seychelles, nature will plunge you into a dream.
From Nosy Be, known for its beautiful primary forests where rosewood trees, camphor trees and ylang-ylang thrive, you will reach the idyllic islets of the Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Hara marine parks, which shelter fabulous underwater life.
Your ship will then set sail towards the northern tip of Madagascar. Discover the charm of Diego Suarez, renowned as Madagascar’s most beautiful bay. Also called Antsiranana, this port of call is famous for its emerald sea, its picturesque bays, its iconic Pain de Sucre island, its majestic mountains, its idyllic beaches and its vibrant culture.
You will be completely dazzled by the splendour of the Seychelles atolls. On the beaches of Assumption Island, in the Outer Islands archipelago, you will perhaps be lucky enough to see sea turtles. On Saint-François, immerse yourself in a genuine marine and terrestrial natural sanctuary where you will be able to observe the spellbinding ballet of myriad bird species as well as the fascinating spectacle of colourful fish.
Then you will sail to Remire Island, an Eden lost in the Indian Ocean. Discover its abundant fauna as you explore both on land and under water. Fall in love with this idyllic port of call as you walk around the island and snorkel in its waters.
You will then discover Aride, an unspoiled delight of the Indian Ocean, home to thousands of birds including some endemic species. La Digue will then offer you a veritable picture post card of the Seychelles: palm trees, granite rocks, white sand and crystal-clear waters. Finally, you will reach Victoria on the island of Mahé.
Ref : NVAD4 - EU181124
Your itinerary
A cruise discovering the natural jewels of the islands and atolls of the Seychelles and Madagascar. Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides. A call in Diego...
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Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE LYRIAL
03/03/2025 to the 21/03/2025
L'AUSTRAL
28/02/2025 to the 15/03/2025
LE CHAMPLAIN
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
04/01/2025 to the 19/01/2025
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- Cotton comfortable and light-weight shorts/bermuda shorts
- Light weight long trousers
- Long-sleeved breathable SPF50+ shirts
- Cotton short sleeved T-shirt
- Aquatic UV long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection during snorkeling or swimming
- Aquatic non-slip sandals
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Broad brimmed anti-UV hat with strap and veil to protect the neck
- Comfortable walking shoes
Accessories:
- Snorkelling equipment will be offered onboard (for adults only).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun with high SPF index & insect repellent
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Please note:
During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
- Shorts / bermudas
- Light weight long trousers
- Wind and waterproof light “breathable” outer layer
- Sweater/pullover for the evening
- Short and long sleeved cotton shirts
- Waterproof UV long sleeved T-shirt
- Long sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection during zodiac excursions and excursions ashore
- Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
- Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses with high UV filter
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Sun portective hat/cap with strap and veil to protect the neck
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Diving - Expedition Cruise
Supervision of the dives
Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Level required for scuba diving on this cruise
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 2 star CMAS or the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.
Process of the dives (certified divers)
The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:
- For those with PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 25 metres.
- If two PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) wish to dive together independently, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.
Supplied equipment
- Diving wetsuit
- Stabilising jacket
- Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge
- Diving computer (for divers mastering their use)
- Fins,
Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel .As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.
The passenger may participate in scuba diving activities, subject to compliance with certain conditions established in accordance with the health, scientific and medical measures applicable on the day of the dive.
* within the limit of available stock.
Highlights
- A cruise discovering the natural jewels of the islands and atolls of the Seychelles and Madagascar.
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- A call in Diego Suarez, in Madagascar, a veritable preserved Eden and a paradise for divers and hikers.
- In the Seychelles, Anse Source d’Argent, the most famous beach of La Digue, surrounded by large blocks of granite and edged with coconut palms.
- The Aride nature reserve, a treasure of the Seychelles with some 73 hectares of colourful vegetation and more than one million birds.
- The bare red earth of Curieuse, a granite island in the Seychelles.
- In Madagascar, a rich and preserved endemic flora and fauna: multi-coloured fish and green turtles, lemurs, chameleons, red-tailed tropicbirds, radiated tortoises.
- An exceptional overnight stay off the coast of Diego Suarez discovering the Emerald Sea lagoon.
- Landscapes: preserved shores, captivating lagoons, virgin forest, majestic mountains, idyllic beaches.
- Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.
Ports of Call & Excursions
18 November 2024 - Nosy Be
Embarkation 18/11/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 18/11/2024 at 00:00
Nosy Be (from the Malagasy: Nosy meaning island and Be meaning large), in the Mozambique Channel, is located near the north-eastern coastlines of Madagascar. A former French protectorate, known under the promising name of “the scented island”, of volcanic origin, it is located on a maritime route with access to India and Asia. Cosmopolitan, a boulevard of encounters, its mixed-race and multicultural population still remembers its past as a significant trading post. Today, its 321 km² enchant lovers of nature and idyllic beaches. Its sumptuous primary forest is home to animals that are endemic to the island as well as surprising flora.
19 November 2024 - Nosy Tanikely
Arrival 19/11/2024
Departure 19/11/2024
In the heart of the Nosy Be archipelago, discover Nosy Tanikely, nicknamed the “island of little earth.” In addition to a magnificent white sand beach bordering a lagoon of crystal-clear waters, the island, which is uninhabited, has exceptional marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Thanks to this, the area has been classified as a “marine and coastal protected area” since 2010. It is a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling. Hiking fans won’t be left out either: a stunning walk that climbs to the summit of the island will enable them to discover the old lighthouse built at the beginning of the 20th century and enjoy superb views over the ocean and surrounding islands.
19 November 2024 - Nosy Komba
Arrival 19/11/2024
Departure 19/11/2024
During your cruise, your ship will stop in Nosy Komba, otherwise known as “lemur island”. Not far from the Madagascar mainland, this volcanic island shaped like a gigantic turtle shell is covered in dense tropical rainforest. This vegetation is home to amusing black lemurs – furry orange-brown and black creatures that are surprisingly agile and call to each other from amongst the trees. The many small beaches and the emerald-coloured water make Nosy Komba a natural gem that only a select few visit.
20 November 2024 - Nosy Hara
Arrival 20/11/2024
Departure 20/11/2024
Its limestone rock formations rising from the waters, or marine “tsingies” typical of Madagascar, make Nosy Hara both exceptional and immediately recognisable. Located to the north-west of Madagascar, the island is a protected area due to its incredible biodiversity. It is a veritable open-air aquarium inhabited by around 280 marine species. The rocky columns edged with gorgeous white-sand and pebble beaches fading into shades of deep blue make an idyllic place cut off from the world. Succumb to the charms of this untouched jewel that will welcome you into its stunning decor for a special experience. This is an ideal location for snorkelling.
21 November 2024 22 November 2024 - Diego Suarez (Antsiranana)
Arrival 21/11/2024
Departure 22/11/2024
A jewel on the north coast of Madagascar, Diego Suarez, also known as Antsiranana, reveals itself in all of its splendour, from its idyllic beaches to its turquoise waters and its mountains. Enjoy the gentleness of its heavenly stretches of fine sand and fall under the spell of its pristine landscapes where nature reigns supreme. Diego Suarez is not only a nature sanctuary home to certain endemic species such as the brookesia micra, one of the world’s smallest chameleons, it is also a dream location for hikers. You will have the opportunity to discover the Red Tsingy, to the north of the town. Carved out by the Irodo River, this canyon reveals huge ochre rock formations. A captivating sight.
23 November 2024 - Assumption Island
Arrival 23/11/2024
Departure 23/11/2024
Assumption Island is part of the Aldabra group (Outer Islands), situated in the south-west of the Seychelles. Discovered in the mid-18th century by the French captain Nicolas Morphey, this bean-shaped island covered in dunes and shrubs is relatively flat. A handful of people live there, in a small village in the island’s west. The island’s beaches are a major egg-laying and breeding site for sea turtles. The surrounding waters are ideal for scuba diving. This is where Jacques-Yves Cousteau filmed some of the scenes for his famous documentary film “The Silent World”, released in 1956.
24 November 2024 - At sea
Arrival 24/11/2024
Departure 24/11/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
25 November 2024 - Saint François Atoll
Arrival 25/11/2024
Departure 25/11/2024
In the heart of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, St. François Atoll paints the Indian Ocean in an infinite palette of blues. This coral atoll, made up of the Bijoutier and St. François islands, is exactly what people imagine when they think of the Seychelles. Formed around volcanos having vanished into the abyssal depths of the Indian Ocean, its islands are protected by splendid and fragile coral reefs. Here, the population is composed of myriad birds on land and of sea turtles and a multitude of fish in the water, making this the ideal place for hiking or snorkelling.
26 November 2024 - Rémire island
Arrival 26/11/2024
Departure 26/11/2024
Remire Island is like a piece of confetti in the Indian Ocean and is a captivating place to visit. Located in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, it is prized for its unique biodiversity, including its exceptionally rich underwater life. The rare inhabitants of this tropical islet watch over its preservation, and a walk amidst its lush vegetation, home to delightful birds, will delight fans of unspoilt areas. For those who love snorkelling, myriad colourful fish live among the coral reefs that border the island.
27 November 2024 - Aride Island
Arrival 27/11/2024
Departure 27/11/2024
Aride is an island in the Seychelles situated a few kilometres north-west of Praslin. Listed as a nature reserve, this pearl of the Indian Ocean will seduce you with the beauty of its landscapes of wild cliffs and fine-sand beaches. Protected from human impact and sometimes called “bird capital”, it is home to several endemic plants as well as exceptional wildlife. Most notably, it is the refuge of an impressive number of seabirds (Seychelles magpie-robins, terns, noddies, and more), and reptiles, such as Wright’s skinks, which can be found in the island’s wooded areas. Sea turtles can also be observed on the island’s beaches.
27 November 2024 - La Digue Island
Arrival 27/11/2024
Departure 27/11/2024
La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of the Seychelles. Located 6 km south-east of Praslin, this small piece of land that looks like paradise is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, despite its modest size (5 km by 3 km)! Turquoise waters just asking you to swim in them, lush vegetation sheltering giant tortoises, beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees and surrounded with those emblematic large granite rocks with their pink highlights like at the famous Anse Source d’Argent: the perfect picture postcard… Authentic and preserved, the island follows a peaceful rhythm, with the only means of transport along its little roads being bikes or traditional oxcarts.
28 November 2024 - Victoria, Mahé
Arrival 28/11/2024
Disembarkation 28/11/2024 at 08:00
Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, an underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.
Decks
Flight Mauritius/Nosy Be + Transfer
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the airport and the pier. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation Day – Mauritius/Nosy Be
Flight Mauritius/Nosy Be selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 2 h 30.
We highly recommend you arrive in Mauritius the day before this flight.
We suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2 hours before departure.
Meet & greet at the airport by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise aboard your cruise ship -
This programme includes:
- Flight Mauritius/Nosy Be selected by PONANT in economy class.
- Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
- Flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
- For passengers in transit in Mauritius, we recommend staying one night in Mauritius before this flight.
- Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.
A recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to the main diving instructor.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
RELAXING STAY IN MAURITIUS (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Mauritius
Meet at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign (Counter No 24 in the airport arrival hall). You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to your hotel.
Check-in in your room before official check-in is included.
Day, & lunch at leisure.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 – Mauritius
Breakfast.
Day at leisure.
Check-out at noon maixmum.
Lunch at leisure.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight to Nosy Be where you could embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Located on the wild south-east coast of Mauritius and 10 minutes from the airport, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort 5* has spacious and contemporary rooms.
Take a restful break in between the gardens and pool or explore the surrounding nature around the beach of Chaland that is facing your hotel (not equipped).
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
-
1-night accommodation in Premier Garden room at Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort (local standards) or similar, half board included (diner and breakfast).
-
Early check-in in room before official check-in.
-
Beverages package during mealsincluded for a duration of 1-hour (mineral water + 1 soft drink + 1 glass of wine + 1 local glass of beer).
-
Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
-
The services of a local English-speaking assistance during transfers.
-
Hospitality desk at the hotel the day of your arrival.
Your programme does not include:
-
Personal expenses.
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Late check-out.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
The official check-in time is 2 p.m.
-
The official room release time is noon.
-
The included transfer from the hotel to the airport on day 2 will be adapted by our local representative depending on the departure time of your flight to Nosy Be. No activity is planned that day, only free time to be able to adapt this day with any flight schedule for Nosy Be that will be confirmed a few weeks before your departure.
Contact of your hotel:
Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort
Le Chaland, Blue Bay Marine Park MU,
Plaine Magnien 51510, Maurice
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 610 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.