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7 Jan 26, from 10,350 €
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Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean – with Smithsonian Journeys

In partnership with Smithsonian Journeys

Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean – with Smithsonian Journeys

  • Itinerary
    Nosy Be to Victoria, Mahé
    Duration
    11 days
  • Dates
    7 Jan 26 to 17 Jan 26
    Starting price
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Onboard onto Le Bougainville for an exquisite journey

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

 

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

The western reaches of the Indian Ocean contain some of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world, and this 11-day voyage aboard Le Bougainville introduces the very best of them, as you sail from northern Madagascar through more than 1,000 miles of the Seychelles Archipelago. Along the way, you will encounter coral reefs teeming with fish, colonies of seabirds breeding and nesting on jagged volcanic cliffs, lush vegetation, unbelievably picturesque beaches, and the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of an expansive open sea.

From Nosy Be in northern Madagascar, spend your first day exploring two islands: Nosy Tanikely, a tiny islet with a magnificent white sand beach on an unbelievably blue lagoon with an exceptional diversity of marine and terrestrial life; and the "lemur island" of Nosy Komba, covered in dense tropical rainforest that is the ideal habitat for the small mammals that are emblematic of Madagascar.

Le Bougainville arrives next at Nosy Hara, a marine protected area and national park remarkably rich in wildlife: 279 species of coral fish, 108 species of corals, 5 species of sea turtles, whales, dolphins, 31 species of birds, and 18 species of reptiles including the smallest chameleon in the world.

Rounding the northern tip of Madagascar, your experience continues with a full day in Diego Suarez, the second-largest bay in the world, after Rio de Janeiro. The city (renamed Antsiranana in 1975), was an important naval outpost for the French until the late 20th century, and their influence remains clearly evident in the colonial architecture of the old town. But the primary attraction of the region is the bay itself. Comprising several smaller bays, including the famous Emerald Sea Lagoon and Andovazaha Bay, home to emblematic Sugarloaf Island, Diego Suarez offers splendid beaches, panoramic views, and an inviting, laid-back approach to life.

Your ship sails next towards Seychelles and two pristine atolls in the heart of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. From the beaches of Assumption Island, watch for sea turtles which use its pristine beaches to breed and lay eggs. Saint-François, covered in coconut trees, provides ideal habitat for myriad birds and is a splendid location for both hiking and snorkeling. You head next to Remire Island, prized for its extraordinary biodiversity, especially its rich marine life.

Le Bougainville continues north to a group of small granite islands, where you spend a day immersed in the essence of a tropical paradise—turquoise waters inviting you to swim, vegetation sheltering native fauna, and beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees. Explore the bird sanctuary of Aride Island, where more than 1.25 million seabirds breed, and La Digue, home to the iconic picture-postcard beach at Anse Source d'Argent.

Your cruise ends the following day in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles on the island of Mahé.

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Overview

Your voyage

All inclusive, gourmet cuisine, room service, evening entertainment, shows, fitness center, hammam, sauna… Discover what is included in every Ponant cruise.

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Destination

Destination

Indian Ocean

Nosy Be to Victoria, Mahé

Duration

11 days, 10 nights on board

Smithsonian Journeys, Discoveries

Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Jane Hooper

Jane Hooper, Grant Nel

Activity in each port of call + one-way flight mauritius/nosy be + transfers included

Diving

Diving

Ref: NVAM45US - EG070126

Journey

Your journey day-by-day

  • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included activity in each port of call.
  • Engaging lectures and discussions on board with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including wildlife conservationist and naturalist Grant Nel and Indian Ocean historian Jane Hooper.
  • A team of experienced naturalist guides and Zodiac drivers.
  • In the Seychelles, the iconic beach at Anse Source d’Argent, 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 colorful vegetation and more than one million birds.
  • In Madagascar, a rich endemic flora and fauna: lemurs, chameleons, red-tailed tropicbirds, radiated tortoises, multi-colored fish and green turtles, and more.
  • A full day off the coast of Diego Suarez in the Emerald Sea Lagoon.
  • Extensive snorkeling and birding opportunities.
  • Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.
Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean – with Smithsonian Journeys null

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Guests

Sharing your journey with

Jane Hooper null

Jane Hooper

Grant Nel null

Grant Nel

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and intimacy

*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.

Details

More info

Services included in your cruise

Important trip details

In your luggage

Itinerary