Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
19 m²
2
On this itinerary, PONANT invites you to discover the must-see jewels of the Seychelles. On Mahé, you will board Le Champlain for a 9-day expedition cruise to the heart of this archipelago’s Inner Islands for a glimpse of paradise.
The first port of call on your journey will take you into the marvellous garden of Cousin Island. Everything in this natural reserve is bursting with life: giant tortoises wander around and birds tweet in the heart of lush vegetation.
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 sparkling waters.
On Curieuse Island, reputed for its red earth and for the Aldabra giant tortoises that have taken up residence there, take an excursion to the heart of the mangrove. You will then explore Aride, an unspoiled delight of the Indian Ocean and home to thousands of birds including some endemic species.
Palm trees, granite rock, white sand and crystal-clear water await you on Grande Sœur. The beaches on this island are each more beautiful than the next, guaranteeing moments of relaxation that will live up to your fantasies of the Seychelles.
In Praslin, don’t miss the chance to visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. There you will find sea coconuts, gigantic endemic fruits with a very evocative shape, nicknamed the 'love nut'.
Before you return to Mahé, Le Champlain will chart a course for the sublime beaches of La Digue, some of the most renowned of the Seychelles.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : EC140324
Explore 8 islands with their emblematic Seychelles landscapes. Landing in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides. UNESCO site: the Vallée de Mai nature reserve in Praslin. The all-new...
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Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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*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.
Services provided
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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:
Accessories:
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:
For men:
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:
For men:
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:
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
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:
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
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.
Fauna and flora of the Indian Ocean
The fauna of the Indian Ocean is very varied. During the various dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as napoleon fish, oriental sweetlips, blackspotted sweetlips, batfish, and pelagic fauna such as manta rays, gray reef sharks, dolphin fish, rainbow runner as well as endemic wildlife such as different soft corals.
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
PORTS OF CALL |
DIVES |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING |
Seychelles – Victoria, Mahé |
NO |
NO |
Seychelles – Cousin Island |
YES |
NO |
Seychelles – Remire Island |
YES |
NO |
Seychelles – Curieuse Island |
YES |
NO |
Seychelles – Aride Island |
NO |
NO |
Seychelles – Grande Soeur |
YES |
NO |
Seychelles – Praslin Island |
YES |
NO |
Seychelles – La Digue Island |
YES |
NO |
Seychelles – Victoria, Mahé |
NO |
NO |
These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
Rates
Excellence and Passion packages must be pre-booked with your travel consultant before departure. Beyond that, all reservations will be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
The Exploration dive must be organized on board directly with your diving instructor.
Price per person
Embarkation 14/3/2024 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 14/3/2024 at 7:00 pm
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.
Arrival 15/3/2024
Departure 15/3/2024
This small granitic islet west of Praslin measures around thirty hectares and is teeming with life. A private property until 1968, Cousin Island was bought by the International Council for Bird Preservation (now known as BirdLife International) to be converted into a nature reserve. The main aim of this effort was first and foremost to save two endangered bird species, the Seychelles warbler and the Seychelles fody. This operation was a real success, as the island is now the most protected in the archipelago and is home to a large number of plants and animals endemic to the Seychelles.
Arrival 16/3/2024
Departure 16/3/2024
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.
Arrival 17/3/2024
Departure 17/3/2024
Situated off the coast of Praslin, Curieuse has a distinguishing feature: its red earth. Discovered in 1768 by the French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, it was ravaged by a fire in 1771 and then home to a leper colony of which a few vestiges still remain. Declared a national marine park in 1979, it is home to many underwater species, which can be discovered while scuba diving or snorkelling in the idyllic waters of the Indian Ocean. But above all, Curieuse is renowned for the hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises that live there. It is highly likely that you will get the chance to meet these fascinating reptiles. Along with Praslin, it is also the only island on which the sea coconut grows wild.
Arrival 18/3/2024
Departure 18/3/2024
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.
Arrival 19/3/2024
Departure 19/3/2024
Located 6 km north of La Digue, Grande Sœur Island is renowned for its two sumptuous beaches and its translucent waters, protected by a coral reef. An ideal spot for snorkelling and observing the sea turtles that co-exist here with the many multi-coloured fish. The pristine Grande Sœur Island is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles.
Arrival 20/3/2024
Departure 20/3/2024
Situated some forty kilometres away from Victoria, Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles. Its idyllic beaches where granite rocks nestle in immaculate sand correspond perfectly to how we imagine the Seychelles to be. They invite visitors to dive into the turquoise waters, which are ideal for snorkelling. In the centre of the island, hidden in the heart of a stunning tropical rainforest, lies the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this veritable plant sanctuary, several endemic species of palm trees can be observed, as well as the famous sea coconut, which can weigh up to 20 kg and is sometimes called “coco fesse” because its shape calls to mind a pair of buttocks.
Arrival 21/3/2024
Departure 21/3/2024
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.
Arrival 22/3/2024
Disembarkation 22/3/2024 at 7:00 am
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.
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.
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
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Victoria, Mahé
Meet at the Seychelles international airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign.
You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport by coach and be directly taken to the pier to embark on your ship (about 30-minutes).
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
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 : AU$80
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Victoria, Mahe
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative. Your luggage will be transported separately by truck to the airport.
Depart for a tour of Mahe’s wild side, the untamed south of the island, with its rolling countryside, quaint hamlets, and spectacular beaches. Your day starts with a visit to the Botanical Garden, home of many endemic plants, including the world-famous coco de mer (double coconut) palms.
Next, take a guided walking tour through charming Victoria, capital city of Mahe and discover its famous landmarks. Enjoy time at leisure for shopping or strolling. Continue along the winding Sans Soucis Road en route to the enchanting Mission Lodge Viewpoint. Once an ancient school for slave children, it is now filled with the songs of endemic birds.
On your descent to the beautifully wild south west coast, discover luxurious mountains, tea plantations and picturesque villages on its way to the spectacular Cap Lazare, an exclusive hideaway deep in the south of Mahe covering 65 acres of a past coconut plantation.
Arriving at Cap Lazare is like entering a different world far away from the intrusions of the modern world. From its traditional thatched restaurant set in barefoot elegance to its authentic Creole ambiance, Cap Lazare evokes the feeling of a Robinson Crusoe hideaway untouched by the passage of time.
For lunch, indulge yourself in a mouth-watering Creole Buffet.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy beach and nature in the beautiful grounds of this exceptional domain, famous for its large population of Giant Land Tortoises, its endemic plants, the panoramic views along with its enchanting trail.
You will then pass by the Coastal Road to reach Mahe International Airport. At your arrival at the airport, you will enjoy a lounge access airport before for check-in in time for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
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.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : AU$530