Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
19 m2
2
Between the Caribbean and the Maya
Cozumel - Colón
Dates:
5/1/2023
to
14/1/2023
days
nights on board
Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
PONANT brings you an itinerary in the Caribbean Sea, sailing along the Mexican peninsula of Yucatán to Panama, via Guatemala and Belize. In Cozumel, you will board Le Bellot for a 10-day cruise combining idyllic beaches and Pre-Columbian sites.
First of all, you’ll discover Belize, with its Mayan sites lost in tropical jungle and, seen from the sky, its marvellous coral reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to the emblematic Blue Hole, a splendid underwater cenote that stands out like a sapphire set upon the reefs of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. An extraordinary natural phenomenon that you will have the possibility of admiring from the sky.
The next port of call will be Santo Tomás de Castilla. From there, you will be able to discover the pyramids of Tikal, a major site of the Maya civilisation, or the palaces, pyramids and sanctuaries of the Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quiriguá, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Le Bellot will then sail to Costa Rica and Puerto Limón, not far from the island named Tortuguero. Literally “the Land of Turtles”, the village and the National Park are key nesting sites for four species of sea turtle, including two critically endangered species.
You will finally discover the clear waters of Panama and the San Blas archipelago, composed of more than 300 islands and cays. The Kuna live among the palm trees and pirogues; this people perpetuates, among other things, the traditional craft of molas, weaved textiles in sparkling colours.
Ref : CC834 - EE050123
Your itinerary
A cruise to six Central American countries between idyllic beaches and pre-Columbian sites UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Tikal by plane and the archaeological park and Mayan ruins of Quiriguá from Santo Tomás...
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Your trip in detail
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Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.
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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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE LYRIAL
L'AUSTRAL
10/8/2023 to the 26/8/2023
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
LE LYRIAL
*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
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- 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
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:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, 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.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- 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
Highlights
- A cruise to six Central American countries between idyllic beaches and pre-Columbian sites
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Tikal by plane and the archaeological park and Mayan ruins of Quiriguá from Santo Tomás de Castilla; the Belize Barrier Reef with (flight over the Great Blue Hole).
- Visit of the Mayan sites of Xunantunich and Lamanai in the Belize jungle.
- The lush tropical forests of Costa Rica, from Puerto Limón.
- The idyllic islets of Water Caye and the San Blas archipelago and their magnificent seabeds.
- The opportunity to discover the crafts and traditions of the Kuna people in the San Blas Islands.
Ports of Call & Excursions
5 January 2023 - Cozumel
Embarkation 5/1/2023 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 5/1/2023 at 9:00 pm
Off the Riviera Maya, Cozumel is Mexico’s second largest island. Located at the northern extremity of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the island is renowned for its snorkelling and diving sites and the incredible clarity of its waters protected by a marine park. The island’s coasts and interior are also full of treasures: sacred Maya sites devoted to medicine, love and fertility; cenotes; a museum; an ecological reserve; mangroves; lagoons; coastal dunes; long unspoiled beaches. Don’t hesitate to climb to the top of the lighthouse in the Punta Sur Nature Reserve in the island’s south, to admire the panorama of these wild expanses from above.
6 January 2023 - At sea
Arrival 6/1/2023
Departure 6/1/2023
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
7 January 2023 - Belize City
Arrival 7/1/2023
Departure 7/1/2023 late afternoon
Belize City is the former capital and the country’s largest town. Located on the Caribbean Sea, this lively little town symbolises the fusion of British, Spanish and Maya cultures. The departure point for flights over the Great Blue Hole and the barrier reef, it’s also the ideal gateway for discovering the treasures of Maya architecture: in the heart of the jungle, the grandiose and mysterious ruins of temples and palaces at the Lamanai and Xunantunich sites await you. Another unmissable experience: a trip to the mouth of the Belize River: with a little luck and care, you’ll get a glimpse of manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas and many aquatic bird species.
8 January 2023 - Santo Tomás de Castilla
Arrival 8/1/2023 early morning
Departure 8/1/2023 early evening
A port city located in the north-east of Guatemala, on the coast of the Amatique Bay, Santo Tomás de Castilla offers exceptional access to the fabulous Mayan archaeological site of Quiriguá. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, this place takes you back in time, deep into a décor of ruins and vestiges from the 8th century.
9 January 2023 - Water Caye, Isla Utila
Arrival 9/1/2023 early morning
Departure 9/1/2023 early afternoon
The Bay Islands archipelago is home to stunning cays, sheltered coral islets with warm, crystal-clear turquoise waters. Off the island of Utila, the white-sand beaches lined with palms and coconut trees and the reefs of the deserted islet called Water Caye offer a picture-postcard setting that will delight fans of swimming and snorkelling.
10 January 2023 11 January 2023 - At sea
Arrival 10/1/2023
Departure 11/1/2023
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
12 January 2023 - Puerto Limón
Arrival 12/1/2023 at night
Departure 12/1/2023 mid afternoon
We’re pretty sure the little coastal town of Puerto Limón will completely win your heart. It is located on the Caribbean sea. Just beyond the harbour, Playa Bonita creek opens its arms to a haven of beauty rimmed by clear blue waters and shaded by giant peach-palms. If you wish to explore the lush green areas in the town, it’s worth taking a stroll through the lemon groves that give Puerto Limón its name. You’ll have all the time in the world to mosey around the streets scattered with multicoloured wooden makeshift stalls. These makeshift bars with their raffia roofs offer fresh juices blended just for you.
13 January 2023 - San Blas Islands
Arrival 13/1/2023 early afternoon
Departure 13/1/2023 late afternoon
Located on the north-east coast of Panama, the San Blas archipelago is a string of coral islands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. More than 300 islands and cays cover an area of 300 square kilometres offering travellers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long sandy white beaches bound by crystal-clear waters will allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Kunas Indian community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they will welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches.
14 January 2023 - Colón
Arrival 14/1/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 14/1/2023 at 7:00 am
Colón is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colón is today an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colón was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts through the isthmus of Panama; the city rapidly overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama when the canal opened.
Lamanai Mayan site & New River
Board your comfortable, air-conditioned coach for the approximately 1¼ hour drive to the river outpost accompanied by your guide, who will share Belize’s rich cultural and ecological heritage with you.
Upon arrival, you will have a quick restroom break before boarding a local boat for the 1½-hour ride up the New River towards Lamanai Mayan site. Keep your eyes open and your cameras ready as crocodiles, iguanas, a variety of species of birds and even a troop of howler monkeys are just some of the wildlife that might make an appearance for you.
On approaching the entrance of the New River Lagoon, the ruins of the high temple rise into view, welcoming you to the ancient Mayan city. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before visiting the ruins. For 1½ hours, discover this hidden world still surrounded by pristine jungle, and where elite rulers are buried in magnificent temples and sacred deities are immortalised in stone images. Lamanai is a Mesoamerican archaeological site, and was once a major city of the Maya civilisation. It is renowned for its exceptionally long occupation, spanning three millennia beginning in the Early Preclassic Maya period and continuing through the Spanish and British Colonial periods. Unlike most Classic-period sites in the southern Maya lowlands, Lamanai was not abandoned at the end of the 10th century AD.
After the visit and some time at leisure, board your boat for the 1½-hour ride back to the outpost where your waiting bus which will drive you back to the pier and your ship.
- This moderate excursion involves approximately 500 metres (0.31 mile) of walking on uneven terrain. Please note that climbing the ruins might be forbidden in case of bad weather conditions. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes, protect yourself from the sun and bring insect repellent. This tour is not recommended for persons with heart or back problems, nor for pregnant women. Participants should be in good physical conditions. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Only US dollars are accepted on site. A signed waiver is required to participate to this tour. This tour is only conducted in English. It is limited to 40 participants.
Total : €130
According to availability, price per passenger.
Xunantunich archaeological site
From the pier, board your coach for a 2-hour panoramic drive, through small villages, each with their own quaint personality. As you approach the site, you’ll pass the larger towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio. Then, embark a local ferry for a 5-minute ride across a small river to access the remote ruins.
Xunantunich Mayan archaeological site was a major ceremonial centre during the Classic Period and is composed of six major plazas, surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. Located on a natural limestone ridge, the site provides panoramic views of the hilly Cayo District and is situated just 3.2 km (2 miles) from the Guatemala border. The largest temple “El Castillo”, excavated and partially restored, is famous for its frieze, a banded stucco decoration that at one time extended around the entire pyramid. During your 1½-hour guided tour, you will also visit the site’s three plazas and partially excavated ball court.
Before leaving the site, spend some time at the display centre with your guide.
At the end of your visit, board the ferry again for the ride back to your awaiting coach. A 10-minute drive will take you to the city of San Ignacio, where you will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Next, reboard your coach for the 2-hour return drive to the pier and your ship.
- This moderate tour involves approximately 350 metres (0.21 mile) walking with inclines and steps on foot-paths and rocky terrain; no ramps are available. It is not recommended for pregnant women, nor for persons suffering from heart or back problems. Participants should be in good physical condition. Please note that climbing the ruins might be forbidden in case of bad weather conditions. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes, protect yourself from the sun and bring an insect repellent. Only US dollars are accepted on site. A signed waiver is required to participate to this tour. This tour is only conducted in English.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.
Scenic wildlife river cruise
Enjoy a wildlife adventure where you will have a chance to observe manatee dolphin, crocodiles, iguanas and many species of aquatic birds.
After embarking a local boat, your experienced captain will head out of the harbour and along the Belize City coastline on a short run to the Belize River. Enjoy the scenic ride along the colourful seafront while you enter the mouth of the Belize River after an approximately 15-minute journey.
During 1 h 15 cruise slowly along the calm waters, along the jungle-covered river bank, in pursuit of the many different species of wildlife that live in and along this winding tropical waterway. Your guide will help you keep a sharp look-out for crocodiles, manatees, and iguanas, numerous species of colourful birds and even, on occasion, a playful dolphin or two that have come up the river in search of a meal.
Enjoy refreshments during your return journey to the pier and your ship.
- Participants should be able to get on/off the boats without assistance. We recommend you protect yourself from the sun and bring an insect repellent. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. A signed waiver is required to participate to this tour. This tour is only conducted in English. It is limited to 40 participants.
Total : €40
According to availability, price per passenger.
Rio Dulce & San Felipe fortress
Board your air-conditioned coach at the pier and get ready to discover the beautiful countryside of Guatemala. The drive will take you through lush rainforest vegetation, while you listen to the explanations of your guide. See banana plantations and small villages where the banana and cacao plantation workers and their families live amidst the beautiful nature. After 90 minutes of driving, you will arrive at the village of Rio Dulce, located at the edge of Lake Izabal. Then, leave your coach and embark on a local boat for a 10-minute ride to the fortress.
The fortress, or “San Felipe Castle”, was built by the Spaniards to protect the lake against the pirate raids from the Caribbean. Built in 1595, the construction of the fort was ordered by Francisco de Sande. Here, discover how the Spanish garrison lived and the perils they had to endure to protect the area. You will have many opportunities to take some pictures. The castle belongs to the tentative list of Unesco Cultural Heritage.
After the visit, board a local boat for a 10-minute ride to a local hotel where you will enjoy a light snack before reboarding the boat and then your coach for the return dive to the pier and your ship.
- This moderate tour includes 1.6 km (1 mile) of walking on paths, uneven surfaces and some steps, especially to get on/off the local boats. Participants should be in good health. This tour is not recommended for persons suffering from back problems. We recommend you wear clothes with long sleeves, comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €75
According to availability, price per passenger.
Quirigua National Park
From the pier, board your coach for the 1 ½-hour drive to Quirigua Archaeological Park, one of the greatest Mayan cities.
This site is located along the lower Motagua River. During the Maya Classic Period (AD 200 –900), Quirigua was situated at the juncture of several important trade routes. It shares its architectural and sculptural styles with nearby Copan, whose history is closely entwined.
Inhabited since the 2nd century AD, Quirigua had become the capital of an autonomous and prosperous state. The ruins contain some outstanding 8th-century monuments, carved stelae and sculpted calendars that constitute an essential source for the study of Mayan civilisation. It was declared World Heritage by Unesco in 1981.
During this tour, you will be able to admire all the Stellae as well as the Main Acropolis, the Royal Palaces and the Ball Court.
At the end of the visit, reboard your coach for the 1 ½-hour return drive to the pier and your ship.
- This tour involves 3 hours of driving. It involves walking on gravel and rough ground and on some inclined surfaces and some stairs to climb. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, long sleeves clothes and protect yourself from the sun. A bug spray is also recommended.
Total : €95
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tortugero & Veragua rainforest
From the pier, board your vehicle to the Tortuguero Canals. Start your journey with an exciting pontoon boat ride through the world-famous canals. You will be able to admire the rich flora and fauna of the lush jungle, its verdant foliage mirrored on the glassy surface of the water. Orchids, water lilies, birds, monkeys, sloths, and toucans are common in the unique ecosystem of these natural and man-made canals, which are used as waterways for transportation and exploration.
After this relaxing boat tour, disembark and enjoy complimentary soft drinks and refreshing tropical fruits before continuing to Veragua Rainforest by road. Upon arrival, your naturalist guide will lead you through the live snake, frog and butterfly exhibits in an unparalleled interactive set-up, operated by the University of Costa Rica.
You will then ride on the open-air aerial tram that will take you on an enchanting trip through the canopy level of the rainforest. As you pass by giant 300-year-old trees on the way down to the riverbanks, you will be surrounded by uninterrupted views of the virgin rainforest. There is an optional, strenuous walk to see the magnificent, two-tiered, 65-foot-high Puma Waterfall.
Before returning to your ship, delight yourself with some of Limon’s local cuisine.
- This tour involves no particular difficulties, with a 1-mile walk over flat and paved paths. We recommend you wear comfortable, light clothes and walking shoes. We also recommend you protect yourself from the sun and insects and bring a rain poncho. The order of site-visits may be altered to avoid congestion. We cannot guarantee you will see any wildlife on this tour.
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cahuita National Park & beach
The Reserve of Puerto Vargas is part of the Cahuita National Park, an area that is filled with exuberant wildlife including howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, raccoons, sloths, otters, coatis, agoutis, armadillos and porcupines. Several avian species also live in the swampy forest, like the green ibis, green kingfisher, yellow-crowned night-heron, frigate bird and the boat-billed heron, among others. Cahuita is one of the most beautiful and scenic regions of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, offering some breathtaking white sandy beaches fringed with endless coconut trees and a calm sea of crystal clear waters and coral reefs. Most of Cahuita's territory is formed by a swamp located in the depression that lies between the coral platform and the mainland.
From the pier, board your vehicle for a 1-hour drive to Cahuita National Park. Here, you will start your nature walk with a naturalist guide. He will lead you on specially designed trails for a relatively easy and extremely interesting walk through the rainforest, sharing his vast knowledge on this fragile ecosystem.
You will have time to walk along the beach and, if the weather allows, you will even be able to enjoy sunbathing in this beautiful setting. This tour is a perfect opportunity to relax and connect with nature.
Before returning to your ship, you will be able to savour a tropical fruit buffet and to stop by the restroom. Head back to your vehicle for the 1-hour drive to the pier.
- This excursion requires a moderate level of effort, with sandy, gravelled, and uneven paths. The total walking distance is around 2.4 km (1.5 mile). Therefore, this tour is not recommended to pregnant women, persons with reduced mobility or walking difficulty. The order of the sites visited may be altered to avoid congestion. For your comfort, wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothes and protect yourself from the sun and insects. Don’t hesitate to bring your camera and binoculars as well as a towel and bottled water from the ship. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. This excursion is limited to 48 participants.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
River kayaking & nature walk
An journey combining nature, adventure and sport is waiting for you. From the pier, board your coach for an approximately 1-hour drive to the most beautiful location in the South Caribbean area, Punta Uva.
Upon arrival, attend a safety briefing with your instructor and practice paddling. Then, you will paddle your way up river, starting at the beach, through gorgeous rainforest where you’ll need to keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, colourful birds, river turtles and lizards.
For captivating views of the landscape and wildlife, this trip is a great option as it involves two different activities. Your professional guide will deliver a lot of interesting insights into this wonderful ecosystem. Paddling along this placid river is easy, so no previous experience is required.
Back at the beach, you will take a nice break to relax and enjoy fresh fruits and snacks before hiking to the great look-out point at Punta Uva, where the beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea and gigantic trees are the highlights. Finally, you will board your vehicle for your drive back to the ship.
- This excursion requires some physical exertion and that you be in good physical condition. The tour includes a 2.4-km (1.5-mile) walk on sandy, gravelled and uneven paths. It is not recommended for persons with reduced mobility, walking difficulties and pregnant women. A waiver will be required. Children must be at least 12 to participate and be accompanied by a parent. Only double-seat kayaks are available. The order of site-visits may be altered to avoid congestion. The operation of this excursion is dependent on weather conditions. For your comfort, wear water shoes, comfortable clothes with a wetsuit/swim suit under your clothes and protect yourself from the sun and insects. Don’t hesitate to bring a towel from the ship and a change of clothes. We do not recommend bringing a camera or other personal belongings due to the proximity with water. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. This excursion is limited to 32 participants.
Total : €90
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
For your serenity, PONANT organises your transfer between the port and the ship. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation day – Playa del Carmen/Cozumel
Meet and greet at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Playa del Carmen port by our local representative from 2:30pm to 4:00pm.
Transfer to the pier of Playa del Carmen and embarkation on a ferry to Cozumel island.
Transfer to your ship and embarkation.
This programme is subject to change.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
