Diving 
Mistral Stateroom
30% Ponant Bonus
14 m2
2
- New
The Caribbean, under sail aboard Le Ponant
Fort-de-France - Fort-de-France
Dates:
23/3/2024
to
30/3/2024
Other available dates
days
nights on board
The Caribbean... The mere mention of it conjures images of waves dancing along the shoreline, lapping against long beaches lined with elegant palm trees. For the first time in several years, Le Ponant is returning to its first Caribbean loves, to the great delight of those who enjoy intimate travel to little-known places. For 8 unforgettable days, spend your time contemplating and exploring aboard PONANT’s emblematic yacht.
The song of the sea and the whisper of the wind are the only noises you will hear aboard Le Ponant. As the Martinican shores of Fort-de-France slowly disappear from view, relax to the sound of the waves beating against the stem of your ship before arriving at Bequia Island. The island’s authentic, colourful houses stand out against the surrounding lush vegetation, which you can discover during an overland excursion.
Turquoise, cerulean, azure, sapphire... you will be captivated by the infinite palette of blues in the Caribbean Sea. Drop anchor around Sandy Island, at the heart of an extraordinary lagoon where an almost otherworldly sand bar has formed. The scenery here is conducive to daydreaming and contemplation.
In the muted décor of Le Ponant, each moment of your cruise is steeped in the peacefulness of the Caribbean. It is now time to set sail for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Carried by the wind dancing around the ship’s rigging, you will reach this strikingly beautiful archipelago. From island to island, savour the gentleness of the Creole way of life, admire the beauty of the sunsets, and explore the waters teeming with life.
The jagged silhouette of Saint Lucia will soon appear on the horizon. This is the final port of call on your Caribbean odyssey; you will be left with memories of moments frozen in time that only Le Ponant can offer. Reconnecting with yourself and marvelling at the beauty of the world as the wind shifts and turns will be your only concerns on board.
Ref : PO230324
Your itinerary
A cruise to discover the Caribbean, combining the gentle Creole way of life, Eden-like natural environments, and private moments. On land and on sea, soak in the Caribbean spirit and enjoy exceptional moments...
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Your trip in detail
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LE CHAMPLAIN
24/7/2023 to the 2/8/2023
LE BORÉAL
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
- New
- Last staterooms
LE PONANT
- New
- Last staterooms
LE PONANT
*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
- Simple room service daytime, on request
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris 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)
- No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
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.
For women: simple dress, skirt or trousers, blouse, polo
For men: pleated trousers or chinos, sports jacket, shirt, polo
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- 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
- White or black and white outfit for a Theme evening.
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 & initiation dive
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 1 star CMAS or the PADI 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 Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 20 metres.
- If two Stars CMAS or 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.
Process of the initiation dives (novice divers)
Before your initiation dive, your instructor will show you the equipment and will explain to you how to communicate underwater using hand gestures and how to breathe through a regulator. Once in the water, equipped with your material, you will learn how to breathe through your regulator on the surface for a couple of minutes. When your instructor feels you are ready, he will immerse you in water for about 20 minutes to a depth of 6 metres maximum.
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.
Fauna and flora of the Caribbean Sea
The fauna of the Caribbean Sea is very varied. During the different dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as French angel fish, queen angel fish, spotted drums, puffer fish, parrots fish, and pelagic fauna such as spotted eagle ray, barracudas, horse eyes jackfish, as well as fixed wildlife such as gorgonians and barrel sponges.
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
|
PORT OF CALL |
DIVES (for certified divers) |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING (for beginners) |
|
Martinique – Fort-de-France |
NO |
NO |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island |
YES |
YES |
|
Grenada – Sandy Island, Grenada |
YES |
YES |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Tobago Cays |
YES |
NO |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Union Island |
YES |
NO |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Mayreau Island |
YES |
YES |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Kingstown |
YES |
YES |
|
Saint Lucia - Pigeon Island Beach |
YES |
NO |
|
Saint Lucia – Soufrière |
NO |
NO |
|
Martinique – Fort-de-France |
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.
Introductory dives, Exploration dives and Discovery packages must be organised on board directly with your diving instructor.
Price per person
- Introductory dive:
- Introductory dive (1 dive): €80
- Discovery Package (2 dives): €150
- Certified divers:
- Exploration (1 dive): €80
- Excellence Package (3 dives): €225
- Passion Package (6 dives): €420
Highlights
- A cruise to discover the Caribbean, combining the gentle Creole way of life, Eden-like natural environments, and private moments.
- On land and on sea, soak in the Caribbean spirit and enjoy exceptional moments such as the stunning sunsets aboard your ship.
- An enchanted interlude during which you can do exactly as you please, whether that is hiking in a forest or spending an afternoon relaxing on the water’s edge.
- A rich programme of included excursions.
- Enjoy the extraordinary experience of sailing aboard Le Ponant as though you were on your own private yacht.
- A limited-capacity yacht: a maximum of 32 passengers and as many crew members; a dedicated chef
- Sail on a ship propelled by the wind and enjoy the wonderful opportunities nature offers us to adjust the programme and navigate under sail whenever possible.
- As the wind carries you, savour shared moments of joy and be fully present in this wonderful Eden.
- Exceptional moments on board and numerous water-based activities to discover the beauty of the Caribbean as if alone in the world, with all your senses heightened.
Ports of Call & Excursions
23 March 2024 - Fort-de-France
Embarkation 23/3/2024 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 23/3/2024 at 9:00 pm
Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breath-taking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colourful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.
24 March 2024 - Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island
Arrival 24/3/2024 midday
Departure 24/3/2024 late afternoon
In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands that make up the country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. You will love the lively and picturesque atmosphere of Port Elizabeth, the island’s main town. From the port, a promenade lined with beautiful traditional houses, landscaped gardens and small restaurants runs along the shoreline. It leads to Princess Margaret Beach, a wild beach where Princess Margaret herself has stayed and which seems to emerge directly from the tropical forest. From rainforest to lush meadows and long stretches of sand, Bequia will offer you a natural setting that is conducive to lovely walks and to spending time on the beach.
25 March 2024 - Sandy Island, Carriacou
Arrival 25/3/2024 early morning
Departure 25/3/2024 late afternoon
West of Carriacou, the northernmost island in the state of Grenada, is Sandy Island, a spit of sand set in the bewitching Caribbean waters. Known for its powdery white sand and small lagoon with crystal clear waters, this wild islet, dotted with coconut trees, offers a natural setting for swimming and snorkelling. The abundant and colourful marine life promises memorable and thrilling encounters. Listed as a marine protected area, the site is also a hunting ground for numerous pelicans. Enjoy a fascinating show as they circle above the water before diving suddenly to catch their prey.
26 March 2024 - Tobago Cays
Arrival 26/3/2024 early morning
Departure 26/3/2024 mid afternoon
Scattered between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprises five little islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby. This rosary of uninhabited cays in the southern West Indies is a marine park whose turquoise lagoons provide a home and safe haven for some outstanding marine fauna, including peaceful green turtles. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkellers.
26 March 2024 27 March 2024 - Union Island
Arrival 26/3/2024 late afternoon
Departure 27/3/2024 early morning
Deserted bays, long stretches of golden sand, turquoise waters and endless coral reefs – Union Island is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Overlooked by soaring peaks, this strange little strip of land owes its nickname of “the Tahiti of the West Indies” to its volcanic silhouette and its large swathes of greenery. When you call here, you will discover what the locals consider to be “the best-kept secret in the Grenadines” -Chatham Bay. Surrounded by hills and valleys carpeted in tropical rainforest, sheltering many sea turtles, this delightful half-moon of sand is, each day, the setting for the tireless ballet of the numerous pelicans who inhabit the island.
27 March 2024 - Mayreau Island
Arrival 27/3/2024 early morning
Departure 27/3/2024 late afternoon
Among the string of paradisiac islands with their sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites you to relax. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkelling if you’d like to observe the colourful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.
28 March 2024 - Kingstown
Arrival 28/3/2024 early morning
Departure 28/3/2024 late afternoon
Kingstown is the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, independent since 1979 but still a member of the British Commonwealth. Some of the 32 islands of the Grenadines are inhabited, like Mustique, some are not, like Tobago Cays. But they are all renowned for crystal clear, calm waters, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. The Botanic Garden in Kingstown is the oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and well worth a visit, as is Fort Charlotte, featuring panoramic views of the archipelago. La Soufrière, Saint Vincent's active volcano, dominates the northern end of the island, where it periodically erupts (most recently in April 2021), scarring the surrounding land with lava and ash.
29 March 2024 - Pigeon Island Beach
Arrival 29/3/2024 early morning
Departure 29/3/2024 midday
Linked to St Lucia by a sand causeway, Pigeon Island has been a designated National Park since 1979. On this wild and pristine land, you will be inspired to take pleasant walks amid the tropical vegetation and through a magnificent tree-filled garden. You will also be irresistibly drawn to the two pretty little sandy beaches nestling on the southern side and bathed by crystal-clear waters. While snorkelling, be sure to explore the underwater world that is teeming with life, along the rocks lining this peninsula’s coast. You will thoroughly enjoy the calm and beauty of this place, which is really conducive to simply relaxing.
29 March 2024 - Soufrière
Arrival 29/3/2024 late afternoon
Departure 29/3/2024 evening
Nestled in the crook of a breath-taking bay, the former capital of St Lucia is brimming with attractions. Soufrière is famous for The Pitons, volcanic spires that tower over the entrance to the town. In the vicinity of the lush botanical gardens, you will be able to enjoy the curative powers of the Diamond Falls mineral baths. From the beach at the north end of the bay, you can set off to explore the reefs that are home to stunning gardens of sea fans at the foot of the cliffs that plunge into the sea.
30 March 2024 - Fort-de-France
Arrival 30/3/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 30/3/2024 at 8:00 am
Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breath-taking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colourful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.
Le Ponant
This legendary yacht offers a uniquely exclusive voyage experience. An invitation to sail, revitalise oneself, share, contemplate and respect the world around us. An ode to freedom and the treasures of nature.
With its common areas open extensively to the horizon, you will have never felt such communion with the elements. With one crew member per passenger and just thirty-two guests on board, you will have never enjoyed so much attention. With navigation under sail the moment conditions allow, you will have never savoured each second that passes to such an extent.
Up to 32 Guests
16 staterooms & suites
33 crew members
1 restaurant
Decks
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.