Tropical Expedition 
Diving 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
5% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
- Last staterooms
Adventure in Madagascar
Victoria, Mahé - Port Louis
Dates:
13/01/2024
to
28/01/2024
Other available dates
days
nights on board
PONANT invites you on an expedition cruise in the Indian Ocean to discover 'the island continent' of Madagascar. From the Seychelles to Mauritius, set off for 16 days aboard Le Champlain, between beaches, dives, encounters with local populations and the discovery of endemic fauna and flora in rarely visited places of stunning natural beauty.
From Victoria on the island of Mahé, you will first sail to La Digue, a veritable picture-postcard of the Seychelles: palm trees, granite rocks, white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Your ship will then set sail for the northern tip of Madagascar. You will be dazzled by the beauty of the deserted beaches and preserved coral reefs of the idyllic islets in the Nosy Hara, Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely marine parks, renowned for their fabulous underwater life.
In Majunga, you will explore Ankarafantsika National Park, home to numerous bird and lemur species.
After exploring the picturesque and sumptuous city of Belo sur Mer, Le Champlain will then sail towards the wild expanses of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the south-west of Madagascar. Near the mouth of the Onilahu River, Tulear enjoys an exceptional flora that will delight botany lovers.
Along the immense beaches edged with dunes in Sarodrano, you will experience an exceptional encounter with one of the planet’s last 'sea nomad' people, the Vezo. You will discover their fishing villages and ancestral maritime know-how.
Out at sea await turquoise waters, the magnificent coral reefs and the natural pools of Nosy Ve, an islet of white sand that shelters a large colony of red-tailed tropicbirds.
After calling at Pointe des Galets on La Réunion island, Le Champlain will reach Port Louis in Mauritius, where this unforgettable cruise will come to an end.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : EC130124
Your itinerary
A brand-new cruise discovering the incredible natural riches of Madagascar and its people with their authentic traditions. Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist...
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Your trip in detail
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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 PAUL GAUGUIN
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
30/01/2024 to the 08/02/2024
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/03/2024 to the 26/03/2024
L'AUSTRAL
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*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
- 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
- Dyptique 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:
- 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.
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
|
CALLS |
DIVES |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING |
|
Seychelles – Victoria Mahé |
NO |
NO |
|
Seychelles – La Digue Island |
YES |
NO |
|
Madagascar – Nosy Hara |
YES |
NO |
|
Madagascar – Nosy Komba |
YES |
NO |
|
Madagascar – Nosy Tanikely |
YES |
NO |
|
Madagascar – Majunga |
NO |
NO |
|
Madagascar – Belo sur Mer |
YES |
NO |
|
Madagascar – Toliara |
YES |
NO |
|
Madagascar – Sarodrano |
YES |
NO |
|
Madagascar – Nosy Ve |
YES |
NO |
|
La Réunion – Port de la Pointe des Galets |
YES |
NO |
|
Mauritius – Port Louis |
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
- Certified divers :
- Exploration (1 dive) : €80
- Excellence Package (3 dives) : €225
- Passion Package (6 dives) : €420
Highlights
- A brand-new cruise discovering the incredible natural riches of Madagascar and its people with their authentic traditions.
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Biosphere Reserves in the south-west of Madagascar (Belo sur Mer, the coastline of Toliara and Sarodrano, Nosy Ve), the area of Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island.
- A variety of idyllic landscapes: coral reefs, lagoons, rainforests or thorny forests, white-sand beaches, granite islands, volcanoes.
- 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.
- In Madagascar, a rich and preserved endemic flora and fauna: multicoloured fish and green turtles, ring-tailed and red ruffed lemurs, baobabs, chameleons, red-tailed tropicbirds, radiated tortoises.
- An exceptional encounter with one of the planet’s last 'sea nomad' people, the Vezo.
- 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.
- 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
13 January 2024 - Victoria, Mahé
Embarkation 13/01/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 13/01/2024 at 18:00
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.
14 January 2024 - La Digue Island
Arrival 14/01/2024
Departure 14/01/2024
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.
15 January 2024 16 January 2024 - At sea
Arrival 15/01/2024
Departure 16/01/2024
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.
17 January 2024 - Nosy Hara
Arrival 17/01/2024
Departure 17/01/2024
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.
18 January 2024 - Nosy Komba
Arrival 18/01/2024
Departure 18/01/2024
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.
18 January 2024 - Nosy Tanikely
Arrival 18/01/2024
Departure 18/01/2024
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 January 2024 - Majunga
Arrival 19/01/2024
Departure 19/01/2024
A lively and cosmopolitan town on the west coast of Madagascar, Majunga, also called Mahajanga, will be a port of call rich in discoveries. The former capital of the Sakalava kingdom, then a significant interchange due to its prime position between Africa and the Middle East, the city displays an interesting cultural patchwork. Also renowned for its outstanding natural sites, this port of call will provide you with the opportunity to discover Ankarafantsika National Park, home to many endemic animal and plant species, or the Cirque Rouge, immense red sandstone formations classified as national heritage.
20 January 2024 - At sea
Arrival 20/01/2024
Departure 20/01/2024
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.
21 January 2024 - Belo sur Mer
Arrival 21/01/2024
Departure 21/01/2024
In the south west of the Menabe Region, in the district of Morondava, you will marvel at the picturesque beauty of Belo sur Mer. This peninsula edged with mangroves alternates fine sandy beaches with rocks plunging into a sea whose shades fall between deep blue and crystal-clear green. This fishing village is renowned for its dhows, the traditional sailing boats of Madagascar, which are built in situ, in the local artisanal boatyard. The choreography of these vessels coming and going on the beach sets the pace of life in the village, bestowing it with a unique charm.
22 January 2024 23 January 2024 - Toliara
Arrival 22/01/2024
Departure 23/01/2024
Located to the south-west of the island of Madagascar, near the mouth of the River Onilahy, Toliara is a port town that opens onto the Mozambique Channel. Inhabited for several centuries, becoming prosperous during the colonial period in the 19th century, Toliara is a cheerful town with unspoilt nature and exceptional flora that will certainly appeal to fans of botany. The Antsokay Arboretum botanical garden with nearly 1,000 Madagascar plant species, 90% of which are endemic, is worth a fragrant and charming detour. Cultural heritage will not be outdone, with the interesting museums of Mahafaly ethnology and the Museum of the Sea.
23 January 2024 - Sarodrano
Arrival 23/01/2024
Departure 23/01/2024
Sarodrano is a small village in the south-west of Madagascar in the province of Atsimo-Andrefana, at the mouth of the Onilahy River. This village of Vezo fishermen possesses the authentic and unspoiled charm of remote places. You will be surprised by the dexterity with which these “nomads of the sea” steer their outrigger canoes to fish, or keep up their ancestral traditions like seaweed cultivation. If the tide allows it, you will also have the possibility of discovering the sacred cave of Sarodrano, a natural fresh water pool separated from the sea by just 10 metres (33 feet) of rocks.
24 January 2024 - Nosy Ve
Arrival 24/01/2024
Departure 24/01/2024
Five kilometres out to sea from the Malagasy village of Anakao, Nosy Ve is an unspoilt paradise of exceptional wild beauty. Located on a two-kilometre (1.2 miles) long coral bank, this island is unique in that it is home to a colony of endemic birds commonly called red-tailed tropicbird. This nature reserve, a nesting site for rare birds, is unique because it is this species’ only reproduction site. The duckboards installed on the island will enable you to observe the birds hidden from view under the forest of Madagascar jewel. This Eden dotted with natural pools is also a setting for coral, fish and sea turtles you can discover while snorkelling.
25 January 2024 26 January 2024 - At sea
Arrival 25/01/2024
Departure 26/01/2024
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.
27 January 2024 - Pointe des Galets
Arrival 27/01/2024
Departure 27/01/2024
At the end of the 19th century, the construction of the port of Pointe des Galets lasted seven years, with the town called Le Port emerging in its wake. You’ll also hear the name “Port-Réunion” used to designate the Pointe des Galets, which is the main port on the island of La Réunion. In fact, it is the only port in France that has five functions: naval base, passenger terminal, commercial port, fishing port and marina. The old town of the Port conjures up the area’s rich history, which is connected to transport. Here you’ll be able to discover the former house of the Réunion Railway and Port Company (1878), its marine cemetery and its teeming covered market.
28 January 2024 - Port Louis
Arrival 28/01/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 28/01/2024 at 08:00
On the north-west coast of Mauritius, discover Port Louis, the country’s multicultural capital. Constantly in movement, the city, which was once a port of call on the route to India, is home to many cultural and historic treasures. In addition to the city’s market where you will be able to discover all the local flavours and many handicrafts, make sure that you visit Fort Adelaide. Nestling on the heights of Port Louis, this citadel built in the 16th century, classified as a national heritage monument, offers sumptuous views over the surroundings. Not far from there, the Pamplemousse Botanical Garden will reveal to you its countless plant species, coming from all four corners of the world.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
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
TRANSFER TO THE PORT OF MAHE
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:
-
Transfer by coach from the airport to the port.
-
Luggage truck to the port.
-
Services of a local English-speaking representative at the airport and during the transfer.
Your programme does not include:
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Personal expenses.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
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 : £50
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
TRADITIONS OF MAURITIUS
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Port Louis
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will depart the pier and drive to Grand Bassin, a natural lake resting on an extinct volcano. Grand Bassin is considered by many devotees to be an extension of the sacred Ganges River in India. This natural lake, resting on a volcanic crater, is a place of worship for the Hindus in Mauritius. Also known as the Ganga Talao, the lake takes on a life on its own, especially during the months of February and March when the Hindus celebrate the Maha Shivaratri. The calm water beautifully reflects the colourful temples.
Then you will continue your exploration at the Bois Cheri Tea Factory.
Bois Cheri is located on the high plateaus of the south of the island about 500 metres above sea level. It is a place that offers the ideal conditions for growing tea. The first tea plantations on the estate date back to 1892 with founding of the Bois Cheri Company, which is the first and largest tea producer in the country. This tea plants had been introduced in Mauritius thanks to Pierre Poivre, a colonial intendant between 1765 and 1792 and great lover of spices, who brought back plants from China. The first plants were grown at the Botanical Garden in Port Louis. The tour of the factory gives an overview of the different stages of tea production, from cutting to packaging. Then, visit the chalet restaurant to discover the different tea flavours offered by the estate while taking in a breathtaking view of the tea plantations and the south-east coast of the island.
You will depart Bois Cheri to reach your local restaurant for lunch.
Then you will be transferred to Mauritius Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International airport, in connection with PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
-
Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 local glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
-
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
-
Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Personal expenses
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
The tea treatment and therefore the activity of the factory depend on the tea harvest which may vary according to the seasons. When the factory is in operation, the noise of the machines can be deafening and prevent your guide from giving you explanations inside the premises. Take the time to observe the different steps and the machines used. After, he can provide you with all the additional information.
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 : £170
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
ICONIC STAY IN MAURITIUS (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Port Louis/Belle Mare
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Accompanied by your guide, you will set off to discover some of the local produce at the Poste de Flacq market, approximately one hour away by road (when the Poste de Flacq market is closed, you stop at the Port Louis market instead, about 15 minutes away from the disembarkation port).
Once you have selected the best local seasonal ingredients, you will be driven to your luxury hotel, the One&Only Le Saint Géran, where you will learn to make some national dishes under the guidance of one of the establishment’s chefs.
For lunch, you will get to enjoy the food you prepared.
Check in and settle into your room at One & Only, Le Saint Géran 5*. This exclusive hotel offers luxury amenities and services in a tropical, chic and refined decor to make your stay unique.
The end of the day is at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Belle Mare
After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure to enjoy hotel facilities and hotel environment.
You will discover a truly exquisite and refined place to stay where relax and discreet luxury is combined with attentive yet unobtrusive service. Let you inspire by a relaxing spa experience or an adventure day in a pristine environment.
Lunch at leisure.
Dinner at hotel.
Optional activity: hike in the Ferney Valley & lunch.
After breakfast, set off for the island’s south-east, not far from Vieux Grand Port (approximately a 1-hour trip). Upon arrival at the Ferney Valley reserve, a ranger will meet you at 9.30 am to guide you along one of the hiking trails for approximately two hours. They will reveal the secrets of this nature reserve dedicated to the conservation of Mauritian plant and wildlife. After this immersion in unspoiled nature, surrounded by lush and undulating landscapes, you will be taken to the Falaise Rouge restaurant overlooking the Vieux Grand Port bay. You will enjoy a meal made with local produce before heading back to your hotel.
Day 3 - Belle Mare/Airport
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Located in the quiet western part of the Belle Mare peninsula on a lagoon overlooked by mountains, The One & Only Le Saint Géran perfectly combines the authentic charm of a tropical place and contemporary design.
The rooms offer modern interior and a private exterior overlooking incredible views of the lagoon.
The hotel's spa and restaurants offer experiences inspired by Mauritian traditions.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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2-night accommodation in Double Lagoon room at One & Only, Le Saint Géran 5*(local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Personal expenses.
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Visa if necessary.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Hotel services and activities in extra
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
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Optional activity.
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Early check-in and late check-out.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
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Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 p.m.
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The market will be chosen based on the days each is open. The Poste de Flacq market is open on Sundays and Wednesdays. On the days it is closed, the visit will be to the Port Louis market.
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The optional activity is limited to a maximum of ten participants and is only suitable for fit individuals who are able to walk on uneven terrain for approximately two hours (3 km / 2 miles). We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a hat or cap, and carrying a small backpack with your personal effects, sun protection and a water bottle.
Contact of your hotel:
One & Only, Le Saint Géran
Belle Mare
Mauritius
Telephone number: (230) 401 1688
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 : £1,760
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.