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On this itinerary, PONANT invites you to discover the must-see jewels of the Seychelles. On Mahé, you will board Le Bellot for a 9-day expedition cruise to the heart of this archipelago’s Inner Islands for a glimpse of paradise.
The first stop on your cruise: Sainte Anne Marine National Park, whose coral reefs are home to stunning species, guaranteeing unforgettable snorkelling.
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 discover Aride, an unspoiled delight of the Indian Ocean, home to thousands of birds including some endemic species.
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”.
Palm trees, granite rock, white sand and crystal-clear water await you on Grande Sœur and La Digue. The beaches on these two stunning islands are each more beautiful than the next, guaranteeing moments of relaxation that will live up to your fantasies of the Seychelles.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : E081221
Landing in Zodiac®inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides. UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Vallée de Mai nature reserve in Praslin. Discover 8 islands in the Seychelles on a single...
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, double occupancy, is based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of cabin to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Services provided
Choose your stateroom category
Deluxe Stateroom
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Prestige Deck 4
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Prestige Deck 5
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Prestige Deck 6
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
27 m2
3
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
30% Ponant Bonus
27 m2
3
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
30% Ponant Bonus
27 m2
0
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
30% Ponant Bonus
27 m2
3
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
30% Ponant Bonus
38 m2
4
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
30% Ponant Bonus
38 m2
4
Privilege Suite Deck 5
30% Ponant Bonus
38 m2
3
Privilege Suite Deck 6
30% Ponant Bonus
38 m2
3
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
30% Ponant Bonus
45 m2
4
Owner's Suite
45 m2
4
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.
Do not hesitate to visit the online PONANT store which offers a selection of equipment and accessories adapted to our destinations, at the following address: https://boutique.ponant.com
Benefits of the PONANT store:
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:
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:
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.
Within the context of the health measures relating to Covid-19, you will also be required to complete a health declaration. You will be given this form when you pre-book your dive.
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
ESCALES |
DIVES |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING |
SEYCHELLES – Mahé |
NO |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Saint Anne national Marine Park |
YES |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Desroches Island |
YES |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Curieuse Island |
YES |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Aride Island |
NO |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Grande sœur |
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
This activity must be pre-booked before departure with your travel advisor. Any reservation made after this deadline will only be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
Price per person
Dives:
8 December 2021 Victoria, Mahé
Embarkation 08/12/2021 from 16h00 to 17h00
Departure 08/12/2021 at 19h00
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.
9 December 2021 Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Arrival 09/12/2021
Departure 09/12/2021
Lying off the coast of Mahé, the Sainte Anne Marine National Park has been protecting the natural riches and exceptional sea beds of the verdant islands and turquoise lagoons of Sainte-Anne, Longue, Ronde, Moyenne and Cerf since 1973. These dream islands with their white sandy beaches edged with granite rock, crystal-clear waters and coconut trees promise unforgettable moments of relaxation and discovery. These colourful reefs and granite rocks and their large swathes of seagrass are home to a multitude of tropical fish as well as sea turtles, dolphins and several species of ray, including the manta ray.
10 December 2021 Desroches Island
Arrival 10/12/2021
Departure 10/12/2021
Coconut trees, she-oak, white-sand beaches, warm and clear waters: everything here is conducive to daydreaming and relaxation in an intimate setting where the blue sky completes the picture postcard. You are on Desroches Island, the largest in the Amirantes group in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. This 6 km long coral atoll covered in lush vegetation is surrounded by spectacular seabeds where encounters with sharks and manta rays are not uncommon. On the beach, you may be lucky enough to observe sea turtles, there to lay their eggs. In the island’s north, a lighthouse that is still in operation stands guard, and the small village is home to a chapel and a cemetery.
11 December 2021 Curieuse Island
Arrival 11/12/2021
Departure 11/12/2021
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.
12 December 2021 Aride Island
Arrival 12/12/2021
Departure 12/12/2021
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.
13 December 2021 Grande Sœur
Arrival 13/12/2021
Departure 13/12/2021
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.
14 December 2021 Praslin Island
Arrival 14/12/2021
Departure 14/12/2021
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.
15 December 2021 La Digue Island
Arrival 15/12/2021
Departure 15/12/2021
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.
16 December 2021 Victoria, Mahé
Arrival 16/12/2021 early morning
Disembarkation 16/12/2021 at 07h00
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.
Experience the Old-World beauty and charm of the Seychelles during an orientation tour of picturesque La Digue, one of the prettiest islands in the Seychelles. During the scenic drive from La Passe Harbour to L'Union Estate, you will find daily life here to be punctuated by oxcarts and a relaxed pace.
Upon arrival at L'Union Estate, you will see the old Creole house and coconut factory that serve as a distinct reminder of life on the island many years ago.
Next, you will proceed for a visit to La Digue's beaches. The island's beaches are considered to be amongst the finest in the world, especially Anse Source d'Argent; a bather's paradise and photographer's dream. For centuries, the soft white sands and dramatic granite boulders have enchanted visitors to the island.
Total : Included
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.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
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.
PONANT converts your transfer into a restful stopover as you enjoy a relaxing day in a pleasant and comfortable setting.
Victoria, Mahé
Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the PONANT selected flight.
Group transfer from the pier to hotel selected by PONANT, near Victoria
Your luggage will be transported by truck from the airport to the hotel.
Check-in day-use Standard room at your disposal from 09: 00 to 14: 00.
Enjoy time at leisure and lunch served at the hotel.
In the afternoon, you will be transported to the port of Mahe, to embark on board your ship.
Your luggage will be transported by truck from the hotel to the pier.
Your hotel:
Located between Victoria and the airport (about 5 kilometres), the Eden Bleu Hotel 4* overlooks the Eden Island Marina. Facing the Morne Seychellois and the Marine Park, this artificial island belongs to Mahe and hosts many restaurants, shops, and contemporary accommodation with creole architecture. The hotel features 87 modern and comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, a bar and a restaurant. Everything is there for a relaxing stopover. Shuttles are available to reach the beaches of Beau Vallon and Anse Royale (a 30-minutes transfer each way).
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Eden Bleu Hotel
Eden Island
NA Seychelles Eden Bridge
Seychelles
Telephone number: +248 439 9100
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 : £220
Experience the Old-World beauty and charm of the Seychelles during an orientation tour of picturesque La Digue, one of the prettiest islands in the Seychelles. During the scenic drive from La Passe Harbour to L'Union Estate, you will find daily life here to be punctuated by oxcarts and a relaxed pace.
Upon arrival at L'Union Estate, you will see the old Creole house and coconut factory that serve as a distinct reminder of life on the island many years ago.
Next, you will proceed for a visit to La Digue's beaches. The island's beaches are considered to be amongst the finest in the world, especially Anse Source d'Argent; a bather's paradise and photographer's dream. For centuries, the soft white sands and dramatic granite boulders have enchanted visitors to the island.
Total : Included
PONANT converts your transfer into a restful stopover as you enjoy combining a discovery morning and a relaxing afternoon in a pleasant and comfortable setting.
Victoria, Mahé
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Your luggage will be transported by truck from the pier to the hotel.
You will proceed first to the Botanical Garden for a visit to a colony of Aldabra giant land tortoises and fruit bats. You will also have a chance to view the world famous “Coco de Mer” (double coconut) palm and wander the grounds full of endemic and imported flowers.
You will then drive up the spectacular Sans Soucis Road to Mission Lodge View Point. You will be amazed by the lush vegetation which covers Mahé’s mountainous interior. A photo stop will be made at Mission Lodge to get an overview of the coast of Mahé and Victoria the “world’s smallest capital”. While travelling, you will learn about the history of the Seychelles Islands, once a haven for pirates and corsairs. Mahé is named after Mahé de La Bourdonnais, a French governor of Mauritius.
Then explore the charming city of Victoria passing by the scaled-down replica of the clock tower on London’s Vauxhall Bridge. The replica was brought to Victoria in 1903 when the Seychelles became a crown colony. Your local guide will introduce you to the Aladdin’s Cave of the bustling traditional market with its colourful ambiance.
After, you will be transported to your hotel near Victoria.
Following the lunch served at the hotel, check in to your day-use room from 15: 00 to 19: 00.
Enjoy your afternoon and dinner at leisure.
You will then be transported to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your luggage will be transported by truck from the hotel to the airport.
Your hotel:
Savoy Resort & Spa boasts a prime location on Beau Vallon beach. It features an expansive outdoor pool, a comfy library, a fully equipped fitness centre and an exclusive Spa. All accommodations offer individually controlled air-conditioning, private furnished balcony or terrace, spacious bathroom, flat screen TV with international satellite channels, in-room safe, hair-drier, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles
PO Box 400 Beau Vallon
Mahé Island, Seychelles
Telephone: +248 4392000
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 : £310