Guest Speaker 
Diving 
Deluxe Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
204 ft2
2
The Essential of the Caribbean
Fort-de-France - Fort-de-France
Dates:
03/12/2022
to
15/12/2022
Other available dates
days
nights on board
PONANT invites you on a 13-day cruise to the heart of the West Indies. You will sail the idyllic waters of the Caribbean Sea to discover stunning islands, as well as historical and architectural landmarks.
An experienced diving instructor is on board for the entire cruise, enabling you to safely enjoy swimming and scuba diving.
From Fort-de-France, you will first sail to St. Kitts, a volcanic island with fine sandy beaches and a rich colonial heritage.
Your ship will then set sail for the famous island of Saint-Barthélemy, renowned for its wild coves and its elegant little shopping streets.
Your ship will then call the British Virgin Islands, which will offer you idyllic landscapes before sailing towards Anguilla.
Then you will discover the enchanting setting offered by the island of Dominica, known as the Nature Island, before sailing to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Bequia Island, and its wild and unspoiled coastline.
After a call at Grenada, Le Dumont-d’Urville will anchor in the Tobago Cays National Park. This rosary of islands bound together by the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies, will reveal its incredible underwater wildlife and its secret coves.
You will then island hop gently towards Saint Lucia and its two majestic rocky peaks soaring straight from the sea, a unique location listed as UNESCO World Heritage site, before reaching Fort-de-France, your final port.
Ref : U031222
Your itinerary
A cruise in the heart of the West Indies. Discovering 10 islands on the same cruise: Martinique, St. Kitts, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Saint Barthelemy, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Saint Vincent and the...
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Your trip in detail
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Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
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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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
LE SOLEAL
21/10/2022 to the 01/11/2022
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
04/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
09/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
*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
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 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 KITTS AND NEVIS - South Friars Bay, Saint Kitts |
YES |
NO |
|
ANGUILLA – Road Bay |
YES |
NO |
|
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS – Jost van Dyke |
NO |
YES |
|
SAINT BARTHELEMY - Gustavia |
YES |
YES |
|
DOMINICA - Portsmouth |
YES |
NO |
|
GUADELOUPE – Les Saintes |
YES |
YES |
|
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES – Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island |
YES |
YES |
|
GRENADA – Saint George’s, Grenada |
YES |
NO |
|
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES – Tobago Cays |
NO |
NO |
|
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES – Mayreau Island |
YES |
YES |
|
SAINT LUCIA - Pigeon Island Beach |
YES |
NO |
|
SAINT LUCIA – Soufrière |
YES |
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
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
- Initiation dive:
- Introductory dive (1 dive): €80
- Ponant Discovery Pack (2 dives): €150
Certified dive:
- Exploration (1 dive): €80
- Excellence Package (3 dives): €225
- Passion Package (6 dives): €420
Highlights
- A cruise in the heart of the West Indies.
- Discovering 10 islands on the same cruise: Martinique, St. Kitts, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Saint Barthelemy, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Saint Lucia.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park in St. Kitts and Nevis, Morne Trois Pitons National Park on Dominica, Saint Lucia’s rocky peaks.
- Exceptional seabed with possibility of observing turtles, barracuda, spiny lobsters and parrot fish.
- Discovering the British Virgin Islands, where each white-sand beach is more stunning than the next.
- On Dominica, the National Park of Cabrits and Fort Shirley.
- Multiple opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters.
- Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.
Ports of Call & Excursions
3 December 2022 - Fort-de-France
Embarkation 03/12/2022 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 03/12/2022 at 20:00
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.
4 December 2022 - South Friars Bay, Saint Kitts
Arrival 04/12/2022 midday
Departure 04/12/2022 early evening
Nestling along the peninsula of Saint-Kitts Island, South Friars Bay shelters one of the Kittitians’ most popular beaches. You will find this gorgeous stretch of golden sand ideal for a spot of sunbathing, or you may prefer to go and discover the history of the island. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a remarkable example of military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. It affords an exceptional view of the island’s coast.
5 December 2022 - Gustavia
Arrival 05/12/2022 early morning
Departure 05/12/2022 late afternoon
Lovers of this island call it Saint-Barth. This French island in the Lesser Antilles was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Ever since, this tiny mountainous volcanic gem with its unspoilt nature has been enchanting visitors. You will enjoy the beauty of its large paradisiacal beaches, plus the charm and refinement of its old wooden houses and its sumptuous colonial manors. Although, as you saunter through the rues de Gustavia or Saint-Jean, you’ll come across jewellers, top fashion boutiques and fine restaurants, there is also a simplicity that money can’t buy…
6 December 2022 - Jost Van Dyke
Arrival 06/12/2022 early morning
Departure 06/12/2022 early evening
During your cruise, discover the pearl of the British Virgin Islands, said to have been named after a fearsome Dutch pirate from long ago. he hilly landscape offers travellers beautiful wild expanses lined with immaculate beaches where the breeze gently caresses the coconut palms. In this slice of heaven with crystal-clear waters, you will be able to enjoy the lively atmosphere of White Bay. As for the wildlife, iguanas, mongooses, pelicans and blue herons have taken up residence on these islands, much to the delight of our passengers who love a good holiday snap!
7 December 2022 - Road Bay, Anguilla
Arrival 07/12/2022 early morning
Departure 07/12/2022 late afternoon
Anguilla is a small and idyllic island with a concentration of many treasures: fine sandy beaches, creeks, caves and prehistoric petroglyphs, former colonial houses, natural reserves and the famous golf course designed by Greg Norman. he various evocations of the main island’s shape gave the archipelago its name: an “arrow head” for the Amerindians and an “eel” for Christopher Columbus. You will be able to enjoy the tranquillity of Sandy Ground Beach and, conditions permitting, you may get the chance to land on the small sand bar opposite, the idyllic Sandy Island.
8 December 2022 - Portsmouth
Arrival 08/12/2022 early morning
Departure 08/12/2022 early evening
With its mountainous terrain, vast tropical forest, hot springs, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, Dominica is undoubtedly the wildest island in the Caribbean. Protected by several national parks, this little-known land, located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, between Guadeloupe and Martinique, will inspire adventure and exploration. During your port of call, do not miss out on discovering the enchanting landscapes of the Indian River: navigating through this dense mangrove, in which creepers, ferns, forest trees and giant roots are interweaved, is a magical experience, a fascinating voyage into the heart of an almost mystical natural universe.
9 December 2022 - Les Saintes
Arrival 09/12/2022 early morning
Departure 09/12/2022 late afternoon
During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands that he named "The Saints". Today, only two of them are inhabited. Terre de Haut, in the east, is dominated by the Morne Mire hill; at the summit stands Fort Napoleon, paying homage to the islands' history. In the heart of the botanical garden, shared by iguanas and cacti, there is an exceptional view of the Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful in the world. The long shady beach of Pompierre, where it is forbidden to drop anchor, is a peaceful place for a swim, while Pain de Sucre Beach offers wonderful opportunities for snorkelling. On the island, don’t forget to taste the local speciality, the “tourment d’amour”, a cake made with coconut.
10 December 2022 - Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island
Arrival 10/12/2022 early morning
Departure 10/12/2022 evening
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.
11 December 2022 - Saint George's, Grenada
Arrival 11/12/2022 early morning
Departure 11/12/2022 early evening
Delicately set in the curve of a bay on the west coast of Grenada, Saint George’s lively commercial fishing harbour is especially colourful when the boats are being loaded with fruit and vegetables destined for neighbouring islands and when all the little fishing boats return from their day out at sea. This “spice island” capital is an excellent base for visiting the surrounding natural sites : its picturesque coast or the artisanal producers of chocolate and nutmeg, Grenada’s gold. Five kilometres (3 miles) to the south, you will be able to visit Grande Anse and Morne Rouge, two long sandy beaches.
12 December 2022 - Tobago Cays
Arrival 12/12/2022 mid morning
Departure 12/12/2022 early evening
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.
13 December 2022 - Mayreau Island
Arrival 13/12/2022 early morning
Departure 13/12/2022 evening
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.
14 December 2022 - Pigeon Island Beach
Arrival 14/12/2022 early morning
Departure 14/12/2022 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.
14 December 2022 - Soufrière
Arrival 14/12/2022 early afternoon
Departure 14/12/2022 early 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.
15 December 2022 - Fort-de-France
Arrival 15/12/2022 at night
Disembarkation 15/12/2022 at 07:00
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.
Sail & snorkel
From the pier, board your coach for a 15-minute drive to reach your catamaran.
Following a safety briefing, you will sail along the Leeward Coast of St Kitts, passing the Frigate Bay resort area and Friars Bay before arriving at the snorkelling destination.
Then you will sail to another snorkelling site as the secluded cove of Shittens Bay. This calm, unspoiled location is only accessible by sea and shelters an abundance of marine life, with several varieties of reef fish amongst the volcanic rock formations, sea fans and sponges. Special supervision is given to those who have never snorkelled before or those who are out of practice with the technique of snorkelling.
After this snorkelling adventure, the sails are hoisted for the final tranquil trip back to the ship. Enjoy an open bar serving ice-cold beer, rum punch and soft drinks.
- We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes and protect yourself from the sun. Mask, snorkel and fins are provided. All guests must remove their shoes before embarking the catamaran; they cannot wear water shoes onboard the catamaran. Participants must be able to get in/out of the water by ladder unassisted. Guests may wear water shoes and soft shoes onboard the catamaran. This tour is limited to 55 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Essential of Saint Kitts
From the pier, board your coach and start your 15-minute drive to Basseterre and discover Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Romney Manor Botanical Gardens and Fairview Great House.
Basseterre is a historic capital with a mix of traditional French and Victorian architecture. Here, you will discover old churches, West Indian cottages, and a former slave market.
Your first stop will be made at the Romney Gardens and Caribelle Batik Studios. This 12-acre gardens setting are quite simply stunning. It is at this beautiful location that local artists produce the fabric and apparel for which Caribelle Batik has become widely acclaimed.
From the top of the Brimstone Hill fortress, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, enjoy panoramic views of the coast, the surrounding countryside and the neighbouring islands. The first cannons were brought to Brimstone Hill in 1690. The English and French engaged in frequent naval battles to gain control of this part of the world. This construction is an astonishing and ingenious architectural work. It is also one of the largest and best preserved in the Caribbean. The visit is a self-guided visit to Brimstone Hill. Your driver will provide history on Brimstone Hill on arrival and will also be present throughout the visit to answer any questions or queries.
You will then visit Fairview House for a journey back in time. This beautiful, 300-year-old property is a perfect example of a colonial house from that period on the island. During your visit, you will learn about the history of the owners of the house and the daily life of its inhabitants during the colonial period. From the veranda and the gardens, you will have a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and the twin island of Nevis.
Then, a scenic 30-minute drive will take you back to your ship.
- This excursion involves approximately 1 hour of walking on flat and uneven ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Boat & snorkelling tour
From the pier, board your boat and start sailing along the coast.
After a safety briefing, you will leave Gustavia's pier for "Les Ti-Saints" and its sheltered bay. You will discover different scenic panoramas of the island.
Once anchored in a bay, you will have some time to enjoy a swim in the warm waters of the bay or go snorkelling. An integral part of the Marine Reserve, the seabed near the rocks is particularly rich and colourful.
After enjoying your snorkeling time, followed by refreshments, you will re-board your boat and head back to the ship.
- This tour involves very limited walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, take a towel from the ship, and protect yourself from the sun. You will have to remove your shoes before embarking on your boat. Refreshments are included in the tour. The snorkeling is at sea without touch the sea floor, but you will have snorkeling vests and floating noodle. Snorkelling equipment is provided. Passengers must be able to use a ladder to embark and disembark without assistance. The captain may amend the excursion depending on weather conditions. This tour is limited to 8 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
ATV Adventure
From the pier, board a taxi and take a short ride to the ATV parking lot. Upon arrival, you will fill the rental agreement and receive your equipment.
After the safety briefing, you will start your adventure by ATV. You will leave Gustavia and take the road above the harbour. The ride makes its way to Saint-Jean, where the airport lies, passing the famous “Col de la Tourmente” where you may come across a plane landing! Enjoy a first photo stop here.
Then, you will drive around the pond of Saint-Jean and climb up the hill that is overlooking Salines. Continuing via the valley of “Petite Salines”, you will arrive in “Grand Fond”, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and dominated by the “Morne Vitet”. This mountain, the highest on the island (286 m / 938 ft), offers beautiful scenery composed of a deep green valley and the blue and white of the raging ocean. Continue your drive along the water towards Toiny.
Finally, you will reach Lorient and its famous flowered cemetery, Saint-Jean and its sea resort style with shops and restaurants, and will make it back to Gustavia ATV’s parking lot. After check-out, you will walk back to the pier.
- This tour involves a high level of effort and attention. Guests will drive their own vehicle amongst the heavy traffic. Drivers must be over 18 years old, passengers over 12 years old. Participants must wear closed shoes and a helmet during the tour. The operator will provide helmets. We recommend you wear long pants and a jacket while driving and protect yourself from the sun. The driver of the ATV must have a valid driver license with him as well as his own credit card. He will have to fill in the rental agreement. The driver is fully responsible for himself, for his passenger and for the vehicle. A €2000 security deposit will be collected on the credit card in case of any damages to the ATV. This amount will be unlocked after the tour, when the ATV will be controlled. The tour itinerary may be amended depending on traffic and roads conditions, therefore, total duration of this tour may vary accordingly. The ATV’s owner reserves the possibility to refuse a participant or stop the tour for a participant if he considers that the security of the participants can be jeopardised. The price is based on 2 people per ATV, in case a participant wants to be alone, he will have to purchase 2 tickets. This tour is limited to 8 ATV, so 8 drivers and 8 passengers.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Jost Van Dyke sail
From the pier, board a sleek vessel and enjoy motor catamran across the channel towards Tortola. The vessel will anchor off one of the surrounding islands (Little Thatch) or at Smugglers Cove, where you can snorkel and swim.
Then its "aweigh anchor" and set navigate to Sandy Cay, a tiny islet completely surrounded by powdery white sand, azure blue waters and an underwater world filled with colourful marine life. This island was purchased by Nelson Rockefeller for the preservation of wild bird life. You can swim, snorkel or sun on a very private beach.
Your tour continues to the eastern tip of Jost van Dyke which returns you to the ship's anchorage.
- This tour involves some walking times. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. Snorkel gear is included: vest, mask, snorkel and fins. The snorkel and swimming destinations may vary according to sea and weather conditions. A snack will be served on-board the boat. Participants must be at least 6 years old, be able to swim and accompanied by a parent. A signed waiver is required to participate. Passengers must be able to go on and off the boat without assistance. This tour is only conducted in English. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Syndicate Nature trail
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Syndicate, where you will start your hiking tour.
Nestled in the foothills of Dominica’s tallest mountain, Morne Diablotin, and close to the Picard River Gorge, is the Syndicate Nature Trail. Located in the National Park, this lasso trail is home to Dominica’s National Bird — the Sisserou Parrot (Amazona imperialis) — and the Jaco (Amazona arausiaca). The Syndicate area is popular for bird watching as it is a bird sanctuary for some of the 51 species of local and migratory birds that may be found in the park. This area also has a diverse array of flora. It is a key location for research and educational purposes and has lovely view points along a walking path.
The trail looping through the forest will allow you to discover the main interest points and offers a panoramic view on the Dublanc River Valley. If you are particularly lucky, you could see a Jaco or a Sisserou Parrot, the National Bird. The forest is full of other life forms, including four species of hummingbirds.
Upon completion of your short hike, you will proceed to Plantation Grove for refreshments, before embarking on the 45-minute drive back to your ship.
- This tour is an easy 1 ½ hour hike through the forest on muddy trails with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring an insect repellent and protect yourself from the sun. The refreshments are included on your tour. Participants must be in good physical condition. There is no guarantee you will observe any specific fauna or flora. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Indian River by rowboat
From the pier, board your coach for a 15-minute transfer to the Indian River.
The Indian River is like a mini-Amazon teeming with life. It runs through the centre of the town of Portsmouth, in the North of Dominica. The river was named the Indian River after the settlements of the Kalinago, formally known as Carib Indians, which existed on the upper banks of that river.
The Indian River gushes down the Morne aux Diables Mountain range and gently meanders down to the lowlands of Portsmouth, where it flows gracefully into the Caribbean Sea. Due to its unique formation, being below sea level, the water at the lower areas of the river is brackish, contributing to the unique variety of plants and animal life. The Indian River showcases flora and fauna that are specific only to that area of Dominica. Local fauna includes herons, king fisher, iguanas, and a variety of other birds, many of which are still present after the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Vegetation continues to grow and is returning in full force.
Experienced boatmen in hand-oared wooden rowboats will take you up the slow-moving river at a leisurely pace, so that you can appreciate the many types of wildlife and plant life along the swampy riverbanks.
See first-hand where scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed. Upriver you can take a short 10-minute walk in the botanical gardens and visit the renowned “Bush Bar”, where you can try their homemade rum punch.
After your 2-hour adventure, you will reboard your coach for a 15-minute drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves little walking on uneven grounds with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, bring an insect repellent and protect yourself from the sun. Refreshments are included on your tour. Participants must be in good physical condition and must be able to embark on and disembark from the wooden rowboats without assistance. Life jackets will be provided. There is no guarantee you will be able to see any specific flora or fauna. The wooden rowboats can welcome a maximum 10 participants. This tour is limited to 50 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Chocolate between history & tasting
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute, scenic drive to the village of Calibishie and Pointe Baptiste.
Pointe Baptiste cocoa is harvested and gathered from local farmers in an ecological manner. The chocolate factory is a small family business which supports sustainable practices.
Upon arrival, you will be personally welcomed by the family and invited to discover their estate, learn about cocoa farming and the chocolate making process. They will share their knowledge and experience, and show you all the different processes used in making chocolate — from bean to bar.
After your visit, you will taste their fine chocolate bars. They offer many different varieties of chocolate: dark chocolate, ginger, coffee, spice, hot pepper, lemongrass, tangerine, mint and milk chocolate.
Finally, you will reboard your coach for a 45-minute drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves little walking on uneven ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tasting is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Traditional Kalinago cultural experience
From the pier, board your coach for a one-hour scenic drive to the village of Touna Aute.
The Kalinago, formerly known as Carib Territory or the Carib Reserve, is a specially reserved district of Dominica. Covering an area of 15 km² (5.8 sq mile), it was established to bring together the indigenous Carib people (or Kalinagos), who occupied the West Indies archipelago before the arrival of Europeans.
This is an exciting and educational tour to the Kalinago village of Touna Aute. The village is located on the North Eastern side of the island and is bounded by the Pagua River. Touna Aute is surrounded by spectacular mountain gorges and is home of one of the island’s endemic parrots, called the Jaco parrot or red-necked amazon (Amazonia arausiaca).
On your arrival to the village, a former Kalinago Chief will welcome you and provide a brief historical overview of the Kalinago People and the community. Your visit will continue with a short, guided, walking tour through the residential community to visit a few homes. You will be given the opportunity to discover the sustainable technique of growing Kalinago indigenous foods and making cassava bread.
A typical buffet of homemade fresh delicacies and drinks will be served at the home of the former Kalinago Chief.
Then, you can have a refreshing moment, swimming in the crystal-clear river.
Finally, you will embark for the one-hour drive back to the ship.
- This excursion involves little and easy walking. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking tour & Napoleon fortress
From the pier, you will meet your guide to discover the secrets of Terre-de-Haut.
After a short walk, you will board a mini-bus and drive to the Vauban-style Fort Napoléon which overlooks ‘La Baie des Saintes’. It was built in the mid-1800's as a tribute to Napoleon III on the site of the original Fort Louis, destroyed by the English in 1809.
From here, you can either go on the guided tour or explore the fort on your own. You will then stroll down to a shipyard in Marigot Bay to see how they build traditional boats, before heading for the centre of Bourg.
Before returning to your ship, you will have the opportunity to taste the famous "Tourment d'Amour", a small round tart with a soft coconut, banana, guava or cherry filling depending on the season, which originates from these islands. A tasting will be organised according to the staff availabilities.
During this excursion, a snack of local fruit juices and manioc crackers will be served.
- This excursion involves around two hours of walking on uneven ground on different levels with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Les Saintes by boat & swimming
From the pier, board your motorboat and start your scenic journey around the isles of les Saintes. The archipelago of les Saintes consists of nine islands spread between Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas main islands.
Head first to the Marigot bay, a place in Terre-de-Haut Island well-known by local fishermen, before going around to reach îlet à Cabrit and other islets.
Sailing along the southern coast of Terre-de-Haut Island, you will then reach the small uninhabited island of Grand Ilet, a paradise for tortoises and seabirds. Following a stop at La Coche, continue to Terre-de-Bas where you can see an old pottery workshop, as well as tortoises and pelicans who settled there.
Back to Terre-de-Haut, you will then sail to the Pain de Sucre (Sugar loaf), a geological formation caused by an ancient basalt flow. There, enjoy some free time for bathing, snorkelling and having a refreshment, before sailing back to the pier and your ship.
- This tour involves very limited walking. We recommend you wear comfortable nonslip shoes, have your swimsuit under your clothes, take a towel and a bottle of water from the ship, and protect yourself from the sun. Mask and snorkel will be provided. Refreshments are included in the tour. The motorboat is equipped with removable roof and a ladder, but no toilets. Passengers must be able to embark and disembark without assistance. The fauna and flora observation is not guaranteed. This tour is limited to 12 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Catamaran sunset cruise
From the pier, board the catamaran and enjoy a journey into the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The mid-afternoon departure for this tour will give you the chance to watch the sunset from your boat.
Bequia is considered by many as one of the most beautiful dive spots in the Caribbean Sea. This archipelago shelters 30 easily accessible sites with crystal-clear waters offering exceptional views: caves and holes, walls and overhangs, hiding beautiful coral formations and marine life.
While sailing the crystalline waters, pass by “Moonhole”, a private community known for the lifestyle of its inhabitants: completely in harmony with nature. The lodgings are built directly into the landscape and most feature neither windows nor doors. After your discovery of this “Flintstones-esque” village, you will head to one of the neighbouring islands, Isle à Quatre where you will have some free time to relax or swim while watching the sunset over the horizon.
Finally, a 40-minute sail will take you back to your ship.
- This tour involves few walking times with some steps. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, take a warm jacket for the return after sunset, take a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. The snorkelling equipment is included in this tour. Participants must be able to get on and off the boat and to get into the water using a ladder. The catamaran is equipped with toilets, ladder and a changing room. You can reach the beach swimming from the catamaran. Refreshments are included on your tour. There will be a wet landing at the beach. This tour is limited to 70 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Catamaran & snorkelling
From the pier, board the catamaran and enjoy a journey into the heart of the Caribbean Sea.
Bequia is considered by many as one of the most beautiful dive spots in the Caribbean Sea. This archipelago shelters 30 easily accessible sites with crystal-clear waters offering exceptional views: caves and holes, walls and overhangs, hiding beautiful coral formations and marine life.
While sailing the crystalline waters, pass by “Moonhole”, a private community known for the lifestyle of its inhabitants: completely in harmony with nature. The lodgings are built directly into the landscape and most feature neither windows nor doors. After your discovery of this “Flintstones-esque” village, you will head to Petite Nevis, a region emblematic of whaling. There, you will drop anchor and be able to truly enjoy the seascape or even partake in a bit of snorkelling.
Finally, a 30-minute sail will take you back to your ship.
- This tour involves little walking with some steps. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, take a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. The snorkelling equipment is included in this tour. Participants must be able to get on and off the boat and to get into the water using a ladder. The catamaran is equipped with toilets, ladder and a changing room. Refreshments are included on your tour. There will be a wet landing at the beach. This tour is limited to 70 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Grenada aboard your zodiac
Grenada is an island of many hidden treasures: picturesque coastlines shaped by volcanic relief, isolated beaches and estates sheltering cocoa and nutmeg plantations. Spices have pride of place here, hence the nickname “Spice Island”.
A short drive away from the quayside, is the Port Louis marina where your zodiacs will be waiting.
After being given the safety instructions and your equipment, you will begin your adventure as the pilot of your own zodiac. This outing in open water and into the marine park will enable you to discover Grenada’s coast and various landscapes.
After around 30 minutes of pilotage, you will stop for a snorkelling excursion (45 minutes) to discover the underwater statues installed by the English artist Jason De Cayres Taylor. In May 2006, he created the world’s first underwater sculpture park in the waters of Grenada.
After this experience, you will set off again aboard your zodiac to explore the marine world of the Caribbean coast before returning to the marina.
Finally, you will arrive back at the quayside and your ship.
- This excursion includes a little walking. We recommend that you wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes, bring along a towel from the ship and protect yourselves from the sun. The zodiacs are fitted with 25 HP outboard motors and can accommodate up to two people. A safety vest is provided and must be worn during navigation. Equipment, fins, mask, snorkel and snorkelling vests are included for each participant. For the embarkation aboard the zodiacs, you will have to remove your shoes and remain bare foot. Aquashoes are accepted if the sole is clean of all aggressive residues. It is compulsory for participants aged under 18 years old to be accompanied by an adult. The maximum weight limit for two people per Zodiac is 180 kg (395 lbs). This excursion is not recommended for pregnant women, people with neck, back, hip or back problems or those suffering from cardiac or respiratory problems. Participants will have to sign a responsibility waiver.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
The secrets of the Spice Island
Grenada is an island of many hidden treasures: picturesque coastlines shaped by volcanic relief, isolated beaches and estates sheltering cocoa and nutmeg plantations. Spices have pride of place here, hence the nickname “Spice Island”.
From the quayside, you will board your coach and head up the west coast (on the Caribbean Sea) towards Gouyave, a small fishing town.
Arriving in Gouyave, you will visit the nutmeg cooperative to discover how what the locals call “Grenada gold” is harvested, processed and exported. In this well-protected site, you will go back a hundred years in time. See as the long procedure used to process this precious spice is still to this day, mainly in the agile hands of the “Mammas” (women). No modern machine or conveyor belt is used.
Then, you will visit the “Diamond Chocolate Factory”, set up in 2013 in a former rum distillery built in the 18th century by French monks. The visit will enable you to understand all the stages involved in the processing of cacao beans, from their harvesting on trees to the fermentation, sorting, drying, roasting, grinding and finally refining, to make a fine, 100% pure and unsweetened chocolate. In July 2016, the “Jouvay” organic chocolate was ranked among the 10 best chocolates in the world by National Geographic. The visit of this site ends with a tour of the cacao tree garden and a chocolate tasting accompanied by a fresh fruit juice.
Continuing towards the north, you will go to Sauteurs to discover “Leaper’s Hill” where, in 1651, the Kalinagos, the last indigenous people of Grenada, preferred to jump off a 40-metre cliff rather than become prisoners of the French army.
You will then head for the restaurant of a plantation located in the north-east of the island where you will be served a buffet of traditional Creole dishes for lunch. After the meal, you will discover the River Antoine Rum Distillery, created in 1784 and the oldest rum production site still in activity today in all of the Caribbean islands.
Finally, at Grenville, you will leave the east coast and cross the heart of Grenada to the Grand Etang National Park for an immersion in the interior of the island, between tropical rainforest and plantations before reaching Saint George's.
- This excursion is a panoramic tour that includes some walking on uneven ground with some steps. This excursion is not suitable for people who cannot walk around 300 metres and who cannot get on or off the bus without assistance. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourselves from the sun. Photography is not authorised inside the Gouyave factory. Lunch is included in your excursion and also includes a bottle of water and a glass of wine. Due to the seasonal character of the plantations, the sites visited may be more or less active depending on the pace of harvesting; as a consequence, some machines may either be in operation or idle at the time of the visits.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Nutmeg & chocolate
Grenada is an island of many hidden treasures: picturesque coastlines shaped by volcanic relief, isolated beaches and estates sheltering cocoa and nutmeg plantations. Spices have pride of place here, hence the nickname “Spice Island”.
From the quayside, you will board your coach for a 50-minute drive towards the north of the island. In Grenada, all along the Caribbean coast, fishing villages come one after another and the beaches stretch out in long coral and volcanic ribbons.
Arriving in Gouyave, you will visit the nutmeg cooperative to discover how what the locals call “Grenada gold” is harvested, processed and exported. In this well-protected site, you will go back a hundred years in time. See as the long procedure used to process this precious spice is still to this day, mainly in the agile hands of the “Mammas” (women). No modern machine or conveyor belt is used.
Then, you will visit the “Diamond Chocolate Factory”, set up in 2013 in a former rum distillery built in the 18th century by French monks. The visit will enable you to understand all the stages involved in the processing of cacao beans, from their harvesting on trees to the fermentation, sorting, drying, roasting, grinding and finally refining, to make a fine, 100% pure and unsweetened chocolate. In July 2016, the “Jouvay” organic chocolate was ranked among the 10 best chocolates in the world by National Geographic. The visit of this site ends with a tour of the cacao tree garden and a chocolate tasting accompanied by a fresh fruit juice.
Finally, you will arrive back at the quayside and your ship.
- This excursion includes some walking on uneven ground with some steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourselves from the sun. This excursion is not suitable for people who cannot walk around 300 metres and who cannot get on or off the bus without assistance. Photography is not authorised inside the Gouyave factory. Due to the seasonal character of the plantations, the sites visited may be more or less active depending on the pace of harvesting; as a consequence, some machines may either be in operation or idle at the time of the visits.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Soufriere by sea & land
During this tour, discover the tropical island’s natural beauty.
From the pier, board your catamaran for a cruise along the west coast, passing beautiful bays. Time will be allowed for swimming in one of them. Time will be allowed for swimming at one of the bays before reaching to Soufrière.
Once arriving, you will disembark the catamaran and board a bus for the short drive to Soufrière, referred to as the Caribbean's only "drive-in" volcano. This historic site is the result of volcanic eruptions some 300,000 years ago. The Soufrière is an active volcano, where you will have the occasion to observe the Sulphur springs. Smell the sulphur as you enter the gates and inhale the natural scents (it has been proven that the sulphur water has many medicinal properties). See the sulphuric fumaroles and steam jet escape from the soil whereas the sulphurous water of the natural baths boil at a temperature which can reaching 338 °F (170 °C).
After a short drive, you will reach Morne Coubaril Estate for a guided tour hof this sprawling plateau farm and have your lunch. Producer of cocoa, coffee, coconuts, bananas and an assortment of other tropical products, this working plantation has been in the business of cultivation since the 17th century. It maintains some of the same harvesting and processing practices that have served it in good stead for hundreds of years.
After your lunch, you will continue to the Botanical Gardens and Diamond Baths, where the exuberant vegetation spreads its colour among a profusion of exotic flowers. The garden was a famous spot for Napoléon's wife, Joséphine. Marvel at the tropical plants carefully arranged along the sides of the pathway leading to the waterfall.
Finally, you will return to your ship, at anchor in Soufrière Bay.
- This tour involves walking times with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is not recommended for persons suffering from hip, back, knee nor respiratory problems. Your beverage package includes 1 beer or soft drink and a coffee. Children must be at least 5 years old to participate and be accompanied by a parent. This tour is limited to 80 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Magical Soufrière
From the pier board your coach for a leisurely drive through the town of Soufrière, which is considered as the only volcano accessible by car.
Then you will visit the Sulphur Springs, referred to as the Caribbean's only "drive-in" volcano. This historic site is the result of volcanic eruptions some 300,000 years ago. The Soufrière is an active volcano, where you will have the occasion to observe the Sulphur springs. Smell the sulphur as you enter the gates and inhale the natural scents (it has been proven that the sulphur water has many medicinal properties). You can admire the sulphuric fumaroles and steam jet outgoing from the floor whereas the sulphurous water of the natural baths boil at a temperature which can reaching 338 °F (170 °C).
After a short drive, you will reach Morne Coubaril Estate, a sprawling plateau farm. Producer of cocoa, coffee, coconuts, bananas and an assortment of other tropical products, you will enjoy a guided tour of this working plantation has been in the business of cultivation since the 17th century. It maintains some of the same harvesting and processing practices that have served it in good stead for hundreds of years.
Enjoy refreshment and relax, before heading back to Soufrière dock and your ship.
- This tour involves few walking times on uneven and sometimes slippery ground with 32 steps to negotiate at Sulphur Spring. We recommend you wear good walking shoes, comfortable clothes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is not recommended for persons suffering from back problems. Please note that tour is operated by minibuses which comfort is very basic but driving time is short in between venues.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, a multisensorial underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
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.
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.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
03/12/2022 - FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF FORT-DE-FRANCE (PRE) + FLAVOURS OF MARTINIQUE (POST)
TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF FORT-DE-FRANCE
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Fort-de-France
Meet at the 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 be directly transferred to the pier for embarkation. The duration of the transfer is approximately 45 minutes.
Your programme includes:
- Transfer by coach from the airport to the port.
- Services of a local English-speaking hostess at the airport.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and hostess.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Duration of the transfer 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 : £30
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Sail & snorkel
From the pier, board your coach for a 15-minute drive to reach your catamaran.
Following a safety briefing, you will sail along the Leeward Coast of St Kitts, passing the Frigate Bay resort area and Friars Bay before arriving at the snorkelling destination.
Then you will sail to another snorkelling site as the secluded cove of Shittens Bay. This calm, unspoiled location is only accessible by sea and shelters an abundance of marine life, with several varieties of reef fish amongst the volcanic rock formations, sea fans and sponges. Special supervision is given to those who have never snorkelled before or those who are out of practice with the technique of snorkelling.
After this snorkelling adventure, the sails are hoisted for the final tranquil trip back to the ship. Enjoy an open bar serving ice-cold beer, rum punch and soft drinks.
- We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes and protect yourself from the sun. Mask, snorkel and fins are provided. All guests must remove their shoes before embarking the catamaran; they cannot wear water shoes onboard the catamaran. Participants must be able to get in/out of the water by ladder unassisted. Guests may wear water shoes and soft shoes onboard the catamaran. This tour is limited to 55 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Essential of Saint Kitts
From the pier, board your coach and start your 15-minute drive to Basseterre and discover Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Romney Manor Botanical Gardens and Fairview Great House.
Basseterre is a historic capital with a mix of traditional French and Victorian architecture. Here, you will discover old churches, West Indian cottages, and a former slave market.
Your first stop will be made at the Romney Gardens and Caribelle Batik Studios. This 12-acre gardens setting are quite simply stunning. It is at this beautiful location that local artists produce the fabric and apparel for which Caribelle Batik has become widely acclaimed.
From the top of the Brimstone Hill fortress, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, enjoy panoramic views of the coast, the surrounding countryside and the neighbouring islands. The first cannons were brought to Brimstone Hill in 1690. The English and French engaged in frequent naval battles to gain control of this part of the world. This construction is an astonishing and ingenious architectural work. It is also one of the largest and best preserved in the Caribbean. The visit is a self-guided visit to Brimstone Hill. Your driver will provide history on Brimstone Hill on arrival and will also be present throughout the visit to answer any questions or queries.
You will then visit Fairview House for a journey back in time. This beautiful, 300-year-old property is a perfect example of a colonial house from that period on the island. During your visit, you will learn about the history of the owners of the house and the daily life of its inhabitants during the colonial period. From the veranda and the gardens, you will have a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and the twin island of Nevis.
Then, a scenic 30-minute drive will take you back to your ship.
- This excursion involves approximately 1 hour of walking on flat and uneven ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Boat & snorkelling tour
From the pier, board your boat and start sailing along the coast.
After a safety briefing, you will leave Gustavia's pier for "Les Ti-Saints" and its sheltered bay. You will discover different scenic panoramas of the island.
Once anchored in a bay, you will have some time to enjoy a swim in the warm waters of the bay or go snorkelling. An integral part of the Marine Reserve, the seabed near the rocks is particularly rich and colourful.
After enjoying your snorkeling time, followed by refreshments, you will re-board your boat and head back to the ship.
- This tour involves very limited walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, take a towel from the ship, and protect yourself from the sun. You will have to remove your shoes before embarking on your boat. Refreshments are included in the tour. The snorkeling is at sea without touch the sea floor, but you will have snorkeling vests and floating noodle. Snorkelling equipment is provided. Passengers must be able to use a ladder to embark and disembark without assistance. The captain may amend the excursion depending on weather conditions. This tour is limited to 8 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
ATV Adventure
From the pier, board a taxi and take a short ride to the ATV parking lot. Upon arrival, you will fill the rental agreement and receive your equipment.
After the safety briefing, you will start your adventure by ATV. You will leave Gustavia and take the road above the harbour. The ride makes its way to Saint-Jean, where the airport lies, passing the famous “Col de la Tourmente” where you may come across a plane landing! Enjoy a first photo stop here.
Then, you will drive around the pond of Saint-Jean and climb up the hill that is overlooking Salines. Continuing via the valley of “Petite Salines”, you will arrive in “Grand Fond”, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and dominated by the “Morne Vitet”. This mountain, the highest on the island (286 m / 938 ft), offers beautiful scenery composed of a deep green valley and the blue and white of the raging ocean. Continue your drive along the water towards Toiny.
Finally, you will reach Lorient and its famous flowered cemetery, Saint-Jean and its sea resort style with shops and restaurants, and will make it back to Gustavia ATV’s parking lot. After check-out, you will walk back to the pier.
- This tour involves a high level of effort and attention. Guests will drive their own vehicle amongst the heavy traffic. Drivers must be over 18 years old, passengers over 12 years old. Participants must wear closed shoes and a helmet during the tour. The operator will provide helmets. We recommend you wear long pants and a jacket while driving and protect yourself from the sun. The driver of the ATV must have a valid driver license with him as well as his own credit card. He will have to fill in the rental agreement. The driver is fully responsible for himself, for his passenger and for the vehicle. A €2000 security deposit will be collected on the credit card in case of any damages to the ATV. This amount will be unlocked after the tour, when the ATV will be controlled. The tour itinerary may be amended depending on traffic and roads conditions, therefore, total duration of this tour may vary accordingly. The ATV’s owner reserves the possibility to refuse a participant or stop the tour for a participant if he considers that the security of the participants can be jeopardised. The price is based on 2 people per ATV, in case a participant wants to be alone, he will have to purchase 2 tickets. This tour is limited to 8 ATV, so 8 drivers and 8 passengers.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Jost Van Dyke sail
From the pier, board a sleek vessel and enjoy motor catamran across the channel towards Tortola. The vessel will anchor off one of the surrounding islands (Little Thatch) or at Smugglers Cove, where you can snorkel and swim.
Then its "aweigh anchor" and set navigate to Sandy Cay, a tiny islet completely surrounded by powdery white sand, azure blue waters and an underwater world filled with colourful marine life. This island was purchased by Nelson Rockefeller for the preservation of wild bird life. You can swim, snorkel or sun on a very private beach.
Your tour continues to the eastern tip of Jost van Dyke which returns you to the ship's anchorage.
- This tour involves some walking times. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. Snorkel gear is included: vest, mask, snorkel and fins. The snorkel and swimming destinations may vary according to sea and weather conditions. A snack will be served on-board the boat. Participants must be at least 6 years old, be able to swim and accompanied by a parent. A signed waiver is required to participate. Passengers must be able to go on and off the boat without assistance. This tour is only conducted in English. This tour is limited to 35 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Syndicate Nature trail
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Syndicate, where you will start your hiking tour.
Nestled in the foothills of Dominica’s tallest mountain, Morne Diablotin, and close to the Picard River Gorge, is the Syndicate Nature Trail. Located in the National Park, this lasso trail is home to Dominica’s National Bird — the Sisserou Parrot (Amazona imperialis) — and the Jaco (Amazona arausiaca). The Syndicate area is popular for bird watching as it is a bird sanctuary for some of the 51 species of local and migratory birds that may be found in the park. This area also has a diverse array of flora. It is a key location for research and educational purposes and has lovely view points along a walking path.
The trail looping through the forest will allow you to discover the main interest points and offers a panoramic view on the Dublanc River Valley. If you are particularly lucky, you could see a Jaco or a Sisserou Parrot, the National Bird. The forest is full of other life forms, including four species of hummingbirds.
Upon completion of your short hike, you will proceed to Plantation Grove for refreshments, before embarking on the 45-minute drive back to your ship.
- This tour is an easy 1 ½ hour hike through the forest on muddy trails with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring an insect repellent and protect yourself from the sun. The refreshments are included on your tour. Participants must be in good physical condition. There is no guarantee you will observe any specific fauna or flora. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Indian River by rowboat
From the pier, board your coach for a 15-minute transfer to the Indian River.
The Indian River is like a mini-Amazon teeming with life. It runs through the centre of the town of Portsmouth, in the North of Dominica. The river was named the Indian River after the settlements of the Kalinago, formally known as Carib Indians, which existed on the upper banks of that river.
The Indian River gushes down the Morne aux Diables Mountain range and gently meanders down to the lowlands of Portsmouth, where it flows gracefully into the Caribbean Sea. Due to its unique formation, being below sea level, the water at the lower areas of the river is brackish, contributing to the unique variety of plants and animal life. The Indian River showcases flora and fauna that are specific only to that area of Dominica. Local fauna includes herons, king fisher, iguanas, and a variety of other birds, many of which are still present after the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Vegetation continues to grow and is returning in full force.
Experienced boatmen in hand-oared wooden rowboats will take you up the slow-moving river at a leisurely pace, so that you can appreciate the many types of wildlife and plant life along the swampy riverbanks.
See first-hand where scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed. Upriver you can take a short 10-minute walk in the botanical gardens and visit the renowned “Bush Bar”, where you can try their homemade rum punch.
After your 2-hour adventure, you will reboard your coach for a 15-minute drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves little walking on uneven grounds with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, bring an insect repellent and protect yourself from the sun. Refreshments are included on your tour. Participants must be in good physical condition and must be able to embark on and disembark from the wooden rowboats without assistance. Life jackets will be provided. There is no guarantee you will be able to see any specific flora or fauna. The wooden rowboats can welcome a maximum 10 participants. This tour is limited to 50 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Chocolate between history & tasting
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute, scenic drive to the village of Calibishie and Pointe Baptiste.
Pointe Baptiste cocoa is harvested and gathered from local farmers in an ecological manner. The chocolate factory is a small family business which supports sustainable practices.
Upon arrival, you will be personally welcomed by the family and invited to discover their estate, learn about cocoa farming and the chocolate making process. They will share their knowledge and experience, and show you all the different processes used in making chocolate — from bean to bar.
After your visit, you will taste their fine chocolate bars. They offer many different varieties of chocolate: dark chocolate, ginger, coffee, spice, hot pepper, lemongrass, tangerine, mint and milk chocolate.
Finally, you will reboard your coach for a 45-minute drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves little walking on uneven ground with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tasting is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Traditional Kalinago cultural experience
From the pier, board your coach for a one-hour scenic drive to the village of Touna Aute.
The Kalinago, formerly known as Carib Territory or the Carib Reserve, is a specially reserved district of Dominica. Covering an area of 15 km² (5.8 sq mile), it was established to bring together the indigenous Carib people (or Kalinagos), who occupied the West Indies archipelago before the arrival of Europeans.
This is an exciting and educational tour to the Kalinago village of Touna Aute. The village is located on the North Eastern side of the island and is bounded by the Pagua River. Touna Aute is surrounded by spectacular mountain gorges and is home of one of the island’s endemic parrots, called the Jaco parrot or red-necked amazon (Amazonia arausiaca).
On your arrival to the village, a former Kalinago Chief will welcome you and provide a brief historical overview of the Kalinago People and the community. Your visit will continue with a short, guided, walking tour through the residential community to visit a few homes. You will be given the opportunity to discover the sustainable technique of growing Kalinago indigenous foods and making cassava bread.
A typical buffet of homemade fresh delicacies and drinks will be served at the home of the former Kalinago Chief.
Then, you can have a refreshing moment, swimming in the crystal-clear river.
Finally, you will embark for the one-hour drive back to the ship.
- This excursion involves little and easy walking. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking tour & Napoleon fortress
From the pier, you will meet your guide to discover the secrets of Terre-de-Haut.
After a short walk, you will board a mini-bus and drive to the Vauban-style Fort Napoléon which overlooks ‘La Baie des Saintes’. It was built in the mid-1800's as a tribute to Napoleon III on the site of the original Fort Louis, destroyed by the English in 1809.
From here, you can either go on the guided tour or explore the fort on your own. You will then stroll down to a shipyard in Marigot Bay to see how they build traditional boats, before heading for the centre of Bourg.
Before returning to your ship, you will have the opportunity to taste the famous "Tourment d'Amour", a small round tart with a soft coconut, banana, guava or cherry filling depending on the season, which originates from these islands. A tasting will be organised according to the staff availabilities.
During this excursion, a snack of local fruit juices and manioc crackers will be served.
- This excursion involves around two hours of walking on uneven ground on different levels with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Les Saintes by boat & swimming
From the pier, board your motorboat and start your scenic journey around the isles of les Saintes. The archipelago of les Saintes consists of nine islands spread between Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas main islands.
Head first to the Marigot bay, a place in Terre-de-Haut Island well-known by local fishermen, before going around to reach îlet à Cabrit and other islets.
Sailing along the southern coast of Terre-de-Haut Island, you will then reach the small uninhabited island of Grand Ilet, a paradise for tortoises and seabirds. Following a stop at La Coche, continue to Terre-de-Bas where you can see an old pottery workshop, as well as tortoises and pelicans who settled there.
Back to Terre-de-Haut, you will then sail to the Pain de Sucre (Sugar loaf), a geological formation caused by an ancient basalt flow. There, enjoy some free time for bathing, snorkelling and having a refreshment, before sailing back to the pier and your ship.
- This tour involves very limited walking. We recommend you wear comfortable nonslip shoes, have your swimsuit under your clothes, take a towel and a bottle of water from the ship, and protect yourself from the sun. Mask and snorkel will be provided. Refreshments are included in the tour. The motorboat is equipped with removable roof and a ladder, but no toilets. Passengers must be able to embark and disembark without assistance. The fauna and flora observation is not guaranteed. This tour is limited to 12 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Catamaran sunset cruise
From the pier, board the catamaran and enjoy a journey into the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The mid-afternoon departure for this tour will give you the chance to watch the sunset from your boat.
Bequia is considered by many as one of the most beautiful dive spots in the Caribbean Sea. This archipelago shelters 30 easily accessible sites with crystal-clear waters offering exceptional views: caves and holes, walls and overhangs, hiding beautiful coral formations and marine life.
While sailing the crystalline waters, pass by “Moonhole”, a private community known for the lifestyle of its inhabitants: completely in harmony with nature. The lodgings are built directly into the landscape and most feature neither windows nor doors. After your discovery of this “Flintstones-esque” village, you will head to one of the neighbouring islands, Isle à Quatre where you will have some free time to relax or swim while watching the sunset over the horizon.
Finally, a 40-minute sail will take you back to your ship.
- This tour involves few walking times with some steps. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, take a warm jacket for the return after sunset, take a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. The snorkelling equipment is included in this tour. Participants must be able to get on and off the boat and to get into the water using a ladder. The catamaran is equipped with toilets, ladder and a changing room. You can reach the beach swimming from the catamaran. Refreshments are included on your tour. There will be a wet landing at the beach. This tour is limited to 70 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Catamaran & snorkelling
From the pier, board the catamaran and enjoy a journey into the heart of the Caribbean Sea.
Bequia is considered by many as one of the most beautiful dive spots in the Caribbean Sea. This archipelago shelters 30 easily accessible sites with crystal-clear waters offering exceptional views: caves and holes, walls and overhangs, hiding beautiful coral formations and marine life.
While sailing the crystalline waters, pass by “Moonhole”, a private community known for the lifestyle of its inhabitants: completely in harmony with nature. The lodgings are built directly into the landscape and most feature neither windows nor doors. After your discovery of this “Flintstones-esque” village, you will head to Petite Nevis, a region emblematic of whaling. There, you will drop anchor and be able to truly enjoy the seascape or even partake in a bit of snorkelling.
Finally, a 30-minute sail will take you back to your ship.
- This tour involves little walking with some steps. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, take a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. The snorkelling equipment is included in this tour. Participants must be able to get on and off the boat and to get into the water using a ladder. The catamaran is equipped with toilets, ladder and a changing room. Refreshments are included on your tour. There will be a wet landing at the beach. This tour is limited to 70 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Grenada aboard your zodiac
Grenada is an island of many hidden treasures: picturesque coastlines shaped by volcanic relief, isolated beaches and estates sheltering cocoa and nutmeg plantations. Spices have pride of place here, hence the nickname “Spice Island”.
A short drive away from the quayside, is the Port Louis marina where your zodiacs will be waiting.
After being given the safety instructions and your equipment, you will begin your adventure as the pilot of your own zodiac. This outing in open water and into the marine park will enable you to discover Grenada’s coast and various landscapes.
After around 30 minutes of pilotage, you will stop for a snorkelling excursion (45 minutes) to discover the underwater statues installed by the English artist Jason De Cayres Taylor. In May 2006, he created the world’s first underwater sculpture park in the waters of Grenada.
After this experience, you will set off again aboard your zodiac to explore the marine world of the Caribbean coast before returning to the marina.
Finally, you will arrive back at the quayside and your ship.
- This excursion includes a little walking. We recommend that you wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes, bring along a towel from the ship and protect yourselves from the sun. The zodiacs are fitted with 25 HP outboard motors and can accommodate up to two people. A safety vest is provided and must be worn during navigation. Equipment, fins, mask, snorkel and snorkelling vests are included for each participant. For the embarkation aboard the zodiacs, you will have to remove your shoes and remain bare foot. Aquashoes are accepted if the sole is clean of all aggressive residues. It is compulsory for participants aged under 18 years old to be accompanied by an adult. The maximum weight limit for two people per Zodiac is 180 kg (395 lbs). This excursion is not recommended for pregnant women, people with neck, back, hip or back problems or those suffering from cardiac or respiratory problems. Participants will have to sign a responsibility waiver.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
The secrets of the Spice Island
Grenada is an island of many hidden treasures: picturesque coastlines shaped by volcanic relief, isolated beaches and estates sheltering cocoa and nutmeg plantations. Spices have pride of place here, hence the nickname “Spice Island”.
From the quayside, you will board your coach and head up the west coast (on the Caribbean Sea) towards Gouyave, a small fishing town.
Arriving in Gouyave, you will visit the nutmeg cooperative to discover how what the locals call “Grenada gold” is harvested, processed and exported. In this well-protected site, you will go back a hundred years in time. See as the long procedure used to process this precious spice is still to this day, mainly in the agile hands of the “Mammas” (women). No modern machine or conveyor belt is used.
Then, you will visit the “Diamond Chocolate Factory”, set up in 2013 in a former rum distillery built in the 18th century by French monks. The visit will enable you to understand all the stages involved in the processing of cacao beans, from their harvesting on trees to the fermentation, sorting, drying, roasting, grinding and finally refining, to make a fine, 100% pure and unsweetened chocolate. In July 2016, the “Jouvay” organic chocolate was ranked among the 10 best chocolates in the world by National Geographic. The visit of this site ends with a tour of the cacao tree garden and a chocolate tasting accompanied by a fresh fruit juice.
Continuing towards the north, you will go to Sauteurs to discover “Leaper’s Hill” where, in 1651, the Kalinagos, the last indigenous people of Grenada, preferred to jump off a 40-metre cliff rather than become prisoners of the French army.
You will then head for the restaurant of a plantation located in the north-east of the island where you will be served a buffet of traditional Creole dishes for lunch. After the meal, you will discover the River Antoine Rum Distillery, created in 1784 and the oldest rum production site still in activity today in all of the Caribbean islands.
Finally, at Grenville, you will leave the east coast and cross the heart of Grenada to the Grand Etang National Park for an immersion in the interior of the island, between tropical rainforest and plantations before reaching Saint George's.
- This excursion is a panoramic tour that includes some walking on uneven ground with some steps. This excursion is not suitable for people who cannot walk around 300 metres and who cannot get on or off the bus without assistance. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourselves from the sun. Photography is not authorised inside the Gouyave factory. Lunch is included in your excursion and also includes a bottle of water and a glass of wine. Due to the seasonal character of the plantations, the sites visited may be more or less active depending on the pace of harvesting; as a consequence, some machines may either be in operation or idle at the time of the visits.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Nutmeg & chocolate
Grenada is an island of many hidden treasures: picturesque coastlines shaped by volcanic relief, isolated beaches and estates sheltering cocoa and nutmeg plantations. Spices have pride of place here, hence the nickname “Spice Island”.
From the quayside, you will board your coach for a 50-minute drive towards the north of the island. In Grenada, all along the Caribbean coast, fishing villages come one after another and the beaches stretch out in long coral and volcanic ribbons.
Arriving in Gouyave, you will visit the nutmeg cooperative to discover how what the locals call “Grenada gold” is harvested, processed and exported. In this well-protected site, you will go back a hundred years in time. See as the long procedure used to process this precious spice is still to this day, mainly in the agile hands of the “Mammas” (women). No modern machine or conveyor belt is used.
Then, you will visit the “Diamond Chocolate Factory”, set up in 2013 in a former rum distillery built in the 18th century by French monks. The visit will enable you to understand all the stages involved in the processing of cacao beans, from their harvesting on trees to the fermentation, sorting, drying, roasting, grinding and finally refining, to make a fine, 100% pure and unsweetened chocolate. In July 2016, the “Jouvay” organic chocolate was ranked among the 10 best chocolates in the world by National Geographic. The visit of this site ends with a tour of the cacao tree garden and a chocolate tasting accompanied by a fresh fruit juice.
Finally, you will arrive back at the quayside and your ship.
- This excursion includes some walking on uneven ground with some steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourselves from the sun. This excursion is not suitable for people who cannot walk around 300 metres and who cannot get on or off the bus without assistance. Photography is not authorised inside the Gouyave factory. Due to the seasonal character of the plantations, the sites visited may be more or less active depending on the pace of harvesting; as a consequence, some machines may either be in operation or idle at the time of the visits.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Soufriere by sea & land
During this tour, discover the tropical island’s natural beauty.
From the pier, board your catamaran for a cruise along the west coast, passing beautiful bays. Time will be allowed for swimming in one of them. Time will be allowed for swimming at one of the bays before reaching to Soufrière.
Once arriving, you will disembark the catamaran and board a bus for the short drive to Soufrière, referred to as the Caribbean's only "drive-in" volcano. This historic site is the result of volcanic eruptions some 300,000 years ago. The Soufrière is an active volcano, where you will have the occasion to observe the Sulphur springs. Smell the sulphur as you enter the gates and inhale the natural scents (it has been proven that the sulphur water has many medicinal properties). See the sulphuric fumaroles and steam jet escape from the soil whereas the sulphurous water of the natural baths boil at a temperature which can reaching 338 °F (170 °C).
After a short drive, you will reach Morne Coubaril Estate for a guided tour hof this sprawling plateau farm and have your lunch. Producer of cocoa, coffee, coconuts, bananas and an assortment of other tropical products, this working plantation has been in the business of cultivation since the 17th century. It maintains some of the same harvesting and processing practices that have served it in good stead for hundreds of years.
After your lunch, you will continue to the Botanical Gardens and Diamond Baths, where the exuberant vegetation spreads its colour among a profusion of exotic flowers. The garden was a famous spot for Napoléon's wife, Joséphine. Marvel at the tropical plants carefully arranged along the sides of the pathway leading to the waterfall.
Finally, you will return to your ship, at anchor in Soufrière Bay.
- This tour involves walking times with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is not recommended for persons suffering from hip, back, knee nor respiratory problems. Your beverage package includes 1 beer or soft drink and a coffee. Children must be at least 5 years old to participate and be accompanied by a parent. This tour is limited to 80 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Magical Soufrière
From the pier board your coach for a leisurely drive through the town of Soufrière, which is considered as the only volcano accessible by car.
Then you will visit the Sulphur Springs, referred to as the Caribbean's only "drive-in" volcano. This historic site is the result of volcanic eruptions some 300,000 years ago. The Soufrière is an active volcano, where you will have the occasion to observe the Sulphur springs. Smell the sulphur as you enter the gates and inhale the natural scents (it has been proven that the sulphur water has many medicinal properties). You can admire the sulphuric fumaroles and steam jet outgoing from the floor whereas the sulphurous water of the natural baths boil at a temperature which can reaching 338 °F (170 °C).
After a short drive, you will reach Morne Coubaril Estate, a sprawling plateau farm. Producer of cocoa, coffee, coconuts, bananas and an assortment of other tropical products, you will enjoy a guided tour of this working plantation has been in the business of cultivation since the 17th century. It maintains some of the same harvesting and processing practices that have served it in good stead for hundreds of years.
Enjoy refreshment and relax, before heading back to Soufrière dock and your ship.
- This tour involves few walking times on uneven and sometimes slippery ground with 32 steps to negotiate at Sulphur Spring. We recommend you wear good walking shoes, comfortable clothes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is not recommended for persons suffering from back problems. Please note that tour is operated by minibuses which comfort is very basic but driving time is short in between venues.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
FLAVOURS OF MARTINIQUE
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Fort-de-France
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
First you will be taken to Morne Savon, a hilly suburb of Balata where is located the Church of Balata. The Church of Balata is a small replica – scaled down to a fifth of the original monument - of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris. The pure white Dome and bell tower contrast with the lush vegetation of its surroundings. Built in 1925, it offers an impressive panorama over the city of Fort-de-France. If the church is opened and there is no mass celebrated, you will get the opportunity to visit its interior during this photo stop.
You will them spend about one hour at Balata Botanical Garden created in 1982 by the expert botanist Jean-Philippe Thoze. Inspired by his journeys, this garden is an epic floral works of art made out of roses, hibiscus, orchids, and many other plants. Today it contains about 3,000 varieties of tropical plants from around the world. It is organized around the family house built in a typical creole style. You will experience a nice stroll in the quiet, shady paths lined with colourful flowers appealing to the eyes as much as to the smell.
You will continue your exploration to the village of Le Francois for the visit of the Habitation Clement. The Habitation Clement stands an important place in the architectural and industrial patrimony of Martinique. It has been recognized as a Historic Monument by the Ministry of Culture. The term ‘Habitation’ in its Creole sense, describes a property and its structures dedicate to agricultural or commercial purpose. You will get the chance to visit the domain, the main house and the distillery. At the end of your visit, enjoy a Rum tasting.
You will then join the restaurant where your lunch will be served. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 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 and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- To visit the Church of Balata, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees). It is not permitted to visit the church during masses.
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 : £160
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF FORT-DE-FRANCE (PRE) + FLAVOURS OF MARTINIQUE (POST)
Total : £0
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.