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7 Jan 26, from £9,110
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Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean – with Smithsonian Journeys

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys

Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean – with Smithsonian Journeys

  • Itinerary
    Nosy Be to Victoria, Mahé
    Duration
    11 days
  • Dates
    7 Jan 26 to 17 Jan 26
    Prices from
Request a quote

Come aboard Le Bougainville for an unforgettable voyage.

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

 

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

The western reaches of the Indian Ocean contain some of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world, and this 11-day voyage aboard Le Bougainville introduces the very best of them, as you sail from northern Madagascar through more than 1,000 miles of the Seychelles Archipelago. Along the way, you will encounter coral reefs teeming with fish, colonies of seabirds breeding and nesting on jagged volcanic cliffs, lush vegetation, unbelievably picturesque beaches, and the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of an expansive open sea.

From Nosy Be in northern Madagascar, spend your first day exploring two islands: Nosy Tanikely, a tiny islet with a magnificent white sand beach on an unbelievably blue lagoon with an exceptional diversity of marine and terrestrial life; and the "lemur island" of Nosy Komba, covered in dense tropical rainforest that is the ideal habitat for the small mammals that are emblematic of Madagascar.

Le Bougainville arrives next at Nosy Hara, a marine protected area and national park remarkably rich in wildlife: 279 species of coral fish, 108 species of corals, 5 species of sea turtles, whales, dolphins, 31 species of birds, and 18 species of reptiles including the smallest chameleon in the world.

Rounding the northern tip of Madagascar, your experience continues with a full day in Diego Suarez, the second-largest bay in the world, after Rio de Janeiro. The city (renamed Antsiranana in 1975), was an important naval outpost for the French until the late 20th century, and their influence remains clearly evident in the colonial architecture of the old town. But the primary attraction of the region is the bay itself. Comprising several smaller bays, including the famous Emerald Sea Lagoon and Andovazaha Bay, home to emblematic Sugarloaf Island, Diego Suarez offers splendid beaches, panoramic views, and an inviting, laid-back approach to life.

Your ship sails next towards Seychelles and two pristine atolls in the heart of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. From the beaches of Assumption Island, watch for sea turtles which use its pristine beaches to breed and lay eggs. Saint-François, covered in coconut trees, provides ideal habitat for myriad birds and is a splendid location for both hiking and snorkeling. You head next to Remire Island, prized for its extraordinary biodiversity, especially its rich marine life.

Le Bougainville continues north to a group of small granite islands, where you spend a day immersed in the essence of a tropical paradise—turquoise waters inviting you to swim, vegetation sheltering native fauna, and beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees. Explore the bird sanctuary of Aride Island, where more than 1.25 million seabirds breed, and La Digue, home to the iconic picture-postcard beach at Anse Source d'Argent.

Your cruise ends the following day in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles on the island of Mahé.

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

Print
Destination

Destination

Indian Ocean

Nosy Be to Victoria, Mahé

Duration

11 days, 10 nights on board

Smithsonian Journeys, Discoveries

Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Jane Hooper

Jane Hooper, Grant Nel

Activity in each port of call + one-way flight mauritius/nosy be + transfers included

Diving

Diving

Ref: NVAM45US - EG070126

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included activity in each port of call.
  • Engaging lectures and discussions on board with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including wildlife conservationist and naturalist Grant Nel and Indian Ocean historian Jane Hooper.
  • A team of experienced naturalist guides and Zodiac drivers.
  • In the Seychelles, the iconic beach at Anse Source d’Argent, surrounded by large blocks of granite and edged with coconut palms.
  • The Aride nature reserve, a treasure of the Seychelles with some 73 hectares of colorful vegetation and more than one million birds.
  • In Madagascar, a rich endemic flora and fauna: lemurs, chameleons, red-tailed tropicbirds, radiated tortoises, multi-colored fish and green turtles, and more.
  • A full day off the coast of Diego Suarez in the Emerald Sea Lagoon.
  • Extensive snorkeling and birding opportunities.
  • Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.
Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean – with Smithsonian Journeys null

Customize your journey:

Guests

Sharing your journey with

Jane Hooper null

Jane Hooper

Grant Nel null

Grant Nel

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and refinement

*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.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean – with Smithsonian Journeys

Itinerary

Embarkation 07/01/26 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 07/01/26 at 0:00

7 Jan 26 - Nosy Be
7 Jan 26 - Nosy Be

Arrival 08/01/26 Departure 08/01/26

8 Jan 26 - Nosy Tanikely
8 Jan 26 - Nosy Tanikely

Arrival 08/01/26 Departure 08/01/26

8 Jan 26 - Nosy Komba
8 Jan 26 - Nosy Komba

Arrival 09/01/26 Departure 09/01/26

9 Jan 26 - Nosy Hara
9 Jan 26 - Nosy Hara

Arrival 10/01/26 Departure 10/01/26

10 Jan 26 - Diego Suarez (Antsiranana)
10 Jan 26 - Diego Suarez (Antsiranana)

Arrival 11/01/26 Departure 11/01/26

11 Jan 26 - At sea
11 Jan 26 - At sea

Arrival 12/01/26 Departure 13/01/26

12 Jan 26 > 13 Jan 26 - Assumption Island
12 Jan 26 > 13 Jan 26 - Assumption Island

Arrival 14/01/26 Departure 14/01/26

14 Jan 26 - Saint François Atoll
14 Jan 26 - Saint François Atoll

Arrival 15/01/26 Departure 15/01/26

15 Jan 26 - Rémire island
15 Jan 26 - Rémire island

Arrival 16/01/26 Departure 16/01/26

16 Jan 26 - Aride Island
16 Jan 26 - Aride Island

Arrival 16/01/26 Departure 16/01/26

16 Jan 26 - La Digue Island
16 Jan 26 - La Digue Island

Arrival 17/01/26 Disembarkation 17/01/26 at 8:00

17 Jan 26 - Victoria, Mahé
17 Jan 26 - Victoria, Mahé

Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean – with Smithsonian Journeys

Included package

Activity in each port of call + one-way flight Mauritius/Nosy Be + transfers included

Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean – with Smithsonian Journeys

Customize your journey

Relaxing mauritius (1 night)

RELAXING MAURITIUS (1 NIGHT)
Details

Rest up from your flight to Mauritius before continuing with your Indian Ocean experience.

Day 1 — Port Louis, Mauritius

Arrive at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Port Louis, where you will be met and transferred to the Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa on Mauritius's south coast. Check into your room immediately upon arrival and spend the balance of the day at leisure enjoying the resort's many amenities.

Dinner this evening is at the hotel.

Day 2 — Port Louis / Nosy Be, Madagascar

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by time at leisure to enjoy the resort until you transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Nosy Be and embarkation on Le Bougainville.

Your hotel:

Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa is a 4-star plus retreat located on a private peninsula on Mauritius's south coast, minutes from the airport. Amid a tropical setting of turquoise waters and lush gardens, the resort offers a blend of natural beauty, land and sea activities, and world-class amenities. The property features spacious rooms designed for comfort and relaxation, three private beaches, water sports, a fitness center and spa, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

Your program includes:

·        1 night at the Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa, with immediate morning check in.

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled arrival day

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 2

·        Breakfast on Day 2

·        Dinner on Day 1

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

·        An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        The official currency is the Mauritian Rupee. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or transfers.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Blue Bay

Le Chaland 51510

Mauritius

Telephone: +230 603 4100


Total

£800/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

A mauritius getaway (3 nights)

A MAURITIUS GETAWAY (3 NIGHTS)
Details

What better way to begin your Indian Ocean experience than with four days at a luxury resort on the island of Mauritius?

Day 1 — Port Louis, Mauritius | Anahita Golf & Spa Resort

Arrive at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Port Louis, where you will be met and transferred to the 5-star Anahita Golf & Spa Resort on Mauritius's east coast. Check in to your Junior Suite and spend the balance of the day at leisure enjoying the resort's many amenities. Dinner this evening is at the hotel.

Day 2Anahita Golf & Spa Resort

Today is a full day of relaxation at the resort, with a variety of activities to choose from. The resort's location, opposite the renowned Île aux Cerfs, provides guests with exclusive beach access and a variety of water sports activities. The wellness center offers a serene spa experience, complemented by a state-of-the-art fitness center and two outdoor pools. Guests can also enjoy tennis, cycling, and water sports.

Golf enthusiasts have access to two championship 18-hole courses, including one designed by Ernie Els (additional cost). Dinner is at the hotel.

Day 3Anahita Golf & Spa Resort

After breakfast, travel to Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Established in 1770, the garden is renowned for its diverse collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including Gainat Water Lilies, Spices and Palms.

Continue to the iconic Château de Labourdonnais, a beautifully restored colonial mansion in the north of Mauritius. This Neoclassical home from the mid-19th century is one of the island's most important heritage sites. Begin your visit at the onsite rum distillery with a tour and tasting, followed by exploration of the Château itself. Set amid orchards and lush gardens, the elegant house is furnished with period pieces and gives a vivid sense of colonial life, with exhibits ranging from antique furniture to old kitchen tools and family portraits. Enjoy lunch at the Château before returning to your hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure, with dinner at the hotel

Day 4Anahita Golf & Spa Resort | Nosy Be | Embarkation

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by time at leisure to enjoy the resort until you transfer to Port Louis for your charter flight to Nosy Be and embarkation on Le Bougainville.

Your hotel:

Anahita Golf & Spa Resort is a luxurious 5-star retreat located in Beau Champ on Mauritius's tranquil east coast. Spanning over 525 acres of lush tropical gardens, the resort offers a blend of elegance, natural beauty, and world-class amenities. The property features spacious suites and villas, each designed for comfort and privacy. Accommodations include a kitchenette, cozy living area, and a veranda with seating overlooking the gardens and golf courses.

Your program includes:

·        3 nights at the Anahita Golf & Spa Resort, accommodations in a Junior Suite

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled arrival day

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport and from airport to ship on Day 4

·        Breakfast on Days 2, 3, and 4

·        Lunch on Day 3

·        Dinner on Days 1, 2, and 3

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

·        Hotel check in time is at 2:00pm.

·        An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        The official currency is the Mauritian Rupee. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

Anahita Golf & Spa Resort

Beau Champ

Grande Riviere Sud Est

Mauritius

Telephone: +230 402 2200


Total

£2,630/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Treasures of mahé (2 nights)

TREASURES OF MAHÉ (2 NIGHTS)
Details

Extend your time in the magical world of the Seychelles with this three-day post cruise program based at the luxurious Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare. Combine exploration of Mahé's history with time to enjoy the amenities of this 5-star property.

Day 1 — Disembark | Mahé

After breakfast aboard, disembark and immerse yourself in the history, both natural and cultural, of this largest island in the Seychelles Archipelago. Travel first to the National Botanical Gardens, boasting over 280 plant species, from endemics to ornamentals. Begun as an agricultural research station in 1901, it has been transformed into a Public Park and is now among the most visited conservation sites in the country. Highlights include Coco de Mer plants and Thai and Chinese Gardens.

Continue to Victoria, capital of the Seychelles, where a guided tour passes several of the city's historical landmarks—the Clock Tower, a memorial to Queen Victoria; the 1892 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; and a modern (1992) Hindu Temple, dedicated to Ganesh. The tour ends at the bustling local market, where you will have some time at leisure to browse the stalls. Leaving Victoria, drive into the island's interior to the hilltop vantage point of Mission Lodge, with perhaps the grandest vista on Mahe. The site of a 19th-century school for the children of freed slaves, it has been partially restored by the government and submitted for consideration as a UNESCO Heritage Site.

After your visit at the mission, travel south along the west coast of the island to the Cap Lazare Nature Reserve, where you will have lunch, followed by time at leisure to explore the area's unique flora and fauna, including a group of Giant Land Tortoises. Later in the afternoon transfer to the nearby Kempinski Seychelles Resort, your home for the next two nights. Dinner is at the hotel.

Day 2 — Mahé

After breakfast, the morning begins with a visit to Jardin du Roi, a picturesque 85-acre plantation located in the valley of South Mahé. This working plantation produces a wide variety of spice plants, tropical fruit trees, essential oil plants, and endemic palms. Follow your guide along trails through the rainforest plantation, hand feed the giant tortoises, sample exotic fruits, and note the tropical birds and fruit bats that abound.

Continue to La Plaine St. André, a colonial-era sugar plantation that is home to the Takamaka Rum Distillery. A tour of the site includes an explanation of the entire production process from extracting the sugarcane juice through fermentation and distillation and ends with a tasting of the island's award-winning rum.

Return the hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy the many amenities of your 5-star resort. Dinner is at the hotel.

Day 3 — Mahé | Depart

Today is entirely at leisure for you to take advantage of all that the resort has to offer—book an appointment at the spa; get some exercise in the fitness center; try your hand at snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding; lounge at the beach or poolside—the list is not endless, but it is long.

Dinner is at the hotel. You will have access to your room until you transfer to the airport for evening flights homeward.

Your hotel:

Located on the southwest coast of Mahé Island, nestled between the slopes of Mount Kempinski and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, The Kempinski Seychelles Resort features 148 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. All accommodations include private balconies or terraces, air conditioning, satellite TV, iPod docking stations, tea-and-coffee-making facilities, and minibars. Four restaurants offer a choice of cuisine and ambience. The amenities and activities available range include a wellness spa, fitness center, and pool, as well as a wide variety of water sports and land activities.

Your program includes:

·        2 nights at the Kempinski Seychelles Resort with late check out on Day 3

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on disembarkation day

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3

·        Breakfast on Days 2 and 3

·        Lunch on Day 1

·        Dinner on Days 1, 2, and 3

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.

·        An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        The official currency is the Seychellois Rupee. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants, as are Euros and US Dollars.

·        This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

Kempinski Seychelles Resort

Baie Lazare

Mahé, Seychelles

Telephone: +248 438 6666


Total

£1,270/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.