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Charlotteville, Tobago

Adventure in Orinoco

Example 13 Day Cruise aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville
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Leaving Martinique, make your way to the lovely island of Saint Lucia. Close to the Soufriere volcano, be fascinated by the island's two iconic granite pitons, which are Unesco World Heritage Sites. Then explore the lovely beaches of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which are known for their underwater world's diversity. Bathe against a backdrop of beautiful beaches, turquoise seas, and lagoons for an unforgettable bathing experience. After a day in Grenada, Le Dumont-d'Urville would sail towards Venezuela's coast, eventually reaching the Orinoco, one of South America's major rivers.
Port Elizabeth, BequiaBridgetown, BarbadosBridgetown, BarbadosBoats Moored to the Quay at Bridgetown HarbourCharlotteville, Tobago
Highlights
  • Cruise between the sunny Caribbean and the exotic Orinoco River
  • Observe unique wildlife including macaws, toucans, caimans & river dolphins
  • Swim and enjoy the natural beauty of a waterfall and the forest in Charlotteville
  • Experience Bridgetown, the bustling capital of Barbados
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Fort-de-France | Embark

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendor of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbor 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 colorful 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.

Day 2: Pigeon Point | Soufriére

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Linked to St. Lucia by a sand causeway, Pigeon Island has been a designated National Park since 1979. The tropical vegetation of this wild, protected island is home to abundant birdlife. It is easy to explore on foot; the remains of Fort Rodney offer an insight into the region's naval history as well as fabulous views. Two beautiful beaches nestled on the southern side of the island, where you can take a dive adventure, an exciting mix of diving and snorkeling.

Nestled in the crook of a breath-taking bay, the former capital of St. Lucia is brimming with attractions.  Soufriére is famous for The Pitons, volcanic spires that tower over the entrance to the town, and you will fall in love with its authentic Creole charm and warm friendly atmosphere. As well as diving and swimming off exquisite beaches, don't miss Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens for the mineral baths, one of the natural wonders of the Caribbean.

Day 3: Bequia Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. This secluded island, strongly attached to its tradition of whale hunting, is popular with visiting yachties and divers.  Port Elizabeth, the island's main town, has a lively atmosphere and further afield tropical rainforest and white-sand beaches provide a natural setting for peaceful walks.

Day 4: Mayreau Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 5: Saint George's, Grenada

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Delicately set against the back of a bay on the west coast of Grenada, Saint George’s attracts newcomers by the beauty of its location and its friendly, festive atmosphere. This “spice island” capital is an excellent base for visiting the surrounding natural sites, but you can spend some time here moseying around its narrow streets where colonial houses and lush green gardens coexist. Carenage is Saint George’s lively commercial fishing harbor, high in color, especially when the boats are being loaded with fruit and vegetables destined for neighboring islands. 5 kilometers south, the Grand Anse beach is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean Islands. 

Day 6: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 7: El Toro, Orinoco

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 8: Puerto Ordaz, Orinoco

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Puerto Ordaz, Orinoco built in 1952 as the administrative center of the "Orinoco Mining Company”, where iron was shipped to international markets, Puerto Ordaz is now one of the most modern cities in the country. From the union of this city "San Felix", was born the city of "Ciudad Guayana" in 1961. Another very important industry in this area is the hydropower with the Guri dam, the second largest hydroelectric plant in the world. Even if Puerto Ordaz is an industrial city, it has some unexpectedly beautiful nature parks.

Depart by coach to Cachamay Park. This pleasant zoological park located by the river is only half a mile south of Puerto Ordaz. It offers beautiful views on the 600-feet wide Caroni River falls. The Caroni River, or "Rio Caroni", is the largest tributary of the Orinoco. Its waters are renowned for black diamonds.
You will find in the heart of this park a large sample of the main trees of the Bolivar state, including the amazing palms. The fauna variety of the Cachamay and La Llovizna Parks are representative of the Orinoco River, land of the caimans, jaguars, howler monkeys, sloths, turtles, otters ... and the countless species of colorful birds that occupy the lush tropical vegetation.

Your second stop brings you to La Llovizna Park (or drizzle Park) where you can admire the spectacular waterfalls of Salto La Llovizna at the confluence of the Orinoco River and the Rio Caroni. The numerous waterfalls provide electricity for much of the country. The hydroelectric or Macagua Gury, was inaugurated in 1997. It contains, among other things, a superb museum, the Ecomuseum Caroni, bordered by a spectacular place called "Place of Water".

Day 9: El Arroyo, Orinoco

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 10: Charlotteville

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
From the pier, board your coach and drive to Roxborough. This drive takes you through the lush green rainforest and then along the coast, offering panoramic views as far as Goat Island and Little Tobago. You can admire Kings Bay and other views of the Atlantic Ocean. Once arriving in Roxborough, a short drive along an alley of tall trees brings you to the starting point of your short hike. Along the way, pass through an abandoned cocoa estate, where you can see the remaining cocoa trees and other interesting flora and fauna.
Then, your walk takes you to the beautiful Argyle Waterfall; the most stunning fall in Tobago. At a height of 54 m (175 ft) it is the tallest waterfall on the island. The cool water tumbles in a series of stepped cascades, encircled by lush green foliage. The easy hike from the parking area to the waterfalls takes around 20-30 minutes. Along the way you are greeted by butterflies and a variety of birds. Nearer the falls there are some large stones to negotiate around. There are deep pools for swimming at the first cascade, at the base of the waterfall.
You can swim and enjoy the natural beauty of the waterfall, the surrounding forest and the soothing sounds of the water. After this refreshing and invigorating experience, a short drive through villages and forest, and partly along the coast, takes you back to the ship in Charlotteville.

Day 11: Bridgetown

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Bridgetown, the bustling capital of Barbados, is located on the island's south-west coast. Its historic quarters are Unesco World Heritage Sites and contain prime examples of British colonial architecture, which you will see between the postcard-perfect fishing harbor and St Ann's Fort. Streets shaded by palms and flamboyant trees lead you to the Anglican cathedral church of St Michael, built from coral stone, the Barbados Museum and George Washington House, a Georgian-style mansion. There'll be plenty of time to relax on the Caribbean beaches of Carlisle Bay, a few paces from the old town center.

Day 12: Tobago Cays

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 that has some outstanding marine fauna in its turquoise lagoons. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkellers.

Day 13: Fort-de-France | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendor of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbor 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 colorful 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.

Ship/Hotel

Le Dumont-d'Urville

Le Dumont-d'Urville Ship
Le Dumont-d'Urville Restaurant
Le Dumont-d'Urville Paint Gallery

Dates & Prices

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Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Deluxe Suite
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 6m² private balcony
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
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Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m² Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin 8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 12 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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