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Mahe - Morne Seychellois National Park

The Seychelles Under the Trade Winds

Victoria,Mahé - Victoria,Mahé - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Le Ponant
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Experience extraordinary sailing aboard Le Ponant on this 10-day Seychelles cruise. This remarkable group of islands features rich biodiversity, granitic islands, and coral atolls. Naturalist guides provide lectures on marine ecology during aboard or ashore excursions or zodiac inflatable excursions. Numerous opportunities exist for scuba diving, free-diving, and yoga. Explore the flora and fauna of the Seychelles during a scuba diving lesson for beginners or an intermediate dive with an experienced instructor.
 
View an abundance of wildlife Tropical wonderlandsSeychelles white beachesIncredible snorkeling opportuntiesSeychelles Islands beachLagoon in the SeychellesMahe - Morne Seychellois National Park
Highlights
  • Discover the wonderful fine white sand beaches of Mahe
  • Watch terns and seabirds at the Amirantes Banks
  • Dive among the coral reefs, fish, and other sea creatures
  • Snorkel with sea turtles at pristine beaches
Places Visited
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: Victoria, Mahé | Embark

Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.

Day 2: African Banks

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located 30 km (18.6 miles) north of Remire, on the edge of the Amirantes Bank, the African Banks were discovered in 1797 by Admiral Willaumez, commanding the frigate La Régénérée. The group of two islets, separated by a lagoon, forms a pseudo-atoll, their common base being granitic. The coast of these small uninhabited islands appearing only at low tide is gradually being eroded. This former important nesting site for terns and seabirds is surrounded by waters teeming with fish. Renowned among divers, the African Banks boast the most beautiful sea beds visible at such a short distance from the shore: in the east of the North Island is an exceptional drop-off to 300 metres (984 feet). This promises a memorable dive.

Day 3: Bijoutier Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Bijoutier Island is one of the three idyllic islands of the Alphonse Atoll, considered the most intact and unspoiled group of islands in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Formed around volcanos having vanished into the abyssal depths of the Indian Ocean, they are protected by splendid and fragile coral reefs.  The jewel of the Alphonse Atoll, the Bijoutier lagoon is set with beaches of coconut trees bordering this 2-hectare setting, a haven of peace for herons, colonies of frigate birds, tortoises and giant crabs. Since 2007, the natural treasures of this desert island have been preserved by the atoll’s conservation centre, which is dedicated to restoring the biodiversity of the island ecosystems.​

Day 4: Poivre Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At some 200 km south-west of Mahé, discover Poivre Atoll, a small paradise that is part of the Amirantes archipelago, in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Consisting of two coral islands, Poivre Island and Ile du Sud, separated by a small lagoon, it owes its name to Pierre Poivre, the Mauritius intendant who introduced spices to the Seychelles in the late 18th century. Once used for coconut plantations, Poivre Island is now focused on tourism. Visitors come here for scuba diving or big-game fishing in waters that are particularly rich and clean, where the marine life includes sea turtles.

Day 5: Thérèse Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Thérèse is an uninhabited island of Inner Seychelles. From the heights of this tiny island covered in abundant vegetation, the Mahé summits can be seen. Its tropical beach, a 700-meter long (2,300 feet) ribbon of golden sand lined with coconut trees, is one of the most beautiful in Seychelles. The crystal-clear waters in shades of turquoise edging this piece of confetti in the Indian Ocean are home to numerous species of multicolored tropical fish. In this stunning setting, away from the world, the myth of Robinson Crusoe can be reinvented.

Day 6: Curieuse island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Situated off the coast of Praslin, Curieuse has a distinguishing feature: its red earth. Discovered in 1768 by the French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, it was ravaged by a fire in 1771 and then home to a leper colony of which a few vestiges still remain. Declared a national marine park in 1979, it is home to many underwater species, which can be discovered while scuba diving or snorkeling in the idyllic waters of the Indian Ocean. But above all, Curieuse is renowned for the hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises that live there. It is highly likely that you will get the chance to meet these fascinating reptiles. Along with Praslin, it is also the only island on which the sea coconut grows wild.

Day 7: Aride Island | Grande Sœur

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Aride is an island in Seychelles situated a few kilometers northwest of Praslin. Listed as a nature reserve, this pearl of the Indian Ocean will seduce you with the beauty of its landscapes of wild cliffs and fine-sand beaches. Protected from human impact and sometimes called “bird capital”, it is home to several endemic plants as well as exceptional wildlife. Most notably, it is the refuge of an impressive number of seabirds (Seychelles magpie-robins, terns, noddies, and more), and reptiles, such as Wright’s skinks, which can be found in the island’s wooded areas. Sea turtles can also be observed on the island’s beaches.

Located 6 km north of La Digue, Grande Sœur Island is renowned for its two sumptuous beaches and its translucent waters, protected by a coral reef. An ideal spot for snorkeling and observing the sea turtles that co-exist here with the many multi-colored fish. The pristine Grande Sœur Island is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in Seychelles.

Day 8: Praslin Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Situated some forty kilometers away from Victoria, Praslin is the second-largest island in Seychelles. Its idyllic beaches where granite rocks nestle in immaculate sand correspond perfectly to how we imagine Seychelles to be. They invite visitors to dive into the turquoise waters, which are ideal for snorkeling. In the center of the island, hidden in the heart of stunning tropical rainforest, lies the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this veritable plant sanctuary, several endemic species of palm trees can be observed, as well as the famous sea coconut, which can weigh up to 20 kg and is sometimes called “coco fesse” because its shape calls to mind a pair of buttocks.

Day 9: La Digue Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of Seychelles. Located 6 km south-east of Praslin, this small piece of land that looks like paradise is the third-largest island in Seychelles, despite its modest size (5 km by 3 km)! Turquoise waters just asking you to swim in them, lush vegetation sheltering giant tortoises, beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees and surrounded with those emblematic large granite rocks with their pink highlights like at the famous Anse Source d’Argent: the perfect picture postcard… Authentic and preserved, the island follows a peaceful rhythm, with the only means of transport along its little roads being bikes or traditional oxcarts.

Day 10: Victoria, Mahé | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Discover Mahé, the main island of Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 meters high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvelous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.

Ship/Hotel

Le Ponant

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$13,110
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Select a Date
Mistral Stateroom
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
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Mistral Prestige Stateroom
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
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Alizé Stateroom with balcony
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
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Mistral Junior Suite
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Select a Date
Prestige Alizé stateroom with balcony
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Select a Date
Mistral Prestige Suite
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Select a Date
Alizé Privilège Suite with balcony
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Select a Date
Grand Privilège Alizé Suite with balcony
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Select a Date
Owner's Suite with balcony
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 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
  • Diving & Initiation Dive
    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.

Map

When to Go

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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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