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Dramatic sunset over La Digue Island in the Seychelles

Adventures in Madagascar

Port Louis - Victoria, Mahé - Example 16 Day Cruise aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville
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Aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville, set off on this 16-day expedition cruise from Mauritius to Seychelles in the Indian Ocean to discover "the island continent" of Madagascar. Experience beaches, dives, encounters with local populations, and endemic fauna and flora in rarely visited places of stunning natural beauty. From Port Louis, on the island of Mauritius, you'll first sail to Reunion before reaching the shores of Madagascar. Explore the wild expanses of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the southwest of Madagascar. Along the immense beaches edged with dunes in Sarodrano, experience an exceptional encounter with one of the planet’s last "sea nomad" people, the Vezo. You'll discover their fishing villages and ancestral maritime know-how.
Mahe - Morne Seychellois National ParkLemurs of MadagascarMadagascar periwinkleA snorkeler explorers the ocean floor around Madagascar.Dramatic sunset over La Digue Island in the Seychelles
Highlights
  • Explore the untamed plains of Madagascar's UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
  • Discover beautiful atolls, coral reefs, lagoons, mangroves, and beaches
  • Enjoy La Digue's most renowned beach, Anse Source d'Argent
  • Discover the diverse and unique wildlife of Madagascar
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Port Louis | Embark

On the northwest coast of Mauritius, discover Port-Louis, the country’s multicultural capital. Constantly in movement, the city, which was once a port of call on the route to India, is home to many cultural and historic treasures. In addition to the city’s market, where you discover all the local flavors and many handicrafts, make sure that you visit Fort Adelaide. Nestling on the heights of Port-Louis, this citadel built in the 16th century, classified as a national heritage monument, offers sumptuous views over the surroundings. Not far from there, the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden reveals to you its countless plant species, coming from all four corners of the world. 

Day 2: Pointe Des Galets

At the end of the 19th century, the construction of the port of Pointe des Galets lasted seven years, with the town called Le Port emerging in its wake. Also, hear the name “Port-Réunion” used to designate the Pointe des Galets, which is the main port on the island of Réunion. In fact, it is the only port in France that has five functions: naval base, passenger terminal, commercial port, fishing port, and marina. The old town of the Port conjures up the area’s rich history, which is connected to transport. Discover the former house of the Réunion Railway and Port Company (1878), its marine cemetery, and its teeming covered market.

Day 3-4: At Sea

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 is also an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, do some shopping in the boutique, or meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Day 5: Nosy Ve

Five kilometers out to sea from the Malagasy village of Anakao, Nosy Ve is an unspoiled paradise of exceptional wild beauty. Located on a two-kilometer (1.2 miles) long coral bank, this island is unique in that it is home to a colony of endemic birds commonly called red-tailed tropicbirds. This nature reserve, a nesting site for rare birds, is unique because it is this species’ only reproduction site. The duckboards installed on the island enable you to observe the birds hidden from view under the forest of Madagascar jewel. This Eden dotted with natural pools is also a setting for coral, fish, and sea turtles you can discover while snorkeling.

Day 6-7: Sarodrano | Toliara

Located to the southwest of the island of Madagascar, near the mouth of the River Onilahy, Toliara is a port town that opens onto the Mozambique Channel. Inhabited for several centuries, becoming prosperous during the colonial period in the 19th century, Toliara is a cheerful town with unspoiled nature and exceptional flora that certainly appeals to fans of botany. The Antsokay Arboretum botanical garden with nearly 1,000 Madagascar plant species, 90% of which are endemic, is worth a fragrant and charming detour. Cultural heritage is not to be outdone, with the interesting museums of Mahafaly ethnology and the Museum of the Sea.

Sarodrano is a small village in the southwest of Madagascar in the province of Atsimo-Andrefana, at the mouth of the Onilahy River. This village of Vezo fishermen possesses the authentic and unspoiled charm of remote places. Be surprised by the dexterity with which these “nomads of the sea” steer their outrigger canoes to fish or keep up their ancestral traditions like seaweed cultivation. If the tide allows it, discover the sacred cave of Sarodrano, a natural freshwater pool separated from the sea by just 10 meters (33 feet) of rocks.
 

Day 8: Belo Sur Mer

In the southwest of the Menabe Region, in the district of Morondava, marvel at the picturesque beauty of Belo Sur Mer. This peninsula edged with mangroves alternates fine sandy beaches with rocks plunging into a sea whose shades fall between deep blue and crystal-clear green. This fishing village is renowned for its dhows, the traditional sailing boats of Madagascar, which are built in situ, in the local artisanal boatyard. The choreography of these vessels coming and going on the beach sets the pace of life in the village, bestowing it with a unique charm.

Day 9: At Sea

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 is also an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, do some shopping in the boutique, or meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Day 10: Majunga

A lively and cosmopolitan town on the west coast of Madagascar, Majunga, also called Mahajanga, is a port of call rich in discoveries. The former capital of the Sakalava kingdom, then a significant interchange due to its prime position between Africa and the Middle East, the city displays an interesting cultural patchwork. Also renowned for its outstanding natural sites, this port of call provides you with the opportunity to discover Anakarafantsika National Park, home to many endemic animal and plant species, or the Cirque Rouge, immense red sandstone formations classified as national heritage.

Day 11: Nosy Tanikely | Nosy Komba

In the heart of the Nosy Be archipelago, discover Nosy Tanikely, nicknamed the “island of little earth.” In addition to a magnificent white sand beach bordering a lagoon of crystal-clear waters, the island, which is uninhabited, has exceptional marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Thanks to this, the area has been classified as a “marine and coastal protected area” since 2010. It is a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. Hiking fans won’t be left out either: a stunning walk that climbs to the summit of the island enables them to discover the old lighthouse built at the beginning of the 20th century and enjoy superb views over the ocean and surrounding islands.

During your cruise, your ship stop in Nosy Komba, otherwise known as “lemur island”. Not far from the Madagascar mainland, this volcanic island shaped like a gigantic turtle shell is covered in dense tropical rainforest. This vegetation is home to amusing black lemurs – furry orange-brown and black creatures that are surprisingly agile and call to each other from amongst the trees. The many small beaches and the emerald-colored water make Nosy Komba a natural gem that only a select few visit.

Day 12: Nosy Hara

Its limestone rock formations rising from the waters, or marine “tsingies” typical of Madagascar, make Nosy Hara both exceptional and immediately recognizable. Located to the northwest of Madagascar, the island is a protected area due to its incredible biodiversity. It is a veritable open-air aquarium inhabited by around 280 marine species. The rocky columns edged with gorgeous white sand and pebble beaches fading into shades of deep blue make an idyllic place cut off from the world. Succumb to the charms of this untouched jewel that welcomes you into its stunning decor for a special experience. This is an ideal location for snorkeling.

Day 13-14: At Sea

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 is also an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, do some shopping in the boutique, or meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Day 15: La Digue Island

La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of Seychelles. Located 6 km southeast 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 3km)! 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 16: Victoria, Mahe | 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 Dumont-d'Urville

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

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$9,410 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin
Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Deluxe Suite
Area: 27 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 6m² private balcony
Cabin
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m² 8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m² 8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m² Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin 8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Cabin
Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Included
  • 15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 15 Dinners
  • 15 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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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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