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Boats Moored to the Quay at Bridgetown Harbour

Sailing the Orinoco

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Le Champlain
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Explore an authentic rainforest and relax on the paradisiacal islands of the Caribbean on this exceptional 11-day adventure departing from Cayenne and sailing to the Salvation Islands. In the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century, these three tracts of land resting in the Atlantic Ocean were penal colonies where convicts, political prisoners, and known criminals were exiled and held in prisons which you can visit. Le Champlain takes you to the unique setting that is the Orinoco Delta, for unforgettable sailing surrounded by extremely dense vegetation. Immerse yourself in the special atmosphere that reigns here as you enjoy the sounds of jungle birds and moving encounters with the locals. End your cruise in the heart of the Caribbean, where you can swim in idyllic waters in the Grenadines and Barbados.
View over the Orinoco riverColonial architecture, Cayenne, French GuianaMorning in the RainForestPeople working on a fishing boatBoats Moored to the Quay at Bridgetown Harbour
Highlights
  • Visit the historic former prisons on the idyllic Salvation Islands
  • Float the meanders of the Orinoco River through the tropical rainforest
  • Discover Paramaribo's traditional market and picturesque old churches
  • Swim & relax in the clear-blue waters of the Caribbean
  • Observe an incredible variety of endemic wildlife, including caimans
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: Cayenne, French Guyana | Embark

Capital of French Guyana located more than 7,000 km from the French mainland, Cayenne offers a harmonious ensemble of monuments, beaches, and old creole houses on the eastern side of the South American continent. Between history and modernity, the city is marked by the presence of the former prisons, the vestiges of which can be seen on the Salvation Islands. This port of call gives you the opportunity to visit two museums, the Musée local de la Guyana and the Musée des cultures guyanaises, and learn more about the historic and cultural interests of the region. The Place des Palmistes, with its three soaring Guisanbourg palm trees, is the main square in Cayenne. It provides the setting for a variety of events throughout the year.

Day 2: Iles Du Salut

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Paramaribo, Suriname

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Optional Excursion: 

Paramaribo Historical City Tour - length: 3h30m. From the pier, board your coach to the Hindu Temple for a visit to one of the largest in the Caribbean. Next, visit Fort Zeelandia and its museum. This fortress was built by British colonists (originally called Fort Willoughby) in 1651 around a small trading post, created by the Dutch. It was captured again by the Dutch and given its present name in 1667. Visit also the cathedral. One of the preserved buildings is the Saint Peter & Paul Cathedral at the former Gravenstraat (now called Henck Arronstraat), completely built in wood. The Cathedral is the largest wooden building in South America. Stop at the Mosque and Synagogue and the Palmgarden. Before returning to the pier, see the inner historical city tour.

Day 4: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 5: Cruising the Orinoco River | El Toro

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 6: Crusing the Orinoco River | El Arroyo

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 7: Tobago Cayes

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Scattered between St. Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprise 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 snorkelers.

Day 8: Bequia

  • 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 9: Bridgetown, Barbados

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Bridgetown, the bustling capital of Barbados, is located on the island's southwest coast. Its historic quarters are UNESCO World Heritage sites and contain prime examples of British colonial architecture, which you can 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 is plenty of time to relax on the Caribbean beaches of Carlisle Bay, a few paces from the old town center.

Optional Excursions: 

Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise - length: 4h. After disembarking, take a shuttle towards the catamaran dock. After a 15-minute drive, step on board the catamaran to relax on the crystal-clear waters along the coast line of Barbados. Your first stop is to swim and snorkel with the sea turtles and other exotic and colorful fishes. A short distance away you can go to a sandy beach where you can swim, snorkel, or just walk along the shore. Refreshments are included (no alcoholic beverages before snorkeling).

Best of Barbados - length: 4h. From the terminal building, a scenic ride to Gun Hill Signal Station takes you right through the heart of the capital of Bridgetown with its many historic buildings and then up to Government Hill past the residences of the Governor General and the Prime Minister. Your next stop is St. John's Parish Church. This classic Gothic church was built to replace a previous structure, which had been destroyed by a hurricane in 1831. This historic church boasts a spectacular view of Barbados' wind-swept east coast, and is steeped with island history. Your last stop is at Sunbury Plantation House, which is known to date back to the 1600's. The house is steeped in history and features Barbados mahogany antiques, original prints, and a unique collection of elegant horse-drawn carriages. Enjoy a refreshing drink in the tranquil gardens or the courtyard before it is time to head back to your ship.

4WD Adventure - length: 3h. During this tour, discover the interior of the Island, which for the most part is inaccessible by other forms of transport. The 4x4 convoy meanders through the lush countryside. You can explore the sugar estates with their timeless Great Houses and maybe have the chance to see the mischievous Barbadian green monkey. During your trip, admire the rugged Eastern Shoreline with its 1000-foot cliff edge! Next, descend to the unspoiled East Coast Road and feel the sea spray caused by the pounding Atlantic Ocean. The convoy continues its journey through quaint villages of the Scotland District before heading over to the Platinum Coast, known for its up-market five-star properties. At the end of the tour, return to the pier and your ship.

Day 10: Fort de France, Martinique | Disembark

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France amazes 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 breathtaking 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. Say farewell to your fellow passengers and the crew and start your journey back home. 

Ship/Hotel

Le Champlain

Le Champlain Pool
Ponant Sauna
Swimming pool

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,320
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with French window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Deluxe Suite
Area: 27 m². 6m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower. Up to 3 passengers per cabin.
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower. Up to 4 passengers per cabin.
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Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m². 30m² private balcony with sliding bay windows. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower + bathtub.
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Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m². 30m² private balcony with hot tub and sliding bay windows. King-size or twin beds and shower + bathtub.

Notes

Please Note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 8 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

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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