TAKE ME TO...

A PONANT EXPLORATIONS VOYAGE THROUGH THE SEYCHELLES

MAHÉ | PRASLIN | ARIDE ISLAND | RÉMIRE ISLAND | COUSIN ISLAND | CURIEUSE | GRANDE SŒUR | LA DIGUE | MAHÉ

In a corner of the world where most would go to unwind, get ready to unearth the wild side of the Indian Ocean’s ‘Garden of Eden’.

Discover nature's bounty

Aerial view of a tropical shoreline in the Seychelles with turquoise water, scattered rocks, and lush green forest.

Modern ocean‑view restaurant with minimalist décor, light neutral seating and neatly set dining tables.

Like many a dynamic duo before them, the collaboration between PONANT EXPLORATIONS and The Explorers Club is an inspired one. Catering to inquisitive minds that seek the creature comforts of luxury cruising alongside their adventures, the trips born out of this alliance are a thrilling mix of explorative excursions and engaging guest speakers.

These sailings go to some of the most magical and remote corners of the globe, but if an exploration cruise only conjures images of frozen landscapes and down-filled jackets, then think again, because hidden off the coast of East Africa is a tropical paradise that’s as magnificent as any Arctic tundra – the Seychelles. Seemingly trapped in time, this archipelago is home to flora and fauna that wouldn’t be out of place in the time of the dinosaurs; scattered across idyllic isles that are easily navigated by PONANT’s expert team of naturalists, instructors and a special guest of honour – filmmaker and author John Heminway.

A relaxing red in a suite aboard PONANT Le Dumont d'Urville featuring neutral decor with coral-like artwork.

A vibrant red and black bird sitting on top of a green leaf.

Where you'll be going...

Get to know where you'll be exploring across the Seychelles, from sleepy La Digue Island to the iconic landscapes of Praslin.

Tropical beach scene with palm trees, soft white sand and a colorful boat beside clear blue water.

MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES

DAY 1-2

Touch down where Flintstone-like boulders spill from volcanic hills and flawless atolls sit alongside busy island towns, the Seychelles stands in its own bubble of time where prehistoric purity refuses to be eclipsed by clamorous modern life.

Tropical beach view framed by palm trees with turquoise water, smooth granite boulders and a cruise ship in the distance.

PRASLIN AND ARIDE ISLAND

DAY 3-4

After embarking PONANT Le Dumont d’Urville at Mahé, the adventure begins on Praslin, the quintessential image of the Seychelles with its famous coco-de-mer palms, granite boulders and UNESCO Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Just a few kilometres away is Aride Island – a haven for seabirds and reptiles.

Aerial view of a tropical beach with turquoise water, smooth granite boulders and palm trees casting shadows on white sand.

RÉMIRE ISLAND AND COUSIN ISLAND

DAY 5-6

Cast far afield to the outer edges of the region, Rémire Island is virtually uninhabited, making it eco-rich and a paradise for snorkelling. Back near Praslin, the former private island of Cousin is now a nature reserve helping to preserve two endangered bird species, the Seychelles Warbler and the Seychelles fody.

Two giant tortoises touching noses on a sunlit forest floor surrounded by greenery.

CURIEUSE ISLAND

DAY 7

Known for its distinctive red earth, Curieuse Island has seen a lot of history, from a devastating fire in 1771 to its former leper colony inhabitants. It's now a national marine park that draws scuba divers the world over, but perhaps most famously it’s home to the iconic Aldabra giant tortoises.

Turquoise ocean wave crashing against dramatic granite rock formations and lush greenery on the tropical coastline of La Digue Island.

GRANDE SŒUR AND LA DIGUE ISLAND

DAY 8-9

Being dubbed one of the most beautiful islands in the region is no mean feat in the Seychelles, but with two blanket-soft beaches and waters teeming with turtles it’s not hard to see why Grande Sœur has been. It's a quick hop from La Digue, a place so preserved and peaceful that the only way to get about is either by bike or cart.

Tropical beach with turquoise waves, granite rock formations and lush greenery under a clear blue sky in the Seychelles.

MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES

DAY 10-15

Following your final night onboard, disembark in Mahé and dive back into the fold for another four nights, seeing the beauty of this archipelago from its heartbeat on the more populated central island.

Where you’ll stay...

LE DUMONT D’URVILLE

Though undoubtedly aesthetic with its high-gloss design, the true beauty of this PONANT EXPLORATIONS ship lies in having the luxury of choice. Two dining venues span a range of cuisines, from French fine dining to themed dinners in Le Nemo, its wellness area hosts a massage cabin, sauna and beauty area, and there’s a pick of communal areas to while away time at sea. Yet with all of this space and options galore, there’s still the same intimate level of service that has come to be expected from this ultra-luxury fleet.