Join Jann Porter on The Essential Seychelles expedition
aboard Ponant’s Le Bellot from 18 to 26 November 2021
I hope you can join me to experience the must-see jewels of the Seychelles, on this expedition cruise to the heart of this archipelago’s inner islands for a glimpse of paradise.
Explore coral reefs filled with stunning species guaranteeing unforgettable snorkelling. Visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, home to the Coco de Mer palm, a rare tree producing the world’s largest seed and palm flower. Join an excursion to Aride, home to thousands of bird species and revel in the beauty of Grande Sœur and La Digue where Palm trees, granite rock, white sand and crystal-clear waters await you.
The best months to visit the Seychelles are April, May, October and November. These months represent the transition times between the hot and humid northwest trade winds (from November through March) and the cooler southeast trade winds that define April through October. A visit during these shoulder months offers milder conditions ideal for sunbathing, wildlife watching and scuba diving, plus you’ll avoid the crowds that descend on the islands in December, January, July and August.
Voyage Highlights
Zodiac landings with a team of experienced naturalists and guides
The Vallée de Mai nature reserve a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Praslin
Visit 8 islands in the Seychelles on a single cruise
The Aride nature reserve, a treasure of the Seychelles with some 73 hectares of colourful vegetation and more than one million birds
The bare red earth of Curieuse, a granite island in the Seychelles
Anse Source d’Argent, the most famous beach of La Digue, surrounded by large blocks of granite and edged with coconut palms
Authentic encounters with the locals
Possibility of observing giant tortoises on Curieuse
Snorkelling with your expedition team
PADI Diving with an experienced instructor (more information is available on request)
Included with this Voyage
All meals while on board the ship
A choice of curated, complimentary Shore Excursions with local guides and a world class Expedition Team
Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
Unlimited Wi-Fi
Port charges
Complimentary “Open Bar”, pouring wines, house champagne and alcohol excluding premium brands
Evening entertainment and events
24-hour room service
Additional inclusions for the Cruise Options group:
Gratuities of €96 per person and €200 per person Onboard Credit
Le Bellot is a beautiful French motor yacht with a guest capacity of 184
Herewith a link to some stunning images and more information: Le Bellot
All staterooms / suites have a balcony and shower; the Owners and Grand Deluxe suites have a shower and bath.
Prices are in Euros and valid until 15 June but subject to the category being available:
Prestige Balcony Stateroom on Deck 4 @ €3 910.00 per person sharing
Prestige Balcony Stateroom on Deck 5 @ €4 100.00 per person sharing
Prestige Suite on Deck 5 @ €8 070.00 per person sharing
Privilege Balcony Suite on Decks 5 & 6 @ €8 890.00 per person sharing
Grand Deluxe Balcony Suite on Deck 6 @ €12 580.00 per person sharing
Owner’s Balcony Suite on Deck 5 @ €14 480.00 per person sharing
Single occupancy pricing is available on request.
A 15% deposit is required to secure a booking and final payment is due by 10 September 2021.
Air Seychelles flight Information to use as a guideline
Air Seychelles offers direct flights to/from Johannesburg on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday.
Johannesburg to Seychelles, 13h50 to 20h45 (4h55 flying time)
Seychelles to Johannesburg, 09h25 to 12h30 (5h05 flying time)
R9 053.44 Economy Class fare and taxes
R23 133.44 Business Class fare and taxes
COVID-19 requirements
All guests will be required to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine (both doses if recommended by manufacturer) at least 14 days prior to boarding the ship. Verified documentation and / or evidence of vaccination will be required at the time of boarding and failure to provide this documentation will result in denial of boarding.
If you are unable to get vaccinated in time, you may either opt for a refund or transfer the monies paid on your booking to an alternative Ponant sailing.
Updated information will be sent closer to departure and more information can be found here: Ponant Sail with Confidence
I do hope that you can join me (subject to a group of 12) in exploring the beautiful Seychelles as it will be wonderful to have a cruise to look forward to this year. I’ve cruised on a few of the Ponant ships and I really like the exclusive yacht feel onboard plus they’re a great size for exploring. Let me know if you’d like us to discuss this trip in more detail.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394