Explore the beautiful Seychelles on an easy getaway or a fun family reunion
The Seychelles itineraries are a little different to your average island getaway. With a mix of magical marine life and ample birdwatching, you can relax and enjoy the pristine beaches and incomparable clear waters from every stop around this breath-taking archipelago. For the more active, hiking and water sports are readily available; but lazing on a daybed (drink in hand) with a view of the lush emerald mountains, powder white beaches and extraordinary granite boulders is a unique experience in itself.
Why the Seychelles?
Mahé: Dive or snorkel in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park founded in 1973 with over 150 fish species. Walk around the Victoria Botanical Gardens created in 1901 on the outskirts of the Seychelles capital and view sea coconuts and other palm trees, orchids, fruit trees and flowers in all colours of the rainbow.
Curieuse: There are no homes, roads or activity here to disturb the flora and fauna. The famous Aldabra giant tortoises walk around freely and 3 600+ gigantic sea coconuts trees grow wild.
Grande Sœur: Considered the most beautiful island. Well-preserved coral reefs are home to many hawksbill sea-turtles and hundreds of tropical fish like butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish and surgeonfish.
Praslin: The rugged, jungle-covered interior is home to Praslin National Park, which encompasses the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, one of the Seychelles’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Praslin also features truly exquisite beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, both appearing on the top-10 list of world’s best beaches.
La Digue: One of the world’s most beautiful islands, covering barely 5 km², La Digue offers a range of typical Seychelles panoramas. Granite blocks softened by erosion sit by the calm, crystalline sea.
Aldabra Atoll: Explore a wild paradise, considered one of the most unspoilt places on the planet. With no drinking water, Aldabra has never been properly inhabited.
Aride: Famous for its cliffs and jungle, home to hundreds of birds. This nature reserve is protected from human activity and only accessible at certain times of year, so it sees many bird species flourishing.
Alphonse: Dive to see the most beautiful coral – some of the most unspoilt in the Indian Ocean – and its diverse marine wildlife.
Le Ponant, a legendary sailing yacht with 32 guests
Meditate on the deck as the sun rises, walk barefoot on the warm teak, dive into a remote idyllic bay, listen to the wind in the sails and the waves lapping against the hull, and share in the passion of a wine or olive oil producer. Move at your own pace, just as you please. Let the sea set you free…
This sleek, expertly designed 88-metre-long and 56-metre-high three-master is one of the most majestic yachts in the world. In an age when everything is becoming computer controlled, it shines the spotlight back on the more manual, skilful art of sailing (sail-powered whenever conditions allow), combined with comfort, elegance, exclusivity and sustainability.
The sailboat includes 4 stand-up paddle boards and 4 kayaks, including 2 with a clear bottom; snorkelling and fishing equipment; diving gear (groups of 4 people); safe sea swimming; kids equipment (pool noodles, swim rings, armbands and safety gear); bikes available. A wellness area including massage and treatment room plus a fitness area with a dedicated wellness coach for exercise sessions, yoga, Pilates, meditation and more.
Le Ponant has a guest capacity of 32 and an attentive crew of 34. Let us know if you’re interested in a charter option with friends or family as this will be a wonderful holiday and also great for a special celebration or reunion.
The Seychelles under the Trade Winds: 9-night Mahé roundtrip on Le Ponant; prices are from $10 890 per person sharing.
Departure dates: 22 November; 1, 10, 19 and 28 December 2022; 6, 15 and 24 January; 2, 11 and 20 February 2023.
Ponant’s Explorer class ships with 184 guests
These modern expedition ships boast elegant appointments, delicious French cuisine and an infinity pool. A Marina platform with three positions: for use as a sun deck; as a launch pad for kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling and other water sports; and as the embarkation point for a 10 Zodiacs. The decor imparts a contemporary Scandinavian feel, with light woods and neutral colours accented with nautical blues. Natural forms, reminiscent of the sea, characterize the art pieces and the lighting. For example, lamps above the beds resemble large sand dollars, while the lights in the reception area look like ethereal jellyfish.
Le Bellot, Le Bougainville, Le Champlain and Le Jacques Cartier are beautiful, all balcony, sleek French motor yachts with a guest capacity of 184 each and an attentive crew of 112.
Herewith a link to more information and images for Le Bougainville, Le Champlain and Le Jacques Cartier.
8-night Essential Seychelles, Mahé roundtrip; prices are from $4 640 per person sharing
12-night Secret Seychelles Islands, Mahé roundtrip from 8 to 20 February and 24 March to 5 April 2023; prices are from $6 980 per person sharing.
13-night The Seychelles and Aldabra Atoll, Mahé roundtrip from 29 December 2022 to 11 January 2023 on Le Jacques Cartier; prices are from $9 250 per person sharing.
The fares include
All meals while on board the ship
A choice of curated, complimentary Shore Excursions with local guides and a world class Expedition Team. (applicable to select cruises)
Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner (applicable to Explorer Class ships)
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
Gratuities are not included and are charged prior to departure at €12 per person per night*
All guests (Ponant & Crystal Cruises) 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 any 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.
Please let us know if you’d like more information and early booking is recommended, as these cruises sell out fast.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394
