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Wild Nature between Argentina and the Falkland Islands

This 15-day cruise takes you on a deep-dive to discover surprising and curious wildlife in an exceptional and pristine natural setting. Board L'Austral for a great adventure that will take you from Tierra del Fuego to the Falkland Islands, from the Chubut province to the bustling capital of Argentina.
 
After setting sail from Ushuaia, you will chart a course for the legendary Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet in a tumult of rough seas, before sailing toward Isla de los Estados for an unforgettable journey. The island is home to the famous Lighthouse at the End of the World, after which a Jules Verne novel was named.
 
You will leave Tierra del Fuego in your wake to discover the magnificent Falkland Islands over five unforgettable day and as you sail in this archipelago of 200 islands, you will be escorted by sei whales. Composing the wild beauty of the shorelines are beaches of white sand, jagged cliffs, windswept moors and tall grass swaying with the wind. This is the perfect setting for the black-browed albatrosses watching from above, the Gentoo and king penguins, elephant and fur seals, and sea lions. This season is ideal for spotting the young, curious and spirited adolescents that are preparing to leave their parent. L'Austral is the first cruise ship to cross the Falkland Sound, a winding channel separating the archipelago's two main islands. On board, admire the spectacle of endless moors interspersed by the bays and coves punctuating the coastline.

The scenery soon shifts, as the mountains give way to the barren landscapes of the Chubut province, in Argentine Patagonia. Welcome to the Valdes Peninsula! This wildlife sanctuary, where the beauty of the underwater world is unmatched, also reveals numerous treasures on land. The scenery is composed of arid steppes, a rich and varied flora, and distinctive haciendas. In these unspoiled lands home to more than 180 bird species, orcas hunt young maned seals on the beaches under the watchful eye of the Magellanic penguins, as guanacos gallop across the arid plains and dusky dolphins swim around peacefully. Here, the majestic beauty of nature offers a gateway to a whole new world.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO. 

Magical Encounters in the Solomon Islands & Micronesia

Hop from island to island to discover the natural wonders of the most beautiful archipelagos in the Pacific and enjoy surprising, unforgettable encounters with the local communities. During a 14-day expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier, nature and culture are combined to offer you an extraordinary trip.

Departing from Honiara, set sail on an exceptional journey to the heart of remote regions of wild beauty.  

In the Solomon Islands, you will be able to enjoy pleasant moments swimming and snorkelling on Njari Island before you discover the picturesque and colourful atmosphere in the traditional markets on Ghizo Island.

Le Jacques-Cartier will set sail for Papua New Guinea, a fascinating land that is home to no fewer than 700 ethnic groups within a highly diverse yet mainly unexplored ecosystem. You will visit the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, a unique group of islands that are ecologically and geographically part of the Solomon Islands archipelago but not politically part of the islands.

Next, the mysteries of Micronesia will reveal themselves to you. A scattering of islands and atolls, lost in the heart of the northern Pacific, this area is rich in Second World War history. The shores of Chuuk Lagoon and Pulap Island still retain traces of a tragic past and a declared Underwater Military Museum is the resting place of wrecks from Japan's military air and sea fleets.

Micronesia consists of a sprinkling of islands and atolls that benefit from an exceptional environment. Its incredibly rich underwater world promises unforgettable dives. On land, the beaches of white sand, the coconut trees and the villages with deep-rooted traditions reveal their charms, like the Ifalik and Gaferut atolls.

Your cruise will end in Guam, the biggest volcanic island of the Mariana Islands.

Reverie under Sail in the Heart of the Lesser Antilles

Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht. The finest travel address on the waters of the world.

The Caribbean. The mere mention of this vast archipelago conjures images of waves dancing along the shoreline, lapping against long beaches lined with elegant palm trees. During this unforgettable 8-day cruise, spend your time contemplating and exploring aboard PONANT's emblematic yacht.

You will leave behind the lively shores of Philipsburg, the Dutch part of Saint-Martin. Soon, deeply breathing in the air on the deck of the three-mast yacht, you will be enchanted by the infinite palette of blues in the Caribbean Sea. You will drop anchor around Sandy Island, where you may indulge in daydreaming in the heart of an extraordinary lagoon where an almost otherworldly sand bar has formed. In this natural pool, you will enjoy the moment as you go out on a paddle board or a kayak, or for a swim.

Thanks to the perfect conditions, sailing here is a delight for all the senses. Lying on the deck, you will let the wind and the sunshine caress your skin, while the crew sail the mainsail. With dependable trade winds, easy visual navigation, many moorings in crystal-clear waters and an underwater world full of fish, the BritishVirginIslands really are one of the best sailing destinations in the world. Be inspired by the hilly landscapes, swim with turtles and multicoloured fish above the coral reefs, lounge on the seemingly endless beaches of white sand and head for the heights to explore the paths that criss-cross Norman Island, "the pirate island" where PONANT will be taking you for the first time.

At the end of a beautiful crossing over the Caribbean Sea, you will arrive in the Anguilla archipelago, a little-known jewel where you will be able to reconnect both with yourself and the surrounding elements. On Dog Island, you will be like Robinson Crusoe discovering a desert island. You will not come across anyone, except a few wild goats and a colony of seabirds that you will learn to recognise with the help of a local naturalist-guide.

After this odyssey embracing the elements, feeling refreshed by this special experience aboard LePonant, as if you were on your very own yacht, you will return to terra firma in Marigot.

Emblematic Antarctica

If there is one place on the globe that fires the imagination of travellers and arouses in them an instant thirst for adventure, it is the immaculate and faraway lands of the White Continent. Inhabited by a surprising endemic fauna, the Antarctic will welcome you during an 11-day expedition cruise.

At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stern of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent's lands.

Ice is there in all its forms. The mountainous landscapes open up to give way to huge calving glaciers, tabular icebergs drift in the middle of the Southern Ocean, and the sea ice shimmers in the distance. On board, the naturalists share with you the secrets of this unique ecosystem. As you near the shores, the first penguins appear. Gentoo, Adélie, chinstrap: these surprising birds, emblematic of the Antarctic, share their beaches with leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals. During an outing on land or at sea, in a zodiac dinghy or a kayak, you will move through a stunning scenery bathed in polar light.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO. 

Treasures of India

Oriental fragrances, scents of spice, lush green landscapes, age-old stories: PONANT invites you on a journey to discover a mosaic of peoples and cultures. Sri Lanka and India welcome you on a 12-day cruise aboard Le Lapérouse, between charming towns and surprising nature. Let yourself fall under the spell of these eastern lands bordered by the Indian Ocean and influenced by Buddhist and Hindu traditions. 

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, visit the Goa Chitra Ethnographic Museum and the Figueiredo Mansion from your port of call in Goa, explore the marvellous Sigiriya site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from Trincomalee, or appreciate the charms of Galle as you spend time discovering the city. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

The bubbling Sri Lankan capital Colombo will plunge you into the distinctive atmosphere of the country once known as Ceylon. Renowned for its spices, such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, it is a trading location, a crossroads port between Asia and Europe.

From Trincomalee, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of historic city of Polonnaruwa, a fortified city from the 11th century, and the splendid golden Temple of Dambulla.

A little further, Hambantota is the gateway towards the luxuriant heart of the country. On an excursion into the Yala National Park, you will witness Sri Lanka's abundant wildlife: leopards, elephants, sloth bears, monkeys and almost 200 bird species inhabit this must-see site.

Le Lapérouse will set sail for Galle, recognisable by the 16th-century fortifications that encircle the town. The successive Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisations left this city with unique architecture, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a heritage shaped by multiple influences.

You will sail up the Malabar Coast to arrive in cosmopolitan Kochi. Constructed on a lagoon on the Arabian Sea, between islands and a peninsula, this royal city has kept its yesteryear charm. Set off aboard traditional boats to discover the surrounding fishing villages located in the 'backwaters', a network of lakes and canals criss-crossing the region's dense vegetation.

Your last port of call will take you to Goa. This former colony of the Portuguese Indies is prized for its long beaches and its rich cultural heritage, in particular a collection of late 16th-century churches and convents, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Your journey will come to an end in flamboyant Mumbai. The capital of Bollywood films, the most populated city in India - nicknamed of 'Maximum City' - conjures up many descriptions and will offer you a unique experience to complete your cruise.

The great adventure

PONANT brings you a 18-day itinerary between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. A polar expedition cruise to discover the most beautiful sites of these southern lands.

At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stern of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent's lands.

Ice is there in all its forms. The mountainous landscapes open up to give way to huge calving glaciers, tabular icebergs drift in the middle of the Southern Ocean, and the sea ice shimmers in the distance. On board, the naturalists share with you the secrets of this unique ecosystem. As you near the shores, the first penguins appear. Gentoo, Adélie, chinstrap: these surprising birds, emblematic of the Antarctic, share their beaches with leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals. During an outing on land or at sea, in a zodiac dinghy or a kayak, you will move through a stunning scenery bathed in polar light.

Next, you will land on South Georgia. It is here, in the middle of the black-sand beaches dominated by snow-covered mountains, that Sir Ernest Shackleton miraculously ran aground during the famous Endurance Odyssey in 1916. You will travel back in time to (re)discover this fabulous saga and life at

Throughout your trip, our team of naturalist guides will share with you the secrets of these faraway lands inhabited by unique wildlife. Discover the vast territory of the penguins - Adelie, king, chinstrap, Gentoo, Magellanic, southern rockhopper - albatrosses, numerous species of seals, and majestic whales blowing on the horizon.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO. 

Secrets of Central America

PONANT takes you to discover Panama and Costa Rica with an 11-day expedition cruise. A circuit of great beauty around the isthmus of Panama, a link between two continents, which concentrates a biodiversity that is unique in the world, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean between dream islands, natural reserves and encounters with the fascinating local communities.

First, you will visit the superb Curu nature reserve. Deep inside the tropical rainforest you may be lucky enough to see multicoloured birds, monkeys, iguanas and sloths. You will then set off for a memorable day spent discovering DrakeBay.

The next stage of your cruise: Rio Esquinas. You will ride aboard one of our Zodiac dinghies to observe this lush environment where monumental mangroves and emblematic species reign supreme.

During a first stop in Panama, in front of Cebaco Island, you will have the possibility of enjoying the beach or of taking walks nearby.

Your ship will then head for the magnificent Darien National Park in Panama. This little corner of paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to remarkable plants and wildlife. Sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps and tropical rainforests vie with each other for beauty and offer a feast for photographers. This will also be the occasion for meeting the astonishing semi-nomadic Emberas community.

Le Bellot will sail to the heart of the Pearl Islands, nestling in the Gulf of Panama. There, our naturalists will offer to take you on an outing in a Zodiac dinghy. Then, you will cross the mythical Panama Canal connecting the Pacific and the Atlantic.

You will then discover the golden sand and crystal-clear waters of the coral islets of the San Blas Islands. The Kuna live among the palm trees and pirogues; this people perpetuates, among other things, the traditional craft of molas, weaved textiles in sparkling colours.

San Lorenzo's Fort is the final port of call on your cruise aboard Le Bellot. Admire this unusual fortress built by the Spanish Crown to protect transatlantic trade. Now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an exceptional example of military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Nordic Discoveries & Traditions

Set off aboard Le Champlain for an 11-day cruise and enjoy an exceptional experience exploring Norway in the winter. From Tromso, you will sail towards these magical lands, where your exceptional itinerary will take in snow-capped summits, immaculate landscapes and the discovery of millennial traditions.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, set off to discover the legendary Nordkapp, or the North Cape, from Honningsvag, appreciate the charm of the Lofoten Islands during a day of visits from Reine, or explore Tromso, the capital of the Arctic, in a rigid-inflatable boat. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

The beginning of this trip beyond the Arctic Circle will be marked by an immersion in the land of the Sami. From your disembarkation in Narvik, in the very heart of captivating summits plunging into the sumptuous Ofotfjord, you will be invited to explore the ancestral tales of this reindeer-herding indigenous people. 

Your ship will then make its way south where you will witness the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have landscapes of surreal beauty alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and bright-coloured huts on stilts.

Le Champlain will set sail for Hammerfest, the northernmost town in the world. During your port of call in this charming fishing port, you will have the opportunity to explore the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of triangulations stretching from Norway to the Black Sea, and the first technical and scientific tool to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will also sail by Bear Island, halfway between the North Cape of Norway and the South Cape of Spitsbergen. From your ship, you will marvel at this small strip of land with its craggy coastline and high jagged cliffs.

Le Champlain will once again set sail south, for the captivating Honningsvag. This port of call will take you to the northernmost point of Europe: the North Cape. On this cliff, home to the emblematic Milestone, a globe-shaped monument, allow yourself the time to dream as you gaze upon the vastness of the Barents Sea.

You will then discover Alta. In the polar night, you may be lucky enough to admire the unique colours of the Northern Lights as they ripple and spin above the Arctic Circle.

Your trip into the very heart of the immenseness of the Norwegian Arctic polar world will end in Tromso, your disembarkation port.

From the St Lawrence to Greenland, the Last Moments of Winter

With featured guest Cindy Miller Hopkins, American Photo Ambassador.

Once again, LeCommandant Charcot will convey you towards unexpected horizons, towards still little-known perspectives. You will be enveloped in the comfort of a ship unlike any other while the polar world reveals itself throughout your exploration. From the shores of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, your journey will take you to the south-western coast of Greenland for timeless moments. The snow-covered northern forests make way for the icy scenery of Greenland where the local communities await to share their unique culture with you. At the end of winter, take the time to appreciate the emotions you will feel, to contemplate the dreamlike landscapes of the Far North and to let yourself be surprised by the unknown.

The winter will soon draw to a close. Although the ice break-up has begun in the waters of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the tops of the conifers making up this northern forest are still covered in a white veil. Nature seems frozen, yet its whisper may be heard by those who know how to listen. You will discover the Magdalen Islands during a port of call in Cap-aux-Meules and through various activities such as a walk on its frozen beaches. From the sea, the cliffs of the Gaspé Peninsula hide the mysteries of the hinterland, which is full of promise. Among the winter activities on offer are: discovering the Forillon National Park, snow-shoeing in L'Anse-au-Griffon Valley and meeting the Micmac, one of the First Nations of the Canadian provinces. On the coast of the legendary island of Newfoundland, you will explore Corner Brook and its ski resorts, with their magnificent panoramas.

It will now be time to leave the North American continent, sail down the Strait of Belle Isle and reach the ice-covered south-western coast of Greenland, a first for a cruise line during this season. Time stands still before this immensity, where the ice has taken over the terrain. Drifting icebergs, broken-up ice floe, majestic fjords, jagged mountains: the white unveils its nuances across changing decors. In the heart of this nature, which will leave you with an indescribable feeling of serenity, the encounters with the local Inuit communities will be magical. Here, where a warm welcome is part of the way of life, the inhabitants of the Far North will enthusiastically share their traditions with you. Through activities designed in collaboration with our Greenlandic hosts, you will rediscover the region. From magical moments to unforgettable memories, this journey to the boundaries of the world will be sure to surprise you.

Find out more about the world of Le Commandant Charcot here!

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions.?Our navigation, mainly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice?must?be?preserved, we will take this into account from day to day in our itineraries.?The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. The experiences are unique and vary from day to day and for each departure.?The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the AECO. 

History and culture visiting Caribbean jewels

Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht. The finest travel address on the waters of the world.

The Caribbean. The mere mention of this vast archipelago conjures images of waves dancing along the shoreline, lapping against long beaches lined with elegant palm trees. During this unforgettable 8-day cruise, spend your time contemplating and exploring aboard PONANT's emblematic yacht.

You will move away from the lively shores of Marigot and sail under wind power towards the Anguilla archipelago, a little-known jewel where you will be able to reconnect both with yourself and the surrounding elements. The two small uninhabited islands of Prickly Pear Cays, separated by a narrow channel and surrounded by rocky protrusions, are heaven for divers and birds. The island is also home to Lesser Antillean iguanas.

You will set sail again, for St Barts, a small island in the Tropics offering an exceptional and windswept stretch of water. Sailing is synonymous with pleasure in these warm waters, even when the sea spray makes it onto the deck.

Le Ponant will set sail towards Saint Kitts and Nevis. Thanks to the perfect conditions, sailing here is a delight for all the senses. Lying on the deck, you will let the wind and the sunshine caress your skin, while the crew sail the mainsail. In Charlestown, on the island of Nevis, you will discover the port facilities built by Admiral Nelson. You will also be able to visit the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States, as well as St John's Fig Tree Church, which houses the original marriage certificate of Lord Horatio Nelson and Fanny Nisbet. Nevis also has a very beautiful botanical garden.

You will find Admiral Nelson's works in Nelson's Dockyard, in Falmouth Harbour. This is also where his former residence may be found.

You will reach Barbuda, where you will be able to relax on beaches of white and pink sand bathing in crystal-clear water and observe the many seabirds, particularly the magnificent frigatebirds.

Soon, deeply breathing in the air on the deck of the three-mast yacht, you will be enchanted by the infinite palette of blues in the Caribbean Sea. As you approach Les Saintes Bay, which is one of the world's most beautiful bays, you will glimpse Fort Napoleon crowning the summit of the island.

After this odyssey embracing the elements, feeling refreshed by this special experience aboard LePonant, as if you were on your very own yacht, you will return to terra firma in Pointe-à-Pitre.