Diving 
35-year offer 
Mistral Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
150 ft²
2
- Last staterooms
- New
The Caribbean, under sail aboard Le Ponant
Fort-de-France - Fort-de-France
Dates:
4/6/2024
to
4/13/2024
Other available dates
days
nights on board
The Caribbean... The mere mention of it conjures images of waves dancing along the shoreline, lapping against long beaches lined with elegant palm trees. For the first time in several years, Le Ponant is returning to its first Caribbean loves, to the great delight of those who enjoy intimate travel to little-known places. For 8 unforgettable days, spend your time contemplating and exploring aboard PONANT’s emblematic yacht.
The song of the sea and the whisper of the wind are the only noises you will hear aboard Le Ponant. As the Martinican shores of Fort-de-France slowly disappear from view, relax to the sound of the waves beating against the stem of your ship before arriving at Bequia Island. The island’s authentic, colourful houses stand out against the surrounding lush vegetation, which you can discover during an overland excursion.
Turquoise, cerulean, azure, sapphire... you will be captivated by the infinite palette of blues in the Caribbean Sea. Drop anchor around Sandy Island, at the heart of an extraordinary lagoon where an almost otherworldly sand bar has formed. The scenery here is conducive to daydreaming and contemplation.
In the muted décor of Le Ponant, each moment of your cruise is steeped in the peacefulness of the Caribbean. It is now time to set sail for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Carried by the wind dancing around the ship’s rigging, you will reach this strikingly beautiful archipelago. From island to island, savour the gentleness of the Creole way of life, admire the beauty of the sunsets, and explore the waters teeming with life.
The jagged silhouette of Saint Lucia will soon appear on the horizon. This is the final port of call on your Caribbean odyssey; you will be left with memories of moments frozen in time that only Le Ponant can offer. Reconnecting with yourself and marvelling at the beauty of the world as the wind shifts and turns will be your only concerns on board.
Ref : PO060424
Your itinerary
A cruise to discover the Caribbean, combining the gentle Creole way of life, Eden-like natural environments, and private moments. On land and on sea, soak in the Caribbean spirit and enjoy exceptional moments...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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10/1/2023 to the 10/8/2023
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
2/6/2024 to the 3/3/2024
LE BORÉAL
7/7/2024 to the 7/20/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire.
For women: simple dress, skirt or trousers, blouse, polo
For men: pleated trousers or chinos, sports jacket, shirt, polo
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- White or black and white outfit for a Theme evening.
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Diving & initiation dive
Supervision of the dives
Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Level required for scuba diving on this cruise
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 1 star CMAS or the PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.
Process of the dives (certified divers)
The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:
- For those with PADI Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 20 metres.
- If two Stars CMAS or PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) wish to dive together independently, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.
Process of the initiation dives (novice divers)
Before your initiation dive, your instructor will show you the equipment and will explain to you how to communicate underwater using hand gestures and how to breathe through a regulator. Once in the water, equipped with your material, you will learn how to breathe through your regulator on the surface for a couple of minutes. When your instructor feels you are ready, he will immerse you in water for about 20 minutes to a depth of 6 metres maximum.
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.
Supplied equipment
- Diving wetsuit
- Stabilising jacket
- Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge
- Diving computer (for divers mastering their use)
- Fins
Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel .As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.
The passenger may participate in scuba diving activities, subject to compliance with certain conditions established in accordance with the health, scientific and medical measures applicable on the day of the dive.
* within the limit of available stock.
Fauna and flora of the Caribbean Sea
The fauna of the Caribbean Sea is very varied. During the different dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as French angel fish, queen angel fish, spotted drums, puffer fish, parrots fish, and pelagic fauna such as spotted eagle ray, barracudas, horse eyes jackfish, as well as fixed wildlife such as gorgonians and barrel sponges.
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
|
PORT OF CALL |
DIVES (for certified divers) |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING (for beginners) |
|
Martinique – Fort-de-France |
NO |
NO |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island |
YES |
YES |
|
Grenada – Sandy Island, Grenada |
YES |
YES |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Mayreau Island |
YES |
YES |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Tobago Cays |
YES |
NO |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Kingstown |
YES |
YES |
|
Saint Lucia - Pigeon Island Beach |
YES |
NO |
|
Martinique – Fort-de-France |
NO |
NO |
These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
Rates
Excellence and Passion packages must be pre-booked with your travel consultant before departure. Beyond that, all reservations will be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
Introductory dives, Exploration dives and Discovery packages must be organised on board directly with your diving instructor.
Price per person
- Introductory dive:
- Introductory dive (1 dive): €80
- Discovery Package (2 dives): €150
- Certified divers:
- Exploration (1 dive): €80
- Excellence Package (3 dives): €225
- Passion Package (6 dives): €420
Highlights
- A cruise to discover the Caribbean, combining the gentle Creole way of life, Eden-like natural environments, and private moments.
- On land and on sea, soak in the Caribbean spirit and enjoy exceptional moments such as the stunning sunsets aboard your ship.
- An enchanted interlude during which you can do exactly as you please, whether that is hiking in a forest or spending an afternoon relaxing on the water’s edge.
- A rich programme of included excursions.
- Enjoy the extraordinary experience of sailing aboard Le Ponant as though you were on your own private yacht.
- A limited-capacity yacht: a maximum of 32 passengers and as many crew members; a dedicated chef
- Sail on a ship propelled by the wind and enjoy the wonderful opportunities nature offers us to adjust the programme and navigate under sail whenever possible.
- As the wind carries you, savour shared moments of joy and be fully present in this wonderful Eden.
- Exceptional moments on board and numerous water-based activities to discover the beauty of the Caribbean as if alone in the world, with all your senses heightened.
Ports of Call & Excursions
April 6, 2024 - Fort-de-France
Embarkation 4/6/2024 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 4/6/2024 at 9:00 PM
Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour 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 breath-taking 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 colourful 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.
April 7, 2024 - Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island
Arrival 4/7/2024 midday
Departure 4/7/2024 late afternoon
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. You will love the lively and picturesque atmosphere of Port Elizabeth, the island’s main town. From the port, a promenade lined with beautiful traditional houses, landscaped gardens and small restaurants runs along the shoreline. It leads to Princess Margaret Beach, a wild beach where Princess Margaret herself has stayed and which seems to emerge directly from the tropical forest. From rainforest to lush meadows and long stretches of sand, Bequia will offer you a natural setting that is conducive to lovely walks and to spending time on the beach.
April 8, 2024 - Sandy Island, Carriacou
Arrival 4/8/2024 early morning
Departure 4/8/2024 late afternoon
West of Carriacou, the northernmost island in the state of Grenada, is Sandy Island, a spit of sand set in the bewitching Caribbean waters. Known for its powdery white sand and small lagoon with crystal clear waters, this wild islet, dotted with coconut trees, offers a natural setting for swimming and snorkelling. The abundant and colourful marine life promises memorable and thrilling encounters. Listed as a marine protected area, the site is also a hunting ground for numerous pelicans. Enjoy a fascinating show as they circle above the water before diving suddenly to catch their prey.
April 9, 2024 - Mayreau Island
Arrival 4/9/2024 early morning
Departure 4/9/2024 mid afternoon
Among the string of paradisiac islands with their sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites you to relax. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkelling if you’d like to observe the colourful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.
April 10, 2024 - Tobago Cays
Arrival 4/10/2024 early morning
Departure 4/10/2024 late afternoon
Scattered between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprises 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 whose turquoise lagoons provide a home and safe haven for some outstanding marine fauna, including peaceful green turtles. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkellers.
April 11, 2024 - Kingstown
Arrival 4/11/2024 early morning
Departure 4/11/2024 late afternoon
Kingstown is the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, independent since 1979 but still a member of the British Commonwealth. Some of the 32 islands of the Grenadines are inhabited, like Mustique, some are not, like Tobago Cays. But they are all renowned for crystal clear, calm waters, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. The Botanic Garden in Kingstown is the oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and well worth a visit, as is Fort Charlotte, featuring panoramic views of the archipelago. La Soufrière, Saint Vincent's active volcano, dominates the northern end of the island, where it periodically erupts (most recently in April 2021), scarring the surrounding land with lava and ash.
April 12, 2024 - Pigeon Island Beach
Arrival 4/12/2024 early morning
Departure 4/12/2024 midday
Linked to St Lucia by a sand causeway, Pigeon Island has been a designated National Park since 1979. On this wild and pristine land, you will be inspired to take pleasant walks amid the tropical vegetation and through a magnificent tree-filled garden. You will also be irresistibly drawn to the two pretty little sandy beaches nestling on the southern side and bathed by crystal-clear waters. While snorkelling, be sure to explore the underwater world that is teeming with life, along the rocks lining this peninsula’s coast. You will thoroughly enjoy the calm and beauty of this place, which is really conducive to simply relaxing.
April 13, 2024 - Fort-de-France
Arrival 4/13/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 4/13/2024 at 8:00 AM
Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour 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 breath-taking 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 colourful 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.
Le Ponant
This legendary yacht offers a uniquely exclusive voyage experience. An invitation to sail, revitalise oneself, share, contemplate and respect the world around us. An ode to freedom and the treasures of nature.
With its common areas open extensively to the horizon, you will have never felt such communion with the elements. With one crew member per passenger and just thirty-two guests on board, you will have never enjoyed so much attention. With navigation under sail the moment conditions allow, you will have never savoured each second that passes to such an extent.
Up to 32 Guests
16 staterooms & suites
33 crew members
1 restaurant
Decks
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.
35-year offer
35 years ago, Le Ponant, the company’s iconic flag-ship vessel, welcomed her very first guests on a journey to discover exclusive destinations. To celebrate 35 years of sailing, exploration and discoveries at sea, we are offering you an additional 10% savings for 35 days on more than 200 departures when you book by 5 July 2023!
To take advantage of the 35th-anniversary offer and all your benefits, we invite you to contact your cruise advisors or your travel agency by phone or email, and mention the offer code PONANT35.
Offer available from 01/06/23 until 05/07/2023 with code « PONANT35 » - Discount of 10% for the thirty-fifth anniversary of PONANT.
Offer non combinable with Flight credit offers, Free Single supplement, Webinar, Onboard sale or Ponant event discounts.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
TRANSER FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE PIER
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Fort-de-France
Meet at the airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will be directly transferred to the pier for embarkation. The duration of the transfer is approximately 45 minutes.
Your programme includes:
- Transfer by coach from the airport to the port.
- Services of a local English-speaking hostess at the airport.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and hostess.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Duration of the transfer may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : $50
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
TRADITION AND DELICACIES
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Fort de France
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will be transferred to la Savane des Esclaves. In this 2-hectare park, at the edge of the forest, Gilbert Larose reproduced the old-time village with huts and traditional plantations dating from the 1800. It is in the heart of these houses that you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and traditions of Martinique.
Continue your visit with la Pagerie. A mix between history and architectural heritage, this Domaine was use for cultivation of sugar cane, coffee, and cacao. La Pagerie is entirely dedicated to Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Following your lunch, attended a Rhum and Chocolate tasting guided by an oenologist specialising in spirits.
You will then be transfer to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea.)
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : $530
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.