ULTIMATE WITH ATOLL

Enjoy snorkeling and diving in the Seychelles; spend two full days exploring the Aldabra Atoll; and discover the unique flora and fauna of the region.

We visit many of the most spectacular islands in the Indian Ocean, exploring their wildlife, both above and below the sea. The itinerary includes: \+ Assumption is famous for clear surrounding waters populated by a profusion of marine life. \+ Spend two full days at magnificent Aldabra, a World Heritage Site, and a highlight of your adventure. With a perimeter of 70 miles, Aldabra is one of the largest atolls in the world, doves. comprising four major islands separated by channels. Because \+ Alphonse Island group to experience the beauty and serenity of the atoll’s extreme isolation, many of Aldabra’s species are of these three islands that lie in the heart of the Seychelles endemics. Giant Aldabra tortoises—estimated to number over Archipelago. 100,000—roam wild over the islands. \+ for beachcombing, nature walks, birding, and a \+ was formerly the home of African slaves who visit to the copra plantation. escaped a Portuguese ship in 1760. \+ Des Roches, La Digue, Praslin. \+ - The vast majority of this huge atoll, measuring about nine miles across, is lagoon. Approximately 15,000 pairs Whats included of red-footed boobies nest in the bushy vegetation of the island, Daily activity options including nature walks, Zodiac cruises, and the largest breeding colonies of this species in the entire Indian snorkeling; all accommodations; world-class lecture and Ocean. Other species found here include red-tailed tropicbirds; expedition team; all onboard meals and group meals ashore, black-naped, sooty, and crested terns; and three species of including soft drinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner; all endemic land birds—Madagascar white-eyes, souimanga entrance fees, taxes, and landing and port charges; arrival and sunbirds, and Madagascar turtle departure transfers on group dates; gift certificates for recommended expedition gear; medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation insurance.

ITINERARY

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Day 1 Zanzibar, Tanzania of the atoll’s extreme isolation, many of Aldabra’s species are Arrive in exotic Zanzibar and transfer to our group hotel. Enjoy endemics. Giant Aldabra tortoises—estimated to number over an afternoon at leisure before gathering this evening for a 100,000—roam wild over the islands. Tides permitting, cruise by welcome reception and dinner. Zodiac through the narrow passes to drift through a landscape of fascinating, eroded limestone topography. The tides have Day 2 Zanzibar / Embark Le Bougainville sculpted small islets into fantastical formations known as Zanzibar is a lush, palm-fringed island with a long and storied champignons, or “mushrooms.” Hundreds of lesser and great history. This morning, visit Stone Town—a World Heritage Site, frigatebirds soar overhead; on land, search for the rare Aldabra its mélange of architecture reflects a unique mix of Moorish, white-throated rail, the only flightless bird found on any Indian Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences. After lunch, Ocean island. Keep an eye out for robber crabs, whose claws take a hike along the nature trails of Jozani Natural Forest are strong enough to crack coconuts, as they scamper across Reserve where you are likely to spot the red colobus monkey. the turf. Enjoy an exhilarating drift snorkel where the incoming Embark Le Bougainville this evening. tide whisks you through the pass and into a lagoon populated by turtles and eagle rays. Visit the small scientific research Day 3 At Sea station on Picard Island and photograph the mighty tortoises of Today, relax on board enjoying the ship's amenities and this magical, isolated island that few travelers ever have the attending informative lectures to prepare you for your privilege to see. exploration of the magical Seychelles islands.

Day 7 Astove Atoll Day 4 , Seychelles Board Zodiacs to land on this uninhabited island’s sandy Assumption is famous for clear surrounding waters populated by beach. Part of the , Astove was formerly the home a profusion of marine life. These qualities led Jacques Cousteau of African slaves who escaped a Portuguese ship in 1760. More to film much of his documentary The Silent World at recently, Astove was the site of a copra plantation—its houses, Assumption. Snorkel or dive among corals teeming with over drying sheds, and other buildings in various states of disrepair 100 species of fish, including black lionfish, blue-ribbon eels, since being abandoned in the 1980s. Mature casuarina and and Indian Ocean steephead parrotfish. Assumption is also Indian almond trees host the pendant nests of Abbott’s sunbird, home to around 100 giant tortoises introduced from Aldabra. while snorkelers will delight in the crystal-clear waters of the

Days 5 - 6 Aldabra Atoll large lagoon, frequented by turtles, groupers, and schools of Spend two full days at magnificent Aldabra, a World Heritage tropical fish. Site, and a highlight of your adventure. With a perimeter of 70 miles, Aldabra is one of the largest atolls in the world, Day 8 Cosmoledo Atoll Part of the Aldabra group, the vast majority of this huge atoll, comprising four major islands separated by channels. Because measuring about nine miles across, is lagoon. Approximately

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com 15,000 pairs of red-footed boobies nest in the bushy vegetation divers to spot more colorful tropical fish or even a hawksbill of the island, the largest breeding colonies of this species in the turtle, or to stroll the white-sand beaches. entire Indian Ocean. Other species found here include red-tailed tropicbirds; black-naped, sooty, and crested terns; and three Day 13 La Digue / Praslin species of endemic land birds—Madagascar white-eyes, Giant granite boulders and swaying palms offset the souimanga sunbirds, and Madagascar turtle doves. Take a walk postcard-perfect white beaches of La Digue. Explore this along the beach and snorkel in the vast, shallow lagoon where tranquil island by bike or take a stroll along the picturesque, turtles can often be found grazing on sea grass. sandy roads. Pass quaint, balconied houses and shops, a vanilla plantation, and a copra factory to reach the small Veuve Day 9 At Sea Nature Reserve, where you may observe the endangered Spend the day at sea attending lectures and joining naturalists Seychelles paradise-flycatcher in its native habitat. Other on deck to search for sea birds and marine mammals. common sights include the yellow bittern, Seychelles swiftlet, and common waxbill. Spend time on one of the world’s most Day 10 Alphonse Island Group breathtakingly beautiful beaches, Anse La Source d’Argent, to We anchor in the Alphonse Island group to experience the beachcomb, swim, or simply soak in your surroundings. After beauty and serenity of these three islands that lie in the heart of lunch on board, step ashore on Praslin and visit enchanting the Seychelles Archipelago. Their remote location provides Vallée de Mai National Park, a World Heritage Site. The many opportunities for unspoiled exploration, including high-canopied, primeval palm forest is home to 4,000 beachcombing on powdery white-sand beaches, and snorkeling coco-de-mer palms, which can grow to over 100 feet and live and diving to spot the Madras snapper or any of the nine 800-1,000 years. The palm bears the world’s largest nut, species of butterflyfish. weighing 20 - 40 pounds. Several other endemic palm species, as well as the Seychelles flying fox, populate this magical valley. Day 11 Poivre Atoll, Amirantes We may spot the rare Seychelles black parrot and other birds of The are named in honor of Portuguese admiral notable interest, including the Seychelles blue-pigeon, cave Vasco da Gama’s 1501 visit. Take Zodiacs to Poivre Atoll for swiftlet, and Seychelles bulbul. beachcombing, nature walks, birding, and a visit to the copra plantation. Snorkel or dive over coral gardens inhabited by Day 14 Mahé / Disembark brilliantly-hued tropical fish, as manta rays glide through the After breakfast, disembark for a tour of the Seychelles’ charming waters below and black-naped terns soar in the skies above. capital city. Mahé’s century-old botanical garden is home to 80 indigenous plant species, including five palm species, the Day 12 Desroches vanilla orchid, and the rare jellyfish tree. An abundance of birds Desroches’ low-lying coral reef encloses a serene lagoon. This inhabit the area as well, including the Seychelles kestrel, reef-surrounded island offers opportunities for snorkelers and Seychelles bulbul, and the rare, endangered Seychelles sunbird.

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com After lunch, transfer to the airport for your independent homeward flight.

Please Note: Based on the expeditionary nature of our trips, there may be ongoing enhancements to this itinerary.

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com YOUR SHIP: LE BOUGAINVILLE

YOUR SHIP: Le Bougainville

VESSEL TYPE:

LENGTH:

PASSENGER CAPACITY:

BUILT/REFURBISHED:

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, restaurants, Le Bougainville will invite you on a journey to and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new elegance and epicureanism. limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 offer you a truly unique cruising experience. and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant variety of salads and desserts. spirit, Le Bougainville will embody the unique atmosphere that To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic is the cruise line's hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a intimacy and comfort. single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. meals. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on PUBLIC AREAS authenticity and passion for travel. Like Le Boreal and its sisterships, Le Bougainville has many RESTAURANTS common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its A 140 m² reception area includes: two A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship's administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos. Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com PRICING

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com