Founded in 1988 by officers of the French Merchant Navy, PONANT has created a new style of cruising, under the French flag, through a unique concept of sea travel.
A luxury destination par excellence, the Seychelles are a heavenly place to visit by sea. Considered a paradise on earth, theSeychelles archipelago is actually made up of 115 confetti islands, some of which have retained their wild aspect, preserved from all human activity. Compagnie du Ponant’s luxury cruises to the Seychelles will let you discover these unique and isolated places in idyllic conditions.
Tropical forests, white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, breathtaking seabeds, giant tortoises: the Seychelles ecosystem is sure to charm travelers in search of the last paradises on earth.
Welcome to one of the world’s most beautiful archipelagos, a veritable ecological paradise. A veritable Garden of Eden, the Seychelles are a sensual and enchanting other world.
How to choose among the 115 islands of the Seychelles? Exceptional natural sites, idyllic beaches, dense terrestrial and underwater fauna: some of the archipelago’s must-see sites deserve special attention.
Olivier Anrigo Olivier Anrigo Olivier Anrigo ©PONANT Tamar Sarkissian Olivier Anrigo
Unforgettable beaches such as Anse Source d’Argent are waiting to be discovered.
Located on the island of La Digue, in the Seychelles archipelago, Anse Source d’Argent is a postcard-perfect backdrop to a jewel. Its shallow turquoise lagoons, immaculate fine sand and impressive granite boulders make it one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. A perfect haven for the hedonistic traveler.
Victoria Botanical Gardens – Mahé
Created in 1901, the botanical garden in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, is a good summary of the flora present in the archipelago. It’s the perfect place to familiarize yourself with local nature: coco de mer, among other palms, orchids, fruit trees and flowers of every color. Aldabra’s famous turtles, numerous bird species and fruit bats have made this haven of peace their home.
Diving in Sainte-Anne National Marine Park – Mahé
Just a few kilometers off the coast of Mahé, the Sainte-Anne National Marine Park isa unique and wild place where you can admire over 150 species of fish, either snorkeling or scuba diving. Founded in 1973, the park comprises five islands: Sainte-Anne, Longue, Ronde, Moyenne and Cerf, bordered by sandy beaches and surrounded by reefs. Green turtles, half-circle angelfish, parrotfish, blue-spotted stingrays, leopard rays and manta rays can all be found here.
Spend a day with giant tortoises – Curieuse
A national marine park since 1979, Curieuse Island is a pristine, uninhabited paradise on land and underwater. On land, Aldabra’s famous turtles roam freely and gigantic coconut palms grow in their natural state. The mangrove swamps and granite beaches are ideal for strolling and swimming, far from the hustle and bustle of the world. In the water, numerous sea turtles offer a fascinating spectacle.
Enjoying the most beautiful island – Grande Sœur
Surrounded by sandy beaches and lush granite coasts, the island of Grande Sœur embodies the beauty of the Seychelles as we know it. In fact, Grande Sœur is often considered the most beautiful island in the archipelago, with its authentic paradise landscape. Coral reefs in excellent condition are home to numerous hawksbill turtles and hundreds of tropical fish such as butterfly fish, angelfish, parrotfish and surgeonfish. Occasionally, white-tip sharks prowl the area.
Escape, between land and sea – Praslin
The island of Praslin exemplifies Seychelles’ perfect blend of genres. On one side, you’ll find some of the most incredible beaches in the Seychelles: white sand beaches bathed by turquoise waters, lush green vegetation and granite boulders dotted along the shores. On the other, dense rainforest and the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Discover a wild paradise – Aldabra Atoll
It’s certainly one of the highlights of a trip to the Seychelles. Located in the south-west of the archipelago, the Aldabra atoll is considered one of the most unspoilt places on the planet. Due in part to its lack of drinking water, Aldabra has never really been inhabited, which has preserved its exceptional fauna. The atoll boasts the world’s largest population of giant tortoises, is a unique nesting ground for green turtles and is home to impressive colonies of birds. The place itself is one of those natural wonders that leave you speechless: a circular tongue of land, bordered by mangrove swamps and clear-water beaches… A sanctuary listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
Explore the “capital of birds” – Arid
One of the Seychelles’ wildest pearls in the Indian Ocean, the island of Aride is renowned for its cliffs and jungle, home to hundreds of birds. This nature reserve, preserved from human activity and only accessible at certain times of the year, has seen the development of numerous species such as song magpies, terns and noddis, as well as reptiles and turtles.
Diving for the most beautiful corals – Alphonse
Alphonse Island, in the center of the Seychelles, is best known to diving enthusiasts for its coral reefs, which are among the most unspoilt in the Indian Ocean, and its rich underwater fauna. Marine mammals, sea turtles, tropical fish, corals of all kinds, sumptuous drop-offs…
Travel in comfort and safety.
Access to exceptional territories aboard yachts of refined design, where art de vivre, discretion, attentive service and excellent cuisine take pride of place: this is the promise of a unique and authentic PONANT voyage.
As the benchmark for sea voyages aboard small cruising yachts, we have developed a rigorous sanitary protocol to guarantee safe sailing.
PONANT, beyond the responsible exercise of its profession and its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, wished to invest further by creating a Foundation in 2018 with the aim of preserving the oceans and poles as well as fostering exchanges between indigenous peoples.
©StudioPONANT Laurence Fischer ©PONANT Tamar Sarkissian
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