The essential Seychelles

From $7,330 per person

9 days

Ship: Le Bougainville

The essential Seychelles
Ponant

On this itinerary, PONANT invites you to discover the must-see jewels of the Seychelles. On Mahé, you will board Le Bougainville for a 9-day expedition cruise to the heart of this archipelago’s Inner Islands for a glimpse of paradise.  The first port of call on your journey will take you into the marvellous garden of Cousin Island. Everything in this natural reserve is bursting with life: giant tortoises wander around and birds tweet in the heart of lush vegetation. Then you will sail to Remire Island, an Eden lost in the Indian Ocean. Discover its abundant fauna as you explore both on land and under water. Fall in love with this idyllic port of call as you walk around the island and snorkel in its sparkling waters. On Curieuse Island, reputed for its red earth and for the Aldabra giant tortoises that have taken up residence there, take an excursion to the heart of the mangrove. You will then explore Aride, an unspoiled delight of the Indian Ocean and home to thousands of birds including some endemic species. Palm trees, granite rock, white sand and crystal-clear water await you on Grande Sœur. The beaches on this island are each more beautiful than the next, guaranteeing moments of relaxation that will live up to your fantasies of the Seychelles. In Praslin, don’t miss the chance to visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. There you will find sea coconuts, gigantic endemic fruits with a very evocative shape, nicknamed the ‘love nut’. Before you return to Mahé, Le Bougainville will chart a course for the sublime beaches of La Digue, some of the most renowned of the Seychelles.  The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Journey Summary

  • Day 1 - Jan. 17, 2026, Sat. - Victoria, Mahé
  • Day 2 - Jan. 18, 2026, Sun. - Cousin Island
  • Day 3 - Jan. 19, 2026, Mon. - Rémire island
  • Day 4 - Jan. 20, 2026, Tue. - Curieuse Island
  • Day 5 - Jan. 21, 2026, Wed. - Aride Island
  • Day 6 - Jan. 22, 2026, Thu. - Grande Soeur
  • Day 7 - Jan. 23, 2026, Fri. - Praslin Island
  • Day 8 - Jan. 24, 2026, Sat. - La Digue
  • Day 9 - Jan. 25, 2026, Sun. - Victoria, Mahé

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1 - January 17, 2026

Victoria, Mahé

Day 2 - January 18, 2026

Cousin Island

Day 3 - January 19, 2026

Rémire island

Day 4 - January 20, 2026

Curieuse Island

Day 5 - January 21, 2026

Aride Island

Day 6 - January 22, 2026

Grande Soeur

Day 7 - January 23, 2026

Praslin Island

Forty kilometers (25 miles) northeast of Mahé, Praslin is just a 15-minute flight or 45-minute ferry ride away. Praslin, at 11 km (7 miles) long and 4 km (2.5 miles) wide, is the second-largest island in the Seychelles. First settled as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants, the island's original name, Isle de Palmes, bears testament to its reputation as home of the Vallée de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site: the only place in the world where the famous Coco de Mer, the world's heaviest nut, grows abundantly in the wild. Praslin's endemic palm forests shelter many rare species, and the island is a major bird-watching destination. Surrounded by a coral reef, majestic bays, and gorgeous beaches, Praslin is much quieter and less developed than Mahé. With few real "sights," the pleasures of Praslin largely involve relaxing in or exploring its stunning beaches and fantastical forests.

Day 8 - January 24, 2026

La Digue

La Digue Island is an island like no other. It is the smallest of the three populated islands in the Seychelles, but the tranquillity will make it feel like you’re the only one there.The stunning surroundings should be soaked up from cycling through the vanilla plantations to lying on the white-sandy beaches, your time on La Digue should be cherished.There is a little more to do on La Digue compared to the smaller, uninhabited islands where you can enjoy full moon tours, surfing and snorkelling with a local.

Day 9 - January 25, 2026

Victoria, Mahé

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Jan 17, 2026

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