Le Bellot

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>PONANT</strong> brings you an itinerary to the heart of the most enchanting islands in the Caribbean Sea. Board <em>Le</em> <em>Bellot</em> for a <strong>9-day cruise</strong> combining long stretches of white-sand beach, idyllic turquoise waters, and the laid-back island way of life.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Board your ship in <strong>Vieux Fort,</strong> <strong>St. Lucia,</strong> whose two majestic volcanic peaks – the Gros and Petit Pitons –  jut dramatically from sea to sky and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You will then set sail for <strong>Portsmouth </strong>in <strong>Dominica</strong>, a mountainous island where inland rivers and nature trails provide a glimpse into the intriguing flora and fauna of the island and – if you are lucky – the chance to see the nation’s national bird, the Sisserou Parrot. Do not miss the opportunity to sample some native chocolate from a local maker.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Continue north to <strong>Les Saintes, </strong>a small archipelago of <strong>Guadeloupe</strong>, a highly popular anchorage site with crystal-clear waters and fabulous seabeds where opportunities to enjoy the seascape abound.  Snorkel, swim, or kayak in the shadow of the imposing 19^th-century Fort Napoléon.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your ship will then sail south to the archipelago of <strong>Saint Vincent and the Grenadines</strong>. Here, begin on the island of <strong>Bequia</strong>, where small, picturesque villages, unbelievably clear waters, and brightly colored coral reefs prove main attractions. Then, enjoy a day on your magnificent private beach on the island of <strong>Mayreau</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Continue to <strong>Saint George’s</strong>, the capital of <strong>Grenada</strong>, a hilly island of unspoiled beauty and the southernmost isle of the Lesser Antilles. Nicknamed the Spice Island, Grenada is home to a number of nutmeg plantations. The island boasts the pristine <strong>Grand Etang National Park</strong>, which you may choose to visit.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Anchor next in the <strong>Tobago Cays Marine Park</strong>. This circle of islands, bound together by arguably the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies, will reveal its incredible underwater wildlife during your visit.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Le Bellot</em> sails on to <strong>Bridgetown, Barbados</strong>, whose UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center reveals touches of its British colonial past around every corner. Toast the end of your cruise with a glass of the island’s famous rum as you relish the memories of your week at sea on this breathtaking stretch of the Caribbean! Your cruise ends back in Vieux Fort.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>To further enhance your Caribbean odyssey, an experienced diving instructor will be on board for the entire cruise, enabling you to safely enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent). (Diving is at an additional cost.)</em></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.</em></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>PONANT</strong> invites you to discover the Atlantic coastline with a brand-new 9-day cruise. During this exceptional journey aboard <em>Le Bellot, </em>let the wild and melancholic beauty of the French and British coasts surprise you.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Over the course of your trip, at every port of call, each guest will be able to choose one included excursion from the selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, discover the <strong>Mont-Saint-Michel</strong> from Saint-Malo; admire the River Dart and its landscapes from <strong>Dartmouth</strong><strong>; </strong>or visit <strong>Greenway House</strong>, the novelist<strong> Agatha Christie’s former summer residence</strong>. The range of experiences on offer promises intense and varied moments (for the full list of excursions, click on the Itinerary tab).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Departing from <strong>Bordeaux</strong>, the wine capital of the world, you will head for the coast of Brittany and call at <strong>Quiberon</strong>, the port of embarkation for the aptly-named <strong>Belle-Île-en-Mer</strong>. You will then reach the tip of the Finistère and the ship will enter the magnificent <strong>Brest harbour</strong>, where you may catch a glimpse of <em>La Recouvrance</em>, the stunning schooner that is both the ambassador of the city and its symbol.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Youl will sail to <strong>Saint-Malo</strong>. In this town famous for the legendary Route du Rhum yacht race, lose yourself in the diversity of its heritage, stroll along its rampart walks, and fall under the charm of the city of privateers. Then, call in at <strong>Guernsey</strong>, whose green meadows and romantic cliffs once welcomed the exiled Victor Hugo.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Le Bellot</em> will cross the English Channel to reach <strong>Dartmouth</strong>, a charming town tucked away in the heart of the stunning setting formed by the mouth of the Dart. You will discover its old pastel-coloured fishermen’s houses and some half-timbered buildings.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">After a brief stop at <strong>Cowes</strong>, your journey comes to an end in <strong>London</strong>, the cosmopolitan capital of the United Kingdom, rich with historical heritage and exceptional avant-garde art.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Join us for this 9-day cruise aboard <em>Le Bellot</em> exploring the rich history and culture that thrives on either side of the Irish Sea.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Begin with a night aboard ship docked near <strong>London Bridge</strong>, then set sail in the early morning down the Thames to discover historic <strong>Dover Castle</strong>, perched high on the emblematic <strong>White Cliffs</strong>, and perhaps visit the nearby UNESCO Heritage site of <strong>Canterbury Cathedral.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Enjoy a morning on the <strong>Isle of Wight</strong> visiting <strong>Osborne House</strong>, Queen Victoria's favorite residence, before a relaxing afternoon cruising along the shores of the <strong>English Channel</strong>. Arrive the following day some 30 miles off the southwest coast of Cornwall in the <strong>Isles of Scilly</strong>, where you visit the world-famous <strong>Tresco Gardens</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Crossing the Irish Sea, you call in <strong>Kinsale</strong>, Ireland, your gateway to proudly Irish <strong>Cork</strong> and its iconic <strong>Jameson Distillery</strong>. A stop in Douglas, <strong>Isle of Man</strong>, allows for a visit to Chapel Hill, the site of an excavated <strong>Viking ship</strong> dating to between 850 and 950 AD. Or choose to ride the <strong>Manx Electric Railway,</strong> in service for more than 130 years, for a breathtaking trip through green glens and hollows, with excellent views of the coastline.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Belfast,</strong> Northern Ireland's dynamic capital, is home to <strong>Titanic Belfast</strong>, a state-of-the-art museum on the site of the yard where the ill-fated ship was built. It is also your opportunity to experience the spectacular unspoiled scenery of the <strong>Antrim Coast</strong> and the famed <strong>Giant’s Causeway</strong> of over 40,000 interlocking, hexagonal columns, formed by the cooling of molten lava some six million years ago.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your final full day is spent exploring the fabled<strong> Hebrides</strong>, beginning in the charming fishing port of <strong>Tobermory</strong>, whose distillery produces a renowned single malt scotch whisky, before proceeding to <strong>Duart Castle</strong>, ancestral home of Clan Maclean on the <strong>Isle of Mull</strong>, and ending with the mystical <strong>abbey</strong> of the <strong>Isle of Iona</strong>, home to the first Christian settlement in Scotland.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your voyage comes to an end in Greenock, gateway to <strong>Glasgow</strong>, Scotland's modern cultural capital.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Discover the most beautiful and rugged landscapes on the <strong>Icelandic west coast</strong> during this spectacular <strong>8-day voyage</strong>.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">On <strong>the edge of the Arctic</strong>, between vast glaciers, vertiginous fjords, volcanoes, and boiling geysers, <strong>Iceland </strong>offers a kaleidoscope of wild landscapes.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You will board <em>Le Bellot</em> just outside<strong> Reykjavík</strong>, the world’s northernmost capital city. With its houses with colorful roofs and its lake that is home to countless ducks, the city offers a picture-perfect setting.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The first port of call on your cruise is <strong>Heimaey</strong>. This is the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. Choose to explore the volcanic island, which is summer home to millions of seabirds.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You will then discover the bay of <strong>Grundarfjördur</strong>, from where you may choose to explore the villages along the <strong>Snæfellsjökull glacier</strong>-capped volcano or embark on a <strong>whale watching</strong> excursion in search of orcas and humpback, minke, sperm, and pilot whales.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your ship will then reach <strong>Grímsey</strong>, a small, hard-to-reach island where, in certain places, the volcanic rock forms <strong>magnificent basalt columns</strong>. Sea birds such as guillemots and puffins reign here.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Le Bellot</em> then sails for <strong>Akureyri</strong>, where an excursion to the otherworldly <strong>Lake Myvatn</strong> area offers the opportunity to explore the geothermal field of Namaskard to see mudpots, steam vents, sulfur deposits, boiling springs, and fumeroles.  Also see the spectacular <strong>Godafoss</strong>, the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Alternatively, choose to relax in the <strong>thermal baths</strong> at <strong>Húsavík.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">At <strong>Isafjördur</strong>, explore Iceland’s seafaring history at the <strong>Maritime Museum</strong> and enjoy a performance of <strong>traditional Icelandic folk songs</strong> performed by a group of local singers. Or visit the abandoned village of <strong>Hesteyri</strong>, a 19^th-centurty whaling community located along some of the most rugged landscape in the country.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">End on the outskirts of <strong>Reykjavík</strong>, where you’ll have the opportunity to travel the <strong>Golden Circle</strong>, consisting of three spectacular sights: <strong>Thingvellir National Park</strong>, <strong>Gullfoss Waterfall</strong>, and the <strong>Geysir Geothermal Area</strong>. Another option offers a second opportunity to go <strong>whale watching</strong> in search of humpback, minke, and sei whales.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.</em></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Set sail with <strong>PONANT</strong> aboard <em>Le Bellot</em> for a <strong>9-day cruise</strong> to discover <strong>the Great Lakes</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You will leave from cosmopolitan and dynamic <strong>Toronto, Ontario</strong>, on the shore of<strong> Lake Ontario.</strong> Canada’s largest city will charm you with its museums, parks, and gardens.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Le Bellot </em>will then transit the Welland Canal connecting Lake Ontario and <strong>Lake Erie</strong>. From your call in Port Colborne, you will be able to see the impressive <strong>Niagara Falls</strong>. These three powerful waterfalls, renowned the world over, are an exquisite natural spectacle.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your next lake, <strong>Lake Huron</strong>, boasts myriad islands in its northern sector, with white rocks capped with conifers plunging into the sapphire waters of the lake. Here you will discover the charming city of <strong>Parry</strong> <strong>Sound</strong>, in the heart of the fantastic <strong>UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay</strong>, and the quaint town of <strong>Little Current</strong>, gateway to Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From <strong>Sault Ste. Marie</strong>, Michigan, you will have the opportunity to transit the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks for a foray into <strong>Lake Superior</strong>, before continuing to <strong>Mackinac Island</strong> for an exploration of the island’s Victorian past by horse and buggy.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">End your voyage by sailing the length of <strong>Lake Michigan</strong>, a veritable inland sea, following in the footsteps of the region’s indigenous Americans, first settlers, and trappers. Make your way to <strong>Milwaukee, Wisconsin</strong>, the United States’ “brew city,” for disembarkation.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Set sail with <strong>PONANT</strong> aboard <em>Le Bellot</em> for an <strong>9-day cruise</strong> to discover <strong>the Great Lakes.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Depart from <strong>Milwaukee, Wisconsin</strong>, the United States’ “brew city,” and begin your voyage by sailing the length of <strong>Lake Michigan</strong>, a veritable inland sea, following in the footsteps of the region’s indigenous Americans, first settlers, and trappers.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">On <strong>Mackinac Island</strong>, explore the island’s Victorian past by horse and buggy before continuing to <strong>Sault Ste. Marie</strong>, where you will have the opportunity to transit the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks for a foray into <strong>Lake Superior</strong>. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your next lake, <strong>Lake Huron</strong>, boasts myriad islands in its northern part, with white rocks capped with conifers plunging into the sapphire waters of the lake. Here you will discover the quaint town of <strong>Little Current</strong>, gateway to Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island. Then explore the charming city of <strong>Parry</strong> <strong>Sound</strong>, in the heart of the fantastic <strong>UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From your call in Port Colborne, you will be able to see the impressive <strong>Niagara Falls</strong>. These three powerful waterfalls, renowned the world over, are an exquisite natural spectacle. <em>Le Bellot </em>will then sail the <strong>Welland Canal</strong> connecting <strong>Lake Erie </strong>and <strong>Lake Ontario</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You will end in cosmopolitan and dynamic <strong>Toronto, Ontario</strong>, on the shore of Lake Ontario. Canada’s largest city will charm you with its museums, parks, and gardens.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The waterways of eastern Canada and northern New England are among the loveliest in the world. The rock-bound coast, soaring cliffs, and idyllic waterfront villages have drawn visitors for more than one hundred years.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From <strong>Toronto</strong>, your first full day aboard ship is spent navigating the <strong>St. Lawrence Seaway, </strong>a network of lakes, canals, and locks that provides deep-water passage from Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Montréal, </strong>the first of four calls in Québec, is a cosmopolitan metropolis, where you may tour the charming <strong>Old Town</strong> or explore the <strong>arts scene</strong> along St. Laurent Boulevard. <strong>Québec City</strong>, with its narrow cobblestoned lanes and historic battlements, is one of North America’s most romantic spots. <strong>Tadoussac</strong>, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in Canada, sits at the mouth of the <strong>Saguenay River</strong>, an area famous for the whales that congregate there to feed.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The colonial seaport of <strong>Charlottetown</strong> on Prince Edward Island was the site of the conference in 1864 that set the stage for Canada's unification, and it is also home to the <strong>Anne of Green Gables House</strong>—inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Cap-aux-Meules,</strong> in the Magdalen Islands of Québec, is a fascinating Acadian stronghold, where the legacy of the 17^th-century colonists who settled here and defended their autonomy against both British and French lives on.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Nova Scotia</strong> is next, offering two historical towns for discovery. From charming <strong>Sydney</strong> on Cape Breton Island, you may visit the <strong>Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site,</strong> a living museum that recreates 18^th-century life through the reconstruction of the formerly thriving settlement. And <strong>Lunenburg,</strong> whose <strong>Old Town</strong> is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also home to the <strong>Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">A day at sea brings you to <strong>Provincetown</strong>, Massachusetts, at the tip of historic <strong>Cape Cod</strong>, where the Pilgrims landed in 1620, and which now features a vibrant art scene. Disembark the following day in <strong>Boston</strong>.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Fall under the spell of the timeless elegance of North American shores. <strong>From Boston, PONANT offers you an exceptional itinerary aboard the <em>Bellot</em> on an original 14-day voyage to conquer vast unspoilt spaces, cultural and historical treasures and emblematic cities.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">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, discover the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in <strong>Halifax</strong> as well as the charming fishing village of Peggy’s Cove; fall under the spell of the pretty and lively little streets of the <strong>Beacon Hill</strong> district and wander around the <strong>aisles of the famous Quincy Market in Boston;</strong> or contemplate the wild nature marked by geological curiosities on the Cliff Walk and admire the finest residences inherited from the Golden Age, from <strong>Newport</strong>. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Le Bellot </em>will sail along the coastline of <strong>Nova Scotia</strong> whose towns and villages are full of history and undeniable character. Fall in love with <strong>Halifax</strong>, a cultural crossroads and <strong>provincial capital surrounded by sumptuous nature. </strong><strong>The rocky coast of western Nova Scotia will emerge slowly before you. During an port of call in Yarmouth, immerse yourself in Acadian culture and discover their traditions and ancestral customs through encounters with the population. </strong><strong>While in Louisbourg and Lunenburg, dive into the heart of Canada’s 18th-century history.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You will leave Canadian waters for the United States. In <strong>Eastport</strong>, you will walk on the first stretch of land reached by the French upon arriving in the New World. This is where the highest tides in the Northern Hemisphere can be found, with tidal ranges of up to 8 metres (26 feet). In <strong>Portland,</strong> scattered across the hollow of Casco Bay, wander the narrow and paved streets of this former colonial maritime port whose 19th century buildings still bear traces of that period.  <strong>Provincetown</strong> will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the origins of the country in the easy atmosphere of Cape Cod.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">After crossing the Cape Cod Canal, you will reach the state of Rhode Island and arrive in the charming marina of <strong>Newport</strong>. Here, fall under the spell of the East Coast atmosphere<em>, </em>between sublime Golden Age residences inspired by French and Italian palaces, a coastline featuring a wealth of charm, and a gentle way of life.  Then, further south, the legendary <strong>New York</strong> reveals the majestic Statue of Liberty from the sea: an unforgettable final port of call in a city that is second to none.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You will conclude your journey in <strong>Boston</strong>, considered to be the cradle of the United States for the key role it played during the American Revolution.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Connecting two continents, <strong>Panama and Costa Rica</strong> both possess <strong>unique biodiversity and landscapes</strong>. During this expedition cruise, <strong>tropical forest, impressive mangrove, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water</strong> will make up the decor of an extraordinary experience, between two oceans, thanks to the crossing of <strong>the mythical Panama Canal</strong>. From historic sites and preserved archipelagos to coral islets and nature reserves, you will explore this region’s treasures in the company of naturalist guides, discovering the history of the <strong>local communities</strong> as well as the incredible wildlife to be found here.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>The wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Explore the luxurious <strong>Pacific Coast of Costa Rica</strong> during a <strong>8-day journey</strong>, looped from Puntarenas. <strong>From Guanacaste to the Osa Peninsula,</strong> set off to discover incredible wildlife and explore emblematic national parks, guided by the song of the howler monkeys, the slow movements of sloths, the hypnotic colours of the macaws and other fascinating species. In this biodiversity sanctuary, <strong>mangroves, tropical forests and beaches of black sand</strong> are perfect illustrations of the country’s mantra: <em>Pura Vida</em>, meaning a pure life, one that is harmonious and closely linked to nature.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>The wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em> </p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Connecting two continents, <strong>Panama and Costa Rica</strong> both possess unique biodiversity and landscapes. During this expedition cruise, <strong>tropical forest, impressive mangrove, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water</strong> will make up the decor of an extraordinary experience, between two oceans, thanks to the crossing of the <strong>mythical Panama Canal</strong>. From <strong>historic sites and preserved archipelagos to coral islets and nature reserves</strong>, you will explore this region’s treasures in the company of naturalist guides, discovering the history of the local communities as well as the incredible wildlife to be found here.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Connecting two continents, <strong>Panama and Costa Rica</strong> both possess <strong>unique biodiversity and landscapes</strong>. During this expedition cruise, <strong>tropical forest, impressive mangrove, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water</strong> will make up the decor of an extraordinary experience, between two oceans, thanks to the crossing of <strong>the mythical Panama Canal</strong>. From historic sites and preserved archipelagos to coral islets and nature reserves, you will explore this region’s treasures in the company of naturalist guides, discovering the history of the <strong>local communities</strong> as well as the incredible wildlife to be found here.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>The wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Explore the luxurious <strong>Pacific Coast of Costa Rica</strong> during a <strong>8-day journey</strong>, looped from Puntarenas. <strong>From Guanacaste to the Osa Peninsula,</strong> set off to discover incredible wildlife and explore emblematic national parks, guided by the song of the howler monkeys, the slow movements of sloths, the hypnotic colours of the macaws and other fascinating species. In this biodiversity sanctuary, <strong>mangroves, tropical forests and beaches of black sand</strong> are perfect illustrations of the country’s mantra: <em>Pura Vida</em>, meaning a pure life, one that is harmonious and closely linked to nature.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>The wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em> </p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Connecting two continents, <strong>Panama and Costa Rica</strong> both possess unique biodiversity and landscapes. During this expedition cruise, <strong>tropical forest, impressive mangrove, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water</strong> will make up the decor of an extraordinary experience, between two oceans, thanks to the crossing of the <strong>mythical Panama Canal</strong>. From <strong>historic sites and preserved archipelagos to coral islets and nature reserves</strong>, you will explore this region’s treasures in the company of naturalist guides, discovering the history of the local communities as well as the incredible wildlife to be found here.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Connecting two continents, <strong>Panama and Costa Rica</strong> both possess <strong>unique biodiversity and landscapes</strong>. During this expedition cruise, <strong>tropical forest, impressive mangrove, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water</strong> will make up the decor of an extraordinary experience, between two oceans, thanks to the crossing of <strong>the mythical Panama Canal</strong>. From historic sites and preserved archipelagos to coral islets and nature reserves, you will explore this region’s treasures in the company of naturalist guides, discovering the history of the <strong>local communities</strong> as well as the incredible wildlife to be found here.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>The wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">From sea to sea, or from continent to continent, <strong>PONANT</strong> welcomes you aboard its ships for a <strong>Sea Journey</strong>. A few times a year we invite sea lovers, dreamers, and keen observers of endless horizons to join our non-stop journeys, to enjoy the comfort of our ships for an extended period and share the daily lives of our crew.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As the days go by, you can admire the waves from the upper deck, keep fit in the spa and make good use of the pool or the gym, share the daily life of the crew, discover sailing techniques and instruments, and enjoy a break from the hectic pace of life.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the midst of the Mexican winter, set off on an all-new journey in Baja California, a wild land where the sea and the sky come together in an endless dazzle. As you sail over crystal-clear waves, you will be captivated by magical encounters: <strong>grey whales </strong>— preserving their ancient migratory cycle, the longest of all mammals, to give birth in these shallow lagoons — <strong>playful bottlenose dolphins, orcas, blue whales, colourful fish and majestic devil rays</strong>.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Explore these isolated coves and immaculate beaches, discover towns rich in history and set off to encounter the locals of <strong>Cabo Pulmo</strong>. With the help of scientists and local NGOs, these people have abandoned fishing, which was once their main activity, to embrace eco-tourism and transform the region into a model of marine conservation.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Discover through images the scouting of our expert : <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;" title="Baja California, Mexico: the secret gem of the Sea of Cortez" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYlCl32d0kY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baja California, Mexico: the secret gem of the Sea of Cortez</a></span></strong></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This 11-day voyage aboard <em>Le Bellot</em> to the peninsula of <strong>Baja California and the Sea of Cortez</strong> is an extraordinary opportunity to explore a part of the world that Jacques Cousteau famously called “the world's aquarium.” Few places on earth can rival the abundance and variety of marine life to be found on this itinerary: playful sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, dozens of different species of fish, and above all, whales. Nor is the rich profusion of species confined to the sea. The ibis, cormorants, and great blue herons that inhabit the dense mangroves of the peninsula's Pacific Coast, as well as the pelicans, gulls, and boobies living in the Sea of Cortez—all these, and more, make for a birder’s paradise.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Setting sail from <strong>Cabo San Lucas</strong>, Mexico, enjoy a relaxing day at sea as you cruise along the Pacific Coast of the peninsula to reach <strong>Bahia Tortugas </strong>about halfway between Cabo San Lucas and San Diego. The following morning, a drive across the rugged, arid landscape of the Vizcaino Desert brings you to <strong>Guerrero Negro</strong>, a breeding area for grey whales, where you will enjoy <strong>extraordinary whale watching</strong> aboard a local boat. After another day at sea, find yourself in <strong>Magdalena Bay</strong>, where the morning is spent in search of <strong>grey whales, humpbacks, and dolphins</strong>, and visiting <strong>Bird Island</strong>, while the afternoon is devoted to exploring on foot amid the <strong>amazing sand dunes</strong> of this unbelievably beautiful area.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Rounding the southern tip of the peninsula, <em>Le Bellot</em> enters the Sea of Cortez—the primary object of Cousteau's fascination—to call at <strong>Cabo Pulmo National Park</strong>, where you may do some more <strong>whale watching</strong> (with the possibility of sighting an orca) or <strong>snorkel</strong> on the park's extensive reef, estimated to be around 20,000 years old and home to an incredible variety of marine life. Holders of appropriate PADI certification may choose to SCUBA dive here.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Heading north, deeper into the Sea of Cortez, arrive at <strong>Loreto Bay</strong>, which was christened a National Park in 1996 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site a decade later. Spend two days here, exploring a region that is home to more than <strong>800 species of marine life</strong>. Possible activities include <strong>hikes</strong> ashore,<strong> swimming, snorkeling</strong>, and an overnight in port in the charming Mexican town of Loreto. <strong>Coronado Island</strong>, the focus of the second day in Loreto Bay, is known for its <strong>startlingly white beaches</strong> and marine-life-rich reefs, where those who snorkel or SCUBA dive encounter colorful parrot fish, angel fish, rainbow wrasses, and puffer fish.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The final two days of your voyage are spent in the area around La Paz, calling first at Pichilingue to spend time at <strong>Balandra Beach</strong> ("the most beautiful beach of Baja California"). An overnight in port in La Paz is followed by a day exploring the group of islands just north of the city—swimming with sea lions at Los Islotes or taking advantage of more opportunities for snorkeling and SCUBA diving.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Discover through images the scouting of our expert : <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;" title="Baja California, Mexico: the secret gem of the Sea of Cortez" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYlCl32d0kY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baja California, Mexico: the secret gem of the Sea of Cortez</a></span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Note:</strong> <em>The above is a description of current plans for each day, but as with all cruises, the schedule and order of activities is subject to change depending on weather and sea conditions. </em><em>The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the midst of the Mexican winter, set off on an all-new journey in Baja California, a wild land where the sea and the sky come together in an endless dazzle. As you sail over crystal-clear waves, you will be captivated by magical encounters: <strong>grey whales </strong>— preserving their ancient migratory cycle, the longest of all mammals, to give birth in these shallow lagoons — <strong>playful bottlenose dolphins, orcas, blue whales, colourful fish and majestic devil rays</strong>.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Explore these isolated coves and immaculate beaches, discover towns rich in history and set off to encounter the locals of <strong>Cabo Pulmo</strong>. With the help of scientists and local NGOs, these people have abandoned fishing, which was once their main activity, to embrace eco-tourism and transform the region into a model of marine conservation.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Discover through images the scouting of our expert : <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;" title="Baja California, Mexico: the secret gem of the Sea of Cortez" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYlCl32d0kY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baja California, Mexico: the secret gem of the Sea of Cortez</a></span></strong></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the midst of the Mexican winter, set off on an all-new journey in Baja California, a wild land where the sea and the sky come together in an endless dazzle. As you sail over crystal-clear waves, you will be captivated by magical encounters: <strong>grey whales </strong>— preserving their ancient migratory cycle, the longest of all mammals, to give birth in these shallow lagoons — <strong>playful bottlenose dolphins, orcas, blue whales, colourful fish and majestic devil rays</strong>.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Explore these isolated coves and immaculate beaches, discover towns rich in history and set off to encounter the locals of <strong>Cabo Pulmo</strong>. With the help of scientists and local NGOs, these people have abandoned fishing, which was once their main activity, to embrace eco-tourism and transform the region into a model of marine conservation.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Discover through images the scouting of our expert : <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;" title="Baja California, Mexico: the secret gem of the Sea of Cortez" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYlCl32d0kY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baja California, Mexico: the secret gem of the Sea of Cortez</a></span></strong></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the midst of the Mexican winter, set off on an all-new journey in Baja California, a wild land where the sea and the sky come together in an endless dazzle. As you sail over crystal-clear waves, you will be captivated by magical encounters: <strong>grey whales </strong>— preserving their ancient migratory cycle, the longest of all mammals, to give birth in these shallow lagoons — <strong>playful bottlenose dolphins, orcas, blue whales, colourful fish and majestic devil rays</strong>.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Explore these isolated coves and immaculate beaches, discover towns rich in history and set off to encounter the locals of <strong>Cabo Pulmo</strong>. With the help of scientists and local NGOs, these people have abandoned fishing, which was once their main activity, to embrace eco-tourism and transform the region into a model of marine conservation.</p>