Le Bellot

<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>

<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;"><strong>In alliance with The Explorers Club, our ship will host an esteemed member of The Explorers Club, an organization renowned for supporting science research, education, and trailblazing expeditions to the farthest reaches of the globe. During this </strong><strong>voyage</strong><strong>, enjoy tales of exploration, learn about scientific research, and attend insightful lectures, all providing deeper context for your surroundings and journey. Join us as we venture to the world's most remote corners, where discovery and adventure await at every turn.</strong></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;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>Wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of the Caribbean Sea. On the <strong>Panamanian and Colombian coastlines</strong>, lush mangroves and lively towns recount the colonial past of the region, featuring Congo ceremonies and sleepy ruins. Off the coast, the turquoise sea wraps itself around stunning archipelagos, such as <strong>the San Blas Islands</strong>, home to the Kuna community, or the <strong>Grenadines,</strong> like a confetti of islets bound together by the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies. In these crystal-clear waters, the underwater life is mesmerising, as are the panoramas provided by the Pitons of <strong>Saint Lucia</strong> and the gentle Creole way of life pervading <strong>Les Saintes</strong>.  </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;"><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>10-day cruise</strong> along the coasts of Portugal, Spain, and  France.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Embark in <strong>Lisbon</strong>, Portugal’s buzzing capital.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From the port of Leixões, you will visit <strong>Porto</strong>. The capital of Portugal's northern region, this “city of granite” is renowned for its wine but also for its remarkable historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your journey continues to the city of <strong>Vigo </strong>in southwest Galicia, Spain. Not far from here, <strong>Santiago de Compostela</strong> awaits you for an extraordinary visit. This Christian pilgrimage destination is home to a number of monuments from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque periods, testimony to its illustrious past.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A Coruña</strong>, on Spain's northwest coast, is a major shipping port with a long maritime history, tracing back at least as far as the Phoenicians. The <strong>Tower of Hercules</strong>, built by Emperor Trajan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site—the only Roman lighthouse still in use. More recently, the city played important roles in the launch of the <strong>Spanish Armada</strong> in 1588, and in the <strong>Napoleonic Wars</strong> on the Iberian Peninsula in the early 19th-century.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Sail into <strong>Bilbao</strong>, on the northern coast of Spain. Between daring architecture, including the Frank Gehry-designed <strong>Guggenheim Museum Bilbao</strong>, and the continuation of its ancestral traditions, you will bear witness to the city’s unique energy.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">After a day at sea,<em> Le  Bellot </em> arrives in in <strong>Saint-Malo</strong>, a charming seafaring town on the coast of Brittany and the gateway to magnificent <strong>Mont-Saint-Michel</strong>. This iconic medieval town on a tidal islet with its famed citadel and abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your next call is in <strong>Caen</strong>, France, whose thousand-year-old castle was built during the reign of William the Conqueror. Choose to venture further afield in Normandy to <strong>Omaha Beach</strong>, where Allied forces launched their attack against German troops during the D-Day invasion of WWII. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your voyage then continues along the English Channel, through the Strait of Dover,  down the River Thames, to <strong>London</strong>, England, the cosmopolitan capital of the United Kingdom, and ends with a night aboard ship docked near <strong>London Bridge</strong></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;"><strong> </strong>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>. <strong>Holyhead</strong>, Wales, on the Isle of Anglesey, is where you may visit medieval <strong>Caernarfon Castle</strong>, built in the late 13^th century by Edward I as the architectural capstone to the English conquest of Wales, or you may choose to explore the <strong>National Trust's Bodnant Garden.</strong></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>From Celtic shores to the volcanic boundaries of Iceland</strong>, this journey follows in the footsteps of a<strong> wild and magnetic North</strong>. In Ireland and Scotland, there is one natural wonder after another. Mysterious basalt rocks, windswept beaches, Highlands sculpted by the lochs and the mist continue to resonate to the rhythm of past legends. Further north, the <strong>Fareoe Islands archipelago</strong> reveals itself, between sheer summits, hanging meadows populated with sheep and rugged cliffs sheltering colonies of seabirds. Then, mineral, wild and dizzying Iceland — the perfect conclusion to this <strong>odyssey into the heart of Nordic landscapes</strong>, featuring fishing villages, mythology and grandiose nature.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">On the edge of the Arctic, Iceland is both romantic and untamed. Along its western coast, glaciers, vertiginous cliffs, verdant plains and waterfalls compose a breathtaking picture. Between volcanos, geysers and basalt rocks, the “land of fire and ice” reveals its lunar landscapes. Peaceful fjord branches provide shelter for fishermen’s villages, while puffins, Arctic foxes and Icelandic horses people this natural sanctuary. The icy waters of the sea are home to humpback whales and orcas, performing their striking ballet in the heart of raw and sovereign nature.</p>