MADAGASCAR & SEYCHELLES: NATURAL TREASURES OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

MADAGASCAR & SEYCHELLES
NATURAL TREASURES OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

January 7-17, 2026

Overview:

Interested in more information? Please contact Africa Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Africa Easy Team with any questions or interest.

This trip is Operated by PONANT in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys.

MADAGASCAR & SEYCHELLES
NATURAL TREASURES OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

January 7-17, 2026

Day-by-day Itinerary:

Day 1 | NOSY BE

Embarkation 4:00PM to 5:00PM
Departure 12:00AM

Nosy Be, whose name comes from the Malagasy words Nosy (island) and Be (large), lies in the Mozambique Channel near Madagascar’s northeastern coast. Once a French protectorate, it was known as the “scented island” for its fragrant flora. Of volcanic origin, Nosy Be occupies a strategic maritime position along trade routes to India and Asia. This cosmopolitan island, with its multicultural and diverse population, retains the memory of its days as an important trading hub. Covering 321 km², Nosy Be captivates visitors with its lush natural beauty and idyllic beaches. Its magnificent primary forest is home to unique endemic wildlife and remarkable plant life.

Day 2 | NOSY TANIKELY & NOSY KOMBA

Nestled in the heart of the Nosy Be archipelago, Nosy Tanikely, meaning “island of little earth,” offers a captivating retreat. This uninhabited gem boasts a stunning white sand beach and a crystal-clear lagoon, complemented by remarkable marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Recognized as a “marine and coastal protected area” since 2010, it is an ideal destination for swimming and snorkeling. For hiking enthusiasts, the island features a scenic trail leading to its summit, where an early 20th-century lighthouse awaits. From this vantage point, visitors can take in breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby islands.

As part of your cruise, your ship will call at Nosy Komba, fondly referred to as “lemur island.” Situated close to Madagascar’s mainland, this volcanic island, shaped like a giant turtle shell, is blanketed in dense tropical rainforest. The lush vegetation is home to playful black lemurs—charming orange-brown and black creatures that leap gracefully through the trees, communicating with their distinctive calls. With its emerald waters and secluded beaches, Nosy Komba is a hidden gem, visited by only a fortunate few.

Day 3 | NOSY HARA

Nosy Hara is instantly recognizable by its striking limestone formations, or marine “tsingies,” unique to Madagascar. Situated northwest of the mainland, this island is a protected haven of extraordinary biodiversity. It serves as a living open-air aquarium, home to around 280 marine species. The island’s dramatic rocky columns are framed by pristine white-sand and pebble beaches that blend seamlessly into the deep blue waters, creating a secluded paradise. This untouched gem offers an enchanting setting for a truly unforgettable experience, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and immersing yourself in its natural splendor.

Day 4   | DIEGO SUAREZ (ANTSIRANANA)

A gem of Madagascar’s northern coast, Diego Suarez, also known as Antsiranana, offers a stunning blend of idyllic beaches, turquoise waters, and majestic mountains. Its heavenly stretches of fine sand and untouched landscapes, where nature thrives, create an irresistible allure. This sanctuary is home to unique wildlife, including the brookesia micra, one of the smallest chameleons in the world. For hiking enthusiasts, Diego Suarez is a dream destination, with highlights such as the Red Tsingy. Located just north of the town, this breathtaking canyon, sculpted by the Irodo River, features towering ochre rock formations—a truly mesmerizing sight.

Day 5  | AT SEA

While at sea, take full advantage of the wide range of services and activities on board. Unwind with a relaxing spa treatment or maintain your fitness routine in the gym. Depending on the weather, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool or bask in the sun. With no port of call during this leg of your journey, it’s the perfect time to attend onboard lectures or shows, explore the boutique, or connect with PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. For those who love the open sea, the ship’s upper deck offers a front-row seat to the mesmerizing waves and the chance to spot marine life. This serene interlude effortlessly blends comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Day 6  | ASSUMPTION ISLAND

Assumption Island, part of the Aldabra group in the Outer Islands, lies in the southwestern Seychelles. Discovered in the mid-18th century by French captain Nicolas Morphey, this bean-shaped island is relatively flat, with dunes and shrubs dominating its landscape. A small village on the western side is home to the island’s few residents. Renowned for its pristine beaches, Assumption Island serves as a significant nesting and breeding site for sea turtles. The surrounding waters, teeming with marine life, offer excellent opportunities for scuba diving. Notably, Jacques-Yves Cousteau filmed scenes for his iconic 1956 documentary, The Silent World, in these waters.

Day 7 & 8  |AT SEA /  SAINT FRANCOIS ATOLL

Nestled in the heart of the Seychelles’ Outer Islands, St. François Atoll offers a breathtaking display of the Indian Ocean’s endless shades of blue. This coral atoll, comprising the Bijoutier and St. François islands, embodies the quintessential vision of the Seychelles. Formed around ancient volcanoes that have long disappeared into the ocean’s depths, the islands are encircled by stunning yet delicate coral reefs. On land, the atoll is home to diverse bird species, while its surrounding waters teem with sea turtles and an abundance of marine life. It’s a paradise for both hiking enthusiasts and snorkelers seeking unforgettable encounters with nature.

Day 9  | REMIRE ISLAND

Day 10  | ARIDE ISLAND & LA DIGUE ISLAND

Aride is a stunning island in the Seychelles, located just a few kilometers northwest of Praslin. Recognized as a nature reserve, this hidden gem of the Indian Ocean captivates with its dramatic cliffs and pristine sandy beaches. Shielded from human development and often referred to as the “bird capital,” Aride is home to a variety of endemic plants and exceptional wildlife. It serves as a sanctuary for numerous seabird species, including Seychelles magpie-robins, terns, and noddies, as well as reptiles like Wright’s skinks, which inhabit the island’s wooded areas. The island’s beaches also provide a nesting ground for sea turtles.

La Digue Island encapsulates the very essence of Seychelles’ beauty. Located just 6 km southeast of Praslin, this small paradise is the third-largest island in the archipelago, despite measuring only 5 km by 3 km. With its inviting turquoise waters, lush vegetation home to giant tortoises, pristine sandy beaches lined with coconut trees, and iconic pink-hued granite rocks like those found at the famous Anse Source d’Argent, it offers the perfect postcard scene. Authentic and unspoiled, the island moves at a leisurely pace, where the only modes of transportation are bicycles or traditional oxcarts along its quaint roads.

Day 10  | VICTORIA, MAHE

Disembarkation 8:00AM

Explore Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles and home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé boasts nearly 70 pristine beaches, bordered by the island’s signature granite rocks, and its crystal-clear waters are celebrated for their vibrant marine life. The island is also renowned for its stunning mountain views, with hikes like the one to Morne Seychellois—rising 905 meters—offering sweeping panoramas of the Indian Ocean. Rich in history, Mahé blends colonial architecture with charming Creole homes, and don’t miss the exquisite Botanical Gardens in Victoria.

*Please note: This itinerary is subject to change and is operated by PONANT in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. In the spirit of expedition travel, plans may change slightly to take full advantage of encounters with the destination and its people, culture, and wildlife.

MADAGASCAR & SEYCHELLES
NATURAL TREASURES OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

January 7-17, 2026

Rates: 

Package Rate based on Per Person Sharing. All Rates are Approximate

Staterooms

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4: $13,780
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5: $14,350
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6: $15,060

Suites

Deluxe Suite Deck 3-6: $20,200
Prestige Suite Deck 5: $26,620
Prestige Suite Deck 6: $27,900
Privilege Suite Deck 5-6: $29,200

– Rates are per person and are based on shared accommodations
– Rates are approximate until the time of booking
– Rates are quoted in USD and subject to change without prior notice
– Rates are based on availability at the time of booking

Included:

– Flight Mauritius/Nosy Be selected by PONANT in economy class.
-Meet and greet at the airport in Nosy Be.
– Transfer and luggage handling from the airport in Nosy Be to the ship for embarkation.
– 10 Night Cruise Aboard Le Bougainville
– An included activity in each port of call (see “Itinerary” tab for more information)
– Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the airport on Mahé.
– A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including wildlife conservationist and naturalist Grant Nel and Indian Ocean historian Jane Hooper
– One-way flight Mauritius/Nosy Be selected by PONANT in economy class at the beginning of the cruise.
– Transfers as mentioned in the program above.
– Assistance from English-speaking representatives.
– Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers.

International Airfare:

Africa Easy does not make international air reservations and international air is not included in your quote. However, please do let us know if you would like assistance with booking your international air. We would be happy to put you in touch with our airline partner, Exito Travel to assist you with your international air reservation.

General Information:

– Medical Evacuation insurance is mandatory for travel with Africa Easy and proof of purchase is required. Africa Easy also strongly recommends purchasing a policy that includes trip cancellation / interruption coverage.

Deposit & Payments:

A completed & signed Africa Easy Reservation Form, along with your 25% trip deposit and full regional and/or domestic air payment (if applicable) is required at the time of booking.

Reservations:

This itinerary is subject to the availability of all services at the time of making a reservation. No space is being held at this time. Please contact Africa Easy for the full terms and conditions that apply. We are happy to answer questions and discuss your trip.

To reserve space on a trip on the Africa Easy website, please contact Africa Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Africa Easy Team.