Wild Caribbean with the Grenadines

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Overview
Highlights
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Itinerary
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What's Included

Highlights

  • Explore the lesser-known island gems of the eastern Caribbean on an itinerary exclusively designed to take travelers far from the standard cruise ship routes.
  • Discover several of the idyllic islands that comprise the little-explored Grenadines, an island chain buried deep within the Caribbean Sea.
  • Seek out a variety of endemic bird species including the St. Vincent parrot and purple-throated carib.
  • Snorkel and dive as you discover dazzling coral reefs and healthy populations of tropical fish.
  • Learn from local experts and onboard lecturers about the fascinating history of the islands we visit and their struggle for independence from Europe.

Highlights

  • Explore the lesser-known island gems of the eastern Caribbean on an itinerary exclusively designed to take travelers far from the standard cruise ship routes.
  • Discover several of the idyllic islands that comprise the little-explored Grenadines, an island chain buried deep within the Caribbean Sea.
  • Seek out a variety of endemic bird species including the St. Vincent parrot and purple-throated carib.
  • Snorkel and dive as you discover dazzling coral reefs and healthy populations of tropical fish.
  • Learn from local experts and onboard lecturers about the fascinating history of the islands we visit and their struggle for independence from Europe.
Capacity: 32, Type: Luxury Small Ship Cruise
Feture image for Wild Caribbean with the Grenadines

On our journey through the lesser-known Eastern Caribbean, we’ll venture to ports inaccessible to larger ships, affording you the chance for dazzling snorkeling, hiking, bird-watching—glimpse the St. Vincent parrot—and explorations of historic forts and peaceful colonial plazas.

  • Explore the lesser-known island gems of the eastern Caribbean on an itinerary exclusively designed to take travelers far from the standard cruise ship routes.
  • Discover several of the idyllic islands that comprise the little-explored Grenadines, an island chain buried deep within the Caribbean Sea.
  • Seek out a variety of endemic bird species including the St. Vincent parrot and purple-throated carib.
  • Snorkel and dive as you discover dazzling coral reefs and healthy populations of tropical fish.
  • Learn from local experts and onboard lecturers about the fascinating history of the islands we visit and their struggle for independence from Europe.

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

show reverse itinerary
Day 1: Martinique
Upon arrival, transfer to Le Cap Est Lagoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Martinique / Embark Le Ponant
Martinique is home to a fascinating and dynamic mélange of French traditions and Caribbean Creole culture. Birders depart early for Presquile Caravelle National Park to search for such island endemics as the Martinique oriole and white-breasted thrasher. Or, choose to visit Balata Church, a miniature version of the Basilica Montmartre in Paris, then continue to Domine d’Emeraude, a botanical garden and interpretive center devoted to the island’s natural history. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a short drive through the ruins of St. Pierre, which was destroyed in 1902 during a massive volcanic eruption. The tour ends in Fort-de-France with a visit to the fascinating Pre-Columbian Museum and free time to peruse the shops or take a walk along the scenic Promenade. Board Le Ponant this afternoon.
Day 3: St. Vincent, Grenadines
The main island of the Grenadines, volcanic St. Vincent offers beautiful white-sand beaches, lushly forested interiors, and excellent snorkeling and diving. Birders take a walk along the Vermont Nature Trail passing through the southwestern tip of the St. Vincent Parrot Reserve, where we hope to spot this colorful endemic bird. A cultural tour takes in the old-world charm of Kingstown, St. Vincent’s historic capital. Enjoy stunning views of the town and the southern Grenadines from the ramparts of Fort Charlotte, built in 1806, and visit the oldest botanical gardens in the western hemisphere.
Day 4: Grenada
St. George, the quaint, bustling capital of Grenada, sits on a supremely scenic horseshoe-shaped bay. Wander through the maze of narrow streets to admire colorful colonial buildings, forts, and churches. Enjoy a hike along densely forested trails to view an idyllic waterfall.
Day 5: Tobago Cays
These five small, uninhabited islands are part of Tobago Cays Marine Park. With pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and deserted white-sand beaches, this area is renowned for some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean with vertical and gently sloping walls, and multiple wrecks.
Day 6: St. Lucia
Be on deck as the ship approaches St. Lucia for stunning views of the Pitons, two volcanic peaks rising more than 2,400 feet from the turquoise sea. Birders seek the St. Lucia parrot, St. Lucia oriole, and St. Lucia pewee. An active hike to the summit of Gros Piton offers splendid views over the island, or choose a tour that visits the Diamond Falls botanical garden, a mineral bath, and a cocoa plantation.
Day 7: Dominica
Birders depart early for a hike to Syndicate Falls to search for Dominica’s two endemic and endangered birds—imperial and red-necked parrots. A historic tour explores Fort Shirley, built by the British between 1770 and 1815. Both groups return to the ship for lunch with an afternoon of snorkeling or diving in a marine protected area. Or, choose a full-day cultural tour of Carib Territory, a reserve where approximately 3,000 native Kalinago reside. Learn about their customs, history, and culture, with the chance to view exquisite handicrafts, including baskets, wood carvings, and canoes.
Day 8: Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe
Eight small islands makes up Les Saintes, endowed with superb beaches, gorgeous bays, fascinating historical sites, and exceptional snorkeling and diving. Spend the morning enjoying the underwater delights, then go ashore to visit one of the tiny French-flavored villages.
Day 9: Montserrat
Towering 3,000 feet above sea level, Montserrat’s Soufriere Hills Volcano slumbered uneasily for at least a century before erupting violently in 1995. Covering the capital city of Plymouth with pyroclastic flows, the southern two-thirds of the island are still off limits. Learn more about this devastating event at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and enjoy grand views of the volcano and surrounding areas. Birders search for the Montserrat oriole, green-throated Carib, brown trembler, forest thrush, and bridled quail-dove.
Day 10: Barbuda
Popular with the yachting set, Barbuda boasts pretty pink beaches and an easygoing attitude. It is also home to a large magnificent frigatebird colony. Other species we are likely to find here include tropical mockingbirds, pelicans, ibis, oystercatchers, herons, a variety of ducks, and the endemic Barbuda warbler. Spend the afternoon snorkeling or diving in the local marine reserve.
Day 11: Sint Eustatius
Take a stroll around the sole town and capital, Oranjestad, with its collection of Caribbean-style cottages and elegant colonial buildings in various states of disrepair. Soak up history and sweeping views from the extensively restored Fort Oranje, a mighty citadel complete with cannons, triple bastions, and cobblestone parade grounds. Or, hike to the top of the Quill, a dormant volcano with a lush cloud forest occupying the crater.
Day 12: Saba
Saba’s volcanic peak rises majestically from the water like the tip of an emerald iceberg. In Saba Marine Park, protected since 1987, explore volcanic pinnacles encrusted with corals and sponges, which are frequented by nurse sharks, parrotfish, barracuda, sharks, stingrays, and turtles. In the afternoon learn about local handicrafts with displays of hand-blown glass and Saban lace.
Day 13: St. Barth's
Take a stroll through Gustavia, the relaxed capital, and visit the 17th-century forts, or browse the town’s many duty-free boutiques. View marine life while staying dry during a thrilling ride in the Yellow Submarine. This afternoon, hike along the Colmbier Beach Trail, where there is a good chance to see nesting red-billed tropicbirds. Or, enjoy the myriad underwater wonders of the St. Barth’s Marine Reserve.
Day 14: St. Martin / Disembark
Board your independent homeward flight back home.
Please Note:
We do our best to adhere to the scheduled itinerary, but in the spirit of our expeditionary style of travel we may deviate slightly to take full advantage of encounters with the destination and its people, culture, and wildlife.
Le Ponant
Le Ponant becomes world’s first sailing yacht to obtain Relais & Châteaux label After four years of regular ad hoc partnerships, PONANT and Relais &  Ch&…

Le Ponant

Length: 88 metres
Built/rebuilt 1991/2020
Cabins 16
Crew 34

Le Ponant becomes world’s first sailing yacht to obtain Relais & Châteaux label

After four years of regular ad hoc partnerships, PONANT and Relais &  Châteaux are strengthening their ties. The three-master joins the large family of Relais &  Châteaux establishments as a new member. It is the first sailing yacht in history to obtain the label and be included in its catalogue of the finest travel addresses in the world.

In 2019 & 2020 Le Ponant underwent a huge revamp. Her capacity was reduced from 64 to just 32 passengers who will be served by a crew of 34.

Following in the nautical tradition of three-masted sailing ships, Le Ponant will take you on a voyage of discovery.  The ship provides intimacy and convivial atmosphere and the refined life on board, the welcoming charm to your cabin, the lounges and the restaurants setting are invitations to relax.

Le Ponant is one of the most majestic sailing vessels in the world. With 16 spacious cabins and suites, one crew member per passenger, a dedicated chef, and authentic and exclusive experiences to be enjoyed at every stop, designed for and with you, the ship redefines the concept of luxury yachting and promises you an extraordinary experience.

In addition to its tasteful and refined design by Jean-Philippe Nuel, it has many innovative and environmentally friendly amenities.

Conserving the environment is one of our priorities. We have therefore chosen to invest in innovations and equipment at the cutting edge of technology, with the aim of achieving the highest standards possible in the sector. Le Ponant is the only yacht in the world with a hybrid propulsion system. This uniquely designed three-masted schooner can rely solely on its sails but also can connect to the electricity network in certain ports to limit its ecological impact.

On board, we have banned the use of plastic in straws, laundry bags, cups and individual food portion packaging. Packaging is collected from our warehouses. Unavoidable plastic waste is sorted and entrusted to resource-recovery companies, who monitor its traceability until its elimination.

Le Ponant is equipped with a complete desalination and wastewater treatment system. This biodegradation process works without the use of chemicals. It provides clean water and meets the highest quality standards.

On board, 60% of packaging is recycled, while the rate elsewhere in the world is only 20%. The rest is 100% traced. We have on-board compactors adapted to each type of waste and are working to optimise their management on land.

Under full sail, gliding over the sea with the wind, you will fall under Le Ponant's spell.

Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.

Cabin layout for Le Ponant

Includes

  • accommodation in stateroom,
  • the full meal plan,
  • the Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar,
  • free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day*,
  • access to all the common areas:
  • on board our sister ships and Ponant Explorers: fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area.
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship
What's Included

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