South Africa and Madagascar: Nosy Be and Morondava
Jewels of Madagascar, with French elegance and the spirit of exploration aboard Le Dumont d'Urville
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Richards Bay to Nosy Be
Eleven nights aboard Le Dumont d'Urville lead you from Richards Bay in South Africa through the Mozambique Channel to the finest islands of Madagascar. You circumnavigate the island state in the western Indian Ocean and visit remote bays where rare endemics live: lemurs, chameleons and the iconic baobab tree. Toliara in the south-west is the gateway to the Ifaty coral reef, Morondava is famous for the Avenue of the Baobabs. Further north await the palm-fringed islands around Nosy Be and Nosy Hara, one of the biologically richest areas of the Indian Ocean. The Blue Eye lounge unfolds its strongest effect here above tropical coral reefs. The marina and sixteen Zodiacs bring the 184 guests to beaches without any jetty.
Route highlights
- Richards Bay: Port on the KwaZulu-Natal Gold Coast and gateway to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
- Toliara: South-west Madagascar with the Ifaty coral reef and encounters with Vezo fishing culture.
- Nosy Ve: Coral sand island in the Mozambique Channel, home to red-tailed tropicbirds and marine turtles.
- Morondava: Gateway to the Avenue of the Baobabs, the iconic image of western Madagascar.
- Mahajanga: Historic harbour town with the mighty baobab tree at Cap Saint André.
- Nosy Ambariovato / Nosy Hara: Marine park with tsingy cliffs, clear water and endemic reptiles.
- Nosy Be: Fragrant ylang-ylang plantations and reefs for snorkelling and diving in the north of Madagascar.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Richards Bay
11 nights
Nosy Be
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Richards Bay · Embarkation
On the east coast of South Africa in KwaZulu-Natal on a large natural lagoon, this port is the southern hemisphere's largest coal-export harbour. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi rhino reserve lie close at hand.
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At sea
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Toliara (Madagascar)
Toliara lies on the south-west coast of Madagascar on the Mozambique Channel and is the gateway to the Ifaty coral reef. The port city is marked by a colourful blend of Vezo fishing culture and Creole influences.
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Nosy Ve
Off Madagascar's south-western coast near Anakao lies Nosy Ve as a small sandy island in the Mozambique Channel. It is a breeding site for red-tailed tropicbirds with their striking long tail streamers and a favourite snorkelling spot over coral gardens that form part of the Great Reef of Toliara, one of the most important reef complexes in the south-western Indian Ocean.
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Sarodrano
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Morondava
On Madagascar's west coast in the Menabe region lies the coastal town of Morondava on the Mozambique Channel facing the open sea. Just outside town stretches the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs with monkey-bread trees up to 800 years old, which form red silhouettes against the Malagasy sky at sunset.
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At sea
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Majunga
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Nosy Komba
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Nosy Hara
In northern Madagascar lies Nosy Hara as an uninhabited island within a marine national park in the Mozambique Channel. Distinctive limestone formations like tsingy spires, clear water and sea turtles make the islet a natural highlight; the island is also home to the world's smallest known chameleon, Brookesia micra, just under three centimetres long.
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Nosy Be · Disembarkation
Le Dumont d'Urville
Le Dumont d'Urville has sailed since 2019 as the fourth Explorer ship. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, Zodiac fleet. Named after the explorer who claimed Adélie Land for France in 1840.
In the Indian Ocean, Le Dumont d'Urville opens up the islands off Madagascar and the Seychelles - tropical paradises with French savoir-vivre onboard.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Dumont d'Urville
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 8.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 9.760 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 10.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 10.650 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 14.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 14.240 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 14.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 14.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 18.720 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 19.610 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 20.510 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 20.510 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 22.380 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 28.800 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 11 nights from EUR 8.100 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Dumont d'Urville?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
