Study Voyage: Seychelles and Madagascar
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.
Mahé / Port Victoria to Nosy Be
This 10-night voyage aboard Le Dumont d'Urville links the Seychelles with the natural treasures of northern Madagascar between Mahé and Nosy Be. The Explorer-class ship for 184 guests offers the Blue Eye underwater lounge, 16 Zodiacs and a marina, with premium all-inclusive Ponant service. In partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, experts accompany the route through two of the biologically richest regions of the Indian Ocean. The remote Farquhar Group marks the transition from the Seychelles to Madagascar.
Route highlights
- Mahé / Port Victoria: Seychelles capital as the starting point with market and granite coasts.
- La Digue, Aride and Curieuse: Classic Seychelles islands with granite formations, bird reserves and giant tortoises.
- Farquhar Group: Remote coral atolls of the Outer Seychelles with pristine underwater life.
- Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez): Northern port of Madagascar with French colonial heritage and Emerald Bay.
- Nosy Hara: Marine reserve with limestone formations and endemic reptiles.
- Nosy Ambariovato and Nosy Tanikely: Remote islands with coral reefs and snorkelling worlds.
- Nosy Be: Madagascar's resort island with ylang-ylang plantations as the destination.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2028 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
Mahé / Port Victoria
10 nights
Nosy Be
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Victoria, Mahé · Embarkation
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La Digue
Fourth-largest inhabited island of the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, east of the main island of Mahé. Famed for Anse Source d'Argent beach with its smooth granite boulders and ox carts as a popular means of transport.
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Aride
Aride is a small granitic nature reserve in the inner Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, north of Praslin. It hosts the world's largest breeding colony of lesser noddies and is one of the few places where the rare Wright's gardenia still grows.
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Curieuse
Curieuse is a small granite island of the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean close to Praslin, and has been a marine national park in its entirety since 1979. The island shelters a rare mangrove forest, the red earth of its once-burnt slopes and an important conservation population of Aldabra giant tortoises, which roam freely across the terrain.
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Remire (Amirantes)
In the Amirantes archipelago of the Seychelles some 230 kilometres south-west of the main island of Mahé in the Indian Ocean, this small coral island is fringed by intact reefs. It belongs to a private island group and can only be reached sporadically on expedition voyages.
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Saint-François-Atolls
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Farquhar Atoll
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Diego Suarez (Antsiranana)
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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 Komba
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Nosy Tanikely
Off Madagascar's north-western coast lies Nosy Tanikely as a small uninhabited island between Nosy Be and Nosy Komba in the Mozambique Channel. The marine national park of the same name protects coral gardens, turtle habitats and a biodiverse snorkelling area regarded as one of Madagascar's best dive sites, while lemurs also live on the island itself.
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Nosy Be · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 30 |
| Sea °C | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 380 | 250 | 170 | 180 | 130 | 80 | 70 | 90 | 120 | 180 | 220 | 320 |
| Season | wet | wet | wet | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet | wet |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Seychelles (Mahé)
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 | € 10.730 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 11.700 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 12.180 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 12.760 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 17.020 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 17.020 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 17.020 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 17.020 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 22.340 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 23.420 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 24.480 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 24.480 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 26.700 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 34.350 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
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. 10 nights from EUR 9.840 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.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is April to October (drier, calmer seas).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
