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History and Culture Visiting Caribbean Jewels

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History and Culture Visiting Caribbean Jewels
History and Culture Visiting Caribbean Jewels
History and Culture Visiting Caribbean Jewels
Charlestown
Charlestown
Saint Martin
Saint Martin
Marigot
Marigot
Iles Des Saintes
Iles Des Saintes
Saint Martin
Saint Martin
Saint Martin
Saint Martin
Saint Martin
Saint Martin

Overview

Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht. The finest travel address on the waters of the world. The Caribbean. The mere mention of this vast archipelago conjures images of waves dancing along the shoreline, lapping against long beaches lined with elegant palm trees. During this unforgettable 8-day cruise, spend your time contemplating and exploring aboard Ponant's emblematic yacht. You will move away from the lively shores of Marigot and sail under wind power towards the Anguilla archipelago, a little-known jewel where you will be able to reconnect both with yourself and the surrounding read more elements. The two small uninhabited islands of Prickly Pear Cays, separated by a narrow channel and surrounded by rocky protrusions, are heaven for divers and birds.

The island is also home to Lesser Antillean iguanas. You will set sail again, for St Barts, a small island in the Tropics offering an exceptional and windswept stretch of water. Sailing is synonymous with pleasure in these warm waters, even when the sea spray makes it onto the deck. Le Ponant will set sail towards Saint Kitts and Nevis. Thanks to the perfect conditions, sailing here is a delight for all the senses. Lying on the deck, you will let the wind and the sunshine caress your skin, while the crew sail the mainsail.

In Charlestown, on the island of Nevis, you will discover the port facilities built by Admiral Nelson. You will also be able to visit the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States, as well as St John's Fig Tree Church, which houses the original marriage certificate of Lord Horatio Nelson and Fanny Nisbet. Nevis also has a very beautiful botanical garden. You will find Admiral Nelson's works in Nelson's Dockyard, in Falmouth Harbour. This is also where his former residence may be found.

You will reach Barbuda, where you will be able to relax on beaches of white and pink sand bathing in crystal-clear water and observe the many seabirds, particularly the magnificent frigatebirds. Soon, deeply breathing in the air on the deck of the three-mast yacht, you will be enchanted by the infinite palette of blues in the Caribbean Sea.

As you approach Les Saintes Bay, which is one of the world's most beautiful bays, you will glimpse Fort Napoleon crowning the summit of the island. After this odyssey embracing the elements, feeling refreshed by this special experience aboard LePonant, as if you were on your very own yacht, you will return to terra firma in Pointe-à-Pitre.
Our Price From
US$8,220 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Check Availability
Trip Length
Cruise Length

8 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

Marigot

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Pointe-A-Pitre

Trip Departures
Cruise Departures
Dec 2026 to Mar 2027
Cruise Line
Cruise Line
Ponant
Cruise Shi
Cruise Ship
Le Ponant
Ship Class
Ship Class

Sailing Yacht

Passengers
Passengers

32

Crew
Crew

33

Ship Launch
Launched

1997

Ship Refurbished
Refurbished

2021

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

MA1PTP7

Itinerary

Departs: 22:30

Saint Martin, a gem in the Caribbean, is renowned for its dual French and Dutch heritage. This unique blend offers travelers a diverse cultural experience. In the French capital, Marigot, visit the bustling open-air markets and savor gourmet dining, while in Philipsburg on the Dutch side, indulge in duty-free shopping and lively beach bars. Maho Beach, famous for its low-flying planes, is a must-see spectacle.

For nature lovers, the island offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. Loterie Farm provides an adventurous escape with zip-lining and hiking trails. Don't miss the opportunity to sample local delicacies like conch fritters and guavaberry liqueur, which reflect the island’s rich culinary traditions.

Port:Marigot

Marigot, the capital of the French side of Saint Martin, is a charming town known for its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and stunning waterfront. The town's colourful market, offers a variety of local produce, spices, and handcrafted goods, reflecting the island's rich cultural heritage.

The historic Fort Louis, perched on a hill overlooking Marigot Bay, provides panoramic views of the town and the Caribbean Sea, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Along the waterfront, visitors can enjoy a range of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that serve delicious French and Creole cuisine. With its blend of historical charm and lively atmosphere, Marigot offers a delightful experience on the island of Saint Martin.

Arrives: 09:30 Departs: 14:30

Located 5 miles north of Anguilla, the twin islands of Prickly Pear East and West are separated by a narrow channel. Prickly Pear East consists of a huge white sandy beach and rocky outcrops offering excellent snorkelling possibilities. Behind the main beach, there is a small pool where the black-necked stilt comes to feed. The harder-to-access Prickly Pear West has a small beach of low limestone cliffs dotted with bushes. The waters surrounding the cays of Prickly Pear are protected by the Anguilla Marine Park. Green and Hawksbill sea turtles, endangered species, nest on these beaches. The island is also home to an indigenous iguana population as well as a colony of Anguilla laughing gulls. As you sail around Prickly Pear West, it will be easy to observe many birds along the cliffs, including red-billed tropicbirds, brown noddies, brown boobies and little terns. This is also where the only colony of brown pelicans nesting in Anguilla can be found: it is a species of regional importance.

Departs: 22:00

Cherry red roofs, yacht-sprinkled bays and a sophisticated French flavour all add to the gorgeous Caribbean allure of Gustavia. St. Barthelemy's capital rolls around a horseshoe-shaped harbour, where gleaming yachts hover and fancy boutiques, bars and restaurants fizz with life. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Gustavia:

  • go on a sunset cruise
  • sail the coast of St. Barts
  • explore the harbour in a semi-submersible
  • drive the enchanting countryside

Arrives: 07:00 Departs: 18:00

Charlestown is the laid back capital of the island of Nevis, which offers glorious golden beaches, fiery sunsets and verdant tropical backdrops. The city itself is full of Georgian-era structures and colonial features. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier.

Top Things to Do in Charlestown:

  • hike the Golden Rock Nature Trail
  • go deep sea fishing
  • play a round of golf at Four Seasons Resort
  • visit the botanical gardens
  • stroll along Pinney's Beach
  • dive to explore the ship wrecks offshore

Arrives: 08:00 Departs: 21:00

Located to the south of the island of Antigua and Barbuda, Falmouth Bay is home to a marina that is the perfect starting point for visiting Nelson’s Dockyard, where the former naval base and former home of the British Admiral Horatio Nelson can be found. This village was built in 1725 to act as a base for the squadrons of ships that used to patrol the waters of the West Indies to ensure British naval supremacy. It is the last naval dockyard of the Georgian period to be so well preserved and still active. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes a collection of buildings and port facilities surrounded by a fortified compound.

Arrives: 07:00 Departs: 17:00

During your port of call in Barbuda, an island influenced by British culture in the north of the Lesser Antilles, you’ll discover idyllic beaches of white powder-like sand bathed by turquoise waters of striking intensity.

The very British colonial atmosphere of English Harbour, a former Royal Navy base, mixes with creole culture in a happy union. This Eden, which has managed to stay calm and intimate, is brimming with very wild fauna and flora. Arts and crafts are present in the markets and shops, where you’ll find wooden statuettes, printed fabrics and very good rum produced in the island’s distilleries.

Arrives: 08:30 Departs: 21:30

Iles Des Saintes or Les Saintes is formed by nine unspoiled islands, two of which are inhabited. Forest-coated island cones rise from the turquoise waters and crystalline tropical beaches line the shores of these heavenly Caribbean islands. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the island, Terre de Haut.

Top Things to Do on Iles Des Saintes:

  • sail around the isles of Les Saintes
  • explore the waters in a clear kayak
  • hike to the summit of Mount Morel
  • visit Fort Napoleon

Arrives: 07:00

Pointe-à-Pitre, located in Guadeloupe, is a dynamic city where Caribbean vibrancy meets rich history. Its streets are lined with colonial-era architecture, including the ornate Saint-John Perse Museum, which not only offers insights into the poet's life but also into Guadeloupe’s past. The bustling spice market, a sensory overload of colours, scents, and sounds, showcases the island’s culinary wealth.

The city’s location makes it a central point for exploring the natural beauty surrounding it. Just a short trip away are lush rainforests and the serene beaches of Grande-Terre. Pointe-à-Pitre's lively cultural festivals, such as the vibrant Carnival, bring the city to life with music, dance, and Creole traditions, offering an authentic immersion into Guadeloupe's festive spirit.

Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life On Board

Ponant
 (6) Reviews
Total No. of Cruises 336
It's time to join Ponant's team of experienced naturalist guides and expedition experts to discover some of the world’s most distant and sought-after shores, venture into the heart of extreme lands and be immersed in nature on one of many Zodiac outings and shore excursions. Whether you dream of stepping foot on the Antarctic more Peninsula, witnessing the incredible rise of Montgomery reef in the Kimberley or meeting and interacting with local communities in the Arctic, Ponant, the world leader in luxury expeditions can take you there.
Le Ponant
Le Ponant

This sleek, expertly designed 88-metre-long and 56-metre-high three-master is one of the most majestic yachts in the world. Read more

Free as a Bird
Free as a Bird

Le Ponant embodies a simple philosophy - the freedom to do or not to do. Onboard Le Ponant, everyone is free to set their own pace. Read more

Room with a View
Room with a View

With an emphasis on space and freedom, Le Ponant gives guests a sense of being on their own private yacht. Read more

Gourmet Gastronomy
Gourmet Gastronomy

Locally sourced, gourmet and refined gastronomy celebrates the delights of fine food and the riches of nature. Read more

What's On Board
What's On Board

Book a spa treatment, endulge in fine gastronomic cuisine or relax in the common areas, designed by French design studio Jean-Philippe Nuel. Read more

Discovery and Exploration
Discovery and Exploration

Join Ponant's world-renowned expedition team and naturalist experts in a breathtaking sailing environment. Read more

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Download Brochure

Ponant Exceptional Voyages of Discovery (2026-27) Brochure

Ponant Exceptional Voyages of Discovery (2026-27)

Ponant’s Exceptional Voyages of Discovery invite you to explore the world through rare, imaginative and deeply personal experiences crafted with true expedition spirit. From exclusive wildlife encounters in Baja California to tailor-made yachting adventures across Brazil and Polynesia, each journey is designed to turn long-held dreams into unforgettable more realities.

Alongside iconic expeditions in Antarctica, the Caribbean, Asia and the Atlantic archipelagos, you’ll find pioneering voyages aboard Le Commandant Charcot as it returns to the Far North, including the icy St Lawrence. Enriched by partnerships with Relais & Châteaux and the Club des Chefs des Chefs, these sailings blend exploration with artistry, offering transformative moments both on shore and on board.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $8,220
From $11,650
From $12,530
Saturday 26 Dec 2026 26 Dec 26 Marigot
Saturday 02 Jan 2027 02 Jan 27 Pointe-A-Pitre
Details
Le Ponant
Oceanview
US$13,280
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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