Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands
PONANT invites you to board Le Soléal to discover the jewels of Raja Ampat and the fabled Spice Islands, with their spectacular landscapes, picture postcard islands and coral reefs
Departing from Darwin, a multicultural city where over 50 ethnic groups live together, you head for the Maluku Islands. These hidden jewels, surrounded by incredibly blue water, are home to some of Indonesia’s most beautiful white sandy beaches.
Then you set sail further north. In the Coral Triangle, at the tip of the Bird’s Head Peninsula, a string of more than 1,500 verdant islands and cays called Raja Ampat promises wonderment, tranquillity and enchantment. Preserved in a setting of karst peaks and surrounded by exceptional underwater environments, the archipelago captivates visitors with the beauty created by its stunning landscapes, coral reefs, lush tropical forests, and heavenly beaches.
Le Soléal will continue to sail in the Indonesian province of West Papua to allow you to admire the superb natural site of Kitikiti Waterfall where you could enjoy a swim surrounded by lush pristine rainforest.
You then set out for the Maluku archipelago to discover the charms of Banda Neira Island. Between its age-old culture marked by Dutch, English and Portuguese influences, coral reefs and luxuriant jungle, you will experience a truly timeless moment...
You then return to Darwin, which rounds off this fabulous and enchanting epic.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
Like Le Boréal and L’Austral, the two sister ships that preceded it, Le Soléal further reaffirms PONANT's signature approach: to take passengers to the farthest reaches of the planet onboard five-star ships offering top-of-the-range services.
