Ponant

Fly Stay Cruise - 16 Day Indian Ocean Expedition: Madagascar & Seychelles with Smithsonian Journeys

From
AU$19,900
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MadgirgjaniamlsMadgascar
Ponant

Fly Stay Cruise - 16 Day Indian Ocean Expedition: Madagascar & Seychelles with Smithsonian Journeys

Flight
Hotel
Cruise
  • Duration
    15 nights
  • Ship
    Le Bougainville
  • Date
    5 Jan 2026
From
AU$19,900
Price per person twin share / oceanview stateroom

Fly Stay Cruise - 16 Day Indian Ocean Expedition: Madagascar & Seychelles with Smithsonian Journeys

Madagascar & Seychelles Escape: Indian Ocean Expedition

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 16-day journey through the Indian Ocean’s most remote and breathtaking islands. This seamless fly-cruise package includes:

Return airfares from Australia

Two-night pre-cruise stay in Madagascar

Ten-night luxury Ponant expedition cruise

Three-night post-cruise resort stay in the Seychelles

All port charges and government fees included

Begin your adventure on Madagascar’s exotic island of Nosy Be, then sail to untouched gems like Nosy Komba, Diego Suarez, and the coral-rich islands of the Seychelles — including Aride, Assumption, and La Digue. End with indulgent beachfront relaxation in a luxury Seychelles resort.

A journey of wild beauty, rare wildlife, and pristine seascapes — all curated for comfort, discovery, and natural wonder.

Travel plan

Day 1
Departure from Australia

Begin your journey with an international flight from Australia to Madagascar. Relax onboard as you head towards the island of Nosy Be, ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich culture awaiting you.

Day 1-2
Arrival in Nosy Be & Accommodation
Day 3-13
Ponant Expedition Cruise
Day 13-15
Disembark Cruise, Seychelles Stay
Day 15
Fly Home

Highlights

Your Inspiring Highlights

🧭 Cruise Itinerary Highlights

7 January 2026 – Nosy Be
🚢 Embarkation & Departure
🏝️ Volcanic island known as "the scented island"
🌳 Lush forests, endemic wildlife, and beautiful beaches
🌏 Historical multicultural trading post

8 January 2026 – Nosy Tanikely
🏝️ Uninhabited island with white sand beaches
🐠 Marine protected area perfect for snorkeling & swimming
🚶‍♂️ Hiking to old lighthouse with stunning ocean views

8 January 2026 – Nosy Komba
🐒 “Lemur island” with dense tropical rainforest
🏖️ Small beaches and emerald waters
🌿 Natural gem rarely visited

9 January 2026 – Nosy Hara
🪨 Limestone rock formations and marine “tsingies”
🐟 Protected marine sanctuary with 280 species
🤿 Ideal snorkelling spot

10 January 2026 – Diego Suarez (Antsiranana)
🏖️ Idyllic beaches and turquoise waters
🦎 Home to endemic species like tiny chameleons
🥾 Hiking the impressive Red Tsingy canyon

11 January 2026 – At Sea
🛳️ Relax with spa, pool, fitness center
🎭 Enjoy onboard shows, lectures, and shopping
🌊 Watch for marine wildlife from the deck

12-13 January 2026 – Assumption Island
🐢 Major sea turtle breeding site
🌊 Excellent scuba diving locations
🎥 Filming site of Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s “The Silent World”

14 January 2026 – Saint François Atoll
🐦 Birdwatching and sea turtles
🌊 Pristine coral reefs perfect for snorkelling and hiking
🏝️ Typical Seychelles outer island beauty

15 January 2026 – Rémire Island
🐠 Rich underwater biodiversity
🌿 Lush vegetation and birdlife
🤿 Coral reefs for snorkelling

16 January 2026 – Aride Island
🐦 Known as “bird capital” with many seabirds
🌿 Nature reserve with endemic plants and reptiles
🐢 Sea turtles frequent the beaches

16 January 2026 – La Digue Island
🏖️ Famous beaches with pink granite rocks
🐢 Home to giant tortoises
🚲 Peaceful island with bikes and ox carts as transport

17 January 2026 – Victoria, Mahé
🏙️ Capital city of Seychelles
🏝️ Nearly 70 fine sandy beaches
⛰️ Mountain panoramas with hiking opportunities
🌺 Botanical gardens and colonial history

Nosy B

Madagascar

Ravintsara Wellness Hotel - Nosy B - Madagascar

2 nights - Nosy B
Check-in: 2026-01-05 - Check-out: 2026-01-07

Seychelles

Hitlon

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort and Spa

3 nights - Mahe Seychelles
Check-in: 2026-01-17 - Check-out: 2026-01-20

The price includes

Return International Flights
Baggage Allowance and Meals on Flights
Ponant Luxury Expedition
Port Charges, Fees and Taxes
2 nights in Madagascar
3 nights in Seychelles

The price does not include

  • Tipping
  • Airport or Port Transfers
  • Travel Insurance
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal Expenses

Additional Information

Return economy flights are included from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane. Flights from Adelaide & Perth  are available with an additional surcharge. You can select your departure city in the customisation field when making your booking.

We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or upgrade. Please contact us to discuss these options in more detail, or review our T&Cs below. 

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.