Ponant Explorations has opened reservations for 48 voyages across 11 different itineraries in Central America and the Caribbean during winter 2026-27. The line will operate 34 Caribbean voyages and 14 Central America voyages from November 2026 through April 2027.
The line will deploy four ships, including three from the Ponant Explorers series—Le Bellot, Le Bougainville and Le Lapérouse, each hosting just 184 guests in spacious staterooms and suites. Also featured in the deployment is Le Ponant, the iconic three-masted yacht and the world’s first sailing ship awarded the Relais & Châteaux label, hosting 32 guests attended by 33 crew members. Here are a few highlights of the winter 2026-27 Caribbean and Central America season:
Smithsonian Journeys Voyages
Ponant Explorations continues its alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, offering intellectually stimulating voyages designed for English-speaking travelers. Each voyage features two experts who provide onboard lectures and discussions that explore a destination’s history, language, environment and wildlife, along with an included excursion or activity in each port of call. All Smithsonian Journeys voyages include airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days.
- “Panama & Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America with Smithsonian Journeys” (Seven nights, one departure) – This voyage from Puntarenas to Colón includes a visit to the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), guided by Smithsonian staff. Guests will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Darién National Park while gaining insights into the ecosystems and cultural heritage of Central America.
- “Cruising the Caribbean’s Windward Islands with Smithsonian Journeys” (Seven nights, one departure) – Showcasing UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Pitons of Saint Lucia and Historic Bridgetown in Barbados, this roundtrip voyage from Vieux Fort offers a picture-perfect sampling of the West Indies with white-sand beaches, colorful reefs as well as an exploration of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Central America
These voyages blend expedition adventure with immersive nature experiences in some of the most biodiverse regions on earth. Accompanied by the line’s expert naturalist guides, guests will explore rainforests, encounter exotic wildlife and learn about local communities through Zodiac excursions, forest hikes and cultural interactions. These programs emphasize scientific enrichment and responsible exploration.
- “Pacific Coast of Costa Rica” (Seven nights, three departures) – On this roundtrip voyage from Puntarenas, travelers will explore national parks including Manuel Antonio, Rincón de la Vieja, Carara and Curú. Both naturalists and local guides lead supervised activities that might range from mangrove explorations by Zodiac to forest hikes and nature walks.
- “Secrets of Central America” (10 nights, eight departures) – On this expedition voyage from Puntarenas to Colón (and reverse), guests will visit Curú Wildlife Refuge, UNESCO-listed Darién National Park and Río Esquinas mangroves. Other highlights include cultural encounters with Kuna and Emberas communities, Zodiac excursions and scenic swims throughout Costa Rica and Panama, as well as a Panama Canal transit.
- “Central America Jewels & Panama Canal” (Seven nights, two departures) – On this voyage from Colón to Puntarenas, experience tropical forests, encounters with indigenous communities and included excursions to sites such as UNESCO-listed Darién National Park and the Miraflores Locks.
Caribbean
These voyages invite guests onboard Le Ponant to explore beyond traditional ports to explore the French West Indies, British Virgin Islands and other gems. Each itinerary combines cultural immersion with nature-focused exploration.
- “Reverie Under Sail in the Heart of the Lesser Antilles” (Seven nights, four departures) – On this roundtrip voyage from Marigot, sail among the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla, visiting a range of destinations incluing Sandy Island, Virgin Gorda, Norman Island and Jost Van Dyke.
- “Gliding the Waters of the Windward Islands” (Seven nights, four departures) – On this roundtrip voyage from Pointe-à-Pitre, guests will sail from Guadeloupe to Saint Lucia, stopping in Dominica, Bequia Island, Tobago Cays and Martinique.
- “History and Culture Visiting Caribbean Jewels” (Seven nights, nine departures) – On this sailing from Marigot to Pointe-à-Pitre (and reverse), discover cultural highlights including UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua, Les Saintes, Nevis, Barbuda and St. Barth’s.
- “Pearls of the Caribbean” (Seven nights, nine departures) – On this roundtrip voyage from Fort-de-France, explore the French West Indies and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, including Soufrière and the Pitons of Saint Lucia, the Tobago Cays and Port Elizabeth on Bequia Island.
- “Wonders of the Caribbean” (Seven nights, four departures) – On this roundtrip voyage from Fort-de-France, visit historic Antigua and the beaches of the British Virgin Islands.
- “Natural Sanctuaries & Heritage of the Caribbean”(Nine nights, one departure) – On this sailing from Willemstad to Colón, discover the biodiversity and history of Colombia and Panama, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Cartagena de Indias, Portobelo and Willemstad. Local expert-led excursions are complemented by onboard naturalists.
- “Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands” (12 nights, two departures) – This itinerary from Colón to Fort-de-France (and reverse) is rich in UNESCO World Heritage Sites such a Cartagena de Indias, fortifications of Portobelo and Pitons of Saint Lucia. Guests can also explore national wonders in the San Blas Islands, Santa Marta, Bonaire, and beyond.
Ponant Explorations continues to lead sustainable luxury cruise travel through innovative technologies that reduce environmental impact while enabling access to remote destinations. Its commitment to education and science is reflected in onboard programming, featuring experts who enhance exploration with meaningful insight.
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