During 2019, 2020 and 2021 PONANT is featuring scuba diving destinations across over 80 voyages. Whether drift diving or exploring wrecks, the itineraries provide a variety of warm water diving options to suit all tastes. At some locations introductory Beginners Dives are also available.
“If pristine coral reefs, World War II wrecks, an abundance of marine life that potentially includes parrot fish, spiny lobsters, turtles, sharks, barracuda and manta rays appeal to you, then consider joining one of these cruises exploring the diversity of the underwater world,” said Monique Ponfoort, Vice President PONANT Asia Pacific.
“Voyages with scuba diving offered include close-to-home options like Fiji, Micronesia and Papua New Guinea, while further afield we have diving available on cruises to the Seychelles, Maldives, Polynesia and the Caribbean … we also have six expedition voyages in partnership with National Geographic.
“These are definitely not hard-core dive boats. Rather, we offer small ship cruising with all the little luxuries and creature comforts that make for as memorable time above water as below. These are enjoyable voyages first and foremost with the added option of diving in some of the world’s finest locations.
“We even manage to give non-divers a taste of the underwater world. Our new fleet of Explorer ships have an exclusive world-first, an underwater lounge we call Blue Eye. Here, situated below water level, look out through the large windows into the surrounding marine world while listening to the sounds of the ocean and creatures in the vicinity. And you don’t even need to get wet!”
About PONANT scuba diving
- These PONANT voyages are not designed for hardcore scuba divers seeking dedicated dive boats with multiple daily dives. The dives are best suited to accredited recreational divers. Typical maximum depth will be 20 – 25 metres.
- Scuba diving is an additional cost. Example: €80 for one dive up to €420 for 6 dives. Price includes wetsuit, buoyancy jacket, fins, mask, snorkel, regulator with octopus and pressure gauge and a dive computer.
- Accreditation level – the minimum level required for scuba diving is the PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented onboard at the beginning of the cruise.
- Diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
- An experienced dive instructor is onboard during the cruise, sometimes working in conjunction with local dive operators to ensure access to the best locations according to prevailing conditions.
IMAGE: Seychelles ©PONANT Tally & Lionel Pozzoli
