PONANT EXPLORATIONS

PONANT EXPLORATIONS is renowned for its exploration journeys. For over 35 years, PONANT EXPLORATIONS has been taking its guests closest to majestic nature and ancestral cultures, far from busy maritime routes. On board, teams of experts including expedition leaders, naturalist guides, lecturers and scientists share their passion and knowledge.

Travelling with PONANT EXPLORATIONS means setting sail for discreet shores in style and comfort, aboard intimate ships in the company of experts and inspiring personalities.

From Le Ponant, the legendary sailboat of the company, to Le Commandant Charcot, the first hybrid electric high polar exploration vessel, discover an innovative fleet, human-sized and sailing under the French flag.

Because your desires for escape are diverse, we offer a range of explorations, each promising unique experiences. Timeless, Discoveries, or Expeditions Collections: each collection corresponds to a distinct and tailor-made approach, allowing you to experience your chosen destination to the fullest.

Sail to some of the most secluded shores on the planet. An all-inclusive immersive experience, co-created with local communities and accompanied by a team of naturalist guides passionate about the fauna, flora and cultures of the world. These experts share their knowledge through inspiring conferences on board, zodiac outings, walks or hikes in small groups, as well as moments shared with peoples whose traditions stretch back thousands of years.

The sense of hospitality, haute cuisine and prestigious partners come together to offer an unforgettable experience, blending the French touch with the discovery of new horizons.

The onboard service embodies French elegance, combining personal attention and exceptional gastronomy. Every detail is designed to afford an unforgettable experience.

Let yourself be surprised during a journey on one of our human-sized ships. Explore secret latitudes or legendary shores, where the unexpected begins.

Commitments

PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP takes its guests to the most secret places on the planet, where nature reigns majestically. This demands responsible commitments to the ecosystems and the communities living there.

The fleet at the heart of our commitment

Designed to explore the world in a more responsible way, our ships are equipped with the latest available technologies and exceed, in many areas, the highest industry standards for environmental respect.

Blue Horizon 6 engagements

PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP optimises its environmental performance through six commitments. Discover more details about the strategy implemented in our sustainability report.

• Minimise emissions - We were the first company to switch from heavy fuel to LS MGO with 0.05% sulphur content, starting in 2019. The PONANT EXPLORERS ships reduce their NOx emissions by 90% by operating their catalytic systems 24/7.
• Reduce CO₂ emissions - The company has taken major steps to reduce its atmospheric emissions: optimising daily speed, improving energy efficiency and developing ship hybrid electric connections.
• Eliminate plastic - Single-use plastics and water bottles have been eliminated throughout our fleet, thanks to the installation of systems for producing drinking water from seawater and the distribution of stainless steel water bottles to all guests.
• Valorise and track waste - In addition to the actions already carried out on board, a collaborative work has been initiated with all service providers and ports to ensure the recycling and valorisation of recyclable waste such as cardboard or canned packaging.
• Boarding scientists - Le Commandant Charcot has two research laboratories. Several long-term scientific partnerships allow different teams of researchers working on polar regions to extend the duration of expeditions.
• Supporting the creation of marine protected areas - PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is participating in the Blue Nature Alliance initiative, which aims to create 18 million square kilometres of protected marine areas by 2025.

PONANT Science

PONANT SCIENCE supports scientific research, and enables researchers to travel to some of the most inaccessible regions of the planet to learn more about the ocean, the least-known ecosystem on our planet.

The PONANT Foundation

Beyond the Group's commitment to promoting more sustainable tourism, the PONANT Foundation supports concrete initiatives contributing to the preservation and restoration of ecosystems, the acquisition and sharing of scientific knowledge, and the development of local communities.

The traveller's ethical charter

At sea, on land, on the ice floe: we commit to leaving a minimal footprint and encourage you to do the same.

International recognition

Our actions in favour of the environment are regularly recognised and highlighted at national and international levels.

Maritime innovation and Avant-Garde

PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is launching Swap2Zero, an unprecedented transoceanic vessel project aiming for carbon-neutral operations. Set to launch around 2030, this sailing ship is designed to act as a catalyst for new energy solutions. The Group has once again partnered with naval architecture firm Stirling Design International.