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Sometimes the best way to see a country’s true colors is along its rivers or coastline by boat. Watch the destination reveal itself through the windows, stopping off to get up close to the culture, history and wildlife.

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Ponant Le Bellot

Adventure in the Bissagos Islands with Ponant Le Bellot

8 nights
Departing 16th November 2025 from Dakar

In the secret lands of the Atlantic, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, where the infinite blue of the ocean meets the lush green of the islands, a rare jewel hides: the Bissagos. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this archipelago, one of the most preserved on the planet, consists of 88 islands, most of which are uninhabited. In an environment that is often still unspoiled by man, these islands offer the few visitors who explore them the chance of a unique and authentic experience. PONANT has designed a 9-day journey aboard Le Bellot, into the heart of this string of islands featuring preserved nature, a land of ancestral civilisations and a refuge for many terrestrial and marine species.

You will humbly sail towards these extraordinary lands, which hold the promise of an interlude where time may stand still. During your exploration, its backdrop a symphony of sounds and colours, you will be as close as possible to exceptional nature, between white sandy beaches, mangals stretching as far as the eye can see, mangrove trees, savannah, palm trees and baobabs. Sea turtles, those majestic creatures, choose these isolated beaches to lay their eggs, while brightly coloured lizards skilfully weave in and out of the lush vegetation. Au détour de randonnées, en plein cœur de la forêt tropicale, vous aurez la chance d’admirer le ballet hypnotisant de nombreuses espèces d’oiseaux migrateurs comme le pélican ou le flamant rose sur l’île de Kere ou encore de contempler le spectacle des singes vervet bondissant de branches en branches. During your hikes in the heart of the tropical forest, you will be lucky enough to admire the hypnotic ballet of many species of migratory birds such as pelicans or pink flamingos on the island of Kere or to contemplate the spectacle of vervet monkeys leaping from branch to branch.  

You will move through this world, the cradle of the Bissago culture, where life follows the pace of the tides and the surrounding nature.  The villages, lying in the thick vegetation, seem to emanate from the earth itself. The houses made of woven palms and the rough wooden dugout canoes melt into the background, almost inseparable from the natural environment. This unique journey will be punctuated by many encounters with the Bissago people, in particular on the islands of Caravela, Carache and Orango. You will take part in traditional ceremonies accompanied by the sound of drums, and discover their customs and traditions, which have not changed for thousands of years and are based on a matriarchal society where the sacred lies at the centre of everything. Nature is a divinity here, and every bird call, every rustling of a tree, every sparkle of the sun on the water is a ode to the beauty of these sacred lands.

SGD $9,700 pp

Luxury Cruise FAQs

  • Which cruise line offers the finest luxury experience?

    Silversea stands as the epitome of traditional luxury cruising, renowned for its impeccable service and refined onboard atmosphere. While some guests appreciate the formal elegance, others may find it quite traditional in approach.

    Explora Journeys delivers the same exceptional luxury standards as Silversea but with a refreshingly contemporary and relaxed ambiance, perfect for those seeking sophistication without formality.

    The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an ultra-intimate experience aboard smaller vessels that feel more like private superyachts. While the experience is undeniably exclusive, the premium pricing reflects this heightened level of intimacy and personalised service.

  • What are the best luxury cruises for adult travellers?

    While none of our luxury cruise partners operate adult-only vessels, Silversea and Seabourn naturally attract a more mature, sophisticated clientele. These cruise lines focus on creating refined atmospheres with world-class spa facilities, cultural enrichment programmes, and elegant social spaces designed for discerning adult travellers seeking tranquil, sophisticated voyages.

  • Which luxury cruises work best for families?

    Explora Journeys excels as the premier choice for luxury family travel. Their ships feature thoughtfully designed spaces for all ages, including a comprehensive kids' club with age-appropriate programming, multiple swimming areas, and active recreation facilities, including pickleball, paddle tennis and basketball courts. The line successfully balances family-friendly amenities with the sophisticated luxury experience parents expect.

  • What makes a cruise ideal for couples seeking romance?

    Every luxury cruise line creates a naturally intimate atmosphere - perfect for couples. While Explora serves families beautifully, Silversea, Seabourn and Four Seasons cater to a more mature clientele, creating inherently romantic environments.

    Four Seasons particularly shines for couples, offering an intimate ship atmosphere with exceptional attention to romantic details, making it ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries or simply reconnecting in an elegant setting.

  • What defines a true luxury cruise experience?

    Luxury cruising is characterised by several key elements that distinguish it from mainstream travel:

    • Intimate Ship Size: Fewer than 1,000 guests ensure personalised attention and uncrowded spaces.
    • Spacious Accommodations: Every suite features significantly more space than traditional cruise cabins, with no interior staterooms - every accommodation includes a private terrace or balcony.
    • Exceptional Dining: World-class restaurants helmed by renowned chefs offer diverse culinary experiences throughout your voyage.
    • Personalised Service: High staff-to-guest ratios ensure attentive, individualised care throughout your journey.
    • All-Inclusive Luxury: Most onboard amenities, dining, and beverages are included, eliminating unexpected expenses.
    • Award-Winning Spas: Full-service wellness facilities offering rejuvenating treatments and relaxation spaces.
    • Curated Shore Excursions: Small-group, culturally immersive experiences designed to provide deeper destination connections, with options for completely private tours.

  • Which luxury cruise lines offer the most enriching cultural experiences?

    Explora Journeys stands out for its extensive portfolio of culturally immersive shore excursions. Their destination experts design experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions, offering authentic encounters with local traditions, cuisine, art and history that provide meaningful connections to each port of call.

  • What are the best options for educational and expedition cruising?

    For travellers seeking intellectual enrichment and natural discovery, AE Expeditions leads in expedition-style luxury cruising. Their vessels feature dedicated naturalists, historians and regional experts who provide fascinating insights into wildlife, geology and cultural history -particularly in polar regions.

    Silversea and Seabourn also offer expedition programs with onboard experts and specialised expedition teams, combining luxury amenities with educational exploration for those who want to learn while they travel in comfort.

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Why Book a Cruise with Scott Dunn?

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  • We listen to you, and tailor your cruise to your travel style, pairing you with the right ship and the right destinations.
  • We can make your itinerary as relaxing, active or cultural as you like. There is no one size fits all when it comes to cruising with Scott Dunn – it’s all about you.

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  • We take care of all the logistics, including your cruise, flights, transfers, and luxury hotels, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
  • You are always in safe hands with us and our trusted worldwide partners. As with any Scott Dunn trip, we are just a phone call away 24/7.

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  • Whether before, after or during your luxury cruise, we curate the best experiences on land to compliment your journey by sea, accompanied by our expert local guides.
  • We only partner with small-ship luxury cruise lines with high staff to guest ratios – designed to never feel crowded.

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  • Our cruises are carefully chosen for their five-star offering: fine dining, luxe facilities, attentive staff, and personal in-cabin butler service.
  • We have personally experienced these ships and will only suggest those that meet the level of service and luxury that our guests expect.

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