Ponant Explorations Group

Story

Ponant Explorations Group has been delivering meaningful exploration for more than 35 years, inspiring you to discover the world's most extraordinary destinations through responsible and refined travel. As the global leader in high-end expedition cruising aboard small ships carrying fewer than 500 guests, Ponant Explorations Group provides unparalleled access to iconic destinations, remote regions, and exclusive sites that few travelers experience. Owned by Artémis, the Pinault family's private investment firm, the group continues to redefine luxury expedition travel through exceptional service and authentic experiences. Its three distinguished brands—PONANT Explorations, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and Aqua Expeditions—operate a fleet of 19 ships with 6 to 165 staterooms and suites, creating intimate voyages designed for discovery and comfort. With expertise spanning more than 120 destinations, every journey encourages deeper understanding, meaningful connections, and lasting appreciation for the world's natural and cultural treasures. Every expedition reflects the belief that exploration inspires learning, sharing, and protecting the places you visit.

Mission

Ponant Explorations Group inspires you to explore the world through meaningful journeys that combine authentic discovery, exceptional service, and responsible tourism. Every voyage provides exclusive access to remarkable destinations aboard intimate expedition ships while promoting greater understanding, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship. Through luxury expedition experiences and thoughtful exploration, Ponant Explorations Group helps you learn more, share more, and protect the world's extraordinary places.

Vision

Ponant Explorations Group envisions a future where exploration inspires people to better understand, appreciate, and protect the planet. By leading high-end small-ship expedition cruising with innovation, authenticity, and responsible tourism, Ponant Explorations Group continues to create transformative journeys that connect you with the world's most remarkable destinations while preserving them for future generations.

Ponant Explorations Group is committed to promoting more sustainable tourism through meaningful action. When you travel with Ponant Explorations Group, you support the PONANT Foundation, which funds initiatives that preserve and restore ecosystems, advance and share scientific knowledge, and strengthen local communities around the world.

Preservation and Restoration

Help protect the oceans, which cover nearly 70% of the Earth's surface, produce more than 50% of the oxygen you breathe, and absorb over 30% of global CO₂ emissions. Preserving this extraordinary environment remains one of Ponant Explorations Group's highest priorities.

Through the PONANT Foundation, Ponant Explorations Group supports projects that:

• Take part in reforesting the Amazon.
• Assist with cleaning the Aldabra coral archipelago.
• Support coastal communities that serve as guardians of the oceans.
• Contribute to protecting the world's largest lagoon.
• Participate in conserving subantarctic ecosystems.

Innovation and Awareness

Support projects that advance scientific knowledge and inspire environmental responsibility. The PONANT Foundation promotes innovation and raises awareness through initiatives that:

• Promote innovation for marine biodiversity.
• Improve scientific understanding of humpback whales.
• Raise awareness about protecting the Mediterranean coastline.
• Help combat plastic pollution.

Acting for Humanity

Travel with a company that invests in people as well as the planet. The PONANT Foundation supports initiatives that:

• Improve access to healthcare.
• Balance cultural preservation with eco-responsibility.
• Promote access to education.
• Share the knowledge and traditions of sea communities.

Meaningful Encounters

Ponant Explorations Group encourages meaningful engagement with local communities through Foundation-supported field projects. Every year, employees participate in initiatives such as education programs in the Bissagós Archipelago of Guinea-Bissau and environmental preservation projects in New Caledonia, creating lasting connections through hands-on collaboration.

Supporting Community Projects

The PONANT Foundation also encourages employee involvement by inviting staff each year to submit associations or community projects for support. Projects focused on preserving marine biodiversity, enhancing maritime heritage, and advancing the Foundation's mission receive consideration, helping extend the positive impact of responsible travel.