What is the Garifuna culture?

Garifuna culture is a unique blend of Indigenous Caribbean and Black African heritage, with a distinct language, music, and traditions.

Where is Cayo Chachahuate?

Cayo Chachahuate is a small island in the Cayos Cochinos archipelago, off the coast of Honduras, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

What makes Ponant cruises unique for Caribbean exploration?

Ponant's expedition ships are designed for smaller ports, enabling access to lesser-known Caribbean destinations and offering immersive cultural and natural experiences.

Home / Lifestyle / Caribbean's Secret Shores: Off-Grid Exploration

Caribbean's Secret Shores: Off-Grid Exploration

29 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Ponant's small expedition ship offers access to remote Caribbean islands.
Exploration focused on Garifuna culture and undeveloped natural beauty.
Voyage included visits to Honduras and Belize's lesser-known coastal areas.

Caribbean's Secret Shores: Off-Grid Exploration

A luxury expedition cruise aboard Ponant's Le Bellot has revealed the hidden side of the Caribbean, venturing to islands rarely visited by tourists. The journey focused on cultural immersion, particularly with the Garifuna people, descendants of African and Caribbean Indigenous heritage, in locations like Cayo Chachahuate, Honduras.

The ship's small size allowed access to remote ports and islets, including Guanaja and Bonacca in Honduras, and Placencia and Half Moon Caye in Belize. This exploration offered encounters with unique ecosystems, from mangrove forests to coral reefs, and diverse wildlife such as manatees and frigate birds.

Despite occasional weather disruptions, the voyage provided enriching experiences, including cultural talks and excursions. The trip highlighted the allure of off-the-beaten-path Caribbean destinations, showcasing natural beauty and vibrant local communities away from mainstream tourism.