Morning: Fly from Roland Garros Airport to the port city of Saint‑Denis, then transfer to the chartered research vessel departing for Kerguelen. Enjoy a light brunch on board while the crew briefs you on safety and itinerary.
Afternoon: Set sail across the Indian Ocean, with a chance to spot dolphins and distant albatrosses. The ship’s lounge offers panoramic views and a short documentary on the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.
Evening: Dinner aboard featuring fresh Réunion cuisine. Attend a brief talk about the history of Port‑aux‑Français and the unique ecosystem of the Kerguelen islands.
Find HotelsMorning: Dock at the main settlement of Port‑aux‑Français. After check‑in, explore the research station’s museum, which showcases the archipelago’s geology and wildlife.
Afternoon: Guided walk along the harbor to see the historic **French Navy supply depot** and the iconic red‑brick administrative buildings.
Evening: Group dinner with scientists, followed by a stargazing session on the open deck where the Southern Hemisphere constellations dominate the sky.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short boat transfer to Baie de l’Oiseau, a protected bay famed for its nesting colonies of **royal albatrosses** and **southern giant petrels**.
Afternoon: Walk the coastal trail to the nearby seal beach where **Antarctic fur seals** lounge on volcanic rocks. A naturalist will point out feeding behaviors and breeding sites.
Evening: Return to Port‑aux‑Français for a relaxed dinner; optional night‑time walk to hear the distant calls of wandering albatrosses.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for a 4‑hour guided hike toward the foothills of Mont Ross, the highest peak in the archipelago, offering spectacular views of glacial valleys.
Afternoon: Picnic lunch on the plateau, followed by a brief stop at a meltwater lagoon where **Antarctic krill** are abundant, attracting feeding seabirds.
Evening: Return to base; enjoy a warm stew and share photos from the day's trek around a campfire.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive across the vast **Plateau Tindouf**, a windswept basaltic plain dotted with ancient lava flows, ideal for geological observation.
Afternoon: Hike to the striking rock formation known as Gendarme du Gros Ventre, a natural stone “sentinel” that offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands.
Evening: Sunset photography session at the plateau, then a relaxed dinner back in Port‑aux‑Français with a briefing on the next day's departure.
Find HotelsMorning: Boat excursion to Île Howe, a remote island home to dense colonies of **king penguins** and **gentoo penguins**.
Afternoon: Snorkeling near the island’s kelp forests to observe **southern elephant seals** and curious **crabeaters**; a marine biologist will guide the activity.
Evening: Return to the main vessel for a farewell dinner featuring locally sourced fish, followed by a short documentary on the archipelago’s conservation efforts.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack belongings and say goodbye to the research staff. Attend a short debrief on the expedition’s findings and impact.
Afternoon: Set sail back toward Réunion, with ample time for oceanic wildlife spotting en route.
Evening: Arrive back at Saint‑Denis, transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of one of the world’s most remote lands.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend your adventure, consider adding an extra day on the plateau to explore additional volcanic formations or schedule a dedicated wildlife photography workshop with the onboard naturalists. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Snorkeling & Marine Biology Tour and combine Day 4 and Day 5 activities into a single long inland trek, reducing the itinerary to five days while still experiencing the archipelago’s iconic landscapes.