On Earth Day and Every Day, PONANT EXPLORATIONS Brings Science to the Sea

When you step aboard a PONANT EXPLORATIONS luxury small-ship expedition, you are not just a traveler – you are an explorer, immersing yourself in the wonders of the planet alongside leading scientists, researchers, and conservationists. Our voyages offer the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the natural world, revealing the delicate balance of marine ecosystems — from the shifting polar ice to the vibrant yet vulnerable coral reefs of tropical waters. Here’s how.

Every day is Earth Day on board a PONANT EXPLORATIONS expedition. We have a long tradition of taking you to the hidden corners of the world where nature reigns supreme, monitoring remote environments and sharing our findings with the larger scientific community. At the heart of these efforts is our Science Manager, Dr. Megan Clampitt, an American marine scientist with a PhD specializing in coral reef monitoring and restoration who now calls the south of France home.

Megan has always been captivated by the ocean, dedicated to bringing exploration and discovery to life through PONANT’s scientific initiatives. She is especially passionate about coral reefs – a vibrant ecosystem that supports a quarter of all marine life. For her, science is about both rigorous research and meaningful connection. “I hope to share my passion for the ocean with others and encourage people to play a role in conservation efforts,” she says.

That is exactly what she and PONANT aim to do for you – bring science to life and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Here’s how PONANT helps to bring science to the seas:

PONANT SCIENCE Drives Pioneering Research in the World’s Most Remote Regions 

Through PONANT SCIENCE, we actively support global research efforts. Due to the high costs and the remote nature of the regions where PONANT sails, many marine scientists are unable to access and study these critical environments. We invite them along on our expeditions – sometimes to places that have never been studied before.

For several years, PONANT has enabled researchers to conduct critical studies in remote regions. Thanks to the state-of-the-art laboratories aboard Le Commandant Charcot, for instance, scientists can conduct groundbreaking fieldwork in marine biology, oceanography, glaciology, and more. Since 2021, numerous scientific missions have been carried out aboard our fleet in the most remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic, helping to deepen our understanding of these fragile ecosystems and the urgent threats they face.

PONANT SCIENCE: Engage with Experts. Drive Change

Every voyage aboard Le Commandant Charcot offers a unique opportunity to witness science in action. With the capacity to host scientists from world-renowned institutions such as the Alfred Wegener Institute, NASA, Duke University, and the CNR (Italian Research Council) and a dedicated science coordinator onboard, these expeditions allow guests to connect with research firsthand. You can attend lectures by scientists, visit the onboard laboratories, enjoy a private or one-on-one dinner with them, and, depending on the project, there may even be opportunities to assist with data collection.

This immersive experience allows you to witness science in action, enriching your voyage and leaving a lasting impact long after you return home. By participating in an expedition on board Le Commandant Charcot, you will witness and support scientific research, helping to increase our understanding of the unique regions we visit.

Photo Credit: ©PONANT-Mike-Louagie

The Explorers Club: Witness Groundbreaking Research in Action

Through collaborations with the renowned Explorers Club, PONANT helps you bridge the gap between scientific discovery and exploration. As part of this alliance, some of the world’s most respected scientists, conservationists, and adventurers join select expeditions to share their insights and life’s work.

These experts lead onboard lectures, host informal discussions, and conduct research. Their insights, whether shared from behind a podium or over a glass of wine, offer you an extraordinary opportunity to learn about marine research, climate science, and conservation from those on the front lines.

Photo Credit: ©PONANT-Mike-Louagie

Where Exploration Inspires Action 

PONANT’s ships serve as floating research platforms, collecting valuable data for ongoing scientific studies. For example, in the polar regions, where the effects of climate change are most starkly visible, researchers on board may monitor glacial shifts, sea ice conditions, and the migration patterns of marine species. In warmer waters, scientific studies might focus on the health of coral reefs – critical ecosystems that are increasingly threatened by rising ocean temperatures, acidification, and pollution. 

By bringing this research directly to you, PONANT ensures that science is not an abstract concept confined to laboratories – it is a living, breathing part of the journey. Many guests tell us, for example, that climate change becomes more real and urgent for them during their expedition. They see it and experience it up close and, most importantly, gain the knowledge and inspiration to push their legislators to act.

Protecting Our Oceans, One Voyage at a Time

At its core, PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ dedication to science is about stewardship. By fostering collaborations with leading scientific institutions, creating opportunities for hands-on learning, and supporting critical research, PONANT ensures that every expedition is more than a voyage through breathtaking landscapes. It is a journey toward greater environmental awareness. 

As Dr. Clampitt passionately reminds us, the ocean belongs to everyone. Through education, research, and hands-on involvement, PONANT hopes to inspire impassioned ocean advocacy – one voyage at a time.  .

This Earth Day, as we reflect on the beauty and fragility of our oceans, PONANT invites you to embark on a journey of unparalleled discovery.