West African Archipelago Expedition

Cape Verde & Bissagos Island Cruise

Price from $7,635
$5,528

Departure Dates
11 departures between Nov 2023 and Jan 2025
Duration
13 days
Ship

Cruise Overview

Discover wonderful wildlife in West African archipelagos

  • 13-day West Africa expedition cruise, experiencing the incredible biodiversity of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands.

  • Travel to Santiago, Gambia and Fogo, encountering spectacular wildlife like saltwater hippos during nature safaris on these stunning archipelagos.

  • Discover the cultures and wildlife of West Africa’s islands with your Expedition Team, visiting the volcanoes, rainforests, and reefs of Cape Verde

West Africa expedition cruise 

Your adventure begins in the colourful streets of Dakar. Next, you’ll travel to two island archipelagos filled with historic sites, contrasting cultures and varied landscapes. Our final stop before returning to Dakar is Banjul, Africa's smallest capital city. 

Island life 

Explore the amazing volcanic landscapes of Cape Verde as we cruise to Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão and Boa Vista. Watch for hundreds of different bird species as well as rare saltwater hippos, manatees and more in the Bissagos UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We’ll also meet the Bijagós people, who retain their nature-based spiritual beliefs and traditional culture.

Itinerary

We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay

The vibrant capital of Senegal

Day 1

En route to Cape Verde

Day 2

Diverse Santiago

Day 3

Volcanic Fogo

Day 4

Rugged Santo Antão

Day 5

A piece of the Sahara

Day 6

A day of learning at sea

Day 7

Bissagos expedition

Day 8-11

The Gambia's tiny capital

Day 12

The end of the expedition

Day 13

What's included

Take a look at what you can look forward to on this 12-day expedition cruise.

Expedition Cruise

  • A stay in a cabin of your choice  
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages in restaurant Aune   
  • Complimentary tea and coffee  
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board† 
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board  
  • English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore  
  • Range of included activities  

Onboard Activities

  • In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team 
  • Full use of our Science Center, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment 
  • Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research 
  • Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer 
  • Use of ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna and gym 
  • Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings 

Landing Activities

  • Escorted landings with small expedition boats 
  • Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities 
  • Expedition photographers on hand to assist you 

Notes

  • All planned activities are subject to weather conditions 
  • Excursions and activities are subject to change 
  • Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
  • Please make sure you meet all vaccination requirements (global health insurance recommended)  
  • No gratuities expected 

Transfers before the Expedition cruise

  • Transfer from Dakar airport to the ship on day of embarkation 

Post-Programme in Dakar after the cruise

  • Dakar City Tour, day room at hotel in Dakar, including lunch  

What's not included

  • International flights 

  • Travel insurance 

  • Luggage handling 

  • Optional shore excursions with our local partners 

  • Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

Included Programmes

It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages

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