Christmas Expedition Cruise

Cape Verde & the Bissagos Islands


Departure date
Unknown
Duration
14 days
Ship

Cruise Overview

Verdant landscapes, coral reefs and rich culture

  • 14-day expedition cruise in West Africa, from Dakar in Senegal to the mountains of Cape Verde, and the stunning Bissagos Islands.

  • Celebrate the season with spectacular wildlife encounters. Look out for rare saltwater hippos and manatees during nature safaris.

  • Join your Expedition Team to discover the cultures, landscapes and coral reefs of these West African islands and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Festive adventure

Your seasonal celebration begins in the colorful streets of Dakar. We’ll travel through two island archipelagos filled with historic sites, contrasting cultures and varied landscapes. Our final stop before returning to Dakar is Banjul in The Gambia, Africa's smallest capital city.

Island life

Explore Cape Verde’s beaches, and enjoy wildlife watching as we cruise to Santiago, Boa Vista, Santa Antão and volcanic Fogo. Spot hundreds of different bird species as well as rare saltwater hippos, manatees, turtles and more in the Bissagos UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We’ll also visit the Bijago people, with their fascinating animistic and matriarchal culture.

Itinerary

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

Welcome to West Africa

Day 1

Visiting Gorée Island

Day 2

Bound for Cape Verde

Day 3

Santiago at Christmas

Day 4

Christmas on Boa Vista

Day 5

Ribeiras of Santo Antão

Day 6

Volcanic features of Fogo

Day 7

Relax and learn at sea

Day 8

Bissagos' biodiversity

Day 9–12

Africa's smallest capital

Day 13

Return to Dakar

Day 14

What's included

Expedition Cruise

  • Expedition cruise in the cabin of your choice
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
  • Complimentary tea and coffee
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • English-speaking Expedition Team who organizes and guides activities, both on board and ashore
  • Range of included activities

Onboard activities

  • Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures on a variety of topics
  • Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
  • The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects
  • The onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
  • The ship has two hot tubs, a sun deck with lounge chairs, a sauna, and an indoor gym
  • Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as daily recaps and the next day’s preparations

Landing activities

  • Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
  • Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
  • Expedition photographers help configure your camera settings

Pre-Program in Dakar before the expedition cruise

  • Overnight at a hotel in Dakar, including lunch and breakfast
  • Full-day tour to Gorée Island, including lunch
  • Transfer to the ship

Post-Program in Dakar after the expedition cruise

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

What's not included

  • Air travel

  • Travel protection

  • Luggage handling

  • Optional shore excursions with our local partners

  • Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

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