Explore the archipelago of Cape Verde with its intoxicating mixture of African and Portuguese heritage and its welcoming locals. Once a former colony and trade outpost, the Cape Verde Islands of today offer a spellbinding blend of African and Portuguese influences in their architecture, food, customs, and traditions. Being blessed with a pleasant year-round climate, the archipelago offers a diverse range of landscapes from verdant mountain ranges, lush hills, and jungles to explore, to volcanic landscapes or wide deserted beaches. This cruise holiday will open up for you a vibrant and colorful world, all set to the gentle rhythms of West African music.
Highlights
Taste the locally-made “grogue,” a white rum made from sugarcane
Visit Mindelo, a moon-shaped port ringed by barren mountains
Explore the island of fire, Fogo island
Try the traditional Chã das Caldeiras wine, better known as Manecon
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive early this morning at Sal Rei, Boa Vista. Boavista offers the most beautiful beaches of the archipelago, and amazing landscapes, both on its coasts and in the heart of the island. Relax on the beach or enjoy an all-day optional excursion to discover the most authentic aspects of the island: its villages with colorful facades, its artisans of ceramics, and its agriculture. Have lunch at a local restaurant, before returning on board to sail towards Santiago island. Overnight at sea
Arrival at Praia, Santiago, the largest of the islands of the archipelago. After a leisurely morning and lunch on board, the optional afternoon excursion will bring you to Cidade Velha, the first colonial city built in the tropics and classified by UNESCO. The fort and the nearby settlements were once a thriving transatlantic trade center. Late in the evening, sail north towards Fogo, the island of fire. Overnight at sea.
Arrive early this morning to Fogo, with its dominating sight of the Fogo Volcano which rises 3,000 meters over the sea level. An optional full-day excursion brings you to the top of the volcano, right at the crater edge. You will walk through a landscape of lava. Lunch will be at the crater's village. You will also visit the city of San Felipe with characteristic colonial charm. Late in the evening, sail to Sao Vicente. Overnight at sea.
Once a vibrant commercial island, it has evolved into a cultural center and Mindelo is one of the most well preserved colonial cities in Cape Verde. The optional walking excursion will allow you to visit galleries and discover busy restaurants, musical events that give Mindelo its label of the Cultural Center of Cape Verde. It is no surprise that the National Museum of Handicrafts is located in Mindelo. Overnight in port.
Day 6: Mindelo, San Vincente | Porto Novo | Santo Antao
Early in the morning depart for a short sail towards the island of Santo Antao, the greenest of all Cape Verde Islands with landscapes of verdant plantations of sugarcane alternate old craters. Our optional full-day excursion will include the luxuriant Valley Paul where sugarcane is still exploited and where you will taste the "grogue" the national drink of the Archipelago. You will also reach the Valley of Ribeira das Patas and discover rock formations coming from lava formations. Dinner on board and overnight in port.
This morning, choose from two optional excursions: a) enjoy an optional full day excursion including lunch, discovering the major sites of the island, passing by the famous road of Corda, Água das Caldeiras, Ribeira Grande, Ponta do Sol and, of course, by Paul – a green jewel among the villages of Santo Antão. On the way, you will visit plantations of sugar cane and you will taste in home-distillery “grogue” – the white rum made by sugar cane. Or enjoy an optional half-day excursion, to the south-western part of the island - a safari through volcanic landscapes, pozzolans fields and isolated villages with dropwise agriculture and different kind of plantations. Return on board to depart towards Sal. Overnight at sea.
Day 8: Palmeira, Sal Island | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Arrive early this morning at Palmeira port, Sal. Disembarkation is at 8-9 am after breakfast.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,9902-3 travelers
Category C
Lower deck cabins with one double bed or two twin beds. Cabins have bathrooms with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, and adapters (220V). (10-11 sq.m. / 108-119 sq.ft.)
Category B (Twin)
Main deck cabins with two twin beds. Cabins have bathroom with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, adapters (220V). (10.50-11 sq.m. / 113.5-119 sq.ft.)
Category A (Twin)
Main deck cabins with two twin beds. Cabins have bathroom with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, adapters (220V). (10.50-11 sq.m. / 113.5-119 sq.ft.)
Category P
Upper deck cabins with one double bed or two twin beds. Cabins have bathroom with shower, individually controlled A/C, piped music, flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player, telephone for internal use, mini safe, mini-fridge, hairdryer, adapters (220V). (15-18 sq.m. / 162-195 sq.ft.)
Notes
- Please note that fares do not include port charges and possible fuel surcharges. Contact us for details.
- Please note that shore excursions are offered at additional costs.
- Child Discount:
Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount. Children between the ages of 10-16 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Regular (filter) coffee, tea and still mineral water free all day
Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability)
English-Speaking Cruise Escort.
Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local Theme Evening , fun BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Port Fees
Wifi
Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements (except those mentioned in inclusions)
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
1 week ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
