Witness the northbound spring migration of birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas joining you in crossing the Equator ("the Line") on this 11-day cruise aboard MV Hondius. Your voyage starts with the unique flora and fauna of St. Helena. Sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the submarine mountain range that runs about 16,000 km from the Arctic Ocean toward the southern tip of Africa. Assemble on the aft deck to observe how the stars and constellations change as you travel north. Explore Boatswain Bird Island, offering a great chance to see some of the endemic birds. Discover the pleasures of Praia, the massive hillside fortress in the historic Cidade Velha, and the oldest Christian church in the tropics.
Please note: This itinerary can only be booked in combination with this itinerary.
Highlights
Enjoy sailing along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 16,000 km from the Arctic Ocean
Climb Jacob’s Ladder for panoramic island views
Witness Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas flying their northbound spring migration
Visit the historic Cidade Velha and its massive hillside fortress in Praia
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.
Your journey starts in Jamestown, a uniquely situated city that offers much to see before setting sail. Enjoy the local British culture, pleasant tropical climate, and endemic birds of this remote volcanic island. You can visit Longwood House, where Napoleon died in 1821, and even walk the 699-step Jacob’s Ladder if you feel ambitious enough. If you have more time, you can also go on small hikes or snorkel the shallows, seeing multitudes of tropical and subtropical fish.
Today the aim is to sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the sprawling submarine mountain range that runs about 16,000 km (10,000 miles) from the Arctic Ocean toward the southern tip of Africa. Join stargazing on the aft deck, showing you the many highlights of the equatorial sky. Weather permitting, these celestial wonders can be seen with binoculars or even with the naked eye.
Day 4: Sailing Boatswain Bird Island (Ascension Island)
Sail along Boatswain Bird Island, where you see endemic birds like the Ascension Frigatebird, the Sooty Tern, and the White-tailed Tropicbird (ssp ascensionis). Enjoy fantastic birdwatching opportunities from the deck.
Joining you across the equator are Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas flying their northbound spring migration. At this stage of the voyage, hope for good weather as you attempt more stargazing on deck, observing how the polar star becomes visible on the northern horizon.
Sail by Sao Filipe on Fogo Island and spot Western Palearctic species. Observe diverse bird species and enjoy scenic views of the island from the water.
Day 11: Praia, Cape Verde islands | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Arrive in the town of Praia on Cape Verde’s Santiago Island and disembark at 18:00 hours. Stay on board or store your luggage until disembarkation. Take an additional tour in and around Praia, visiting the historic Cidade Velha and its hillside fortress, the oldest Christian church in the tropics, and the slave whipping post in the main square. Explore the streets of Praia and enjoy folk music from tavern windows.
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.
$2,3502-3 travelers
Quadruple Porthole
Located on deck 3. Approximately 129 to 194 sq. ft. 2 portholes, 2 upper & lower berths, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
Triple Porthole
Located on deck 3. Approximately 129 to 194 sq. ft. 2 portholes, 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
Twin Porthole
Located on deck 3. Approximately 129 to 194 sq. ft. 2 portholes, 2 single beds, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
Twin Window
Located on deck 4. Approximately 129 to 151 sq. ft. 1 window, 2 single beds, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
Twin deluxe
Located on deck 6. Approximately 205 to 226 sq. ft. 2 windows, 2 single beds, Sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
Superior
Located on deck 6. Approximately 215 to 226 sq. ft. 2 windows, 1 double bed, Sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
Junior Suite
Located on deck 7. Approximately 205 to 215 sq. ft. 1 double window, 1 double bed, Sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
Grand Suite with balcony
Located on deck 7. Approximately 291 sq. ft. 1 double window, 1 double bed, Sofa, Private balcony, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
Notes
Single supplement - Single occupancy of a twin cabin is available at 1.7 times the twin occupancy rate. Child discount: Children aged 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
Please note: This itinerary can only be booked in combination with the Atlantic Odyssey excl. the Antarctic Peninsula.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 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
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Upon boarding, passengers receive an internet voucher, providing 1.5 GB of free internet per day. This daily allowance resets every 24 hours. Supplementary internet vouchers are available to purchase on board for those requiring additional internet availability. This applies to all trips scheduled for the 2024-25 Antarctic season and will continue across all future motor vessel trips in both Antarctica and the Arctic.
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes
Pre- and Post Land Arrangements
Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
Meals ashore
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
Medical travel insurance, including emergency medical attention and evacuation coverage with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.
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.
The booking was processed efficiently and quickly. We got what we wanted.
Doug Laporte
8 hours ago
Great company. Good communications. Great accommodations, excursions, transport. Guide Elvira was spectacular along with transport, driver, Cesar and activities
Kathy S
1 day ago
Very responsive to questions. Helpful with all arrangements
Roz
2 days ago
The ship company they sent us on was perfect in every detail
lisa wegener
3 days ago
I’m so glad we found AdventureLife. Jess, our planner, was such a pleasure to work with. She readily shared her extensive knowledge about Panama, she offered good suggestions and creative ideas, kept everything organized and handled the details each step of the way.
