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Elephant herd crossing the Chobe river at sunset

African Small Ship Cruises

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Explore the wonders of Africa with Adventure Life's array of 48 small ship cruises for 2025. Join us on a cruise journey through the continent's diverse landscapes and vibrant heritage, from the ancient wonders of Egypt to the pristine beauty of the Seychelles Islands. Dive into the rich history of Egypt on a classic tour, where you'll visit the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and Karnak Temple, and cruise the Nile aboard a luxurious riverboat. Experience the Garden of Eden in the Seychelles, with stops at uninhabited islands, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and relaxing on sun-washed beaches. Embark on a unique expedition cruise in the Indian Ocean, discovering the islands from Mahé to Zanzibar, observing tortoises, bird species, and enjoying spa relaxation. From the Cape Verde Archipelago to the Canary Islands, each cruise offers a blend of wildlife viewing, local market visits, and cultural immersion. With prices starting at $1,620 to $180,220, begin your African adventure today and contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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Entrance of Pico do Fogo
from $3,090
EXPLORE

Islands of Cape Verde Archipelago

Roundtrip Palmeira, Sal - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Harmony V
  • Taste grogue in Santo Antao
  • Visit the port of Mindelo
  • Visit Santiago’s historic fort
  • Discover Boa Vista's beaches
Starts / Ends
Palmeira / Palmeira
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on this 8-day cruise from Palmeira aboard Harmony V. Explore Cape Verde's diverse landscapes and rich blend of African-Portuguese heritage.
Cruise Details
0
Dramatic sunset over La Digue Island in the Seychelles
from $2,790
EXPLORE

Cruise in Seychelles

Roundtrip Mahe - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Pegasos
  • Explore the island of Curieuse
  • Swim at Anse de Source d' Argent
  • Snorkel in the waters of St. Pierre
  • Visit the community of La Digue
Starts / Ends
Mahe / Mahe
Activity Level
Variable
Join an 8-day cruise on the Pegasos to explore the beautiful Seychelles, featuring remote islands and stunning beaches. Enjoy activities like snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife viewing, culminating in a guided walk on Moyenne Island before returning to Mahe.
Cruise Details
0
Snorkeling in crystal clear waters of Africa
from $2,045
EXPLORE

Cruise in Seychelles

Mahe - Praslin - 5 Day Itinerary aboard Pegasos
  • Explore Curieuse’s mangroves
  • Enjoy remote Curieuse Island
  • Visit Cousin Island bird sanctuary
  • Snorkel St Pierre’s vibrant reefs
Starts / Ends
Mahe / Baie St Anne
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 5-day cruise on the Pegasos through the Seychelles, visiting remote islands, swimming spots, and unique wildlife. Enjoy guided excursions to Curieuse, Cousin, and Aride Islands, and soak in Creole culture in Baie St. Anne.
Cruise Details
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Beautiful beaches of Praslin
from $1,620
EXPLORE

Cruise in Seychelles

Praslin - Mahe - 4 Day Itinerary aboard Pegasos
  • Snorkel Felicite’s clear waters
  • Explore La Digue’s streets
  • Visit L’Union Estate’s house
  • Discover Seychelles landscapes
Starts / Ends
Praslin / Mahe
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 4-day cruise aboard the Pegasos, exploring Seychelles' stunning islands and vibrant wildlife. Enjoy activities like snorkeling, beach BBQs, and a farewell dinner with live music before disembarking in Victoria.
Cruise Details
0
Sunset in Praia
from $2,350
EXPLORE

St. Helena to Cape Verde

St Helena - Praia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Hondius
  • Sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
  • See Jacob’s Ladder island views
  • Witness northbound spring migration
  • Visit Cidade Velha in Praia
Starts / Ends
St. Helena Island / Praia
Activities
Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Board MV Hondius on this 11-day cruise from St. Helena to the Cape Verde Islands. Witness the northbound spring migration of birds like Arctic Terns & Long-tailed Skuas in crossing the Equator. Sail the Mid-Atlantic ridge, and spot endemic birds on Boatswain Bird Island. This cruise can only be booked as part of a combination cruise.
Cruise Details
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Banjul - Gambia
from $8,980
EXPLORE

Crucibles of West Africa

15 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
  • Visit British built Fort William
  • Tour the historic Elmina Castle
  • Immerse in Abidjan's arts and music
  • See Freetown's Krio architecture
Starts / Ends
Tema / Dakar
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 15-day Crucibles of West Africa cruise from Tema to Dakar aboard SH Diana. Immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, history, and wildlife as you cruise along the West African coast. Depart from Tema, and visit Takoradi and Freetown. Next, the stunning Bijagós Islands and the beautiful Banjul before ending your cruise in Dakar.
Cruise Details
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Turquoise waters along the shore near Dakar, Senegal
from $12,680
EXPLORE

The Slavery Coast: Cruise from Senegal to Ghana

Dakar to Tema - 15 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
  • Discover Banjul’s Albert Market
  • Explore Bijagos Archipelago beauty
  • Visit Abidjan lively art galleries
  • Tour the historical Elmina Castle
Starts / Ends
Dakar / Tema
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 15-day journey along West Africa’s coast, visiting vibrant cities and remote islands. Explore Daka's rich culture and bustling markets. Discover Banjul's colonial architecture before heading to the Bijagos Archipelago for a glimpse into local traditions and untouched nature. End your adventure in Ghana’s fast-paced capital.
Cruise Details
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The floating village of Ganvie
from $12,680
EXPLORE

Southwest Africa Cruise

Luanda to Tema - 15 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
  • Explore Luanda's Iron Palace
  • See Gabon's rainforests & wildlife
  • Swim at Príncipe’s Macaco Beach
  • Trek through Diosso Gorge
Starts / Ends
Luanda / Tema
Activities
Local Market Visits, Small Ship Sailing, Whale Watching
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on this 15-day cruise in Southwest Africa from Luanda to Tema aboard SH Diana. Discover historic landmarks like the Iron Palace and São Miguel Fortress. Enjoy the natural wonders of Gabon and São Tomé’s rainforests. Explore lively cities like Cotonou, Benin, Lome, and Togo, rich with vibrant markets, voodoo traditions, and colonial history.
Cruise Details
0
Dramatic sunset over La Digue Island in the Seychelles
from $10,540
EXPLORE

Zanzibar, Aldabra & the Treasures of the Indian Ocean

Victoria, Mahe - Zanzibar - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bougainville
  • Explore Victoria, Mahe
  • Snorkel in Saint François
  • Observe tortoises and bird species
  • Tour Kilwa Kisiwani ruins
  • Wander through Zanzibar’s Stone Town
Starts / Ends
Mahe / Zanzibar
Activities
Spa Relaxation, Scuba Diving
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an unforgettable 13-day voyage from Seychelles to Tanzania aboard Le Bougainville. Explore Seychelles’ beaches, snorkel Saint François, dive in Astove, and visit Aldabra’s tortoises. Discover Kilwa Kisiwani, Misali’s reefs, Pemba’s plantations, and Zanzibar’s UNESCO sites.
Cruise Details
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Victoria, Mahe Island
from $11,380
EXPLORE

Paradise Islands of the Indian Ocean

Mahe Island - Mombasa - 12 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
  • Explore Victoria
  • Explore UNESCO-listed Aldabra atoll
  • Experience Bijoutier Island
  • Enjoy Assumption Island
Starts / Ends
Victoria / Pemba Island
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day expedition cruise aboard the SH Diana, starting from Port Victoria and concluding in Mombasa. This adventure takes travelers through the enchanting islands of the Indian Ocean archipelago, from the Seychelles to Tanzania and Mombasa, Kenya.
Cruise Details
0
Dramatic sunset over La Digue Island in the Seychelles
from $12,600
EXPLORE

Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean – with Smithsonian Journeys

Nosy Be - Victoria, Mahe - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bougainville
  • Explore Nosy Be’s forest & wildlife
  • Swim in Nosy Tanikely’s lagoon
  • Snorkel in Nosy Hara’s
  • Discover La Digue’s
Starts / Ends
Nosy Be / Victoria
Activities
Snorkeling
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an 11-day cruise exploring the captivating beauty of Madagascar and the Seychelles. Visit Nosy Tanikely’s stunning beaches and marine life. Experience Nosy Komba’s enchanting lemurs and Nosy Hara’s unique limestone formations. Explore Diego Suarez’s pristine landscapes, Assumption Island’s sea turtle breeding sites, and more.
Cruise Details
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Enjoy the clear blue waters of the Canary Islands
from $5,340
EXPLORE

The Canaries, lands of contrasts

8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Boreal
  • Explore Fuerteventura sand dunes
  • Visit La Gomera's biosphere reserve
  • See Lanzarote's volcanic tunnels
  • See the whistling language of Silbo
Starts / Ends
Las Palmas / Las Palmas
Activities
Biking
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the beauty of the Canary Islands on this 8-day cruise roundtrip to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria aboard Le Boreal. Visit Fuerteventura's Puerto del Rosario, Lanzarote's Fire Island, Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz de La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera. Explore traditional Canarian-style houses, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more.
Cruise Details
0
Panoramic photo of beach in Senegal
from $12,680
EXPLORE

Cruise West Africa: The Slavery Coast

Tema to Dakar - 15 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
  • Visit Monrovia’s National Museum
  • Cruise through Bijagos Archipelago
  • Stroll through Takoradi’s markets
  • Explore Accra’s historic forts
Starts / Ends
Tema / Dakar
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 15-day West African cruise from Tema to Dakar aboard SH Diana. Immerse yourself in local culture, markets, and cuisine. Visit Elmina Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover Takoradi's markets and venture into the lush Kakum National Park, then cruise to Monrovia to explore its bustling markets and rich history.
Cruise Details
0
Loango National Park
from $8,980
EXPLORE

Unspoilt Wilds of Southwest Africa

15 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
  • Savor traditional cuisine
  • Visit Conkouati Reserve
  • Visit Loango National Park
  • Visit world's oldest voodoo market
Starts / Ends
Luanda / Accra
Activity Level
Variable
This 15-day Unspoilt Wilds of Southwest Africa cruise aboard SH Diana departs from Angola and sails up the Atlantic coast via the Central African countries of Congo and Sao Tome to West Africa’s Benin and Togo, finally arriving on the Gold Coast in Ghana. Encounter unique customs and landscapes in some of the least-visited parts of Africa.
Cruise Details
0
Elephant battle
from $9,780
EXPLORE

Madagascar & South Africa

Nosy Be - Durban - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bougainville
  • Diverse cultural landscapes
  • Gardens and sandstone formations
  • Lemurs and limestone formations
  • South Africa's natural landscapes
  • Hluhluwe Park’s diverse wildlife
  • Durban's history and Zulu culture
Starts / Ends
Nosy Be / Durban
Activities
Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Archaeological Site Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 12-day cruise from Nosy Be to Durban aboard Le Bougainville, exploring Madagascar and South Africa. Visit Nosy Be’s beaches, Toliara’s gardens, and Mahajanga’s red rock formations. See baobab trees in Morondava, lemurs on Nosy Komba, and Nosy Hara’s limestone formations. Stop in Richards Bay for a safari before ending in Durban.
Cruise Details
0
from $33,900
EXPLORE

Cape Town to Lisbon

42 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Wind
  • Explore West Coast of Africa
  • Explore lagoons, mountains, wildlif
  • Discover Walvis Bay, Bombom Island
  • Overnight at Lomé and Tema
  • Trip to the Bijagos Archipelago
  • Explore Lisbon
Starts / Ends
Cape Town / Lisbon
Activities
Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 40-day Cape Town to Lisbon Cruise aboard Silver Wind exploring remote destinations along the West Coast of Africa and the Atlantic Islands. Experience Walvis Bay, Bom Bom Island, Pointe Noire, with overnight stays in Lomé and Tema. Continue to the Bijagos Archipelago, Santiago Island, the Canary Islands, concluding in Lisbon.
Cruise Details
0
Colorful Canary Islands
from $17,878
Save 20%
EXPLORE

Atlantic Island Chronicles: Exploring Cabo Verde, the Canary Islands, and the Azores

Cabo Verde - Azores - 16 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Visit UNESCO sites
  • Discover Madeira's flora and fauna
  • Learn the volcanic history
  • Local traditions and architecture
  • Discover Azores' food scene
Starts / Ends
Praia / Sao Miguel
Activities
Wine Tasting, Land & Sea Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Mediterranean islands on a 16-day Atlantic Island Chronicles cruise from Cabo Verde to the Azores aboard National Geographic Orion. Discover rich history, volcanic vistas, world-class wine and cheese, and fishing villages. Sail through Cabo Verde, and the Azores, uncovering scenic trails, hidden ports, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Cruise Details
0
Beaches of Cape Verde Islands
from $2,450
EXPLORE

St. Helena to Cape Verde

St. Helena - Cape Verde - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Plancius
  • Sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
  • Cross the equator at sea
  • See volcanic landscapes and shores
  • Stroll the Praia streets
Starts / Ends
St. Helena Island / Praia
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an exciting 11-day cruise from St. Helena to the Cape Verde Islands aboard the MV Plancius. Discover the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an underwater mountain range spanning 10,000 miles. Explore the historic Cidade Velha in Praia, built to defend against English attackers. This cruise can only be booked as part of a combination cruise.
Cruise Details
0
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