West African Archipelago Expedition – Cape Verde & Bissagos Island Cruise


enquire now 13 Days From NZD $10,589 pp twinshare
Terms & Conditions apply
Departure Dates
11 departures between Nov 2023 and Jan 2025

Special offers

Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.

* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise

Solo travellers: Pay no single supplement on select expedition cruises in 2023

Early Bird Sale: Get in early for the best price guaranteed across 2024/2025 departures, on all destinations!

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

What’s included

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

Images courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions