West African Archipelago Expedition: Cape Verde & Bissagos Island Cruise
West African Archipelago Expedition: Cape Verde & Bissagos Island Cruise
13-day expedition cruise from Dakar and Banjul to Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands
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.
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Day 1Dakar, Senegal
The vibrant capital of Senegal
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Day 2At sea
En route to Cape Verde
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Day 3Praia, Cape Verde
Diverse Santiago
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Day 4São Filipe, Cape Verde
Volcanic Fogo
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Day 5Porto Novo, Cape Verde
Rugged Santo Antão
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Day 6Sal Rei, Cape Verde
A piece of the Sahara
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Day 7At Sea
A day of learning at sea
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Day 8-11Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau
Bissagos expedition
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Day 12Banjul, The Gambia
The Gambia's tiny capital
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Day 13Dakar, Senegal
The end of the expedition
What’s included
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
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
*House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water
†Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to, and streaming is not supported.
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
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
MS Spitsbergen
Year built | 2009 |
Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
Shipyard | Estaleiro Navais de Viana do Castelo (POR) |
Passenger capacity | 220 |
Beds | 243 |
Car capacity | 0 |
Gross tonnage | 7,344 |
Length | 100.54m |
Beam | 18m |
Speed | 14.5 knots |
MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. Hurtigruten has a long history of travelling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the `Sports Route´.
Practical information
Everything you need to know before your travel
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- 13-day expedition cruise from Dakar and Banjul to Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands
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