Adventure in the Bissagos Islands

From $5,500 per person

9 days

Ship: Le Champlain

Adventure in the Bissagos Islands
Ponant

In the little-known reaches of the Atlantic, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, where the infinite blue of the ocean meets the lush green of the islands, lies a rare jewel: the Bissagos Islands. Now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this is one of the best preserved archipelagos in the world. It comprises 88 islands, most of which are uninhabited. In many parts, this environment is still completely untouched by man, so these islands offer the chance of a unique and authentic experience to the few visitors who explore them. On this unique voyage, discover some of these mysterious islands, lands of ancient civilisations and a refuge for many species.

Journey Summary

  • Day 1 - Dec. 29, 2026, Tue. - Dakar
  • Day 2 - Dec. 30, 2026, Wed. - At Sea
  • Day 3 - Dec. 31, 2026, Thu. - Carache, Bissagos Islands
  • Day 4 - Jan. 1, 2027, Fri. - Orango, Bissagos Islands
  • Day 5 - Jan. 2, 2027, Sat. - Orango, Bissagos Islands
  • Day 6 - Jan. 3, 2027, Sun. - João Vieira, Bijagós Archipelago
  • Day 7 - Jan. 4, 2027, Mon. - Bolama
  • Day 8 - Jan. 5, 2027, Tue. - Caravela Island, Bijagos
  • Day 9 - Jan. 6, 2027, Wed. - Dakar

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1 - December 29, 2026

Dakar

Dakar, set at the tip of the Cape Vert peninsula, is West Africa’s westernmost point and the capital of French-speaking Senegal. Although it was not founded until 1857, it is West Africa’s oldest European city and one of the most westernised. The opening of the Dakar-St Louis railway in 1885 put the town on the map; it subsequently became a French naval base and in 1904, the capital of Afrique Occidentale Française. It bears the legacy of Africa’s French colonial past, especially so in the downtown Plateau area, where the architecture is redolent of southern France. Every inch a modern city, Dakar is a frenetic buzz of activity, which can be startling. Perhaps sample the popular mint tea and try your hand at bartering in the colourful craft markets for traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, metalwork and costume jewellery.

Day 2 - December 30, 2026

At Sea

Day 3 - December 31, 2026

Carache, Bissagos Islands

Situated just off the west African coast of Guinea-Bissau is Carache Island. The lush green island that is surrounded by turquoise seas was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1996. Boasting a string of islets, the island has a rich and diverse landscape that is precious in fauna and flora. In the heart of the nature, you'll meet the Bijagós inhabitants, who have adapted to and melted in with their natural environment.

Day 4 - January 01, 2027

Orango, Bissagos Islands

Day 5 - January 02, 2027

Orango, Bissagos Islands

Day 6 - January 03, 2027

João Vieira, Bijagós Archipelago

Day 7 - January 04, 2027

Bolama

Day 8 - January 05, 2027

Caravela Island, Bijagos

Caravela is the northernmost island of the Bijagós Islands of Guinea-Bissau. Landscaped by white sandy beaches and black rock, Caravela Island is a magnificent location as you begin to round up your expedition cruise. The island is heavily forested with mangroves and like many of the surrounding islands, it has flourishing fauna and flora life.

Day 9 - January 06, 2027

Dakar

Dakar, set at the tip of the Cape Vert peninsula, is West Africa’s westernmost point and the capital of French-speaking Senegal. Although it was not founded until 1857, it is West Africa’s oldest European city and one of the most westernised. The opening of the Dakar-St Louis railway in 1885 put the town on the map; it subsequently became a French naval base and in 1904, the capital of Afrique Occidentale Française. It bears the legacy of Africa’s French colonial past, especially so in the downtown Plateau area, where the architecture is redolent of southern France. Every inch a modern city, Dakar is a frenetic buzz of activity, which can be startling. Perhaps sample the popular mint tea and try your hand at bartering in the colourful craft markets for traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, metalwork and costume jewellery.

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Dec 29, 2026

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