The many faces of Cape Verde

From $8,850 per person

8 days

Ship: Le Ponant

The many faces of Cape Verde
Ponant

Formed by volcanic lava and sculpted by the force of the Atlantic waves, the Cape Verde islands reveal the raw beauty of an incomparable natural environment. There are, of course, the tranquil beaches and the strains of morna coming from Mindelo. There is the history of a former Portuguese colony that still bears traces of its past, and a geographical location that has attracted many influences to this string of islands. But above all, Cape Verde represents an indefinable sense of freedom. Carried by the wind, aboard Le Ponant, discover an unexpected world where the elements evoke incredible emotions. Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, a majestic three-master with elegant lines and an interior designed by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a highly distinctive character. As if on your very own yacht, savour the freedom of living in the moment on this cruise to discover the many faces of Cape Verde.

Journey Summary

  • Day 1 - Nov. 21, 2026, Sat. - Mindelo, São Vicente Island
  • Day 2 - Nov. 22, 2026, Sun. - Mindelo, São Vicente Island
  • Day 3 - Nov. 23, 2026, Mon. - Tarrafal, São Nicolau Island
  • Day 4 - Nov. 24, 2026, Tue. - Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island
  • Day 5 - Nov. 25, 2026, Wed. - Praia, Santiago Island
  • Day 6 - Nov. 26, 2026, Thu. - Cidade do Maio, Maio Island
  • Day 7 - Nov. 27, 2026, Fri. - Sao Filipe, Fogo Island
  • Day 8 - Nov. 28, 2026, Sat. - Mindelo, São Vicente Island

Detailed Itinerary

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

Day 1 - November 21, 2026

Mindelo, São Vicente Island

Your next stop will be Cape Verde’s cultural capital, Mindelo. Get along with the locals listening to the real morna in the bars of the old town and sipping the local drink, a sugarcane spirit. This island is also known by its British and Portuguese colonial architecture and pastel-coloured houses, the municipal market and the facades of the old Governor’s Palace.

Day 2 - November 22, 2026

Mindelo, São Vicente Island

Your next stop will be Cape Verde’s cultural capital, Mindelo. Get along with the locals listening to the real morna in the bars of the old town and sipping the local drink, a sugarcane spirit. This island is also known by its British and Portuguese colonial architecture and pastel-coloured houses, the municipal market and the facades of the old Governor’s Palace.

Day 3 - November 23, 2026

Tarrafal, São Nicolau Island

If you’re a mountain lover, this is your island. São Nicolau offers dramatic mountain landscapes that reach their peak at Mt Gordo. Enjoy the nature by hiking the mountain paths of Fajã or get more cultural in Ribeira Brava, which is the capital of the island and rests in a deep green valley close to the summit of Mt Gordo. If you are more of a coast lover, there’s also a great choice of things to visit, from the Blue Hole to the quiet Tarrafal beach and the charming fishing village of Preguiça.

Day 4 - November 24, 2026

Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island

Day 5 - November 25, 2026

Praia, Santiago Island

Start your Expedition Cruise in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, located in the south of Santiago Island. You can explore its old centre overlooking the ocean and its historical buildings with transom windows. In the old quarter, you can also learn about the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins in the Ethnographic Museum. To finish your day, head to the harbour to visit the Diogo Gomes statue, paying homage to the man who discovered the archipelago in 1460.

Day 6 - November 26, 2026

Cidade do Maio, Maio Island

The Bijagós archipelago was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1996 thanks to its abundant biodiversity, and is marine animal and plant life. It consists of 88 islands, 23 of which are inhabited. Get along with the local people of Maio and discover their ancestral traditions, secluded from Western influences.

Day 7 - November 27, 2026

Sao Filipe, Fogo Island

The volcanic island of Fogo is probably the highest landmark of the archipelago. Ideal for hiking, Pico de Fogo has an immense caldera surrounding the active crater and traces of recent and old lava flows all around. Again, along the coast there’s plenty of options too: from the charming Mosteiros to the stylish colonial houses of the historic town of São Filipe, there’s a choice for everyone.

Day 8 - November 28, 2026

Mindelo, São Vicente Island

Your next stop will be Cape Verde’s cultural capital, Mindelo. Get along with the locals listening to the real morna in the bars of the old town and sipping the local drink, a sugarcane spirit. This island is also known by its British and Portuguese colonial architecture and pastel-coloured houses, the municipal market and the facades of the old Governor’s Palace.

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Nov 21, 2026

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