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West Africa Archipelago Cruise: Cape Verde & Bissagos Islands from Dakar
West Africa Archipelago Cruise: Cape Verde & Bissagos Islands from Dakar
14-day expedition cruise from Dakar and Banjul to Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands
West Africa expedition cruise
Your adventure begins in the colorful 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 1
Dakar
Welcome to Africa!
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Day 2
Dakar, Senegal
Visiting Île de Gorée
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Day 3
At Sea
Bound for Cape Verde
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Day 4
Praia, Cape Verde
Diverse Santiago
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Day 5
São Filipe, Cape Verde
Volcanic Fogo
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Day 6
Porto Novo, Cape Verde
Rugged Santo Antão
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Day 7
Sal Rei, Cape Verde
A piece of the Sahara
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Day 8
At Sea
Bound for Guinea-Bissau
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Day 9-12
Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau
Bissagos expedition
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Day 13
Banjul, The Gambia
The Gambia’s tiny capital
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Day 14
Dakar, Senegal
Return to Dakar
What’s included
Transfers before the Expedition cruise
- Transfer from Dakar airport to the ship on day of embarkation
Pre-Program in Dakar before the expedition cruise
- Overnight at a hotel in Dakar, including lunch and breakfast
- Full day tour to Île de Gorée, including lunch
- Transfer to the ship
Post-Program in Dakar after the expedition cruise
- Dakar City Tour, day room at a hotel in Dakar, including lunch
Expedition Cruise
- Stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages* in the Aune restaurant
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported†
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organizes and guides activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
*House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water
†Please note that Wi-Fi and phone reception are very limited in the remote areas where we travel 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
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects.
- Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.
- The ship has hot tubs, a sauna with a view, and a gym.
- Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you can meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Please make sure you meet all vaccination requirements (global health insurance recommended)
- No gratuities are expected.
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Baggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
- All planned activities are subject to weather and sea conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you can meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Please make sure you meet all vaccination requirements (global health insurance is recommended)
- No gratuities are expected
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 | 100.54 m |
Beam | 18 m |
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 traveling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the ‘Sports Route’.
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before your travel
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