The archipelago of Cape Verde welcomes you with a mixture of African and Portugese heritage
Don’t miss…
- Vibrant Santiago
- The old capital of Cidade Velha
- Fogo Volcano
- Island tranquillity
- San Nicolau – the coffee island
- The art and culture of Mindelo
- Old Portuguese Maio
A long-time Portuguese colony sitting deep into the Atlantic off the coast of West Africa, the island now known as Santiago was originally settled to be used as a slave trading outpost. Over time the other islands of this volcanic archipelago were inhabited and, today, the Cape Verde Islands offer a spellbinding blend of African and Portuguese influences in their architecture, food, customs and traditions.
With a pleasant year-round climate, this island chain offers a diverse range of landscapes from verdant mountain ranges, lush hills and jungles, volcanic landscapes or wide deserted beaches. The harbours and towns are extremely welcoming to visitors – they don’t get many! It’s still a comparatively undiscovered, natural and fresh sort of place and long may that last, we say. All things considered, this is a journey that will open up a vibrant and colourful world, all set against the gentle rhythms of West African music.
Ports of call: Praia (Santiago) - Sao Felipe (Fogo) - Tarrafal (Sao Nicolau) -Porto Novo (Santo Antao) - Mindelo (Sao Vicente) - Praia (Santiago)
The Weather
The sun shines 350 days a year and temperatures range between 21°C and 29°C. The breeze blows constantly from the ocean at a relatively low average humidity of 40% to 60%.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Palmeira, Sal
Embarkation at 4pm at Palmeira, Sal. Dinner on board and departure at midnight to Boa Vista. Overnight at sea
Sal Rei, Boa Vista
Morning arrival at Sal Rei, Boa Vista. Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches of the archipelago, and spectacular landscapes. Spend some time on the beach or enjoy an all-day optional excursion to look at some authentic aspects of the island: villages with picturesque house facades, ceramic artisans, and day to day agriculture. Lunch at a local restaurant, before returning on board. Overnight at sea to Praia, Santiago.
Praia, Santiago
Morning arrival at Praia, Santiago. This is the largest of the islands.
Spend the morning free time at leisure and after lunch on board, the optional afternoon excursion will take you to Cidade Velha, an old colonial city and a Unesco World Heritage site, once a thriving slave trade centre. Late in the evening we will sail north towards Fogo, the fire island. Overnight at sea.
Sao Felipe, Fogo
Morning arrival Fogo, and its dominating sight of the Fogo Volcano. Your optional full day excursion will take you at the crater’s edge to the top of the volcano via the lava landscape. Lunch will be had at the crater’s village. Later, you will pay a visit to San Felipe with its colonial charm. Sail late in the evening to Sao Vicente. Overnight at sea.
Mindelo, San Vincente
Once a vibrant commercial island, Mindelo has evolved into a cultural center and remains one of the most well preserved colonial cities in Cape Verde. The optional walking excursion will allow you to visit galleries, happen upon musical events and discover busy restaurants. Overnight in port.
Santo Antao
Sail in the early morning for a short sail towards the island of Santo Antao, the lushest of all Cape Verde Islands with verdant plantations of sugarcane alternating with old craters. Our optional full day excursion will include the luxuriant Valley Paul where you will taste the “grogue”, the trade mark drink of the Archipelago. At the Valley of Ribeira das Patas you will come across extraordinary rock formations out of lava. Dinner on board and overnight in port
Santo Antao
Today after breakfast, there is an optional excursion on the western side of the island with arid and mountainous landscapes. Return on board to depart towards Sal. Overnight at sea.
Palmeira, Sal
Early morning arrival at Palmeira port, Sal. Disembarkation at 8-9 am after breakfast
The Vessel: Mega Yacht Harmony V
The Harmony V is a modern elegant yacht with a sleek high-tech look very similar to the private yachts to be found in the famous ports of the world. The 56 meter long/8.4 meter wide Mega-Yacht was launched in June 2009 and complies with Eurosolas safety regulations while its powerful engines, generators and state of the art twin stabilizers will allow for safe and comfortable cruising.
A spacious lounge with classy seating and an American Bar leads into a dining area decorated with warm colors. Both areas offer large windows providing for the most beautiful views of all destinations the ship cruises to.
The 200 m2 sundeck offers a shaded outdoor area for all day dining and a bar as well as sun chairs and loungers. The swimming platform on Harmony V stern will allow for easy access to the ship and for a wide range of sea related activities.
Home at Sea
- Single seating dining Indoor & Outdoor Lounge – Bar
- Indoor & Outdoor Restaurant
- Audiovisual in Lounge
- Mini library
- Beach Towels
- Snorkeling equipment
- Kayak
- Board Games
- Swimming Platform
- Wi-Fi
Comfort Zone
- Windows: upper & main deck cabins
- Triple Occupancy cabins: Category A
- Flat-Screen TV
- Mini Safe
- Mini Fridge
- CD & DVD player
- En suite bathroom with shower
- Individually controlled A/C
- Hairdryers
- Telephone for internal use
- Central music
Category C:
Main Deck
1 Double Bed
Category B:
Main Deck
2 Lower Beds or 1 Double bed
Category A:
Upper Deck
2 Lower Beds or 1 Double Bed
The category A cabins are located on the main deck offering large windows, an en suite bathroom with shower and elegant Corian finishing on walls and floors. The cabins are equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.
Category P:
Upper Deck
1 Double Bed or 2 Lower Beds
The Category P cabins are located on the Upper Deck offering a sofa, large windows, an en suite bathroom with shower and elegant Corian finishing on walls and floors. The cabins are equipped with flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.
Interior Lounge
External Dining Area
Dining Area
Optional : Cruise & Stay
Cape Verde is in the same time zone as the UK so ideal for a quick ‘out-and-back’ escape. That said it’s well worth taking a few extra days to explore Sal and, if that appeals to you, Melia Tortuga Beach is a great place place to base yourselves. We can easily add it on.
Relax before or after the cruise by staying for 3 nights in the superb 5* Hilton hotel on the beachfront in Sal.
Prices
The Islands of Cape Verde
2020 Cruise Only Prices ($) Per PersonSaturday Departures from Sal
Vessel: M/Y Harmony V
| Departure Dates | Category C | Category B | Category A | Category P | Early Booking Discount | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/03/2020 | $1,990 | $2,390 | $2,890 | $3,490 | 20% |
Cape Verde Cruise - Port Charges and Supplements 2020
| Category C | Category B | Category A | Category P | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port charges (mandatory) | $320 | $320 | $320 | $320 |
| Transfers from | $24 | |||
| Single supplement | 50% | 50% | 50% | 50% |
| 3rd Person reduction | N/A | N/A | 30% | N/A |
| Airport Security Tax | 3,400 Escudos | 3,400 Escudos | 3,400 Escudos | 3,400 Escudos |
- Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
- Full-board: American buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a Greek Night, fun BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.
- Regular (filter) coffee, tea and still mineral water free all day.
- Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability).
- English-Speaking Cruise Director
- Flights & transfers (where booked as a flight inclusive package)
- Beverages (except those mentioned above).
- Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements.
- Crew gratuities (optional – recommend Eur10-14 per passenger per day).
- Passenger personal expenses
- Wi-Fi (available at charge)
- Flights & transfers (unless booked as a flight inclusive package)
Flights from London Gatwick via Lisbon.
ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 9511
Praia airport to harbour approximately 15 minutes by car.
For the latest travel information and health advice on your selected destination, please visit the following website:
https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/
An Airport security tax of 3,400 Escudos is payable on arrival.
