Title
St. Helena to Cape Verde
Start – End
Tripcode
HDS32-25
Language
English speaking voyage
Ship
Embarkation / Disembarkation
St Helena - Praia
Nights / Days
10 nights
Important
Voyage HDS32-25 can only be booked in combination with voyage HDS31-25
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed for our vessel is 10.5 knots.
Short description
During the days at sea the chances of meeting whales are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).
Day 1: Heading out of St. Helena
Our voyage starts in Jamestown, a uniquely situated city that offers much to see before we set sail. Enjoy the local British culture, tropical climate, and endemic birds of this remote volcanic island. You can visit Longwood House, where Napoleon died in 1821, and even walk the 699-step Jacob’s Ladder if you feel ambitious. If you have more time, you can also go on small hikes or snorkeling in the shallows, seeing multitudes of tropical and subtropical fish.
Day 2 – 3: Sailing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Today we aim to sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the sprawling submarine mountain range that runs about 16,000 km (10,000 miles) from the Arctic Ocean toward the southern tip of Africa. Join us for stargazing on the aft deck, where we will show you the many highlights of the equatorial sky. Weather permitting, these celestial wonders can be seen with binoculars or even with the naked eye.
Day 4: Sailing along Boatswain Bird Island (Ascension Island)
On this day, we will sail along Boatswain Bird Island, offering a great chance to see some of the endemic birds. Look out for the Ascension Frigatebird, the Sooty Tern, and the White-tailed Tropicbird (ssp ascensionis). This day promises fantastic birdwatching opportunities from the deck.
Day 5 – 9: Crossing the equator
Joining us across the equator are Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas flying their northbound spring migration. At this stage of the voyage, we will hope for good weather as we attempt more stargazing on deck, observing how the polar star becomes visible on the northern horizon. The route is also exceptionally good for tropical marine mammal species and thus offers a chance to see swimming marine turtles, sharks, and flying fish.
Day 10: Sailing by Sao Filipe (Fogo Island)
We will sail by Sao Filipe on Fogo Island, offering a chance to spot some of the Western Palearctic species. This day provides an excellent opportunity to observe diverse bird species and enjoy the scenic views of the island from the water.
Day 11: The pleasures of Praia
We arrive in the town of Praia on Cape Verde’s Santiago Island, disembarking later that day at 18:00 hours. Though no lunch will be served, you are free to stay on board or store your luggage until disembarkation. If you have the time, we offer an additional tour in and around Praia. Here you can visit the historic Cidade Velha and its massive hillside fortress, built to defend against English raiders. Other sights include the oldest Christian church in the tropics as well as the slave whipping post in the main square. You can also simply explore the streets of Praia, enjoying the folk music spilling out of tavern windows.
Highlights you might experience
Exotic but endangered plant life supporting equally exceptional wildlife
Officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, this Atlantic island nation is part of a region once referred to as the Islands of the Blessed
A remnant from the days of the dinosaurs, these cold-blooded herbivores cannot retract into their shells like many other turtle species
m/v Hondius
Hondius is the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel and was built from the ground up for expedition cruising.
Full ship info »
10%
Combination
Discount
Atlantic Odyssey incl. Antarctic Peninsula to Cape Verde
The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season.
| Tripcode: | HDS30D25 |
| Dates: | 14 Mar - 25 Apr, 2025 |
| Ship: | m/v Hondius |
| Embarkation – Disembarkation: | Ushuaia – Praia |
| Duration: | 10 nights |
| Price: | 12375 USD |
| 10% off from individual cruises | |
| More info |
Cruises included:
Antarctica - Whale watching discovery and learning voyage
In search for the giants of the seas
Atlantic Odyssey
This far-ranging expedition voyage sails the breadth of the Atlantic, visiting several of the remotest islands in the world!
St. Helena to Cape Verde
Witness the northbound spring migration
10%
Combination
Discount
Atlantic Odyssey to Cape Verde
During the days at sea the chances of meeting whales are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).
| Tripcode: | HDS31C25 |
| Dates: | 23 Mar - 25 Apr, 2025 |
| Ship: | m/v Hondius |
| Embarkation – Disembarkation: | Ushuaia – Praia |
| Duration: | 10 nights |
| Price: | 6705 USD |
| 10% off from individual cruises | |
| More info |
Cruises included:
Atlantic Odyssey
This far-ranging expedition voyage sails the breadth of the Atlantic, visiting several of the remotest islands in the world!
St. Helena to Cape Verde
Witness the northbound spring migration
