St. Helena to Cape Verde

Witness the northbound spring migration

This cruise can only be booked as part of a combination cruise. Learn more

Title

St. Helena to Cape Verde

Start – End

Tripcode

PLA33-26

Language

English speaking voyage

Embarkation / Disembarkation

St. Helena - Praia

Nights / Days

10 nights

Important

Voyage PLA33-26 can only be booked in combination with voyage PLA32-26

Itinerary
PLEASE NOTE:

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.

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.

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.

We will sail by Ilhéus do Rombo and Sao Filipe on Fogo Island, offering a chance to spot some of the Western Palearctic species. This provides an excellent opportunity to observe diverse bird species and enjoy the scenic views of the island from the water.

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.

Please contact us directly if you are interested in sailing on to Madeira after the conclusion of your Odyssey voyage. We can refer you to our partner who offers this unique connecting trip between Praia and Funchal, which offers further birdwatching opportunities in the Atlantic Ocean.

m/v Plancius

Our most longstanding vessel, Plancius is a classic choice for some of our most popular polar voyages.

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Possible combinations
This cruise can be combined with other cruises for a better experience and price

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: PLA31B26
Dates: 23 Mar - 4 May, 2026
Ship: m/v Plancius
Embarkation – Disembarkation: Ushuaia – Praia
Duration: 10 nights
Price: 16380 USD
10% off from individual cruises
More info

Cruises included:

Antarctica - Whale watching

In search for the giants of the seas

PLA31-26 This Antarctic Peninsula cruise delivers you into a landscape of rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and penguins.
Cruise date: 23 Mar - 1 Apr, 2026
Price: 6700 USD

Atlantic Odyssey, excl. Antarctic Peninsula

This far-ranging expedition voyage sails the breadth of the Atlantic, visiting several of the remotest islands in the world!

PLA32-26 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.
Cruise date: 1 Apr - 24 Apr, 2026
Price: 9050 USD

St. Helena to Cape Verde

Witness the northbound spring migration

PLA33-26 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”).
Cruise date: 24 Apr - 4 May, 2026
Price: 2450 USD
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