Sailing voyage Tenerife – Cape Verde

Eight nights sailing on the trade wind, from Tenerife to the island of Sal in Cape Verde. A compact ocean voyage on board the schooner Oosterschelde, with flying fish, dolphins and clear starry nights, arriving in the bay of Palmeira.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Tenerife – Atlantic Ocean – Sal (Cape Verde)
Departure: Tuesday 5 January 2027, 17:00, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Arrival: Wednesday 13 January 2027, 09:00, Palmeira, Sal (Cape Verde)
Duration: 8 nights
Ship: Oosterschelde, three-masted topsail schooner
Level: 3 of 3

Prices per person

Four-berth cabin: € 1,440
Two-berth cabin: € 1,640

Lowest price from € 1,440 per person in a four-berth cabin. This voyage connects with the island-hopping trips in Cape Verde.

SOUTH ON THE TRADE WINDS

If you have ever wondered what it feels like to sail on the trade winds, this voyage is the perfect introduction. In just over a week the Oosterschelde sails from the Canary Islands to Cape Verde, with the north-east trade wind and the Canary Current behind her.

There are no stops: after departure you see nothing but ocean for days, the odd seabird and, with luck, dolphins playing at the bow. Flying fish skim the waves and at night the sky is exceptionally clear.

THE ROUTE

Tenerife

You board in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and meet the crew and your fellow travellers. After an introduction on safety and sailing a three-master, the ship heads south.

Across the ocean

The ship picks up the trade wind and sails on day and night. You alternate watches with shared meals, rest and time on deck. Other ships are rarely seen out here.

Sal, Cape Verde

After about a week the flat, desert-like island of Sal appears on the horizon. The ship anchors in the bay of Palmeira and the next morning you disembark after breakfast. If you want to stay longer, Sal has plenty of places to stay.

EXTRA INFORMATION

LIFE ON BOARD

The Oosterschelde is a three-masted topsail schooner from 1918, originally built as a cargo ship and carefully restored to her original state. A permanent crew sails the ship, but you are not a passenger: you help hoist, trim and steer, and you stand watch alongside the crew. There are cabins for two and for four people. A ship's cook prepares the meals, and life centres on deck and in the cosy shared saloon. You help as much as you like: hoisting and trimming sails, steering and standing watch. In between there is time to read or simply watch the horizon.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For those who want to make an ocean passage without taking weeks off, and for those who want to explore Cape Verde afterwards. Level 3 of 3: a true ocean voyage for fit, experienced sea travellers. During the passage the ship cannot divert to a port, is beyond the range of a rescue helicopter and has no medical support from shore. The maximum age is 73; older guests are welcome on level 1 and 2 voyages or can contact us to discuss the options.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Combine this passage with one of the island-hopping trips in Cape Verde that depart from Sal.
• Cape Verde has its own entry rules for tourists; check these in good time.
• Travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is required; cancellation insurance is recommended.
• Travel to the port of departure and home from the port of arrival is not included.
• Ideally arrive a day before departure: the ship cannot wait for late arrivals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need sailing experience?

No, but this is a level 3 ocean voyage. You need to be fit and able to take part in the watch system.

How do I get home from Sal?

From Sal international airport there are direct flights to Brussels and Amsterdam, among others. Flights are not included.

How warm is it in January?

Tenerife is around 20 °C. In January Cape Verde is about 24 to 26 °C, with a fresh trade wind.

How do I book this trip?

Send us a request through the booking form on this page. Together we will check availability, your choice of cabin and the next steps.

The trip description and route are indicative. The programme depends on weather, wind and sea conditions; the captain has the final say on the route and ports.

All services that make up your trip are provided by independent suppliers. When you book, you enter into a contract directly with the supplier, the ship, under the booking conditions of that ship. As an agent, our service consists of promoting the trips offered by the supplier and acting as a facilitator in obtaining a booking agreement between the customer and the supplier. In doing so, we are always at your disposal with our experience and service.

Sailing along on a tall ship is a special experience. The Oosterschelde sailing ship has been sailing the 7 seas since 1917. Today you can sail on a sailing cruise in modern comfort. The sailingship is 50m long and offers a multi-day sailing holiday with 24 guests. With 3 masts and many sails we try to provide sustainable island hopping and ocean crossing. The huge salon and the cozy cabins will put you in a holiday mood. She prefers to sail to the Azores and sail in Cape Verde.