Island hopping in Cape Verde

Eleven nights of island hopping in Cape Verde on board the historic schooner Oosterschelde. You sail past at least six islands, hike across volcanic craters and through green valleys on Santo Antão, soak up the atmosphere of Mindelo and see dolphins, turtles and perhaps whales.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Sal – Santiago – São Vicente – Santo Antão – São Nicolau – Boa Vista – Sal
Departures: 14–25 January, 26 January–6 February, 7–18 February, 19 February–2 March and 3–14 March 2027; each time boarding at 17:00 and disembarking at 09:00 in Palmeira, Sal
Duration: 11 nights
Ship: Oosterschelde, three-masted topsail schooner
Level: 2 of 3

Prices per person

Four-berth cabin: € 1,980
Two-berth cabin: € 2,255

Lowest price from € 1,980 per person in a four-berth cabin. Excursions with local guides are arranged locally.

SAILING AND HIKING AMONG THE CAPE VERDE ISLANDS

Cape Verde lies some 600 kilometres off the coast of Senegal and has nine inhabited islands, each with its own character. There are black volcanic slopes, green terraces of bananas and coffee, and endless stretches of sand. Thanks to the constant trade wind it is a favourite destination for sailors.

On this trip you alternate days at sea with full days ashore. Local guides take you on hikes and outings, and in the evening the ship lies at anchor in a quiet bay or sails on to the next island.

THE ROUTE

Sal

In the late afternoon you board in Palmeira and the crew welcomes you on board. The next day the ship sets course for Santiago.

Santiago

Early in the morning the ship anchors off Tarrafal, home to one of the finest beaches in the archipelago. You have a full day and evening to explore the island.

On to São Vicente

On clear days you can see the active volcano of Fogo rising from the sea. The ship sails through the night.

São Vicente and Mindelo

Mindelo is the cultural capital of Cape Verde, with colourful colonial houses, a covered market, restaurants and music. Across the water Santo Antão is already in sight.

Santo Antão

The greenest and most fertile island of the archipelago. A hike starts on the rim of a volcanic crater and descends through terraces and valleys: for many the highlight of the trip.

São Nicolau

On the way you often see dolphins and pilot whales. Ashore you choose between striking rock formations along the coast or a hike in Monte Gordo National Park, and a visit to a grogue distillery if one is open.

Boa Vista and back to Sal

Boa Vista is the island of white beaches and wandering sand dunes. The ship then sails back to Palmeira, where you disembark after breakfast.

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. The cook prepares fresh meals, and anyone who wants to can help with the sails, the helm and the navigation.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For travellers who want to combine sailing with hiking and culture, and who enjoy an active holiday in the winter sun. Level 2 of 3: a more demanding sea voyage. You need to be fit and healthy and able to cope with sometimes challenging conditions. If needed, the ship can reach a port within 24 to 48 hours.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Excursions and local guides are not included in the trip price.
• Bring sturdy hiking boots for Santo Antão and São Nicolau.
• If you would like to sail the passage from Tenerife first, you can combine the Tenerife – Cape Verde voyage with the first departure.
• 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

How do I get to Cape Verde?

You fly to Sal international airport; there are direct flights from Brussels and Amsterdam, among others. Palmeira is a short taxi ride from the airport.

Do I need to be able to sail?

No. You are always welcome to help, but the permanent crew sails the ship. You do need to be fit enough for a level 2 trip.

How warm is it?

From January to March it is 24 to 27 °C, with plenty of sun and a fresh trade wind. The sea is around 22 °C.

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.