Cape Verde Cruises
Cape Verde · Small-ship exploration

Cape Verde Cruises

Îles volcaniques, villes atlantiques et vallées montagneuses

Small ships

Personal, guided voyages

Choose your season

Nov – Jun

Shore experiences

On your confirmed itinerary

Nature & wildlife

Coasts, trails & island habitats

Îles volcaniques, villes atlantiques et vallées montagneuses

The destination is the experience

L'archipel atlantique de Cape Verde mêle paysages volcaniques arides, villes portuaires habitées et vallées montagneuses plus verdoyantes. Les îles disposent de différentes liaisons par ferry et par avion, et les traversées exposées rendent le choix de l'itinéraire aussi important que le mois de ton voyage.
Vallées de Santo Antão

Un voyage à travers les vallées de Santo Antão et la région environnante met le paysage en valeur. Ton navire relie les sites côtiers tandis que les excursions guidées révèlent les détails qu'il est facile de manquer depuis le pont.

Choisis les escales réelles du programme, et pas seulement le nom de la destination. Les itinéraires qui incluent Mindelo peuvent offrir un équilibre entre nature et culture différent de ceux centrés sur Cidade Velha. Les activités, les permis et le niveau de marche requis varient selon le voyage.

When to go

Best time to travel: seasons & weather

Match your Cape Verde route to the season, the shore experiences you want and local conditions. Coastal regions can differ considerably within the same destination.

Shore-excursion season in Cape Verde at a glance

ExcellentGoodOff-season

Excellent, peak season (Nov – Jun)

Dry, breezy and sunny: excellent for volcanic hikes, village visits and colourful markets across the islands.

Good, shoulder season (Jul – Oct)

Short rainy spell brings humidity and greener valleys; most excursions still run.

Typical patterns for planning shore excursions; weather varies year to year and is never guaranteed.

Peak season · Nov – Jun

Dry, breezy and sunny: excellent for volcanic hikes, village visits and colourful markets across the islands.

Shoulder season · Jul – Oct

Short rainy spell brings humidity and greener valleys; most excursions still run.

Season & shore-walk conditions

Jan
Peak
0 mm
Seasonal
Feb
Peak
6 mm
Seasonal
Mar
Peak
0 mm
Seasonal
Apr
Peak
0 mm
Seasonal
May
Peak
0 mm
Seasonal
Jun
Peak
0 mm
Seasonal
Jul
Variable
6 mm
Seasonal
Aug
Variable
22 mm
Seasonal
Sep
Variable
48 mm
Seasonal
Oct
Variable
22 mm
Seasonal
Nov
Peak
6 mm
Seasonal
Dec
Peak
3 mm
Seasonal

Local conditions differ between coastlines and islands. The chart represents Mindelo, not every stop on a voyage. Cruise operation depends on the published itinerary, not the weather rating.

Air temperatures through the year

Average daily highAverage daily low
10°C15°C20°C25°C30°CJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Temperatures in Mindelo shift clearly through the year: September is the warmest month with average highs near 25°C, while March is the coolest at around 20°C, a swing of roughly 5°C. Nights typically run about 1°C below the daytime high, so a layer for evenings is worth packing. The months between these extremes warm up and cool down gradually rather than abruptly.

Mindelo · 2015–2024. Monthly averages, rounded for planning; not a forecast or a local station measurement. Rainfall includes water-equivalent snowfall where relevant.

Wildlife on land & along the coast

Meet the locals

The most memorable encounters often happen at walking pace. Animals live in specific habitats, so the places on your route matter as much as the month. Follow local wildlife distances and your guide.

Wildlife is wild: sightings, courtship displays and nesting activity cannot be guaranteed. Species occur in different parts of the region, not at every landing.

Show all other animals

Every shore tells a different story

Shore excursions worth planning around

These are examples of places and experiences, not a promised itinerary. Look for the actual landing names and included transfers in your ship’s day-by-day program.

01 · Paysages côtiers

Vallées de Santo Antão

Les vallées en terrasses et les sentiers de montagne contrastent avec les pentes côtières arides. Les excursions nécessitent généralement un transfert depuis São Vicente.

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

02 · Patrimoine local

Mindelo

La principale ville portuaire de São Vicente offre de la musique, des marchés et des visites culturelles locales.

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

03 · Exploration guidée

Volcan de Fogo

Le paysage volcanique de Fogo et Chã das Caldeiras nécessitent des chaussures adaptées et une excursion explicitement incluse dans le programme.

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

04 · Nature à terre

Salines de Sal

Les paysages de salines de Sal illustrent l'environnement aride de l'île et son histoire liée à la production de sel.

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

05 · Expériences insulaires

Cidade Velha

Un site historique classé à l'UNESCO sur Santiago, idéal à explorer avec les explications d'un guide local.

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

06 · Points forts de l'itinéraire

Dunes de Boa Vista

Sable sculpté par le vent et côtes désertiques sur Boa Vista

Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.

Origines volcaniques

Origines volcaniques

Chaque île raconte une histoire volcanique et géologique différente, du cône de Fogo aux côtes plus anciennes façonnées par l'érosion.

Îles arides & vallées verdoyantes

Îles arides & vallées verdoyantes

Les alizés, l'altitude et les pluies saisonnières influencent le contraste entre les basses terres arides et les vallées cultivées.

Culture & conservation côtière

Culture & conservation côtière

Les plages de nidification des tortues et les sites historiques exigent des visites respectueuses, des photos discrètes et l'accompagnement de guides locaux.

Choose places before cabins

Which Cape Verde route is right for you?

Route labels vary between operators. Compare the actual ports, landings and shore programs, not just the regional name.
São Vicente & Santo Antão

São Vicente & Santo Antão

Combine une escale au port de Mindelo avec des excursions en montagne sur Santo Antão, où les transferts sont organisés.

Santiago & Fogo

Santiago & Fogo

Recherche des visites culturelles sur Santiago et des excursions volcaniques sur Fogo.

Îles orientales

Îles orientales

Sal et Boa Vista offrent des paysages plus arides et des plages, avec des traversées différentes.

View Cape Verde cruise departures

Your base between shore days

Cape Verde cruise ships

Explore the cruise ships already in our collection. Compare cabins, guest numbers and day-by-day routes; daily prices appear only when current pricing is available.

1 published cruise ships. Ships remain listed even when departure dates are not yet available.

Ready to compare ships and dates?

Open the adventure cruise search to filter every published expedition ship by destination and travel month.

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Flights & arrival

How to get to Cape Verde

Fly into Sal (SID), Praia (RAI) or São Vicente (VXE), often via Lisbon.
SID

Flight gateway

Sal · Amílcar Cabral

Inter-island flights and ferries link to the embarkation island. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Sal with your operator before booking.

RAI

Flight gateway

Praia · Nelson Mandela

Inter-island flights and ferries link to the embarkation island. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Praia with your operator before booking.

VXE

Flight gateway

São Vicente · Cesária Évora

Inter-island flights and ferries link to the embarkation island. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from São Vicente with your operator before booking.

Connections & onward transfers

Onward journey

Inter-island flights and ferries link to the embarkation island.

Before departure

Allow one buffer night, as inter-island schedules can change.

Arrive early, protect your departure

We recommend reaching the embarkation town at least one day before departure. Allow more time for remote destinations, separate flights, ferries or long transfers, and follow any earlier arrival or briefing required by your operator.

  • Confirm the embarkation town, harbour meeting point and check-in time before buying flights.
  • Ask which airport transfer, ferry or domestic connection is included in the cruise.
  • Book flexible connections where possible and allow extra time for remote routes.
  • The airports listed are alternatives for different routes, not confirmed flights for this ship. Check the port, meeting time and transfers in your final travel documents.

Flight schedules and entry requirements change. Confirm current arrangements with your operator before booking.

Before you set sail

A little preparation makes a big difference

Pack for the landings

  • Grippy walking shoes and suitable footwear for wet landings
  • Sun hat, high-protection sunscreen and refillable water bottle
  • Light rain jacket and a wind layer for boat transfers
  • Binoculars and a camera, with no flash around wildlife
  • Personal medication and motion-sickness advice before departure

Respect the destination

  • Follow local guides, landing permissions and protected-area rules
  • Keep the required distance from wildlife and avoid nesting or resting areas
  • Never feed or touch animals; do not collect natural objects
  • Clean footwear and equipment before sensitive island landings
  • Respect local dress, community invitations and photography permission
Dunes de Boa Vista

Discuss health, mobility and dietary needs before choosing a route. Remote areas may have limited medical facilities; travel insurance should cover your activities and any necessary evacuation.

Good to know

Cape Verde cruise questions

When is the best time for a Cape Verde cruise?
Dry, breezy and sunny: excellent for volcanic hikes, village visits and colourful markets across the islands. Short rainy spell brings humidity and greener valleys; most excursions still run. The climate chart describes Mindelo; conditions elsewhere on the route can differ.
Which Cape Verde route should I choose?
São Vicente & Santo Antão: Combine une escale au port de Mindelo avec des excursions en montagne sur Santo Antão, où les transferts sont organisés. Santiago & Fogo: Recherche des visites culturelles sur Santiago et des excursions volcaniques sur Fogo. Îles orientales: Sal et Boa Vista offrent des paysages plus arides et des plages, avec des traversées différentes.
Are shore excursions included?
Check the inclusions and actual day-by-day program. Visits such as Vallées de Santo Antão or Mindelo require the right route; park entry, transfers and optional activities may cost extra.
What wildlife can I see in Cape Verde?
The region supports species such as Tortue caouanne, Tortue verte, Tarente du Cap-Vert. Different species use different habitats; not every animal occurs at every port. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
Not necessarily, but uneven paths, steps and wet transfers can be demanding. Ask about the exact walking distances, terrain and assistance before choosing your voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, sea state, tides, ice, permits and wildlife protection can change landings. Your captain and expedition team determine safe alternatives.
What entry documents do I need for Cape Verde?
Your cruise visits Cape Verde. Visa requirements, electronic travel authorisations and passport-validity rules depend on your nationality and travel documents. Check the current official guidance linked below, including transit-country rules, before travelling.Official entry guidance
When should I arrive before the cruise?
Reach the confirmed embarkation town at least one day early, or earlier if your operator requires briefing nights. Allow extra time for domestic flights, ferries and remote gateways.
Planifie ton voyage

Your Cape Verde story starts here

Find the ship, route and travel dates that suit you.

  • Small-ship exploration
  • Individual shore programs
  • Routes for your travel season