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The Many Faces of Cape Verde Cruise

The Many Faces of Cape Verde Cruise

From AUD $12,380

Description

Formed by volcanic lava and sculpted by the force of the Atlantic waves, the Cape Verde islands reveal the raw beauty of an incomparable natural environment. There are, of course, the tranquil beaches and the strains of morna coming from Mindelo. There is the history of a former Portuguese colony that still bears traces of its past, and a geographical location that has attracted many influences to this string of islands. But above all, Cape Verde represents an indefinable sense of freedom. Carried by the wind, aboard Le Ponant, discover an unexpected world where the elements evoke incredible emotions.
Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, a majestic three-master with elegant lines and an interior designed by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a highly distinctive character. As if on your very own yacht, savour the freedom of living in the moment on this cruise to discover the many faces of Cape Verde.

Trip Name
The Many Faces of Cape Verde Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Three-Master Sailing Ship Length: 288 feet Passenger Capacity: 32 Built/refurbished: 1991/2021 Le Ponant is a legendary three-masted yacht offering an exceptionally exclusive cruising experience for just 32 guests. With one crew member per passenger, service is highly personalised, ensuring every moment on board feels effortless and indulgent. Her design invites guests to connect deeply with the sea, with open and airy common areas that frame the horizon and allow the elements to be part of the journey. When conditions permit, she sails under wind power, creating a serene and authentic maritime experience that celebrates the art of slow travel. Accommodations comprise 16 spacious staterooms and suites spread across three decks, each bathed in natural light through generous windows or portholes. Stylishly appointed and luxuriously comfortable, they provide a peaceful retreat after days of exploration or quiet contemplation at sea. Combining elegance, sustainability through hybrid propulsion, and a deep respect for the oceans she navigates, Le Ponant offers a rare and refined way to discover the world.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 1 - 2 MINDELO
Set on the shores of the Porto Grande bay on the north-west coast of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered to be Cape Verde's cultural capital. Here in singer Cesaria Evora's homeland, you can listen to real morna in the bars of the old town, where you can also sip the local grog, a Cape Verdian sugarcane spirit. A few streets from the elegant floating resort of Pont d'água you'll see the pastel-coloured houses and colonial buildings of the historical district. Other landmarks are the facades of the old Governor's Palace and the busy municipal market.
Day 2 - Day 3 SÃO NICOLAU
Located south-west of São Vicente, the island of São Nicolau is a dramatic sight with steep, richly forested mountains that reach their peak at ᅠMt Gordo. Near the summit, the islandメs attractive capital, Ribeira Brava, nestles in a deep green valley. Not far off, you can hike along the mountain paths of Fajã, where youメll see rare and extremely old dragon trees growing naturally on the high plateaux. Coastal landmarks include the Blue Hole, ᅠpeaceful Tarrafal beach and the picturesque fishing village of Preguiça.
Day 3 - Day 4 BOA VISTA
The third largest island in the Cape Verde archipelago, Boa Vista offers visitors stunning white-sand beaches and emerald water. Dubbed “the sand dune island”, it is particularly well-known for its wild, desert landscapes that are windswept all year round. Sand dunes, oases and arid plains form the landscape of this small stretch of land that is barely 30 km (20 miles) long. Make the most of your stop here by experiencing the joy of swimming amid abundant marine life.
Day 4 - Day 5 PRAIA
The capital of Cape Verde, Praia, is located on the southern tip of Santiago island. You can dally in the districts planted with Tamarind and Albizia trees. Above the harbour, the statue of Diogo Gomes pays homage to the man who discovered Cape Verde in 1460. A few streets away, in the old centre, the Ethnographic Museum presents the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins. Its historical building with transom windows is one of the city’s more unusual curiosities.
Day 5 - Day 6 MAIO
Discovered in 1460 in the month of May, as its Portuguese name indicates, Maio lies east of Santiago in the Cape Verde archipelago. At the southwestern end of the island, you will discover the city of Porto Inglês, also known as Vila do Maio, where the pastel houses nestle against rounded hillsides. This port city played a pivotal role in the export of salt by the English in the 17th century. Overlooking the city, the fortress built in the 18th century as protection against pirate attacks still bears traces of its turbulent past. The long beaches of white sand that edge the island are now an invitation to enjoy the peace and serenity.
Day 6 - Day 7 FOGO
Lying west of Praia, the volcanic island of Fogo is Cape Verde's highest landmark. The foothills of Pico de Fogo are ideal for hiking, with an immense caldera surrounding the active crater. Trails start at the little town of Chã das Caldeiras and you can see recent lava flows and older ones sprouting with new growth. Along the rocky coastline you'll come across picturesque Mosteiros and the historic town of São Filipe, where elegant colonial houses overlook the Atlantic.
Day 7 - Day 8 MINDELO
Set on the shores of the Porto Grande bay on the north-west coast of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered to be Cape Verde's cultural capital. Here in singer Cesaria Evora's homeland, you can listen to real morna in the bars of the old town, where you can also sip the local grog, a Cape Verdian sugarcane spirit. A few streets from the elegant floating resort of Pont d'água you'll see the pastel-coloured houses and colonial buildings of the historical district. Other landmarks are the facades of the old Governor's Palace and the busy municipal market.
Day 8 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $13,170MISTRAL STATEROOM
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $13,830MISTRAL PRESTIGE STATEROOM
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $18,800MISTRAL JUNIOR SUITE
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $20,250MISTRAL PRESTIGE SUITE
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $21,680ALIZÉS STATEROOM
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $21,960ALIZÉS PRESTIGE STATEROOM
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $27,060ALIZÉS PRIVILEGE SUITE
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $30,470ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $37,960Zephyr Owner Suite
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $13,830MISTRAL PRESTIGE STATEROOM
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $18,800MISTRAL JUNIOR SUITE
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $20,250MISTRAL PRESTIGE SUITE
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $21,680ALIZÉS STATEROOM
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $21,960ALIZÉS PRESTIGE STATEROOM
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $27,060ALIZÉS PRIVILEGE SUITE
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $30,470ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $37,960Zephyr Owner Suite
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $13,170MISTRAL STATEROOM
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $12,380MISTRAL STATEROOM
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $13,000MISTRAL PRESTIGE STATEROOM
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $17,660MISTRAL JUNIOR SUITE
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $19,020MISTRAL PRESTIGE SUITE
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $20,360ALIZÉS STATEROOM
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $20,620ALIZÉS PRESTIGE STATEROOM
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $25,400ALIZÉS PRIVILEGE SUITE
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $28,600ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $37,960Zephyr Owner Suite
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $13,170MISTRAL STATEROOM
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $13,830MISTRAL PRESTIGE STATEROOM
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $18,800MISTRAL JUNIOR SUITE
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $20,250MISTRAL PRESTIGE SUITE
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $21,680ALIZÉS STATEROOM
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $21,960ALIZÉS PRESTIGE STATEROOM
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $27,060ALIZÉS PRIVILEGE SUITE
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $30,470ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $37,960Zephyr Owner Suite

Inclusions

    • Sail through the Cape Verde archipelago, between little-known ports of call, lively shores and special moments spent aboard Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht.
    • Discover the treasures of Cape Verde: vibrant markets, historic towns, volcanic landscapes, and dive into the diverse culture and fascinating history of this unique archipelago.
    • A few of the included excursions: Santa Antao from Mindelo, crater village from Fogo, relaxation time on Maio, etc.

Map