Cabo Verde Sailing Adventure
12-DAY TOUR | $3,794 + AIRFARE* | November 4–16, 2023
Sail away on an excursion to the Barlavento Islands of Cabo Verde. This adventure includes hotel pre-sailing, sailing through the Cabo Verde Barlavento Islands, all food on board, three land tours, and three nights post-sailing. We’ll explore the unique landscapes and distinct identities of Cape Verde’s famed islands during this one-of-a-kind sailing adventure you don’t want to miss.
Republica de Cabo Verde
THIS TRIP is for the adventurous water lovers out there. We will be visiting the Barlavento islands of Cabo Verde sailing on a 51-foot boat. This archipelago is part of the Macaronesia area that spans from Acores to Cabo Verde. The Republica de Cabo Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands and eight islets. Only nine islands are in habited. The islands are very distinct from each other. Their landscapes range from deserts to green sugar cane valleys to volcanic moon-like scapes.
THE BARLEVENTO (Windward) Islands of the Republica of Cabo Verde are Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista. We will visit at least four of these islands; more if winds permit. We will start in Palmeira in the island of Sal, and end in Mindelo in the island of Sao Vicente. We’ll have a chance to see marine wildlife, to snorkel, swim, listen to music, dance, get to know the culture, and try all the local gastronomic delights.
WE WILL BOARD the sail boat at 9:30am in Palmeira, Sal and begin our journey. There will be a berth for all to sleep, but you will be sharing rooms and bathrooms. The kitchen is well equipped. Meals are a shared event. There will be enough ingredients to cook scrumptious meals, and we will all participate in cooking and cleaning chores. You will also have the opportunity to sail or learn the basics of sailing, and learn to be a night watch on a sailboat.
WE WILL ARRIVE in Mindelo, Sao Vicente after six nights and seven days of sailing, then head out to catch the ferry to Santo Antao for a two-night stay and a full day of hiking. We will then ferry back to Mindelo and check in to an historical B&B hotel for a two-night stay. We’ll have two guided tours while in Mindelo, one historical and cultural, and one landscape and nature. We will have a goodbye dinner on the last night together. There is just one marina in Mindelo. All other land transfers will be done by dinghy, or by fishermen or local small boats.
FLYING TO CABO VERDE is best through Lisbon. Extend your trip and plan a pre- or post-trip tour of Lisbon. You can also plan to visit the Sotavento (Eastward) island of Cabo Verde before
or after sailing. Or sail back with Maria and the Captain to return the boat to the initial marina.
MY PROMISE TO YOU: I will be present at all times in hopes of making your journey a memorable one, helping you solve any arising changes along the way. Changes do occur occasionally, due to weather and rough sea conditions. The key to adventures like this one is flexibility and eagerness to see the world. —Maria Galvao
* Included in cost: Hotel pre-sailing, sailing through the Cabo Verde Barlavento Islands, all food on board, three land tours, and hotel for three nights post-sailing. Hotels are in shared rooms (double and triple rooms can be requested for additional pricing).
Pricing does not include: Flights, travel insurance, food on land, any extras such as shopping and personal items. Flight assistance can be provided for a fee of $59 fee per ticket. Insurance quote provided individually.
50% deposit due 90 days before departure. Final payment due 30 days before departure.