Ocean Cruise West to East: From Brazil to the Canary Islands
Ample time and nights beneath the Milky Way on this transatlantic crossing
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Rio de Janeiro → Santa Cruz de Tenerife
This 13-night transatlantic passage runs from Rio de Janeiro via the Cape Verdes to Tenerife, linking Brazilian energy with the volcanic islands of the eastern Atlantic. Aboard L'Austral with just 184 guests you enjoy the calm of the open ocean, premium all-inclusive cuisine and several sea days to unwind. The marina platform and Zodiac fleet allow closer approaches wherever conditions permit. Mindelo in the Cape Verdes and La Palma, recognised for the clearest night sky in Europe, mark the cultural poles of the voyage.
Route highlights
- Rio de Janeiro: embarkation against the backdrop of Sugarloaf and Corcovado, one of the world's most spectacular natural harbours.
- Praia (Santiago): capital of the Cape Verdes with Creole atmosphere and a historic plateau above the Atlantic.
- Santa Cruz de La Palma: colonial old town beneath the vast Caldera de Taburiente, on the island with Europe's clearest starry sky.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: disembarkation at the foot of Teide, at 3,718 metres the highest mountain in Spain.
- South Atlantic sea days: a fine time for lectures, the spa and starlit skies over the open ocean.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Rio de Janeiro
13 nights
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
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Rio de Janeiro · Embarkation
Rio de Janeiro's setting is unique in the world: Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer (UNESCO World Heritage) rise out of a sea of tropical Atlantic forest. Ipanema and Copacabana, the Botanical Garden and the Sambadromo during Carnival - Rio combines natural wonders with a Mediterranean way of life.
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At sea
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Praia
Praia is the capital of Cape Verde and lies on the island of Santiago. The historic Plateau quarter on a lava plateau, the lively Sucupira market and the African-Portuguese culture make Praia the cultural hub of the archipelago.
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At sea
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Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Kanarische Inseln · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Rio de Janeiro
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| Sea °C | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 110 | 120 | 130 | 110 | 70 | 50 | 40 | 40 | 60 | 90 | 100 | 140 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
Disembarkation: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 22 |
| Sea °C | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 25 | 25 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 26 | 32 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Canary Islands (Las Palmas)
Destination
L'Austral
L'Austral belongs to Ponant's Odyssée class: 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French cuisine with wine at dinner. Large enough for comfort on the open sea, small enough for fjords, pack ice boundaries and islands without a harbour.
The Canaries offer L'Austral a transitional sailing ground between Europe and the tropics - volcanic landscapes, spring-like climate and ports with Canarian character.
The Ship
Cabins
Deck plan · L'Austral
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 3.730 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 3.980 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 4.160 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 4.270 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 4.410 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 5.730 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 6.120 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 6.290 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 7.940 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 13 nights from EUR 3.250 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the L'Austral?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Rio de Janeiro the best time to sail is April to September (drier, mild); for disembarkation in Santa Cruz de Tenerife it is Mild year-round.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.