Senegal, Cape Verde & Canary Islands: Mindelo and Tenerife
Between Volcanoes and Ocean,
Interested in this voyage?
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Dakar to Gran Canaria
Ten nights aboard Le Champlain bring you back from West Africa to the volcanic islands of the Atlantic. From Dakar you set course for the Cape Verde Islands, with the historic town of Praia on Santiago and the musical port of Mindelo. The voyage continues to La Palma with its lush interior, on to cosmopolitan Tenerife and to desert-like Lanzarote with the volcanic cones of Timanfaya. The cruise ends on Gran Canaria, the largest island of the archipelago. With only 184 guests, a marina, sixteen Zodiacs and the Blue Eye lounge, Le Champlain offers the intimate setting of an expedition yacht.
Route highlights
- Dakar: Lively Senegalese capital and gateway to the UNESCO island of Gorée with the Maison des Esclaves.
- Praia: Capital of Cape Verde on Santiago, with Cidade Velha as the oldest European foundation in the tropics, listed by UNESCO.
- Mindelo: Colonial-flavoured port on São Vicente and home to the Morna music of Cesária Évora.
- Santa Cruz de La Palma: Pastel-coloured old town by the harbour and walking trails through the laurel forest of the Caldera de Taburiente.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Gateway to snow-capped Teide and the dramatic cliffs of the Anaga mountains.
- Arrecife / Lanzarote: César Manrique architecture and the lunar landscape of Timanfaya National Park.
- Gran Canaria: Volcanic interior with Roque Nublo and the Vegueta quarter of Las Palmas as UNESCO heritage.
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
Dakar
10 nights
Gran Canaria
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Dakar · Embarkation
Dakar is the westernmost capital of Africa, set on the Cap-Vert peninsula. The island of Gorée off the coast (UNESCO) recalls the darkest chapter of West African history as a slave-trading post; the African Renaissance Monument is the tallest statue in Africa.
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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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Mindelo
Mindelo on the island of São Vicente is the cultural capital of Cape Verde and birthplace of singer Cesária Évora. The Mardi Gras carnival, the music bars and the colonial townscape make Mindelo the most musical city in West Africa.
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At sea
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Santa Cruz de La Palma, Kanarische Insel
La Palma is known as the "Isla Bonita" of the Canaries and one of the greenest islands in the archipelago. Excursions lead to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park - a vast erosion-crater gorge with endemic forest - as well as to the Roque de los Muchachos observatory centre on the summit plateau.
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Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Kanarische Inseln
The capital of Tenerife is known for the Auditorio Calatrava at the harbour, its museums and the world's second-largest carnival after Rio. Tenerife lies just 300 kilometres off the African coast and benefits from a mild climate all year round.
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Arrecife de Lanzarote, Kanarische Inseln
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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Kanarische Inseln · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Dakar
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 28 |
| Sea °C | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 90 | 250 | 160 | 40 | 3 | 3 |
| Season | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet | wet | wet | wet | dry | dry |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: West Africa (Dakar)
Disembarkation: Gran Canaria
| 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
Le Champlain
Le Champlain belongs to the Ponant Explorer class: 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, Zodiac fleet and equipment designed for the most remote waters on earth. Expedition and luxury - at Ponant, no contradiction.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Champlain
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 5.370 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 5.620 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 5.780 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 5.980 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 7.890 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.890 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.890 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.890 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 8.450 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 8.700 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.910 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.910 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 9.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 12.280 | 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. 10 nights from EUR 5.000 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Champlain?
A maximum of 184 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 Dakar the best time to sail is November to May (dry season); for disembarkation in Gran Canaria it is Mild year-round.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
