Senegal and Namibia: Dakar and Walvis Bay
Ocean cruise: Dakar to Walvis Bay
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Dakar → Walvis Bay
Twelve nights as a pure ocean passage carry you aboard Le Dumont d'Urville from Dakar in Senegal to Walvis Bay on Namibia's Atlantic coast. The route follows the western edge of Africa through the Gulf of Guinea and across the equator southward. Long sea days create space for lectures, quiet observation of the Atlantic and atmospheric time in the Blue Eye lounge beneath the waterline. With only 184 guests, the voyage keeps the character of a small, cultivated yacht. Walvis Bay welcomes you with the dune world of the Namib and the nearby Sossusvlei.
Route highlights
- Dakar: Capital of Senegal and gateway to the UNESCO island of Gorée with the Maison des Esclaves.
- Atlantic passage: Long sea days along the West African coast, with an equator crossing and atmospheric sunsets.
- Blue Eye lounge: Hours below the waterline with live hydrophone sounds from the Atlantic.
- Lectures on board: Talks on the oceanography, history and wildlife of the South Atlantic.
- Walvis Bay: Namibia's Atlantic port and starting point for the dune landscapes of the Namib and the lagoon with flamingos and pelicans.
The Route
Dakar
12 nights
Walvis Bay
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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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Walvis Bay · 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: Walvis Bay
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 25 |
| Sea °C | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 15 | 17 | 20 | 41 | 69 | 93 | 82 | 77 | 40 | 30 | 18 | 15 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Southern Africa (Cape Town)
Le Dumont d'Urville
Le Dumont d'Urville has sailed since 2019 as the fourth Explorer ship. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, Zodiac fleet. Named after the explorer who claimed Adélie Land for France in 1840.
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 Dumont d'Urville
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 | € 3.650 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 3.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 3.910 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 4.040 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 5.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 5.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 5.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 5.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 5.570 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 5.730 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 5.860 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 5.860 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 6.020 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 8.390 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
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. 12 nights from EUR 3.210 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Dumont d'Urville?
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 Walfischbucht it is November to March (southern summer).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
