Canary Islands, Cape Verde & Senegal: Tenerife and Mindelo · Dec 2026
Between volcanoes and ocean
What makes the voyage of the Le Champlain to Africa special?
Ten nights aboard Le Champlain take you from the volcanic Canary Islands down to the Atlantic shores of West Africa. You experience the interplay of desert, lava and ocean: dark lava fields on Lanzarote, the wind-shaped dunes of Fuerteventura and the green laurel forests of La Gomera. Further south, the Cape Verde Islands appear, with the port town of Mindelo and the lively capital Praia. The voyage ends in Dakar, gateway to the Île de Gorée, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and central place of remembrance for the Atlantic slave trade. With 184 guests, you enjoy a marina, sixteen Zodiacs and the Blue Eye underwater lounge for atmospheric port calls.
Route highlights
- Arrecife / Lanzarote: Step into the lunar landscape of Timanfaya National Park with its volcanic cones and geothermal fields.
- Fuerteventura: Endless pale beaches and the dunes of Corralejo characterise the calmest of the larger Canary Islands.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Colonial architecture along the harbour, views of snow-capped Teide and excursions into the Anaga mountains.
- San Sebastián de La Gomera: Last port of Christopher Columbus before his Atlantic crossing and gateway to the laurel forest of Garajonay.
- Mindelo: Colourful colonial facades on São Vicente and the musical tradition shaped by Cesária Évora.
- Praia: Capital of Cape Verde on Santiago, with the historic old town of Cidade Velha listed by UNESCO.
- Dakar: Vibrant Senegalese metropolis and starting point for a visit to Île de Gorée with the Maison des Esclaves.
What is the route of the cruise aboard the Le Champlain to Africa?
10 nights from Gran Canaria to Dakar, including Arrecife / Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Gran Canaria
10 nights
Dakar
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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Kanarische Inseln · Embarkation
Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and the largest city in the Canary Islands. The city beach of Las Canteras, the colonial Vegueta quarter and the Casa de Colón recall Christopher Columbus's stay before his Atlantic crossing.
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Arrecife de Lanzarote, Kanarische Inseln
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Puerto del Rosario, Kanarische Inseln
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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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San Sebastian de la Gomera, Kanarische Inseln
San Sebastián de La Gomera is the capital of the smallest inhabited Canary Island. Columbus rested here on all four of his voyages to America; the Columbus church and the Torre del Conde are direct witnesses to this history. Excursions lead to Garajonay National Park (UNESCO) with its mystical cloud forest.
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At sea
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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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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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Dakar · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: 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)
Disembarkation: 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)
What are the highlights of the cruise aboard the Le Champlain to Africa?
Highlights of this route: Gran Canaria · Arrecife / Lanzarote · Fuerteventura
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria combines extraordinary natural diversity in a small area: the Maspalomas dunes in the south, cloud forests in the centre, volcanic cliffs in the north.
Arrecife / Lanzarote
Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote.
Fuerteventura
As the second-largest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura lies in the Atlantic off the west coast of Africa, just 100 kilometres from Morocco.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The capital of Tenerife is known for the Auditorio Calatrava at the harbour, its museums and the world's second-largest carnival after Rio.
San Sebastián de La Gomera
San Sebastián de La Gomera is the capital of the smallest inhabited Canary Island.
Mindelo
Mindelo on the island of São Vicente is the cultural capital of Cape Verde and birthplace of singer Cesária Évora.
Destination
What does the Le Champlain offer?
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.
Impressions of the Le Champlain
What cabins does the Le Champlain offer?
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
What does the deck plan of the Le Champlain look like?
What does the cruise aboard the Le Champlain to Africa cost?
From € 5,000 p.p., 10 nights, departure 03.12.2026.
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 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 5.620 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 5.780 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 5.980 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 7.890 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.890 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.890 | On request | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.890 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 8.450 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 8.700 | Available | Book |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.910 | Available | Book |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.910 | Available | Book |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 9.170 | Available | Book |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 12.280 | Available | Book |
What is included as standard in the ship voyage of the Le Champlain?
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 the voyage aboard the Le Champlain to Africa?
Send an enquiry to IVENT-SAILING via the booking form on this page. Our team of experienced travel experts will be in touch shortly with a personal offer. We would be glad to advise you.
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 for a cruise to Africa?
For embarkation in Gran Canaria the best time to sail is Mild year-round; for disembarkation in Dakar it is November to May (dry season).
