Senegal and Guinea-Bissau: Dakar and the Bissagos Archipelago
Adventure in the Bissagos
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West Africa & Cape Verde from/to Dakar
Eight nights aboard Le Champlain take you from Dakar into one of West Africa's most unusual cruising grounds: the UNESCO biosphere reserve of the Bissagos Archipelago off Guinea-Bissau. Some eighty islands and islets, many uninhabited, form a mosaic of mangrove forests, sandbanks and silent lagoons. The matrilineal Bijagós culture, saltwater hippos, marine turtles and thousands of waterbirds make the region unique. The marina and sixteen Zodiacs of Le Champlain enable landings where regular ships cannot follow. The voyage ends where it began, in Dakar.
Route highlights
- Dakar: Capital of Senegal and gateway to the UNESCO island of Gorée, a central place of remembrance for the transatlantic slave trade.
- Carache: Northern Bijagós island with palm groves and traditional village communities.
- Caravela: Long sandy beaches threaded by mangrove channels full of wading birds.
- Bolama: Former colonial capital, with overgrown squares and a melancholic, romantic atmosphere.
- Bissagos Archipelago: Sanctuary for saltwater hippos and nesting marine turtles, a hotspot of biodiversity.
The Route
Dakar
8 nights
Dakar
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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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Insel Caravela, Bissagos
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Insel Carache, Bissagos
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Insel Uno, Bissagos
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Canhabaque, Bijagos
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Bolama, Bissagos
Bolama is an island in the Bissagos archipelago off the Atlantic coast of Guinea-Bissau and served as the colonial capital of Portuguese Guinea from 1879 to 1941. The decaying Portuguese colonial architecture of the main town is slowly being reclaimed by tropical jungle, creating a ghostly atmosphere.
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At sea
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Insel Caravela, Bissagos
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Insel Carache, Bissagos
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Kere, Bissagos
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At sea
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Dakar · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| 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)
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 | € 6.790 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.510 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.870 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.300 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 11.480 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 11.480 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 11.480 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 11.480 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 15.460 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 16.260 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 17.040 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 17.040 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 18.710 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 19.650 | 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. 8 nights from EUR 6.490 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?
The best time to sail this route is November to May (dry season).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
