Canary Islands, Cape Verde & Senegal: Tenerife and Dakar
A homage to Mstislav Rostropovich, the cellist of the century
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Gran Canaria to Dakar
Ten nights aboard Le Dumont d'Urville link the Canary Islands with Cape Verde and Dakar, accompanied by a musical tribute to Mstislav Rostropovich, the cellist of the century. You explore volcanic landscapes on Lanzarote, the Atlantic atmosphere of Tenerife and La Palma, the quiet island of El Hierro with Puerto de la Estaca and finally Cape Verde with Mindelo and Praia. Concerts by distinguished musicians on board set the voyage in a cultural frame. Le Dumont d'Urville offers 184 guests a marina, sixteen Zodiacs and the Blue Eye lounge beneath the waterline. The final port is Dakar, gateway to the UNESCO island of Gorée.
Route highlights
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Colonial port beneath Teide, with the Calatrava auditorium as the musical stage of the island.
- Arrecife / Lanzarote: César Manrique architecture and the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park.
- Santa Cruz de La Palma: Pastel old town and gateway to the laurel forest of the Caldera de Taburiente.
- Puerto de la Estaca: Small harbour on El Hierro, the westernmost Canary Island and a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
- Mindelo: Port town on São Vicente and lively stage for Cape Verdean Morna music.
- Praia: Capital of Cape Verde, with the UNESCO old town of Cidade Velha on Santiago.
- Dakar: Lively Senegalese capital and gateway to Île de Gorée with the Maison des Esclaves.
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
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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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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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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La Estaca, Kanarische Inseln
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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)
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 | € 5.650 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 5.930 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 6.090 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 6.300 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 8.310 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 8.310 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.310 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.310 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 8.900 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 9.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 9.390 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 9.390 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 9.660 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 13.820 | 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 5.280 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 Gran Canaria the best time to sail is Mild year-round; for disembarkation in Dakar it is November to May (dry season).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
