Cape Verde: Boa Vista and Fogo · Nov 2026
The many facets of Cape Verde
What makes the voyage of the Le Ponant to Cape Verde special?
Sailing from Mindelo in 7 nights - calling at São Nicolau, Boa Vista, Praia, Maio and 1 more stops. A varied itinerary with a new panorama every morning.
What is the route of the cruise aboard the Le Ponant to Cape Verde?
7 nights round trip from Mindelo, including São Nicolau, Boa Vista, Praia.
Mindelo
7 nights
Mindelo
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Mindelo · Embarkation
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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São Nicolau
São Nicolau belongs to the north-western islands of Cape Verde in the Atlantic and is perhaps the most unspoiled of the group. The volcanic Monte Gordo, green valleys and the harbour town of Tarrafal shape this island.
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Boa Vista (Boa Vista, Kapverden)
Boa Vista is the easternmost and third-largest island of Cape Verde. Desert-like sand dunes stretch for kilometres, the Praia de Santa Mónica beach is among the most beautiful on the Atlantic, and the wreck of the Cabo Santa Maria lies off the coast. Turtle nesting sites here are among the largest in the world.
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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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Maio
Maio is the quietest of the inhabited Cape Verde islands - barely touched by tourism, with long empty sandy beaches on the east coast and salt pans and acacia groves in the interior. Travellers seeking the authentic, undiscovered Cape Verdes find it on Maio.
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Fogo
Fogo ("fire") is the youngest of the inhabited Cape Verde islands and consists essentially of an active volcano (Pico do Fogo, 2,829 m). In the crater basin of Chã das Caldeiras the only vines in Africa grow on lava soil - producing a protected wine right beside the volcano.
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Mindelo · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 27 |
| Sea °C | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 35 | 60 | 25 | 6 | 3 |
| Season | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet | wet | wet | wet | dry | dry |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Cape Verde (Mindelo)
What are the highlights of the cruise aboard the Le Ponant to Cape Verde?
Highlights of this route: Mindelo · São Nicolau · Boa Vista
Mindelo
Mindelo on the island of São Vicente is the cultural capital of Cape Verde and birthplace of singer Cesária Évora.
São Nicolau
São Nicolau belongs to the north-western islands of Cape Verde in the Atlantic and is perhaps the most unspoiled of the group.
Boa Vista
Boa Vista is the easternmost and third-largest island of Cape Verde.
Praia
Praia is the capital of Cape Verde and lies on the island of Santiago.
Maio
Maio is the quietest of the inhabited Cape Verde islands - barely touched by tourism, with long empty sandy beaches on the east coast and salt pans and acacia groves in the interior.
Fogo
Fogo ("fire") is the youngest of the inhabited Cape Verde islands and consists essentially of an active volcano (Pico do Fogo, 2,829 m).
What does the Le Ponant offer?
Le Ponant is the essence of the Ponant idea: a three-masted sailing yacht for 64 guests, gliding under sail through waters closed to motorised ships. French cuisine, 32 crew, an atmosphere like a private yacht.
Impressions of the Le Ponant
What cabins does the Le Ponant offer?
Prestige Suite
Spacious aft suite with private balcony and panoramic view of the wake. Double or twin beds, separate seating area, marble bathroom with bathtub and shower. Butler service included.
Outside Cabin
Comfortable outside cabins on the main deck and bridge deck with porthole or panoramic window. Double or twin beds, shower, individual air conditioning. Bespoke fit-out with high-quality materials.
What does the deck plan of the Le Ponant look like?
What is included as standard in the ship voyage of the Le Ponant?
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 Ponant to Cape Verde?
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. 7 nights from EUR 8.260 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Ponant?
A maximum of 32 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 Cape Verde?
The best time to sail this route is November to June (dry season).
This voyage has already departed
This departure is no longer bookable. We are happy to show you similar current voyages with the Le Ponant.
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