Le Ponant - Cape Verde
Loading...

three-masted sailing shipeco-certified cruisesintimate experienceall-inclusivenature & culture

The islands of Cape Verde – formed by volcanic lava and sculpted by the Atlantic’s powerful surf – are home to pristine natural wonders and a mesmerizing mix of cultures. You can explore these treasures aboard Le Ponant on the all-inclusive “Faces of Cape Verde” cruise, a chance to truly unplug and let go. With landscapes ranging from luxuriant greenery to arid desert, your odyssey of eight days and seven nights begins in Mindelo, the main port of São Vicente. It is the birthplace of Ceséria Évora, a city of enchanting pastel colors and elegant colonial facades. South of the archipelago lies the island of Boa Vista, stretching its golden dunes as far as the eye can see, beckoning you to forget the passage of time. From one stopover to the next, savor living in the now on this legendary three-masted ship of more intimate dimensions, so you feel like you are on your own personal sailboat. Committed to nautical tourism that is ever more sustainable and exclusive, Le Ponant provides guests with tailor-made service and authentic, locally sourced cuisine.

Hotel

Restaurant

More information

Plan your stay on board Le Ponant

General information

Children welcome from 1 year old

Equipment

Room service

Internet access throughout the property

Activities to do on site or nearby

Need a little help?

Contact our travel advisors who can help book your stay.

This property cannot be reserved online

Our advisors are ready to make a hotel booking on your behalf.

Discover excursions and experiences during your cruise in Cape Verde

The many faces of Cape Verde

Itinerary: Roundtrip from Mindelo – Length of cruise: 8 days / 7 nights – Number of departures to this destination: 12 – Le Ponant will sail the waters of Cape Verde in October and November 2026. This itinerary is provided for informational purposes only and is subject to change.

Mindelo

Welcome to the great port of Sao Vicente, the cultural epicenter of Cape Verde–and birthplace of legendary local singer Cesaria Evora. Stroll among its historic buildings, through the colorful alleys of the marketplace, and let the sounds that echo from behind the city's pastel-colored walls wash over you.

São Nicolau

With the pastel facades of its charming, historic capital, Ribeira Brava, nestled among steep but verdant landscapes, the island of São Nicolau delights explorers and adventurers alike: they can hike in the mountainous terrain of Fajã, where they will encounter dragon trees, an ancient species that has sadly become quite rare.

Mindelo to Santo Antao

Long untouched by any human influence, the volcanic Santo Antao terrain bristles with rocky peaks but seduces nature lovers with its terraced fields and steep-sided valleys. Visitors will appreciate its sense of calm, its wild beauty, and its alternating green and mineral panoramas, each one breathtaking in its own right.

Boa Vista

Nicknamed ‘the island of dunes’, Boa Vista is renowned for its desert and wild, wind-swept landscapes. This remarkable land, tens of kilometers long, boasts sublime white sand beaches bordered by emerald waters. Take advantage of a stop to swim in a unique marine ecosystem.

Praia

The peaceful capital of Cape Verde is distinguished by leafy streets filled with tamarind and silk trees. Above the port, in the historic center, stands a renowned ethnographic museum that tells the story of the archipelago and its cultural origins. With its mullioned windows, the building alone is worth a detour.

Maio

In the southwest of the island, the pastel-colored houses of the port of Vila do Maio contrast against a backdrop of undulating hills, while its fortress, built in the 18th century to guard against pirates, bears the traces of a tumultuous past. Today, its long, white sandy beaches simply invite guests to relax.

Fogo

Among the attractions of this volcanic island, discover the picturesque coastal village of Mosteiros and the historic city of São Filipe, where elegant houses of European architecture face the ocean. In the national park, discover old and newer lava flows carpeted with young shoots.

Mindelo