Pelagic West Africa

Wildlife riches of the volcanic Cape Verde islands



PLA35
05 May - 13 May, 2013
(9 days)
Praia (Cape Verdes) - Funchal (Madeira)
aboard Plancius



aboard Plancius

Itinerary
Due to the uncertainty of flight schedules in 2013, we cannot give precise details of departure and arrival dates and flights to and from the UK. The schedules may mean extra days there. The costs are given for the cruise only.



The Cape Verde Islands lie 375 miles off the coast of West Africa and are all volcanic in origin. The islands display a wonderful variety of landscapes and scenery from the spectacular rugged mountains of Santiago, Santo Antao and São Nicolau to the flat salt pans of Sal and Maio. The Cape Verde Islands were 'discovered' by the Portuguese between 1455 and 1461. Because of their strategic position in the Atlantic, on the crossroads of all major sailing routes to North America, South America and Asia, the islands quickly became an important port for shipping supplies, and stop-over for the international trade of gold, ivory and slaves. An interesting account of the history of the Cape Verde can be found in the museum in central Praia. The isolation of the Cape Verde islands has resulted in a number of endemic species, particularly of birds including Cape Verde Swift, Raso Lark, Cape Verde Warbler and Cape Verde Sparrow. Another point of interest for naturalists is that on the 16th January 1832, Charles Darwin landed on Santiago (recorded as St. Jago in his diary) and noted a layer of white shells in a cliff face at Porto Praya, an observation which later led to one of his less well known theories of 'raising continents' and 'sinking ocean floors'!

Travel: Please enquire for details.

Leaders: Guides from Oceanwide Expeditions

Accommodation: Cabins as described in the full itinerary subject to availability.




Prices per person: 2013 PLA 35
Quadruple with porthole en suite £ 1,130
Triple with porthole en suite £ 1,290
Twin with porthole en suite £ 1,440
Twin with window en suite £ 1,510
Twin deluxe en suite £ 1,590
Superior £ 1,770
Deposit: 10% of cost


Please enquire for single supplements.

The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of the cruise, meals during the voyage, shore excursions by Zodiac and activities throughout the voyage, lectures and leadership by expedition staff, taxes and port charges and pre-departure information.

The prices exclude flight UK/Praia and flights back from Funchal/UK, fuel surcharges, any necessary accommodation in Lisbon, travel insurance, meals ashore, optional tips to leaders and crew, drinks, and other personal expenses.

Please allow two days either side of the cruise dates for travel and an overnight at each end of the cruise in case of any delays.


Click here for a full, printable itinerary