hondius St. Helena to Cape Verde cruise

St. Helena to Cape Verde

  • Overview

    During the days at sea the chances of meeting whales are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).

    Duration: 11 days
    Passengers: 170 passengers
    Embarkation Point: St Helena
    Disembarkation Point: Praia
    Physical rating: Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - St. Helena

      Our voyage starts in Jamestown, a uniquely situated city that offers much to see before we set sail. Enjoy the local British culture, tropical climate, and endemic birds of this remote volcanic island. You can visit Longwood House, where Napoleon died in 1821, and even walk the 699-step Jacob’s Ladder if you feel ambitious. If you have more time, you can also go on small hikes or snorkeling in the shallows, seeing multitudes of tropical and subtropical fish.

    • Day 2/3 - Cruising

      Today we aim to sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the sprawling submarine mountain range that runs about 16,000 km (10,000 miles) from the Arctic Ocean toward the southern tip of Africa. Join us for stargazing on the aft deck, where we will show you the many highlights of the equatorial sky. Weather permitting, these celestial wonders can be seen with binoculars or even with the naked eye.

    • Day 4/8 - Cruising

      Joining us across the equator are Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas flying their northbound spring migration. At this stage of the voyage, we will hope for good weather as we attempt more stargazing on deck, observing how the polar star becomes visible on the northern horizon.

    • Day 9/10 - Cruising

      We will sail by Ilhéus do Rombo and Sao Filipe on Fogo Island, offering a chance to spot some of the Western Palearctic species. This provides an excellent opportunity to observe diverse bird species and enjoy the scenic views of the island from the water.

    • Day 11 - Praia

      We arrive in the town of Praia on Cape Verde’s Santiago Island, disembarking later that day at 18:00 hours. Though no lunch will be served, you are free to stay on board or store your luggage until disembarkation. If you have the time, we offer an additional tour in and around Praia. Here you can visit the historic Cidade Velha and its massive hillside fortress, built to defend against English raiders. Other sights include the oldest Christian church in the tropics as well as the slave whipping post in the main square. You can also simply explore the streets of Praia, enjoying the folk music spilling out of tavern windows.

      Please contact us directly if you are interested in sailing on to Madeira after the conclusion of your Odyssey voyage. We can refer you to our partner who offers this unique connecting trip between Praia and Funchal, which offers further birdwatching opportunities in the Atlantic Ocean.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme
    - All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
    - All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea
    - Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
    - Comprehensive pre-departure material
    - Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff

    Not included in your Expedition

    - The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided)
    - Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges
    - Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended)
    - Pre- and post- land arrangements
    - Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
    - Passport and visa expenses
    - Government arrival and departure taxes
    - Meals ashore
  • Map
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  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    MV PLANCIUS

    The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a 116-passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v “Plancius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag. M/v “Plancius” accommodates 116 passengers in 53 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 26 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). All cabins offer lower berths (one queen-size bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the twin cabins), except for the 4 quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x upper and lower beds), and 2 triple cabins (1 bunk bed plus 1 lower bed).

    Features & Facilities
    • Comfortable and recently refurbished
    • Large Observation Decks
    • Open Bridge
    • Spacious observation lounge (with bar)
    • Restaurant
    • Lecture Room
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 116
    Crew #: 47
    Ice Class: 1D
    Speed: 12
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 89m
    Width: 14
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 3434
    Registry: Netherlands
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
plancius oceanwide

Quadruple Porthole

24 Apr 2026 - 04 May 2026
- 1 porthole - 2 upper & lower berths - Private shower & toilet - Desk & chair - Flatscreen TV - Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) - Hair dryer - Ample storage space - Safe deposit box This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin
USD$ 2,450pp
USD$ 2,450pp
plancius oceanwide

Twin Porthole

24 Apr 2026 - 04 May 2026
- 1 porthole - 2 lower berths - Private shower & toilet - Desk & chair - Flatscreen TV - Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) - Hair dryer - Ample storage space - Safe deposit box
USD$ 3,250pp
USD$ 3,250pp
plancius oceanwide

Twin Window

24 Apr 2026 - 04 May 2026
- 1 window - 2 lower berths - Private shower & toilet - Desk & chair - Flatscreen TV - Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) - Hair dryer - Ample storage space - Safe deposit box
USD$ 3,350pp
USD$ 3,350pp
plancius oceanwide

Twin Deluxe

24 Apr 2026 - 04 May 2026
- 2 window - 2 lower berths - Private shower & toilet - Desk & chair - Flatscreen TV - Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) - Hair dryer - Ample storage space - Safe deposit box These cabins are corner cabins and are slightly more spacious than the normal twin porthole/window cabins
USD$ 3,650pp
USD$ 3,650pp
plancius oceanwide

Superior

24 Apr 2026 - 04 May 2026
- 2 window - 1 double bed - 1 sofa bed - Private shower & toilet - Desk & chair - Flatscreen TV - Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) - Refrigerator - Coffee & tea maker - Hair dryer - Ample storage space - Safe deposit box
USD$ 3,950pp
USD$ 3,950pp