Adventure in the Bissagos Islands

About This Cruise

In the little-known reaches of the Atlantic, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, where the infinite blue of the ocean meets the lush green of the islands, lies a rare jewel: the Bissagos Islands.

Type

Ship

Le Lapérouse

Departure Date

19 November 2026

Cruise Line

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Duration

8 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type

Itinerary

Day 1

November 19, 2026

Dakar, Senegal

Day 3

November 21, 2026

Carache, Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau

Day 3

November 21, 2026

Kere Island, Bijagós, Guinea-Bissau

Day 4

November 22, 2026

Orango, Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau

Day 4

November 22, 2026

Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau

Day 5

November 23, 2026

Orango, Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau

Day 6

November 24, 2026

Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau

Day 6

November 24, 2026

João Vieira, Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau

Day 7

November 25, 2026

Bolama, Guinea-Bissau

Day 7

November 25, 2026

Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau

Day 8

November 26, 2026

Caravela Island, Bijagos, Guinea-Bissau

Day 9

November 27, 2026

Dakar, Senegal

Senegal

Dakar

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Guinea-Bissau

Carache, Bissagos Islands

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Guinea-Bissau

Kere Island, Bijagós

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Guinea-Bissau

Orango, Bissagos Islands

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Guinea-Bissau

Bissagos Islands

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Guinea-Bissau

Orango, Bissagos Islands

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Guinea-Bissau

Bissagos Islands

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Guinea-Bissau

João Vieira, Bijagós Archipelago

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Guinea-Bissau

Bolama

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Guinea-Bissau

Bissagos Islands

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Guinea-Bissau

Caravela Island, Bijagos

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Senegal

Dakar

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Overview

In the little-known reaches of the Atlantic, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, where the infinite blue of the ocean meets the lush green of the islands, lies a rare jewel: the Bissagos Islands. Now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this is one of the best preserved archipelagos in the world. It comprises 88 islands, most of which are uninhabited. In many parts, this environment is still completely untouched by man, so these islands offer the chance of a unique and authentic experience to the few visitors who explore them. On this unique voyage, discover some of these mysterious islands, lands of ancient civilisations and a refuge for many species.

Suite

Owner's Suite

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
  • Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Two ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Private return transfer
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed, and second TV
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower, balneo bathtub and smart mirror
  • A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
  • Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
  • A private 45 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and lounge corner with sofa and armchair
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows

Suite

Grand Deluxe Suite

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
  • Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Two ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A lounge with sofa bed convertible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm) or a single bed (80 x 190 cm) , armchair, and second TV
  • A bathroom with shower and Baleno bathtub
  • A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows

Suite

Prestige Suite

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
  • Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Two ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
  • Two bathrooms with shower
  • A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows

Suite

Privilege Suite

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
  • Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Two ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
  • A panoramic sliding bay window

Suite

Deluxe Suite

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
  • Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Two ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
  • A panoramic sliding bay window

Balcony

Prestige Stateroom

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
  • Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Two ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • One chaise longue
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
  • A panoramic sliding bay window

Balcony

Deluxe Stateroom

Services provided

  • 24h room service
  • Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
  • Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar included
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Two ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
  • A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window

varies

Le Nautilus

A la carte meals are served at the table in the gastro restaurant. At lunch, a selection of dishes inspired by contemporary French brasseries will be offered. At dinner, it is time to sample the grand traditions of French fine dining, with menus to go with one of the best wines from our cellar, as recommended by our sommelier.

Towards the rear of deck 4 you’ll find a panoramic restaurant large enough to accommodate all our passengers at one sitting. Offering a different concept than on our other ships, this space is open to the exterior and serves buffets of salads, desserts and cheeses. Our discreet and attentive staff provide a table service for hot meals

  • 260 m2 (2,800 ft²)
  • Wine cellar
  • Deck 4
varies

Grill Restaurant

The atmosphere is more casual at the grill restaurant with its set buffet menu. From breakfast to dinner, there is a range of healthy, gourmet, hearty and sophisticated buffet options to satisfy all tastes.

An exterior grill restaurant on deck 3 offering a relaxed ambiance and atmosphere:

  • Capacity: 70
  • Views out over the pool deck
  • Grilled meats and a variety of salads and desserts
room

Room Service

Whether you wish to have breakfast in the privacy of your cabin, savour a snack in the middle of the day or enjoy your dinner in an intimate setting, our Room Service is available for you. Have a gourmet interlude and treat yourself from a varied menu at any time of day or night *.

*Except on Le Ponant

Lounge

Panoramic Lounge

  • Deck 6
  • Library, internet space, bar, and live entertainment on certain evenings
  • Direct access to the panoramic terrace
Sun Deck, Pool Deck

The Pool

The outdoor areas on our ships, comfortable and conducive to relaxation, have been designed to merge into the sublime scenery and surroundings of the sea and horizon. There is a heated seawater pool featuring its own sun lounge on the top deck of our sister ships (Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial) and on the third deck of the PONANT EXPLORERS (Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-D’Urville, Le Jacques Cartier and Le Bellot). Le Ponant is equipped with a 400 m² (4,300 ft²) sun deck.

  • A swimming pool offering panoramic views and equipped with a counter-current system
  • A pleasant, attractive sun deck
  • An exterior bar and lounge equipped with armchairs and sofas
Bar, Lounge

Lounges & Bar

The various different lounges allow passengers to meet up and share quality time together.

The main lounge is the ideal place to relax with a drink and enjoy the various activities that have been organised such as dancing classes or theme evenings.

The cosy piano bar is a panorama lounge with breathtaking views of the horizon.

The outside bar is a great space for relaxing and is handy for accessing the swimming pool* and its solarium.

The Main Lounge – Deck 3

  • A 200 m² (2,150 ft²) main lounge
  • Able to accommodate all our passengers at once for moments of shared conviviality, and as a venue for both daytime and evening shows and entertainment
Theatre

The Theatre

The Theatre* is the most unique meeting space on board. It’s the largest space on the ship and regularly accommodates all the passengers. It plays host to shows and entertainment as well as conferences from our experts, naturalist guides and guests of honours. The Theatre makes every cruise unique and enriching thanks to its constant and very accessible events.

Settle comfortably into your seat and enjoy a range of different shows, concerts and performances organised by the professional dancers and musicians onboard.

Special musical evenings, dance evenings and culture and music quizzes are held In the Grand Salon lounge onboard Le Ponant. Additionally, traditional local music concerts, featuring styles such as Corsican polyphony and Caribbean steel band music, are performed out on deck in the open air by bands specially invited onboard for the purpose.

  • 188-seat capacity
  • Cutting edge audio and lighting technology
  • LED stage background wall enabling the projection of ultra-high resolution media

On-Board Events

    There are performers on board all of our ships. Recruited for their talent in Paris and Rome, they star in multiple shows at the Theatre, after dinner. Throughout your voyage, they host the various entertainment events in the Grand Salon, with the support of our on-board musicians.

    During Tea Time or before dinner, our musical duos consisting of a singer and an accompanying musician play classical repertoires for you. In the evening, they play in concert at the Theatere or invite you to show off your dance moves. Dance evenings are thus co-led by performance dancers who know just how to keep you in step, under the direction of the Cruise Director.

    There’s plenty of themed entertainment to enjoy in the evenings. Both a soirée blanche (dress-in-white party) and an officers’ evening are held on all long cruises. Other types of parties or evening events may also be on the programme, such as karaoke parties, a Casino parties or games evenings.

    Films are regularly shown at the Theatre on giant screens. National Geographic features, documentaries related to our expedition route and feature films contribute to the cultural enrichment that is part of our cruise philosophy.

    Shop

    Shop

    On board all our ships, a shop is open during sailing. It offers a selection of presents and souvenirs: clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and accessories.

    Games Room, Library

    Leisure Areas

    Dedicated to leisure and relaxation, the libraries onboard all our ships stock a range of books and board games. This space is also equipped with Wi-Fi connected computers.

    All the ships have a special area for children onboard known as the Le Kids Club. Books, television, board games and consoles (PS4 or Wii™) are all provided for their use and enjoyment.

    Photographers, Studio

    PONANT Studio

    A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

    Reception

    Excursion Reception and Office

    On board the sisterships (Le Boreal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial) and PONANT EXPLORERS, the reception desk and the excursion desk are arranged side by side to facilitate all your requests.

    Reception: our receptionists can accommodate you 24 hours a day on all our ships (from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Le Ponant) to answer all your needs, such as room service, etc.

    The excursion office: the excursion team is available at all times to tell you about the onshore programmes, organise group or private excursions and to manage transfers at the start or end of the cruise.

    On Le Ponant, the receptionist will answer all your questions about excursions.

    • A 140 m² (1,500 ft²) space
    • A reception/concierge service
    • The excursions desk
    • The onboard administrative services
    • The sales office operated by our Customer Manager
    • Our 50m² (540 ft²) shop selling a line of clothing, jewellery, beauty care products, postcards and various accessories.
    • The facilities accessible to persons with reduced mobility
    Bar, Lounge

    The Blue Eye

    Every ship** in the PONANT EXPLORERS series features the Blue Eye. Located in the hull, below the waterline, this unique multi-sensory lounge that is unique to Ponant cruises plunges you into the heart of underwater life. Sight, hearing, and sensations… With digital screens, hydrophones and Body Listening sofas, you can experience the complete and unprecedented spectacle offered by the seabed.

    Accessible to all passengers and equipped with a bar, the Blue Eye is an exceptional place to share a drink in a unique atmosphere.

    ** Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-D’Urville, Le Jacques Cartier and Le Bellot.

    Bar

    Open Bar

    From the moment you board and throughout your cruise, your unlimited drinks are included*, at any time of the day. A drink with friends at the bar, refreshments on your return from an excursion or in the calm of your Stateroom’s balcony: enjoy a large selection of beverages (mineral waters, cold drinks, cruise wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea). A selection of premium alcoholic drinks is also available “à la carte”.

    *It doesn’t include premium alcoholic drinks indicated in the Bar Menu. It is valid only for individual personal consumption, without limitations.

    Spa

    The Spa

    All our ships feature an onboard spa. Equipped with massage cabins and a Turkish bath (Sister ships) or a sauna (Explorers), the spa offers a wide choice of top-of-the-range treatments provided in association with SOTHYS™ or CLARINS (Le Bellot and Le Jacques-Cartier only), leading French spa and wellness centre brands.

    Discover a range of facial treatments, aromatic baths, exfoliation and body massage treatments designed to provide moments of complete relaxation. You can also supplement your beauty ritual with additional services such as hair-removal, makeovers, manicures and pedicures.

    Wellness area – Deck 7

    • Spa in partnership with SOTHYS™: massage and treatment cubicles, beauty care cubicle
    • KÉRASTASE / L’Oréal Paris hair salon
    • Free access sauna(open during the day)
    • Gym (open during the day)
    Gym

    The Gym

    The gyms on our ships are equipped with the very latest Technogym© equipment and machines. Treadmills, exercise bikes, Kinesis Wall© strength training machines and many other types of equipment are all provided in a laid-back relaxing environment. The wide floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the sea add undeniable charm to the exercise sessions.

    Each day also begins with organised morning workout sessions, either out in the open air or in the theatre. These are supplemented by water aerobics in the pool, or in the sea off the beach for PONANT passengers, when the situation allows it.

    Salon

    The Hairdressing Salon

    Provided in partnership with KÉRASTASE® and L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL®, the hairdressing salon offers a complete range of top quality treatments designed to strengthen, nourish and reinvigorate hair’s shine and brilliance. Our stylists are available to serve all your styling, highlighting, colouring, cutting and tailored hair advice needs.