Contact UsCall Us Today
The many faces of Cape Verde

The many faces of Cape Verde

About This Cruise

Formed by volcanic lava and sculpted by the force of the Atlantic waves, the Cape Verde islands reveal the raw beauty of an incomparable natural environment. There are, of course, the tranquil beaches and the strains of morna coming from Mindelo. There is the history of a former Portuguese colony that still bears traces of its past, and a geographical location that has attracted many influences to this string of islands. But above all, Cape Verde represents an indefinable sense of freedom. Carried by the wind, aboard Le Ponant, discover an unexpected world where the elements evoke incredible emotions.

Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, a majestic three-master with elegant lines and an interior designed by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a highly distinctive character. As if on your very own yacht, savour the freedom of living in the moment on this cruise to discover the many faces of Cape Verde.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    Le Ponant is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    Refined, unhurried cruising with enrichment on board

Type

Ocean, Luxury

Ship

Le Ponant

Departure Date

31 October 2026

Cruise Line

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at (01) 554 1010

Itinerary

Cape Verde

Mindelo, São Vicente Island

Your next stop will be Cape Verde’s cultural capital, Mindelo. Get along with the locals listening to the real morna in the bars of the old town and sipping the local drink, a sugarcane spirit. This island is also known by its British and Portuguese colonial architecture and pastel-coloured houses, the municipal market and the facades of the old Governor’s Palace.

Cape Verde

Mindelo, São Vicente Island

Your next stop will be Cape Verde’s cultural capital, Mindelo. Get along with the locals listening to the real morna in the bars of the old town and sipping the local drink, a sugarcane spirit. This island is also known by its British and Portuguese colonial architecture and pastel-coloured houses, the municipal market and the facades of the old Governor’s Palace.

Cape Verde

Tarrafal, São Nicolau Island

If you’re a mountain lover, this is your island. São Nicolau offers dramatic mountain landscapes that reach their peak at Mt Gordo. Enjoy the nature by hiking the mountain paths of Fajã or get more cultural in Ribeira Brava, which is the capital of the island and rests in a deep green valley close to the summit of Mt Gordo. If you are more of a coast lover, there’s also a great choice of things to visit, from the Blue Hole to the quiet Tarrafal beach and the charming fishing village of Preguiça.

Cape Verde

Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island

No summary for this day yet.

Cape Verde

Praia, Santiago Island

Start your Expedition Cruise in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, located in the south of Santiago Island. You can explore its old centre overlooking the ocean and its historical buildings with transom windows. In the old quarter, you can also learn about the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins in the Ethnographic Museum. To finish your day, head to the harbour to visit the Diogo Gomes statue, paying homage to the man who discovered the archipelago in 1460.

Cape Verde

Cidade do Maio, Maio Island

The Bijagós archipelago was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1996 thanks to its abundant biodiversity, and is marine animal and plant life. It consists of 88 islands, 23 of which are inhabited. Get along with the local people of Maio and discover their ancestral traditions, secluded from Western influences.

Cape Verde

Sao Filipe, Fogo Island

The volcanic island of Fogo is probably the highest landmark of the archipelago. Ideal for hiking, Pico de Fogo has an immense caldera surrounding the active crater and traces of recent and old lava flows all around. Again, along the coast there’s plenty of options too: from the charming Mosteiros to the stylish colonial houses of the historic town of São Filipe, there’s a choice for everyone.

Cape Verde

Mindelo, São Vicente Island

Your next stop will be Cape Verde’s cultural capital, Mindelo. Get along with the locals listening to the real morna in the bars of the old town and sipping the local drink, a sugarcane spirit. This island is also known by its British and Portuguese colonial architecture and pastel-coloured houses, the municipal market and the facades of the old Governor’s Palace.

Overview

Formed by volcanic lava and sculpted by the force of the Atlantic waves, the Cape Verde islands reveal the raw beauty of an incomparable natural environment. There are, of course, the tranquil beaches and the strains of morna coming from Mindelo. There is the history of a former Portuguese colony that still bears traces of its past, and a geographical location that has attracted many influences to this string of islands. But above all, Cape Verde represents an indefinable sense of freedom. Carried by the wind, aboard Le Ponant, discover an unexpected world where the elements evoke incredible emotions.

Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, a majestic three-master with elegant lines and an interior designed by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a highly distinctive character. As if on your very own yacht, savour the freedom of living in the moment on this cruise to discover the many faces of Cape Verde.

View More Images
Suite

Owner's Suite

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

  • A private 96 ft² balcony with 2 armchairs
  • Room service is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • A bathroom with double shower
  • A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
  • A private return transfer
  • Three portholes and glass door
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival
  • A daily selection of sweet and savoury canapés and a fruit basket
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A living room with a convertible sofa and armchair
  • Dining area for 4 people 

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • Direct line telephone
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand

Suite

Grand Privilege Suite

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

  • A private 139 ft² balcony with four armchairs
  • Double dressing rooms
  • Two panoramic portholes and two hinged windows
  • Two bathrooms with shower
  • Two one-hour treatments per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
  • A daily selection of sweet and savoury canapés and a fruit basket
  • Two king-size beds (180 x 190 cm) or four single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A lounge area with convertible sofa, two armchairs, and TV
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • Direct line telephone
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand

Suite

Privilege suite

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

  • A private 96 ft² balcony with four armchairs
  • Panoramic window and panoramic hinged window
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival
  • A daily selection of sweet and savoury canapés and a fruit basket
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A lounge area with convertible sofa and two armchairs
  • A bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • Direct line telephone
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand


View More Images
Suite

Prestige Suite

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

  • Two portholes
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A lounge area with convertible sofa and an armchair

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • Direct line telephone
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand

Suite

Junior Suite

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

  • Two portholes
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A lounge area with convertible sofa and an armchair

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • Direct line telephone
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand

View More Images
Balcony

Upper decks balcony stateroom

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

  • A 16 m² stateroom (Alizés Prestige Stateroom with balcony) or 19 m² stateroom (Alizés Stateroom with balcony)
  • A private 43 ft² balcony (Alizés Stateroom with balcony) or 86 ft² balcony (Alizés Prestige Stateroom with balcony)
  • A panoramic hinged glass door
  • A bathroom with shower
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • Direct line telephone
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand

Outside

Window or Porthole Stateroom

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
  • One round porthole

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • Direct line telephone
  • Electronic safe
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand

buffet

Le Diamant

On board the Ponant, the restaurant Le Diamant celebrates the terroir of each visited coast, offering a culinary experience in perfect harmony with the itinerary of the journey. Driven by the chef's demanding standards and passion, each dish reveals the richness of local products, carefully selected from the markets along the way. This responsible and sustainable approach invites you to savor the very essence of each stop. In this exceptional setting, gastronomy extends the emotion of the journey.

View More Images
Lounge, Bar

Emeraude Lounge and Bar

library, tearoom, bar, and live entertainment on certain evenings. Access to the outdoor terrace

Sun Deck, Bar

Sun Deck

  • Sun beds
  • Exterior bar 

Spa, Yoga, Gym, Wellness

The Wellness Space

Le Ponant has been designed as a cocoon dedicated to well-being and relaxation. 

  • Spa: massage cabin and Biologique Recherche care products. 
  • Fitness centre with dedicated fitness coach
  • Yoga sessions