Volcanic landscapes from Cape Verde to Canary Islands

Between the volcanic archipelagos of Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, PONANT invites you an unforgettable 11-day interlude, leaving from Dakar, Senegal’s lively capital. This journey aboard Le Bougainville will take you into the heart of uniquely and wildly beautiful landscapes, featuring majestic volcanos, lush green valleys, isolated inlets, verdant cliffs and historic cities with multiple sources of heritage.  

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. On this cruise, explore the unspoilt landscapes of Santo Antão Island from Mindelo, admire the scenery of Timanfaya National Park from Arrecife de Lanzarote, or discover the natural beauty of Garajonay National Park from La Gomera. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Your discovery of Cape Verde will start with a port of call in Santiago, in Praia, the Cape Verde capital, where you will have the opportunity to visit the historic centre of Ribeira Grande, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further to the north, you will reach São Vicente and visit Mindelo, the cultural capital of Cape Verde, the birthplace of the famous singer of morna, Cesaria Évora.

Your ship will then set sail towards the mythical Canary Islands. Le Bougainville will then drop anchor at La Gomera. This tiny island with lush vegetation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biosphere reserve. This island is also renowned for its whistling language, Silbo, that the inhabitants use to communicate from one valley to another. 

You will journey onward to El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands. Among other activities, in this peaceful and tranquil haven scattered with volcanic desert and forests of pine and laurel, you will be able to enjoy these vast, untouched, lush spaces during a discovery tour of the island on an electric bike.

The neighbouring island of Fuerteventura lies a little further east. In Puerto del Rosario, admire the old town and its Canarian-style houses, take in the exceptional panoramas formed by its emblematic sand dunes and go hiking to discover the biodiversity of the island.

Le Bougainville will then drop anchor at Lanzarote, or the Island of Fire. This inspiring, enigmatic and mysterious island reveals itself in a captivating setting composed of majestic peaks, volcanic vineyards and pristine national parks. It is also renowned for its many volcanic tunnels and caves offering unique moments in a fascinating underground world.  

Finally, you will visit Las Palmas, on Gran Canaria Island, the final port of call on your Canarian cruise.