Tall Ship Sailing & Island Hopping in Cape Verde
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Discover the wild Atlantic archipelago of Cape Verde by tall ship with island hopping, guided excursions and trade wind sailing.
Step aboard tall ship Oosterschelde and sail the Cape Verde islands, discovering this wild Atlantic archipelago far from the tourist resorts. With at least six islands to explore, this voyage offers the perfect blend of hands-on tall ship sailing and guided excursions ashore, through landscapes of black volcanoes, steep terraced valleys, sandy deserts and a fiercely deep blue ocean.
This voyage is perfect for those looking to explore one of the Atlantic’s most compelling island chains with a hands-on tall ship sailing experience. The tropical climate and steady trade winds make Cape Verde a true sailor’s paradise.
- Explore at least six Cape Verde islands
- Guided excursions on each island
- Spot whales, turtles & flying fish
- Private cabins, full board included
- Hands-on tall ship sailing experience
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
A Sailing Holiday in Cape Verde Like No Other
Sal → Santiago → São Vicente → Santo Antão → São Nicolau → Boa Vista
Sailing the Cape Verde islands aboard Oosterschelde takes you away from the mass tourism and large hotel resorts that have crept into parts of the archipelago in recent years. Instead, the crew connects with local guides on each island, opening up the rich culture, warm hospitality and extraordinary landscapes that most visitors never see.
Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, about 600 kilometres off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is home to ten islands. The sailing waters are alive with wildlife too: flying fish, tuna, sea turtles, and humpback whales are all regular companions on passage.
Island Hopping Through the Cape Verde Archipelago
Your Cape Verde sailing adventure begins on the island of Sal. As the sun sets, you step aboard and are welcomed by the crew. The following morning, set course for Santiago, dropping anchor on day three in the town of Tarrafal to spend the day exploring ashore.
From Santiago, set sail for São Vicente with the possibility of spotting the active volcano of Fogo on the horizon if the weather allows. After a night at sea, land appears ahead: first São Vicente, then the green slopes of Santo Antão beyond. Anchor in the bay of Mindelo, Cape Verde’s second city, where the afternoon is yours to explore restaurants, an indoor market, cafés and local shops.
- Santo Antão – the greenest and most fertile island; hike along the volcano’s edge with breathtaking views across the archipelago
- São Nicolau – anchor off Tarrafal, a quiet fishing village with barely any tourism; visit ancient basalt formations and hike to the primaeval forest of Monte Gordo national park
- Boa Vista is famous for its beautiful beaches and remarkable moving dunes; explore by 4×4 with a local guide and learn about the island’s loggerhead turtle protection programme
Tall Ship Oosterschelde
With three masts, a topsail schooner rig and over 50 metres in length, Oosterschelde is one of the largest Dutch tall ships still actively sailing today. Built in Rotterdam in 1917, she has sailed all over the world and remains one of the most extraordinary ways to explore an island chain like Cape Verde. Her professional crew welcome all ages and abilities, and no previous sailing experience is needed to join.
During the sailing passages between islands, you are invited to get involved with all aspects of life aboard – hoisting sails, taking the helm and navigating between islands. Guests are divided into relaxed watches so that everyone has the chance to learn the ropes in a safe, supported environment, and equally to rest and enjoy the ride at their own pace. Those who dare can climb the mast and see the Cape Verde archipelago from a perspective few ever experience.
- Sleeping: Six twin-berth and three four-berth private cabins, sleeping 24 guests
- Bathrooms: Five shared bathrooms; all cabins fitted with washbasins and hot and cold water
- Saloon: Spacious communal saloon with library, bar, reading tables and piano
- Dining: Full board; freshly prepared meals by a professional chef, using local produce
- Experience: Hands-on sailing on a traditionally rigged tall ship.
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore time
Night watches?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.
Over the years, Oosterschelde has become a firm favourite for sea lovers. She is perfect for those seeking an active sailing holiday while exploring bucket-list destinations aboard a beautifully historic tall ship.
Getting Involved
You really don’t need any experience to sail with Oosterschelde, just a passion for adventure. The professional crew loves to share their knowledge, and they welcome as much or as little participation as guests want. They often find that most guests enjoy some level of involvement in sailing the ship, from hoisting the sails to taking the helm.
Sleeping Relaxation
With a hull length of over 50m, three masts and nine cabins able to sleep 24 guests, the size and scale of Oosterschelde will be one of the first things to realise as you climb aboard for the very first time. Space is plentiful, from twin- to four-berth private cabins and five bathrooms to choose from, the sleeping quarters feel more like a floating hotel than a boat. All cabins are fitted with a washbasin with hot and cold running water.
The communal areas are furnished comfortably and supplied with all modern conveniences. In the spacious and stylishly appointed saloon, there are reading tables, seating areas, a library, a fully stocked bar and even a piano. With underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove, Oosterschelde ensures her guests are always cosy and warm, even in colder climates. The saloon is also where the captain or first mate will inform you of the voyage progress and the weather report on a daily basis.
Dining Aboard
Life on board is enhanced by the good meals prepared by our appointed professional chef. All food will be freshly prepared onboard to the highest standard. Expect continental breakfasts, freshly baked bread, and delicious lunches and dinners that make use of the local produce on offer. All dietary requirements can be catered for, and you’ll undoubtedly be well taken care of after a day of sailing.
A typical day
A typical day will vary from voyage to voyage, but generally, after breakfast, the crew will discuss the plan for the day before preparing the ship for sailing to the next destination. Time under sail will vary depending on the location. In the Cape Verde Islands, longer sailing distances may be required to reach different islands. Generally, the boat tries to stop at least every day, if not every two days, to go ashore. On her longer ocean-going voyages, there will be consecutive days at sea.
Sample menu
Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.
BREAKFAST (Continental)
- Yoghurt, fresh fruit, cereal, bread, cheese, meats, jam
- Eggs (cooked, baked or scrambled) or pancakes, muffins or French toast
LUNCH
- Quiche, soup, lasagna, pasta and salad, breads, cheeses, meats
DINNER
- Lasagne
- Risotto
- Asian dishes
- Baked potatoes and either fish or meat, all accompanied by vegetables and a salad
DESSERT
- Fresh fruits, mousse, ice cream, cheesecake
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Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
