Cape Verde – Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente & Santo Antão Islands 11 Days

Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa, the Cape Verde archipelago offers a truly unique travel experience. This 11-day island-hopping tour showcases the diverse natural beauty and vibrant culture of four captivating islands – Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente, and Santo Antão. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, travelers can look forward to breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife encounters, and immersive cultural experiences. From witnessing the nesting of sea turtles to scaling the heights of an active volcano, this comprehensive itinerary promises an unforgettable exploration of Cape Verde’s remarkable wonders. With comfortable accommodations, delicious cuisine, and a small group size, the stage is set for a truly personalized adventure.

Key Points

• 11-day island-hopping tour in Cape Verde covering the islands of Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão, and São Vicente.
• Highlights include witnessing turtle nesting at Praia das Aranhas and trekking to the summit of Pico Do Fogo.
• Guided by a local expert, ensuring an immersive experience of Cape Verde’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
• Includes comfortable accommodations, meals, domestic flights, and ferry transfers to facilitate a seamless travel experience.
• Moderate physical fitness required, with a maximum group size of 6 for a more personalized adventure.

Tour Overview

This 11-day island hopping tour in Cape Verde covers 4 of the country’s breathtaking islands – Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão, and São Vicente.

Led by a local guide, travelers will explore stunning parks, valleys, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights include visiting turtle nests at Praia das Aranhas and trekking up the mighty Pico Do Fogo volcano.

The tour starts in Praia on Santiago Island and ends in Mindelo on São Vicente Island. With maximum group sizes of 6, this adventure promises an intimate and immersive experience of Cape Verde’s natural wonders.

Included Highlights

Travelers on this 11-day tour will explore a wealth of natural and cultural highlights across Cape Verde’s stunning islands.

They’ll visit turtle nesting sites at Praia das Aranhas, an incredible sight as the majestic creatures come ashore to lay their eggs.

The group will also trek to the summit of Pico Do Fogo, the country’s iconic active volcano, offering panoramic views of the volcanic landscape.

Throughout the journey, they’ll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore vibrant parks and valleys, and enjoy the local culture, guided by a knowledgeable local expert.

With domestic flights, ferry transfers, and all logistics handled, this tour provides a seamless island-hopping experience.

Accommodation and Meals

Where will travelers rest their heads during this 11-day island-hopping adventure? With 10 nights of accommodation included, this tour provides a comfortable place to stay throughout the journey. The included meals are equally impressive, with 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and dinners provided.

Meals Included	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Number of Meals	10	8	Varies

Whether enjoying a hearty local fish dish or a vegetarian option, travelers will savor the flavors of Cape Verdean cuisine. With domestic flights, ferry tickets, and all transfers handled, this tour makes exploring the islands a breeze.

Travel Requirements

To make the most of this 11-day island-hopping adventure, travelers should ensure they’ve the proper travel requirements in place. This includes:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.

• Obtaining a Cape Verde tourist visa, either in advance or upon arrival.

• Packing appropriate clothing and gear, such as hiking shoes, sandals, and sun protection.

• Bringing a 23 kg suitcase and a 5 kg backpack for the domestic flights.

• Ensuring they’ve adequate travel insurance coverage for the duration of the trip.

With these essentials taken care of, travelers can focus on experiencing the stunning landscapes, UNESCO-listed sites, and rich cultural heritage of the Cape Verde archipelago.

Group Size and Bookings

This 11-day Cape Verde island-hopping tour is designed for a maximum of 6 travelers per group.

This small group size ensures a more intimate and personalized experience. Bookings are confirmed upon receipt, though changes may incur fees.

Travelers should bring their passport, hiking shoes, sandals, towel, hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. Each traveler is allowed one 23 kg suitcase and one 5 kg backpack for the domestic flights.

Lunch and dinner options cater to various dietary requirements, including fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes. While the itinerary is generally fixed, substitutions may occasionally occur as needed.

Travelers should note that this tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Domestic Flights and Transfers

Traversing the islands of Cape Verde involves a series of domestic flights and transfers arranged by the tour operator.

The package includes:

• Domestic flights between the islands of Praia, Fogo, and São Vicente, providing efficient transportation to explore the remote archipelago.

• Round-trip ferry tickets between São Vicente and Santo Antão, enabling access to the rugged landscapes of this UNESCO-listed island.

• Customized airport and port transfers, ensuring seamless arrivals and departures for each location.

• Luggage transfers, so travelers can focus on the journey without the burden of their belongings.

• 24-hour local assistance, offering peace of mind and support throughout the tour.

Local Cuisine and Culture

Travelers can look forward to seeing Cape Verde’s vibrant culinary scene and rich cultural heritage throughout the 11-day adventure. Meals include fresh seafood, meat dishes, and vegetarian options, allowing visitors to savor local flavors.

Lunch and dinner provide flexibility to explore Cape Verdean cuisine, from the national dish of cachupa to grilled fish and tropical fruits.

Beyond the table, the tour highlights the islands’ unique culture, from visiting historic sites to interacting with local communities. Trekking through lush valleys and meeting artisans provide authentic insights into the archipelago’s traditions and way of life.

This comprehensive itinerary offers a well-rounded immersion in Cape Verde’s vibrant culture.

Itinerary Flexibility and Reviews

The tour’s itinerary offers a good degree of flexibility, with minor substitutions or adjustments potentially occurring as necessary to accommodate changing conditions. This allows the tour to adapt to any unforeseen circumstances, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers.

The tour is highly reviewed, with a perfect 5-star rating from 3 previous guests. Some key points about the flexibility and reviews:

• Itinerary and hotel substitutions may occur as needed
• Not recommended for those afraid of heights
• Free cancellation up to 6 days in advance
• Lunch and dinner options include local Cape Verdean cuisine
• Priced from $2,482.27 per person, with variation based on group size

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Cape Verde?

The best time to visit Cape Verde is during the dry season from November to June, when the weather is mild and sunny. Travelers can enjoy the islands’ beaches, hikes, and cultural attractions without the heat and humidity of the summer months.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Islands After the Tour?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay on the islands after the tour. The tour operator can provide recommendations and assistance with booking additional accommodations and activities to fully explore Cape Verde at the traveler’s pace.

Are Gratuities/Tips for the Guide and Driver Included?

The tour doesn’t include gratuities or tips for the guide and driver. Travelers can provide tips at their own discretion to recognize exceptional service, with the typical range being $5-10 USD per person per day.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your specific interests. The tour operator offers flexible options to explore local cuisine and activities, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences within the overall itinerary.

How Accessible Are the Islands for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and moderate physical fitness is required. However, the islands can be explored with some assistance. Travelers with disabilities should consult the tour provider to discuss their needs and available accommodations.

Recap

This 11-day Cape Verde island-hopping adventure offers travelers a chance to enjoy the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the archipelago. From witnessing turtle nesting to trekking to the summit of Pico Do Fogo, the tour provides a personalized and unforgettable experience, with comfortable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and a small group size ensuring a truly memorable journey.