Cruise Cape Verde This Winter on a Small-Ship Adventure

Cruise Compass
Cruise Cape Verde on a small ship to explore ten uniquely diverse islands in comfort and style. From volcanic vineyards to colonial towns and desert beaches, this unforgettable winter escape offers culture, sunshine, and adventure, without the crowds.

For many UK travellers, the idea to cruise Cape Verde still flies under the radar. Most people know about the sunshine and white-sand beaches which make it a reliable winter escape. However, few realise how incredibly diverse this island nation really is.

For many UK travellers, the idea to cruise Cape Verde still flies under the radar.  Most people know about the sunshine and white-sand beaches which make it a reliable winter escape. However, few realise how incredibly diverse this island nation really is.

Cape Verde has ten tropical islands scattered across the Atlantic, each offering something unique. In fact, the real beauty of Cape Verde lies in its remarkable variety. So, to experience the best of it you can’t just stay in one place. You need to island-hop, and the best way to cruise Cape Verde is on a small-ship adventure.

Our small ships carry fewer than 50 guests, giving you space and comfort to explore. Moreover, you only unpack once and enjoy a well-appointed, air-conditioned cabin without the crowds. It makes for a personal, more flexible, and far more enriching experience than a traditional cruise. (Much better than a week on a sun lounger!)

Cape Verde’s islands are incredibly different from one another. Some feel like the Sahara. Others, like the Caribbean. Some are lush and green, others barren and volcanic.
When you cruise Cape Verde on a small ship, you don’t have to choose between islands, you see them all. In addition, you have the time to explore each one at a relaxed pace.

Cape Verde’s cultural capital, Mindelo is full of music, colour and charm. From colonial buildings to harbour views, Mindelo is full of charm and local colour.

Furthermore, it’s where you’ll hear morna and feel Cape Verde’s creative spirit come alive. It’s the perfect introduction to the soul of the islands, when you cruise Cape Verde.

Just across the water from Mindelo, Santo Antão couldn’t feel more different. It’s cool, green and mountainous, making it a dream for walkers and nature lovers. Take an optional hike through the lush and scenic Paul Valley for breathtaking views.

Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed day visiting villages, distilleries, and beautiful panoramic viewpoints. This is where people go to unwind.

Fogo is all about fire and flavour. Pico do Fogo volcano towers above the dramatic landscape of the island. As a result, the rich volcanic soil gives rise to something unexpected: thriving vineyards.

In Chã das Caldeiras, you can taste local wine and coffee in the crater village. Meanwhile, the warm, resilient community brings this dramatic volcanic landscape to life.

Cidade Velha was once the capital of the Portuguese empire’s West African holdings. Moreover, it’s the oldest European settlement in the tropics, marked by the scars of slavery.

Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with churches, fortress walls, and a former slave market. Consequently, these landmarks serve as powerful reminders of Cape Verde’s complex and painful history. It’s a sobering but essential stop that offers deeper context to the islands’ cultural roots.

With its endless beaches and desert-like landscapes, Boa Vista is pure peace and space. You can explore sand dunes, swim from quiet beaches, or alternatively, simply relax and soak up the calm. For stargazing, it’s unbeatable as there is no light pollution, just sky and sea.

One of the best parts when you cruise Cape Verde on a small ship is what happens between islands. With open decks, shared dinners and plenty of room to relax, the atmosphere on board is friendly and unhurried. There’s time to read, chat, enjoy a drink or meanwhile watch the horizon shift as you sail onward.

The food is excellent, and we all eat in one sitting. When it’s time for a swim, the Captain heaves to and drops anchor in a cove. Then, you simply step off the boat and drop into the clear, inviting water.

Cape Verde’s dry, sunny weather makes it ideal between November and March. In contrast, much of Europe is grey and cold during that time.

Flights from the UK run seasonally to Sal and Boa Vista, with easy pre- or post-cruise hotel options available. Cape Verde is on the same longitude as London so there is no time difference and therefore no jet lag.

Also, choosing to cruise Cape Verde is perfect for active travellers looking to collect experiences, not just ‘fly and flop’. It’s a chance to travel deeper, meet locals, and see a side of Cape Verde that beach-based holidays can’t offer.

If you want comfort and culture in one trip, cruise Cape Verde for a truly exceptional experience. You’ll come home with more than photos, you’ll come home with stories and memories.

Ready to cruise Cape Verde? Click below to get a personalised today.