PonantEC291226
Adventure in the Bissagos Islands
Date
2026-12-29
Duration
8 nights
Departure Port
Dakar
Senegal
Arrival Port
Dakar
Senegal
Rating
Luxury
Theme
—
Ponant
Le Champlain
Launched
2018
Refitted
—
Tonnage
9,976 GT
Passengers
184
Cabins
92
Crew
118
Length
430 m
Width
18 m
Speed
13 knots
Adults Only
No
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Dakar
Depart 18:00
Dakar, at Africa's westernmost point, is Senegal's pulsating capital where West African creativity, powerful history, and vibrant Wolof culture collide. Must-dos include the deeply moving Gorée Island slave house, the African Renaissance Monument, and feasting on thiéboudienne and yassa at local restaurants. November through May offers the most comfortable dry-season conditions.
Day 2
Day 2
At Sea
Day 3
Day 3
Carache
Carache, Bissagos Islands, Guinea, opens a window onto Africa's extraordinary blend of natural grandeur, cultural vitality, and warm hospitality. Visitors should explore the local markets and venture into the surrounding landscapes for wildlife encounters of genuine wonder. The most favorable conditions occur December through April, during the dry season when skies are clearest and seas are calmest. Cruise lines including Ponant feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.
Day 3
Day 3
Kere Island
Kere Island in Guinea-Bissau's Bijagós Archipelago is a critical green sea turtle nesting site and one of the few places to observe the unique saltwater hippopotamuses that swim between the archipelago's islands. Must-do experiences include witnessing turtle nesting on moonlit beaches, observing saltwater hippos, and engaging with the Bijagós people's matrilineal cultural traditions. June through November offers turtle nesting season, while November through May provides the driest travel conditions.
Day 4
Day 4
Orango
Orango is a culturally and ecologically extraordinary island in Guinea-Bissau's Bijagós Archipelago, home to the world's only saltwater hippopotamus population and a matrilineal society where women choose their husbands. Visitors can explore sacred forests, watch sea turtles nest, and experience one of West Africa's most intact traditional cultures. The dry season from November to May offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing and island exploration.
Day 4
Day 4
Bissagos Islands
The Bijagós Archipelago off Guinea-Bissau is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of eighty largely uninhabited islands, home to a unique matrilineal Bijagós culture, saltwater hippopotamuses, and West Africa's largest green turtle nesting colony. Must-do experiences include encountering the Bijagós' matrilineal traditions, observing saltwater hippos, and witnessing turtle nesting on remote beaches. November through May offers the driest conditions, while July through October brings peak turtle nesting season.
Day 6
Day 6
Bissagos Islands
The Bijagós Archipelago off Guinea-Bissau is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of eighty largely uninhabited islands, home to a unique matrilineal Bijagós culture, saltwater hippopotamuses, and West Africa's largest green turtle nesting colony. Must-do experiences include encountering the Bijagós' matrilineal traditions, observing saltwater hippos, and witnessing turtle nesting on remote beaches. November through May offers the driest conditions, while July through October brings peak turtle nesting season.
Day 6
Day 6
João Vieira
João Vieira-Poilão Marine National Park hosts one of the world's densest green sea turtle nesting concentrations, with over 7,000 turtles nesting annually on tiny Poilão island — the most important nesting site in the eastern Atlantic. Must-do experiences include witnessing mass turtle nesting during full moon nights, snorkeling the surrounding marine park, and understanding the conservation collaboration between scientists and Bijagós communities. September and October offer peak nesting density during the August-November season.
Day 7
Day 7
Bolama
Bolama is the hauntingly beautiful former colonial capital of Guinea-Bissau, where grand Portuguese neoclassical buildings are slowly being reclaimed by tropical forest on a tide-washed island in the Bijagós Archipelago. Visitors can explore the atmospheric ruins, experience the living market culture, and take boat excursions to pristine neighbouring islands. November through May offers the driest weather for visiting this poignant and photogenic West African island.
Day 8
Day 8
Caravela Island
Caravela Island, Bijagos, Guinea-Bissau, opens a window onto Africa's extraordinary blend of natural grandeur, cultural vitality, and warm hospitality. Visitors should explore the local markets and venture into the surrounding landscapes for wildlife encounters of genuine wonder. The most favorable conditions occur December through April, during the dry season when skies are clearest and seas are calmest. Cruise lines including Ponant feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.
Day 9
Day 9
Dakar
Arrive 07:00
Dakar, at Africa's westernmost point, is Senegal's pulsating capital where West African creativity, powerful history, and vibrant Wolof culture collide. Must-dos include the deeply moving Gorée Island slave house, the African Renaissance Monument, and feasting on thiéboudienne and yassa at local restaurants. November through May offers the most comfortable dry-season conditions.
Day 1
Dakar
Depart 18:00
Dakar, at Africa's westernmost point, is Senegal's pulsating capital where West African creativity, powerful history, and vibrant Wolof culture collide. Must-dos include the deeply moving Gorée Island slave house, the African Renaissance Monument, and feasting on thiéboudienne and yassa at local restaurants. November through May offers the most comfortable dry-season conditions.
Day 2
At Sea
Day 3
Carache
Carache, Bissagos Islands, Guinea, opens a window onto Africa's extraordinary blend of natural grandeur, cultural vitality, and warm hospitality. Visitors should explore the local markets and venture into the surrounding landscapes for wildlife encounters of genuine wonder. The most favorable conditions occur December through April, during the dry season when skies are clearest and seas are calmest. Cruise lines including Ponant feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.
Kere Island
Kere Island in Guinea-Bissau's Bijagós Archipelago is a critical green sea turtle nesting site and one of the few places to observe the unique saltwater hippopotamuses that swim between the archipelago's islands. Must-do experiences include witnessing turtle nesting on moonlit beaches, observing saltwater hippos, and engaging with the Bijagós people's matrilineal cultural traditions. June through November offers turtle nesting season, while November through May provides the driest travel conditions.
Day 4
Orango
Orango is a culturally and ecologically extraordinary island in Guinea-Bissau's Bijagós Archipelago, home to the world's only saltwater hippopotamus population and a matrilineal society where women choose their husbands. Visitors can explore sacred forests, watch sea turtles nest, and experience one of West Africa's most intact traditional cultures. The dry season from November to May offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing and island exploration.
Bissagos Islands
The Bijagós Archipelago off Guinea-Bissau is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of eighty largely uninhabited islands, home to a unique matrilineal Bijagós culture, saltwater hippopotamuses, and West Africa's largest green turtle nesting colony. Must-do experiences include encountering the Bijagós' matrilineal traditions, observing saltwater hippos, and witnessing turtle nesting on remote beaches. November through May offers the driest conditions, while July through October brings peak turtle nesting season.
Day 6
Bissagos Islands
The Bijagós Archipelago off Guinea-Bissau is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of eighty largely uninhabited islands, home to a unique matrilineal Bijagós culture, saltwater hippopotamuses, and West Africa's largest green turtle nesting colony. Must-do experiences include encountering the Bijagós' matrilineal traditions, observing saltwater hippos, and witnessing turtle nesting on remote beaches. November through May offers the driest conditions, while July through October brings peak turtle nesting season.
João Vieira
João Vieira-Poilão Marine National Park hosts one of the world's densest green sea turtle nesting concentrations, with over 7,000 turtles nesting annually on tiny Poilão island — the most important nesting site in the eastern Atlantic. Must-do experiences include witnessing mass turtle nesting during full moon nights, snorkeling the surrounding marine park, and understanding the conservation collaboration between scientists and Bijagós communities. September and October offer peak nesting density during the August-November season.
Day 7
Bolama
Bolama is the hauntingly beautiful former colonial capital of Guinea-Bissau, where grand Portuguese neoclassical buildings are slowly being reclaimed by tropical forest on a tide-washed island in the Bijagós Archipelago. Visitors can explore the atmospheric ruins, experience the living market culture, and take boat excursions to pristine neighbouring islands. November through May offers the driest weather for visiting this poignant and photogenic West African island.
Day 8
Caravela Island
Caravela Island, Bijagos, Guinea-Bissau, opens a window onto Africa's extraordinary blend of natural grandeur, cultural vitality, and warm hospitality. Visitors should explore the local markets and venture into the surrounding landscapes for wildlife encounters of genuine wonder. The most favorable conditions occur December through April, during the dry season when skies are clearest and seas are calmest. Cruise lines including Ponant feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.
Day 9
Dakar
Arrive 07:00
Dakar, at Africa's westernmost point, is Senegal's pulsating capital where West African creativity, powerful history, and vibrant Wolof culture collide. Must-dos include the deeply moving Gorée Island slave house, the African Renaissance Monument, and feasting on thiéboudienne and yassa at local restaurants. November through May offers the most comfortable dry-season conditions.
Cabin Categories
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
Suite
290 m²Max 3
4
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)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-FiSafe+12
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
Suite
290 m²Max 3
5
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)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-FiSafe+12
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Suite
290 m²Max 3
6
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-FiSafe+12
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
290 m²Max 3
7
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-FiSafe+12
View Details
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
484 m²Max 4
13
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with sofa bed convertible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm) or a single bed (80 x 190 cm) , armchair, and second TV
A bathroom with shower and Baleno bathtub
A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerBathToiletries ProvidedMini Bar (Additional Cost)TV+9
View Details
Owner's Suite
Suite
484 m²Max 4
OS
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private return transfer
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed, and second TV
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower, balneo bathtub and smart mirror
A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
A private 45 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and lounge corner with sofa and armchair
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerBathWhirlpool BathToiletries Provided+14
View Details
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Suite
409 m²Max 4
10
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)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or panoramic swing door
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Suite
409 m²Max 4
11
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 5
Suite
344 m²Max 3
8
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Butler service
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge corner with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+14
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 6
Suite
344 m²Max 3
9
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+14
View Details
Deluxe Stateroom
Balcony
204 m²Max 2
D
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
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window
King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+12
View Details
Prestige stateroom Deck 4
Balcony
1
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)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or panoramic swing door
View Details
Prestige stateroom Deck 5
Balcony
2
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Prestige stateroom Deck 6
Balcony
3
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)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
View Details
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