Trade winter’s chill for the thrill of the trade winds. Climb aboard a century-old tall ship and set a course across Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)’s volcanic archipelago, where mountains tumble into the sea and dolphins race at the bow.

Each island promises a new adventure — from windswept black-sand beaches and bustling local markets to towering cliffs and hidden coves reached only by sail. And when the sails are furled, there’s time to stretch out on deck, soak up the warmth, and charge your soul with the winter sun.

This isn’t just a holiday; it’s a voyage — part adventure, part deep breath of calm — where you’ll feel both the pull of the ocean and the gift of true well-earned rest.

Seek out the winter sun in this hands-on voyage to the Cape Verde islands aboard a historic tall ship.

You’ll enjoy a mixture of comfortable sailing and active adventure, with time spent both sailing and exploring ashore on six stunning islands. 

There are a range of dates to choose from between December 2025 and March 2026. 

About Cape Verde / Cabo Verde

Officially called Cabo Verde, we note that we use the popular name Cape Verde in this post.

Found off the coast of west Africa, in the middle of the Atlantic, Cape Verde is as good as it gets as a sailing destination.

With sea temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, and a tropical climate where it scarcely rains, this magnificent archipelago offers guaranteed sun during the coldest months of the northern hemisphere winters. 

Cape Verde’s warm waters are home to swimming sea turtles and an abundance of colourful fish, whilst its volcanic landscapes offer everything from mountainous coastlines and black sand beaches to banana plantations and flat, sandy plains. 

Why sail Cape Verde on a tall ship? 

Sailing aboard a traditional tall ship is the best possible way to explore this island paradise. You’ll be able to soak up the romanticism of sailing aboard a vessel which a hundred years ago used to transport cargo around these waters. 

Travelling by sail, you also avoid the stress of packing and unpacking as your home and your transportation are combined into one. You’ll have some of the world’s most beautiful views just steps from where you sleep and eat at anchor. Plus access to quiet corners and pristine bays that other travellers can’t reach. 

Add to that, the opportunity to learn how to improve your sailing skills and you’ve got a freedom-filled adventure at its purest.

Watch the wind fill the sails and feel the roll of the ocean as you glide through the waters to your next destination. 

About the ship 

When it comes to tall ships, this traditional wooden vessel is as fine as they come – a three-masted topsail schooner whose beautiful lines and billowing sails force you to stop and admire them. Once a sail-powered freight ship, she has been sailing west African and Mediterranean waters since she was built in the early 1900s. 

In the 1990s, this tall ship underwent a huge restoration, returning her to her original condition – a project which was done so well that today she is recognised by the Dutch Ministry of Culture as a Monument. 

As well as being beautiful, she is an incredibly seaworthy boat, well-equipped to voyage anywhere she pleases in the world.

From 2023 to 2025 she sailed the globe as part of the Darwin200 mission – which we were a partner and ran the press office for! – functioning as a floating laboratory and media platform to advance global conservation. 

As part of this project, the ship retraced Darwin’s famous voyage aboard HMS Beagle 200 years ago. She sailed over 40,000 miles, stopping off in remote destinations including the Antarctic and even carrying out project work in Cape Verde and was honored with a visit aboard by the President of Cape Verde.

Observation of the Cape Verdean islands contributed important research into Darwin’s theory of evolution. 

Itinerary 

Your Cape Verdean adventure will include 11 days of sailing and exploring aboard a one-of-a-kind tall ship, so that you too can discover the history, culture, wildlife and landscapes of this special island nation. 

Each day of sailing is followed by a full day looking around a new island so you get an equal split of land and sea time. 

Day 1: Meet your floating home and new crew mates in Palmeira on the island of Sal. Soak up the authentic Cape Verdean atmosphere as this is not a touristic town. 

Day 2: Set sail from Palmeira with the trade winds at your back. The journey is 110 miles, perfect for taking on your first sailing shifts alongside your crewmates. You’ll steer, navigate and trim the sails, plus get the opportunity to climb the mast, before arriving at the island of Santiago during the night. 

Day 3: Wake up anchored in the beautiful bay of Tarrafal, surrounded by the scenery of Santiago’s mountainous green valleys. Spend a full day exploring the island, including a walk through National Park Serra Malagueta, followed by a trip to the market. At lunch, get your first taste of authentic Cape Verdean food, then visit a quiet beach with black volcanic sand. 

Day 4: Get ready for the longest sailing leg of your adventure, from Santiago to São Vicente. This time you’ll be sailing close hauled and through the night, allowing you to learn the ropes of upwind sailing. 

Day 5: Enjoy your first ocean sunrise, followed by an exciting sail between the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão. Local land effects lead to wind increases here, further strengthening your skills as a sailor. Upon arrival at Mindelo, explore the cafés, gift shops and markets or enjoy a swim at the beach. In the evening, you’ll visit a live music café for a taste of local dancing. 

Day 6: Take a ferry from Mindelo to Porto Novo, on Cape Verde’s most beautiful island – Santo Antão. Enjoy an optional hike to a volcano crater and soak up the breathtaking views of the island. 

Day 7: Sail past a series of uninhabited islands en route to São Nicolau. Keep an eye out for colourful fish in the water and big pods of dolphins. 

Day 8: Drop anchor in a peaceful fisherman’s village, before heading ashore to visit Monto Gordo National Park. Next, explore the spectacular carved rock formations of Carberinho before heading back to the tall ship for a delicious meal prepared by the chef. 

Day 9 and 10: Sail to Boa Vista then use the dinghy to get to shore, before touring the island in 4 x 4 trucks. Highlights include learning about the island’s loggerhead turtles.

Day 11 and 12: Enjoy your last crossing from Boa Vista to Ilha do Sal, before dropping anchor in Palmeira. You’ll enjoy a barbecue on deck and breakfast in the morning, before making your way to the airport.

What to expect 

Guided by expert sailors and local island guides, you will get to know Cape Verde and your floating home intimately. You will also have the chance to make new friends amidst your fellow crew members. 

This vessel has space for up to 24 people, however there is also plenty of room onboard for reading, relaxing and soaking up the serenity of the ocean. She is comfortably furnished with all modern conveniences and even a piano. 

All cabins have their own wash basin and supply of hot and cold water. Some have private showers and the rest of the cabins have communal showers and washrooms. 

This tour provides 3 meals a day and optional excursions are available at each port for a low cost additional fee. 

Ready to set sail? 

To explore Cape Verde in the best way possible and enjoy some winter sun, get in touch today to secure your place on this one-of-a-kind tall ship sailing adventure.