Overview

Our Cape Verde island-hopping family adventure in 9 days is ideal for families looking to explore the islands beyond the beaches of Boavista.

See if you can spot any whales, dolphins, or flying fish when you’re on the boat excursion and learn how they make guitars when you visit a workshop in Mindelo.

We’ve included a couple of days out on foot for the active family but remember, like all of our itineraries, we can tailor your holiday to suit you. The walks we’ve suggested here pass through dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and the stunning northern coast of Santo Antão. Our guide times are for a relaxed pace and there are plenty of amazing places to stop and take pictures. If you’d prefer to explore more by jeep, let us know when you speak with us about your holiday plans.

Travelling between the islands is a highlight of this adventurous island hopping journey. Turbo-prop planes, local ferries, and open-top jeeps will make your family holiday even more unforgettable.

Without a doubt, it’s a Cape Verde island-hopping family adventure you will remember forever!

 

Trust us to look after you. All of our Cape Verde holidays are protected by our ATOL licence and our Covid promise.



Best for...

Families

Itinerary

Depart Heathrow and fly via Lisbon to Boavista in Cape Verde. On arrival transfer to the Orquidea hotel where you will stay for three nights.
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and go on a Whale and dolphin watching trip aboard a Catamaran. This three-hour excursion in a small group (max 8 people) includes soft drinks and fresh grilled fish. Also included are snorkelling and fishing equipment. This trip is only available from March to May because of the whales, during the other months, there is only a boat excursion, with the possibility to see dolphins. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your guesthouse.
After breakfast you will be picked up for a full day guided and private tour of the island, visiting Boavista's old capita Rabil with its famous pottery and the oldest church on the island Sao Roque. East of Rabil you can marvel at the starkness of Deserto de Viana, and take pictures of the mysterious shipwreck Cabo Santa Maria. At Shark Bay, you can spot nurse sharks and depending on the weather you can go for a dip at Santa Monica beach. Lunch is not included but there will be an opportunity to buy food, drink and snacks.
Today is the start of your island hopping trip, when you fly to São Vicente. On arrival transfer to the Hotel Oasis Porto Grande. The rest of the day is free, and depending on your arrival you could do your Mindelo guided walk (day 8) today and do another excursion (Off road Jeep tour for example) on the other day. The hotel is right on Amilcar Cabral square, a popular spot where locals meet for a chat, drink a coffee or ice cream on the terrace of the little kiosk.
Early morning transfer to the ferryport for you one-hour ferry crossing to Santo Antão. Here you will be met by your driver and English-speaking guide, who will take you to the start of your private guided walk from Espongeiro to your hotel Pedracin Village. Stay here for one night. The walk through green valleys and over a spectacular mountain ridge is a moderate walk and takes around 4 to 5 hours. A packed lunch is included and your luggage will be transferred separately.
Another amazing day when you are being transferred to the start of your walk in Cruzinha. This is a private guided day, but do let us know if you would prefer to walk the route self-guided. The path takes you along the dramatic coast to Ponta do Sol. This is a moderate walk, with some steep challenging sections. Duration is 5 to 6 hours. A packed lunch is included and your luggage will be transferred separately to Musica do Mar where you stay for two nights.
Free day in Ponta do Sol, with the possibility to go fishing, or to do more walks in the area. The area with its many valleys is also great to have a go at canyoning.
Early morning transfer to Porto Novo for your ferry back to São Vicente. On arrival transfer to the Hotel Oasis Porto Grande, where in the afternoon you will be picked up by your guide for a private afternoon Mindelo walking tour. During this three hour stroll, you visit the fish market, harbour, old customs house, Estrela square with its permanent market stall, the town hall and the presidential palace. At the end of the tour, you will visit a guitar making workshop.
Free time until it's time for your transfer to the airport. Fly home via Lisbon.

Guide price £2,200 per person

We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.

INCLUDED: International flights (guide price only), accommodation in two twin share, en-suite rooms on a breakfast only basis throughout, dinner is included at Pedracin. Return airport/ferry transfers on Boavista, São Vicente and Santo Antão. Inter-island flight per person Boavista/São Vicente. Return ferry tickets. Excursions on Boavista, São Vicente and Santo Antão as detailed in the itinerary. Visas, support from our team in Cape Verde, and air ticket reconfirmation (if required). EXCLUDED: Meals not specified above and insurance. Additional excursions on free days.

Accommodation

The combination of accommodation we choose for your trip is part of the key to an unforgettable holiday. Throughout your trip you will be staying in some of the most amazing places. From a small hotel nestled in the mountains and a guest house close to the beach, each island has some great accommodation choices and the hotels on this trip have been specially selected for you. All the accommodation will be on B&B basis apart Pedracin where due to its remote location dinner is included.

Activities

The activities that we have included on this holiday are suitable for all ages and can be adapted to your abilities and experience. The kids will love the bumpy off-road Jeep tour, but so will the adults. Speak to our team and we'll plan an amazing Cape Verde family holiday just for you!

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