Sao Nicolau & Santa Luzia - Cabo Verde

Our own wild infinity pool on the windward coast of Sao Nicolau, swept by the occasional rouge wave !

>>More on Sao Nicolau & the uninhabited isles of Cape Verde

2011-2012 Cape Verde Voyage Dates & Prices

Sailing Schooner Expeditions in Cape Verde

The Sharks of Santa Luzia

After a few days exploring Sao Vincente and Sao Antao it will be time to start heading east. Sail past the uninhabited island of Santa Luzia, and if swell permits the ship may anchor and run a trip ashore. The waters around the island are rich in fish so it may be worth staying on board with a fishing line. Any fish caught will be prepared to eat immediately - fresh from the sea. Swimming is not recommended due to the large number of sharks, but watching these menacing beauties is a novel treat for wildlife lovers. Oosterschelde will sail on to Sao Nicolau, regardless of whether the cook has enough fish for supper !

 

Dragon Trees & National Park

 

Sao Nicolau is very mountainous with vertical cliffs on its North and West coast – but there are a couple of anchorages on the more sheltered south coast. Viewed from the air and sea the island looks barren an inhospitable. However it hides a secret, for inside these jagged mountains and volancic peaks hides a heart of green.  many of the towns and villages are tucked into steep sides valleys. Ashore look out for the distinctive dragon trees (Dracaena draco) which are reputed to live as long as a thousand years. Two mountain ranges meet at the highest point of 4305ft Monte Gordo and the whole area is a National Park.

 

 

The Wild Coast Drive on Sao Nicolau

If the ship offers a jeep safari - then this island is definately worth the bumps and dust.  The exposed north coast has a tenuous road, often washed away by flash floods, with numerous detours and repairs, but the coastline is spectacular and parched. It recieves the full force of the NE trades, is backed by mountains and a few stone walled fishing villages perch on the rocky promentaries that jut out into the sea.  Tourism is virtually non existant, so if you drive into the villages you see how hard life can be and why so many Cape Verdeans leave the island to find work.

On Adam and Debbies Cape Verde voyage in 2010 we found a rock pool several metres above sea level, but the waves lashing the cliff below were so large, our swim became rather nervous as we watched for the big wave that might come in and drags us over the lip of the cliff !

Perhaps after lunch set sail for Boa Vista as the ship island hops back eastwards towards the end of her circumnavigation of the Cape Verde group.

 

Read more about Santiago & Fogo >>

Read more about Sao Vincente & Sao Antao>>

Read more about Sal and Boa Vista >>

Local Guide on Board

A major asset to the voyage is a local Cape Verde guide.

In 2011 the ship was joined by Ario who enjoyed pulling ropes with the guests as well as enthusiastically telling us about island life. At every anchorage he had put together either a great full day jeep safari or several independent options. He found us wild rock pools to swim in, opportunities to eat a typical meal in a Cape Verdean home, staggeringly beautiful mountain walks from crater rim to terraced fields of coffee and bananas...coastal drives through villages un touched by tourism and live music venues.

photo: Our guide Ario and deckhand Thijs discuss logistics and the next jeep safari.

Direct Flights from the UK

Thomson fly cheap weekly charter flights from London Gatwick or Manchester direct to Sal, but you may need to find holiday accommodation in Santa Maria for a few days either side of your voyage (plenty of cheap B&B or hotels you can book on the internet). Alternatively TAP airline flys scheduled flights to Sal daily.  A Cape Verde visa for UK citizens can be bought on arrival but check current regulations.

Download PDF -Debbie's photo diary of her Christmas 2011 Cape Verde Voyage

Download PDF Cape Verde - Voyage Notes & Itinerary 2011-2012 

Call us on 01872 580022 or drop us an e mail on skippers@classic-sailing.co.uk if you are particularly interested in the 2011-2012 Cape Verde Voyages