VOLCANIC ISLANDS OF THE SUN EXPEDITION

PRAIA ON CAPE VERDE’S SANTIAGO ISLAND. EMBARK OCEAN ALBATROS AND DEPARTURE TOWARDS NORTHERN CAPE VERDE ISLANDS
Praia is the bustling town on the south coast of Ilha de Santiago, and the capital of the Republic of Cabo Verde. The old colonial city center of Praia is built on a flat rock plateau and is a designated World Heritage site.

Albatros Expeditions’ new expedition vessel Ocean Albatros is anchored in the harbour, and you will embark the ship by Zodiac tender boats by mid-afternoon. After being shown to your cabin, you will be given the mandatory safety briefing, while the Captain gets ready to steer out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Our direction during the night is north from Praia which is located in the far south. The archipelago consists of ten islands and we steer between Santiago, the biggest of the Cape Verde islands, and Fogo, the tallest with a height of 2.830 meters. Fogo, which means ‘fire’ is the only active of the Cape Verde volcanoes with the latest eruption in 2014. It is also the youngest, having erupted from the sea floor a few hundred thousand years ago, compared to oldest islands dating back 180 mill. years.

In the morning we have arrived at the narrow strait between the islands Santo Antão and São Vicente, in the northern part of Cape Verde Archipelago. Ocean Albatros casts anchor in Mindelo Bay, sheltered from the northeast trade winds.

The town of Mindelo is an active, culturally hotspot, sweeping the circular seafront of Porto Grande Bay. Out of plenty cafés, restaurants and small concert halls float live music, not least on a weekend – when we are visiting the city! Enjoy the bustling markets, quiet parks, and plenty of small shops selling all sorts of local produce. A genuine ‘Caribbean’ ambiance!

The British East India Company used Mindelo as a coal deposit, and British colonial architecture is still seen around the otherwise Portuguese inspired city. Opposite the strait lies the mountainous island of Santo Antão, and on the other side of the Grande Bay is Monte Cara with its characteristic profile of a reclining human face.

Late in the afternoon we ‘set sail’ for the long leg north to the next group in Macaronesia, the Canary Islands.

Far into the atlantic, following a north-northeastern course, we cruise along the coast of sahel countries of mauretania and western sahara. We are up against the perpetually dry and strong northeast trade wind. But ocean albatros’ unique x-bow and modern stabilizers keep the vessel steady, enabling us to enjoy exquisite dining, interesting lectures or watching for dolphins, whales and seabirds from panorama lounges indoor or from the outside observation decks.

We arrive in the morning at the east coast of the island La Gomera to go alongside in the small port of San Sebastián. Being the largest town on this small island it has some 9.000 inhabitants. We take a stroll into the quiet streets and stairs of this steep-sided and valley-locked town, where Christopher Columbus spend a month before his Atlantic crossing, 530 years ago.

The Canary Islands are - as most oceanic islands - of volcanic origin. With its circular form and central highlands, La Gomera looks the shape of a volcano. But the island’s volcanic past is worn-down, and the recent form is the result of secondary erosion, leaving a radiating network of steep-sided barranco valleys. A a few dramatic rock towers like “Los Roques” are primary remnants of original volcanic plugs.

La Gomera is located in the trade wind belt, and with a year-round humid wind coming in from northeast, the island’s northern slopes are covered in thick junglelike forest. This is the famous laurel forest, eternally green and the life blood of the island. The leeward southern slopes on the other hand are brown and almost barren.

The local cuisine has retained much of its original flavors and recipes, which some of the more visited Canary islands might have lost. So, it is important to take a break during the visit to enjoy a glass of local wine and a tapa with almogrote, a local garlic cheese spread.

It is possible to join an optional half day bus excursion from San Sebastian to Garajonay National Park with a hike into the massive fern and laurel forest. The trip is part of the excursion package and are not included in the price for the voyage.

Today we arrive at the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife. Tenerife entices with beautiful nature and beaches, delicious food - and not least a mild and pleasant climate.

We dock in Puerto de la Cruz on the northwest coast. The city is surrounded by cliffs and is a popular port of call for cruise ships. In the city you can see the beautiful park García Sanabria and the beautiful baroque church Iglesia de la Concepción near the port, which forms the city center. Close to town are the beaches of Las Gaviotas and Las Teresitas.

The island's most famous natural attraction is the Las Cañadas del Teide National Park in the middle of the island, where the 3,718-meter-high volcano Teide - Spain's highest mountain - dominates the landscape. The national park is on UNESCO's list of world natural heritage. Join the optional excursion which has a bus pickup from our pier. The trip is part of the excursion package and are not included in the price for the voyage.

Should time allow, the day could be spiced up with a little local gastronomy, like delicacies from the sea, tapas and the popular classic, paella. Or a local dish, papas arrugadas, "wrinkled potatoes".

Departing Tenerife in the evening, our captain sets out for a relaxing day at sea.

Sea days are good for catching up on local knowledge during lectures by the expedition team, reading books from the library or enjoying the sun and sea view from upper deck.