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Elephant herd crossing the Chobe river at sunset

African Small Ship Cruises

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Explore the wonders of Africa with Adventure Life's array of 41 small ship cruises for 2025. Join us on a cruise journey through the continent's diverse landscapes and vibrant heritage, from the ancient wonders of Egypt to the pristine beauty of the Seychelles Islands. Dive into the rich history of Egypt on a classic tour, where you'll visit the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and Karnak Temple, and cruise the Nile aboard a luxurious riverboat. Experience the Garden of Eden in the Seychelles, with stops at uninhabited islands, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and relaxing on sun-washed beaches. Embark on a unique expedition cruise in the Indian Ocean, discovering the islands from Mahé to Zanzibar, observing tortoises, bird species, and enjoying spa relaxation. From the Cape Verde Archipelago to the Canary Islands, each cruise offers a blend of wildlife viewing, local market visits, and cultural immersion. With prices starting at $1,620 to $180,220, begin your African adventure today and contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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Entrance of Pico do Fogo
from $3,090
EXPLORE

Islands of Cape Verde Archipelago

Roundtrip Palmeira, Sal - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Harmony V
Starts / Ends
Palmeira / Palmeira
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on this 8-day cruise from Palmeira aboard Harmony V. Explore Cape Verde's diverse landscapes and rich blend of African-Portuguese heritage.
  • Taste grogue in Santo Antao
  • Visit the port of Mindelo
  • Visit Santiago’s historic fort
  • Discover Boa Vista's beaches
Cruise Details
0
Beautiful beaches of Praslin
from $1,620
EXPLORE

Cruise in Seychelles

Praslin - Mahe - 4 Day Itinerary aboard Pegasos
Starts / Ends
Praslin / Mahe
Activities
Village Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 4-day cruise aboard the Pegasos, exploring Seychelles' stunning islands and vibrant wildlife. Enjoy activities like snorkeling, beach BBQs, and a farewell dinner with live music before disembarking in Victoria.
  • Snorkel Felicite’s clear waters
  • Explore La Digue’s streets
  • Visit L’Union Estate’s house
  • Discover Seychelles landscapes
Cruise Details
0
The floating village of Ganvie
from $12,680
$100 Dep.
EXPLORE

Southwest Africa Cruise

Luanda to Tema - 15 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
Starts / Ends
Luanda / Tema
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on this 15-day cruise in Southwest Africa from Luanda to Tema aboard SH Diana. Discover historic landmarks like the Iron Palace and São Miguel Fortress. Enjoy the natural wonders of Gabon and São Tomé’s rainforests. Explore lively cities like Cotonou, Benin, Lome, and Togo, rich with vibrant markets, voodoo traditions, and colonial history.
  • Explore Luanda's Iron Palace
  • See Gabon's rainforests & wildlife
  • Swim at Príncipe’s Macaco Beach
  • Trek through Diosso Gorge
Cruise Details
0
Dramatic sunset over La Digue Island in the Seychelles
from $10,540
EXPLORE

Zanzibar, Aldabra & the Treasures of the Indian Ocean

Victoria, Mahe - Zanzibar - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bougainville
Starts / Ends
Mahe / Zanzibar
Activities
Scuba Diving, Spa Relaxation
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an unforgettable 13-day voyage from Seychelles to Tanzania aboard Le Bougainville. Explore Seychelles’ beaches, snorkel Saint François, dive in Astove, and visit Aldabra’s tortoises. Discover Kilwa Kisiwani, Misali’s reefs, Pemba’s plantations, and Zanzibar’s UNESCO sites.
  • Explore Victoria, Mahe
  • Snorkel in Saint François
  • Observe tortoises and bird species
  • Tour Kilwa Kisiwani ruins
  • Wander through Zanzibar’s Stone Town
Cruise Details
0
Victoria, Mahe Island
from $7,500
Air Credit
EXPLORE

Cruise from Seychelles to Kenya

Mahe Island - Mombasa - 12 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
Starts / Ends
Victoria / Pemba Island
Activities
Snorkeling
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day expedition cruise aboard the SH Diana, starting from Port Victoria and concluding in Mombasa. This adventure takes travelers through the enchanting islands of the Indian Ocean archipelago, from the Seychelles to Tanzania and Mombasa, Kenya.
  • Explore Victoria market and garden
  • Explore UNESCO-listed Aldabra atoll
  • Visit Assumption Island
  • Discover Cosmoledo booby colonies
Cruise Details
0
Dramatic sunset over La Digue Island in the Seychelles
from $12,600
EXPLORE

Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean – with Smithsonian Journeys

Nosy Be - Victoria, Mahe - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bougainville
Starts / Ends
Nosy Be / Victoria
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an 11-day cruise exploring the captivating beauty of Madagascar and the Seychelles. Visit Nosy Tanikely’s stunning beaches and marine life. Experience Nosy Komba’s enchanting lemurs and Nosy Hara’s unique limestone formations. Explore Diego Suarez’s pristine landscapes, Assumption Island’s sea turtle breeding sites, and more.
  • Explore Nosy Be’s forest & wildlife
  • Swim in Nosy Tanikely’s lagoon
  • Snorkel in Nosy Hara’s
  • Discover La Digue’s
Cruise Details
0
Panoramic photo of beach in Senegal
from $12,680
$100 Dep.
EXPLORE

Cruise West Africa: The Slavery Coast

Tema to Dakar - 15 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
Starts / Ends
Tema / Dakar
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 15-day West African cruise from Tema to Dakar aboard SH Diana. Immerse yourself in local culture, markets, and cuisine. Visit Elmina Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover Takoradi's markets and venture into the lush Kakum National Park, then cruise to Monrovia to explore its bustling markets and rich history.
  • Visit Monrovia’s National Museum
  • Cruise through Bijagos Archipelago
  • Stroll through Takoradi’s markets
  • Explore Accra’s historic forts
Cruise Details
0
A close up of a type of traditional dress worn in Africa.
from $8,145
EXPLORE

Safari Cruise along the Zambezi River, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe

9 Day Itinerary aboard African Dream
Starts / Ends
Johannesburg / Victoria Falls
Activities
Helicopter Tours
Activity Level
Variable
Sail aboard the African Dream on a 9-day cruise through southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes. This journey combines land, river, and air to offer an immersive look at Africa’s nature, history, and culture, without backtracking or long overland drives.
  • Explore Impalila Island villages
  • Explore Chobe National Park
  • Discover Matusadona’s rare wildlife
  • Walk Victoria Falls viewpoints
Cruise Details
0
Elephant battle
from $9,780
EXPLORE

Madagascar & South Africa

Nosy Be - Durban - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bougainville
Starts / Ends
Nosy Be / Durban
Activities
Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 12-day cruise from Nosy Be to Durban aboard Le Bougainville, exploring Madagascar and South Africa. Visit Nosy Be’s beaches, Toliara’s gardens, and Mahajanga’s red rock formations. See baobab trees in Morondava, lemurs on Nosy Komba, and Nosy Hara’s limestone formations. Stop in Richards Bay for a safari before ending in Durban.
  • Diverse cultural landscapes
  • Gardens and sandstone formations
  • Lemurs and limestone formations
  • South Africa's natural landscapes
  • Hluhluwe Park’s diverse wildlife
  • Durban's history and Zulu culture
Cruise Details
0
Colorful Canary Islands
from $19,735
EXPLORE

Exploring Cabo Verde, the Canary Islands and the Azores

Cabo Verde - Azores - 16 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
Starts / Ends
Praia / Sao Miguel
Activities
Whale Watching, Hiking, Archaeological Site Visits, Land & Sea Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Mediterranean islands on a 16-day Atlantic Island Chronicles cruise from Cabo Verde to the Azores aboard National Geographic Orion. Discover rich history, volcanic vistas, world-class wine and cheese, and fishing villages. Sail through Cabo Verde, and the Azores, uncovering scenic trails, hidden ports, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Visit UNESCO sites
  • Discover Madeira's flora and fauna
  • Learn the volcanic history
  • Local traditions and architecture
  • Discover Azores' food scene
Cruise Details
0
Beaches of Cape Verde Islands
from $2,450
EXPLORE

St. Helena to Cape Verde

St. Helena - Cape Verde - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Plancius
Starts / Ends
St. Helena Island / Praia
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an exciting 11-day cruise from St. Helena to the Cape Verde Islands aboard the MV Plancius. Discover the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an underwater mountain range spanning 10,000 miles. Explore the historic Cidade Velha in Praia, built to defend against English attackers. This cruise can only be booked as part of a combination cruise.
  • Sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
  • Cross the equator at sea
  • See volcanic landscapes and shores
  • Stroll the Praia streets
Cruise Details
0
The beautiful interior of the Hassan II Mosque
from $5,780
$100 Dep.
EXPLORE

Cruise from Senegal to Morocco

Dakar to Casablanca - 9 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
Starts / Ends
Dakar / Casablanca
Activities
Local Market Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on this 9-day cruise from Dakar to Casablanca aboard SH Diana, exploring the vibrant cultures of Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco. Explore Arrecife’s volcanic landscapes on Lanzarote Island. In Agadir, Stroll along sunlit beaches in Agadir. Visit Safi, renowned for its pottery and historic sites.
  • Stroll Nouakchott’s Fishermen Beach
  • Explore Nouadhibou’s Cap Blanc
  • Visit Arrecife’s stunning lagoon
  • Tour Safi’s pottery workshops
Cruise Details
0
Overlooking sunny Malaga
from $9,995
EXPLORE

A Maritime Fairy Tale from 1001 Nights

11 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Cloud II
Starts / Ends
Malaga / Las Palmas
Activities
Wine Tasting, Small Ship Sailing
Activity Level
Variable
Sail from Malaga to Las Palmas on this 11-day Sea Cloud II cruise. Explore Cadiz, Seville, Tangier, Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir, Lanzarote, and more. Enjoy scenic sailing days, visit Chefchaouen’s blue streets, and discover culture, history, and nature across Spain, Morocco, and the Canary Islands.
  • Enjoy top cities Cadiz and Seville
  • Experience highlights of Morocco
  • Stroll Chefchaouen’s blue streets
  • Explore volcanoes and unique arts
Cruise Details
0
Explore the beautiful Canary Islands
from $4,649
Air Credit
EXPLORE

Majestic Morocco & Iberia

Las Palmas - Lisbon - 10 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager
Starts / Ends
Las Palmas / Lisbon
Activity Level
Variable
Sail aboard World Voyager on a 10-day cruise through Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Visit Arrecife’s volcanic landscapes, explore Tangier’s Kasbah, and experience Agadir’s medina. Discover Cádiz’s Torre Tavira and Lisbon’s historic gems. Immerse yourself in iconic sites and local traditions, blending culture, history, and scenic beauty on this remarkable cruise.
  • Walk Lanzarote volcanic paths
  • Visit Agadir hilltop fortress
  • Climb Cadiz Torre Tavira
  • Explore the Casablanca market
Cruise Details
0
Cape Town sunset
from $4,480
$100 Dep.
EXPLORE

Cruising in Namibia: The Skeleton Coast

Cape Town to Luanda - 13 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
Starts / Ends
Cape Town / Luanda
Activities
Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day African coastal cruise from Cape Town to Luanda aboard SH Diana and explore Cape Town’s vibrant waterfront, Saldanha Bay’s rich birdlife, and Luderitz's German architecture. This adventure combines scenic landscapes, rich history, and diverse ecosystems, offering a captivating African coastal adventure.
  • Birdwatching at Saldanha Bay
  • Visit Kolmanskop ghost town
  • Explore Namibe’s colonial sites
  • See Cape fur seals at Pelican Point
Cruise Details
0
Marvel at the spectacular rock of Gibraltar
from $2,840
EXPLORE

Morocco & Canary Islands

Malaga - Las Palmas - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Star Clipper
Starts / Ends
Malaga / Las Palmas
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 10-day Star Clippers cruise through Spain, Morocco, and the Canary Islands. Highlights include Malaga’s Alhambra, Gibraltar’s iconic Rock, Tenerife’s Mount Teide, and the colonial charm of Las Palmas.
  • Explore Malaga’s Alhambra Palace
  • Visit Gibraltar’s iconic Rock
  • Discover Tangier’s cosmopolitan
  • Stroll Las Palmas’ colonial streets
Cruise Details
0
Explore beautiful Lisbon
from $6,580
$100 Dep.
EXPLORE

Atlantic Cruise from Portugal to Senegal

Lisbon to Dakar - 11 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
Starts / Ends
Lisbon / Dakar
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 11-day Atlantic cruise from Portugal to Senegal aboard SH Diana. Visit Funchal on Madeira Island, famous for its lush gardens and cable car rides. Explore the picturesque streets of Santa Cruz de la Palma and Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes. Discover the bustling port of Nouadhibou and the cultural hub of Nouakchott.
  • Ride Funchal’s cable car
  • Stroll Santa Cruz colonial houses
  • Visit Tenerife’s Mount Teide
  • See Dakhla’s desert landscapes
Cruise Details
0
Observe beautiful fur seals
from $9,050
EXPLORE

Atlantic Odyssey, Excluding Antarctic Peninsula

Ushuaia - St Helena - 24 Day Itinerary aboard MV Plancius
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / St. Helena Island
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 24-day Atlantic Odyssey aboard MV Plancius, exploring remote islands like South Georgia, Gough, and Tristan da Cunha, home to king penguins, albatrosses, and seals. Highlights include sailing from Ushuaia, crossing the Antarctic Convergence, and visiting historic St. Helena.
  • Explore Ushuaia's rugged landscapes
  • Sail South Georgia's thriving water
  • Visit Grytviken's historic ruins
  • Admire St. Helena's landmarks
Cruise Details
0
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