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Cabo Verde to Piriápolis

39 days voyage

Next voyage: Oct 7 - Nov 14, 2027

Starting from €5.625,- pp

Map Key Cabo Verde – Piriapolis

Ocean crossing

Cross the Atlantic from Mindelo to Piriápolis

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Dates & prices

Set sail on an unforgettable transatlantic adventure as Bark EUROPA departs from Mindelo, leaving Cape Verde behind and heading deep into the Southern Atlantic. We will cross the equator, experiencing the famed Doldrums before catching the steady southeast trades. Embrace life at sea, develop new sailing skills and become part of our crew!

Bark EUROPA photographer Fraser Edwards
Bark EUROPA photographer Fraser Edwards

As the days pass by, the vast ocean becomes our world. Time slows down and life at sea takes over. The rhythm of the watches, sail handling, celestial navigation and research projects become part of the journey. With the Southern Cross rising on the horizon we are transiting into the southern hemisphere.

Bark EUROPA Cabo verde.png

Destination

Embarkation in Cabo Verde

Your journey begins in Mindelo, on São Vicente in the northern Barlavento islands, set around the wide natural harbour of Porto Grande Bay. In the 19th century it grew as a coaling station for steamships on the long ocean routes, and today it is best known for its music: it is the hometown of the singer Cesária Évora. 

On the day of embarkation, you will be welcomed on board by our crew, who will guide you through the first steps on board. After the safety instructions (usually the next day), we cast off the lines and leave Mindelo behind, the open ocean awaits, time for a new adventure.

If you would like to explore São Vicente or the other islands of Cabo Verde, we recommend planning a few extra days independently before stepping on board.

Disembarkation in Piriápolis

After weeks at sea, sailing across the Atlantic, your voyage will come to an end in Piriápolis. As we approach Piriápolis, the green hills surrounding Piriapolis rise above the coastline, while the town and its palm-lined waterfront gradually come into view, marking the completion of our ocean crossing. 

Piriapolis has a character of its own, with its sandy beaches and green hills overlooking the bay. Cerro San Antonio offers beautiful views across the coastline. 

Once alongside, it's time to say farewell to Bark EUROPA and your fellow shipmates. After sharing unforgettable moments at sea together, you will step ashore with new skills, friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

Route

Sailing from Cape Verde, we hope to catch the easterly trade winds provide steady downwind sailing until we reach the doldrums near the equator, where winds become light and unpredictable. A perfect moment to focus a bit more on research projects, lectures and enjoying life on deck! Once past the equator, the south east tradewinds take over, pushing the ship south along the Brazilian coast. The Brazil current will help us until we near the Rio de la Plata, marking the final stretch of our route to Piriápolis.

Map Route Cabo Verde – Piriapolis

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome on board

From nearly all corners of the world, our guests will arrive in Mindelo, Cabo Verde. Your ocean voyage will finally start. Embarking via our gangway, you will be welcomed by our crew members. You will be asked to sign in on board and take the luggage to your assigned cabin, followed by a first meeting to introduce the captain and crew to the voyage crew before enjoying your first meal on board. These will be the first exciting moments of your time on board. A first glance of who you will be sharing your experience with. They will be solo travellers, friends or couples, young and old, from various countries and with different backgrounds, all united in their dream of crossing the Atlantic on a tallship.

Bark EUROPA voyage crew

Itinerary

Life on board

For some people on board it will be their first time on a tall ship, while others will have done similar journeys. This mix of beginners and more experienced tall ship lovers creates a learning atmosphere on board, where each person can contribute in their own way to keep the ship sailing. Soon after we have cast of our mooring lines, the watch schedule will begin. You will be placed in the Red - White or Blue watch. Each watch will take turns in being 4 hours on watch, to stand on lookout, steer the ship and help with sail handling.

Climbing the rigging

Itinerary

Sail training

This ocean voyage offers you a chance to get a first glance of the theory and practice of tall ship sailing and all that it entails - sail handling, rigging, maintenance, navigation and much more. From day one, our experience permanent crew will start to teach you all there is to know about square rig sailing.

Sail training on board Bark EUROPA by Fraser Edwards

Itinerary

Starry skies

This voyage offers breathtaking night skies, especially as we sail far from coastal light pollution. As we move south across the Atlantic, the constellations will change, revealing stars unique to the Southern Hemisphere, such as the Southern Cross. On dark nights, the ocean may also come alive with glowing bioluminescence, as tiny marine organisms create trails of light in the ship's wake. The combination of endless stars above and glowing water below makes night watches truly magical. With the steady rhythm of the waves and the ship moving steadily forward, these nights at sea will leave a lasting impression.

Starry skies

Itinerary

Research

We believe in expanding knowledge of our sailors, and to do so we invite scientists on board. Oceanographers, astronomers, marine biologists have joined us in the past and their presence and expertise have been highly valued by both our crew and trainees. By working together with universities and other institutions we hope to connect the scientific world with our world at sea and bring scientific knowledge to a wide audience. Our hope is to broaden the awareness of oceanic and polar issues and make scientific knowledge accessible to a wide audience. During your voyage, you will have the opportunity to assist the researchers with their work, such as helping to collect data using a manta trawl or plankton net.

Research on board.jpg

Itinerary

The vast expanse of the Atlantic

About 37 days at sea, with nothing but water on the horizon, is a rare experience in today's world. Time slows down and life falls into the rhythm of the sea. Days on board are shaped by the ship's routine and in between the watches, there's time to further dive into the art of traditional sailing or simply watch the changing moods of the ocean. Sunrises and sunsets will mark the passing days, and with no distractions from the outside world, conversations deepen. The small details of life on board become meaningful. Whether it's just spending some time aloft to take in the views of the horizon, reading a book on deck or just staring out on the endless waves, this crossing offers a rare chance to disconnect.

Sailhandling on board

Reviews

Piet Hein Coebergh - OceanOcean Crossing

The permanent and voyage crew were very pleasant, relaxed and gezellig, the sailing was marvelous, the ship is a sheer beauty, the ocean was magnificent. It was a wonderful, joyful and obviously unforgettable experience. I wish this unique ship and crew indeed many more wandering voyages like these.

Stephanie Fowler - OceanCape Town to Horta

You may imagine what a trip on bark Europa will be like. But the journey is beyond imagination. The sights, the places, the people, the activities were all extraordinary and incredible.

Caren Adams - OceanOcean voyage

What a marvellous experience: The ship was incredible and the crew were so helpful for those of us who had never sailed on a square rigger before. It was good to meet new people, there were 13 different nationalities onboard all of whom experienced their own personal adventure. We swam near the equator, saw dolphins, whales, flying fish and albatross and had perfect sailing weather for most of the trip. A small niggle was that a number of our more experienced fellow male voyage crew were a bit over zealous when it came to rope handling or sail setting and maybe the initial briefing could make it clearer about allowing everyone the opportunity to be involved rather than those who mostly pushed themselves forward. I would absolutely recommend Europa to anyone looking for a special experience, I can’t wait to do another trip!

Watching out over the horizon

Why choose us

  • Learning new skills

    Gain insight on the daily works on a tall ship. Learn how to trim the sails, or assist the crew with maintenance. Learn how to work with traditional tools and methods, like woodworking, rigging work and sailmaking.

    Working hands on board EUROPA.jpg

  • Traditional sailing

    With no land in sight, you'll have ample time to master the art of sail handling, steer the ship, learn both traditional and modern navigation techniques, making sure that EUROPA keeps riding the waves.

    EUROPA and the bull.jpg

  • A rare ocean experience

    Few people will experience such a long time at sea, and what it will do to you to be completely disconnected from modern distractions. The vast Atlantic provides a chance to fully get back to the essence of life.

    Lookout duty on an ocean crossing

Dates & prices

Sailing South in 2027: Scheveningen - Porto - Tenerife - Cape Verde - Uruguay

Embark on an unforgettable southbound journey as Bark EUROPA sets sail from Scheveningen in autumn 2027! This voyage will take you along the Atlantic coast, from the historic ports of Porto to the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, before heading to the Cape Verde and further deep into the Southern Hemisphere toward Piríapolis, close to Montevideo.

Choose your adventure, join for a single leg or experience the full transformation from the North Sea’s autumn chill to the warmth of the South Atlantic. Whether you’re learning the ropes on a coastal leg or embracing the rhythm of the ocean on a long crossing, this is a voyage of discovery, teamwork, and adventure. Step on board and become part of our sailing tradition!

What's included

 

  • Small and personal sailing experience with a maximum of 42 voyage crew members
  • Sail training and interesting lectures from our permanent crew
  • Participate in research projects on board
  • Delicious meals from our experienced cook, unlimited coffee & tea
  • Spend your “off-watch” time in the ships library, lounge, poker corner, deckhouse or ships bar

Youngster price (up to 35 y/o)

  • Price p.p. in 4/6 person cabin: € 6250 (early bird until 22/11/2026 € 5625)
  • Price p.p. in a 2 person cabin: € 7600 (early bird until 22/11/2026 € 6950)
From To Days Nautical miles Price pp 4/6p cabin Price pp 2p cabin
From
Mindelo, Cabo Verde
To
Piriapolis, Uruguay
Days
39
Nautical miles
4225
€7.095,-
Early bird until 22/11/26 €6390
€8.580,-
Early bird until 22/11/26 €7725

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FAQ

To all FAQ
Can I join a sailing voyage as a solo traveler?

Yes! As a solo traveler, you are more than welcome to participate in a sailing trip aboard the EUROPA. Many of our guests are individual adventurers seeking new experiences and the opportunity to form new friendships during the journey. Our crew and fellow passengers create a close-knit community, ensuring that you will quickly feel at home on board. So, when traveling alone, you can definitely enjoy the camaraderie and unique experience of sailing on the EUROPA.

Is sailing experience required?

When you decide to join us one of our voyages, you will be doing so as part of the voyage crew. This means that EUROPA’s permanent crew will train you to be a sailor. No experience is needed, our crew will learn you everything along the way. Everyone is welcome to take the helm, set sails, assist with maneuvers, navigation, weather observations, furling the sails on the yards and much more. The permanent crew will give lectures and instruct you during the voyage in steering, navigation and sail handling. This will be done in a ‘Dutch’ style, so without yelling, blowing whistles or uniforms.

What does a day on board the EUROPA look like?

Every day on board is different and unexpected, due to continuously changing weather conditions and the watch system, but we’ll try to sketch how a day could look like: you get waken up at 4 am by another watch: It's your turn to stand watch with your watch mates. You check out the weather and put on your sailing gear. Then, you head outside and take turns keeping a lookout, steering, and handling the sails with the crew. After 4 hours, you wake up the next watch and its breakfast time. The cook has prepared a delicious buffet: fresh bread, yoghurt, granola, and all sorts of fruits. Then, you can catch up on sleep or hang out outside, chatting with your fellow travelers or helping the crew with ship maintenance. Once lunch is served, it's back to your watch duty. The weather and course may have changed, so you need to hoist or lower the sails accordingly. After dinner, you can either take a nap or grab a drink – the choice is yours. Read here to learn more about the watch system on board!

How does Bark EUROPA promote sustainability while traveling?

At Bark EUROPA, respecting the oceans is at the heart of it all. We strive to increase the awareness of our trainees and draw attention to the oceans and their vulnerability during our voyages. We inspire our trainees to open themselves up to the beauty and diversity of ocean life. Through onboard lectures, collaboration with researchers, and promoting environmentally friendly products, we aim for a more sustainable future. Read more about caring for the environment aboard Bark EUROPA here.

What does an optional reservation entail?

If you are interested in a specific voyage and you cannot decide immediately or if you have to make any necessary arrangements we can block a bunk for you for two weeks. That way you will have some time to decide without the risk of losing your berth. Please let us know in which voyage you are interested and how many bunks (male or female) you would like to block and if you prefer a 2-person cabin (can only be booked by couples or duo’s) or a bunk in a 4/6-person cabin. We will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your optional reservation.

 

How can I make a booking?

You are welcome to send in your booking form via our website as soon as you are ready for the adventure! Choose your voyage in the sailing schedule, scroll down to the date you wish to sail with us and click the 'Book now' button. You adventure is just a view clicks away!