Santo Antao Extreme Pterodroma Pelagic Expedition
A demanding small-boat expedition off Santo Antao for Cape Verde Petrel and other Atlantic tubenoses, with two scheduled March 2027 departures.
About this tour
This specialist expedition is designed for experienced, fit seabirders and photographers seeking Cape Verde Petrel off Santo Antao. Hadoram Shirihai leads the program using a small local fishing boat, with the sea plan determined day by day by wind, swell and safe operating conditions.
The search emphasizes Cape Verde Petrel, including the rare dark morph, together with Cape Verde Storm-Petrel, Cape Verde Shearwater, Boyd's Shearwater and other Atlantic tubenoses. Black-capped or Black-faced Petrels, Bulwer's Petrel, White-faced Storm-Petrel and Red-billed Tropicbird are among the further possibilities. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
The base price covers guiding, required accommodation and land transport. Each sea day costs an additional GBP 150 per person and is charged locally only when the boat can operate; the source program anticipates roughly two sea days, but the final number cannot be guaranteed. The expedition begins and ends at a hotel on Sao Vicente.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Cape Verde.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet on Sao Vicente and expedition briefing
Meet at the confirmed hotel, review safety requirements and prepare the weather-dependent sea plan with Hadoram.
Day 2
Weather-window pelagic operations
Use suitable weather windows for small-boat searches off Santo Antao. The guide and crew determine departure timing, route and whether a sea day can operate safely. Non-sea time is adapted locally.
Day 3
Final field options and return
Continue with the safest productive options available, then conclude at the Sao Vicente hotel. The number and sequence of sea days cannot be fixed in advance.
Locations & map
- Sao Vicente - Sao Vicente Cape Verde (Start and end base; transfers and boat plans are confirmed around sea conditions.)
- Waters off Santo Antao - Santo Antao Cape Verde (Exposed Atlantic waters with potentially rough swell; all operations are weather dependent.)
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Birding guidance by Hadoram Shirihai
- Required accommodation
- Land transport for the program
Not included
- Weather-dependent boat days at GBP 150 per person per operated day
- International and inter-island flights
- Lunch and dinner
- Required specialist travel and activity insurance
Transport & stays
- Small local fishing boat Exposed Atlantic pelagic work; each operated sea day carries an additional per-person charge. | Meet: Sao Vicente hotel | Pickup: Land transfers required by the program are included.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
How many sea days are included in the schedule?
No fixed number can be promised. The operator expects roughly two workable sea days, but every departure depends on safe wind, swell and vessel conditions.
Who is this expedition suitable for?
It is intended for experienced, physically fit seabirders and photographers who are comfortable on small boats in potentially rough open water.
What insurance is required?
Participants must arrange insurance suitable for the trip's extreme-sport and sea-sailing risks, in addition to normal travel and medical cover.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.