Cape Verde Pelagics: Seven Days of Seabirding from Fogo
Four full-day pelagic outings from Fogo, a volcanic caldera and cloud forest excursion, and nocturnal petrel watching, with six nights in clifftop apartments at São Filipe.
About this tour
Spend seven days and six nights on Fogo, with São Filipe as the base for four full-day boat outings and a day exploring the island on land. This small-group journey concentrates on observing and photographing Atlantic seabirds around Fogo, Brava and the Rombos Islands. March and April are the operating months, with a maximum of seven participants accompanied by a leader.
The boat routes explore several contrasting areas. North of the islands, chumming is used to look for Cape Verde Petrels and the less predictable Black-capped Petrel. South of Fogo, sheltered waters offer opportunities for storm-petrels, while the passage toward Brava brings shearwaters and Bulwer’s Petrels into focus. Routes can also reach the Codamosto Seamount feeding area and the sea cliffs of Brava and the Rombos Islands, where boobies and tropicbirds are among the birds of interest.
Birding continues ashore. A full day on Fogo combines the volcanic caldera, at roughly 2,000 meters, with coffee-growing areas and cloud forest on the northern slopes. Cape Verde Swamp Warbler, Iago Sparrow and Grey-headed Kingfisher are among the specialties sought here. A separate night excursion visits a Cape Verde Petrel display area in the foothills of Pico do Fogo. Access involves a moderately demanding short walk; a headtorch is essential and thermal equipment is recommended.
Accommodation is in clifftop apartments at the northern edge of São Filipe, overlooking the ocean toward Brava. Eight double bedrooms are distributed across three apartments with kitchens, living rooms and laundry facilities; bathroom arrangements vary between en-suite and shared. The sea view adds opportunities to watch passing birds from the base.
Boat outings use Vénus, operated with local NGO Associação Projecto Vitó. The vessel has a walk-around cabin, a bow photography area, sheltered seating and a toilet. Breakfast, boat-day lunches and drinks, six nights of accommodation, guiding, harbor transfers and transfers at Fogo Airport are included. Flights, connecting travel, transit overnight stays, evening meals, land-day lunches and insurance are separate. Bird and cetacean encounters depend on conditions and are never guaranteed.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Cape Verde.
Birds you can spot
Pterodroma hasitata
target
Puffinus boydi
target
Sula leucogaster
target
Hydrobates jabejabe
target
Pterodroma feae
target
Halcyon leucocephala
target
Sula dactylatra
target
Phaethon aethereus
target
Sula sula
target
Pelagodroma marina
target
Locations & map
- São Filipe, Fogo - Fogo Cape Verde
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Four full-day pelagic boat outings
- One full-day land excursion on Fogo
- Night excursion to a Cape Verde Petrel display area
- Six nights in clifftop apartments
- Breakfast each day
- Lunches and drinks on boat outings
- Expert and local guiding
- Harbor and Fogo Airport transfers
- Bottled water at the apartments and on boat outings
Not included
- Flights and connecting travel to or from Fogo
- Transit accommodation outside the six-night stay
- Evening meals and lunches on days ashore
- Travel insurance
Transport & stays
- Boat Vénus: walk-around cabin, sheltered seating, bow photography area and onboard toilet.
- Road transfers Transfers at Fogo Airport and between the apartments and harbor are included.
Accommodations
- Clifftop apartments, São Filipe
Policies & FAQ
Which departure is available?
The 1–7 March 2027 departure had three spaces remaining when confirmed on 3 October 2026. Availability may change; inquire before arranging travel.
Is a daily sequence fixed?
The programme includes four full-day pelagics, a full-day Fogo land excursion and a night petrel excursion. Ask for the detailed running order when planning your trip.
What should I bring for the night excursion?
Bring a headtorch. The display area requires a short walk of moderate difficulty; a thermal imaging camera is recommended but optional.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.