Trans-Oceanic Ecology voyage

Day 1: Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca was an old pirate lair back in the days, and today displays an exotic mix of old and new. We recommend that you explore the city before departure. Stay on deck as we sail out from the “White City” to enjoy the view of the town and its harbour life with small, open and colourful wooden boats next to fishing vessels and huge ocean liners. See the famous landmark, the Hassan II Mosque in the sunset before it's time for your first dinner on board the MS Midnatsol.

Day 2: Agadir, Morocco

When we arrive in Agadir we recommend you spend some hours on the beach or walk a few hundre meters into the city: Suddenly you are in the middle of Moroccan street life. The city was destroyed in an earthquake back in 1960, and the old Kasbah (citadel) no longer has its crenellated ramparts. Nevertheless, this elevated site has a complete view of the bay, the port and the new town. It is an enchanting sight at sundown. Slightly to the south of the city center, the new Medina is a place to be discovered. It was reconstructed from the 1990s onwards by Italian architect Coco Polizzi. It is an original and bold success, where the Moroccan soul still survives. The jewelry souk and the Moorish café are more than worth the detour.

Day 3: Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain

A UNESCO biosphere reserve, Lanzarote is an intriguing island with an extraordinary geology of 300 volcanic cones. Explore the city, rest under the palm trees at the beaches or visit the Lagoon in the centre of Arrecife. With its small white houses and the small colourful fishing boats it is called the “Venice of the Atlantic”. If you are interested in Modern Art the International Museum of Modern Art in the old military fortress “Castillo de San José” is a must.

Day 4: At sea

During the next two days we will sail with the Canary Current on our way to Cape Verde. The current is part of the North Atlantic Gyre. This is where the deep, cold and nutrient-rich water meets more shallow and warm waters, making this part of the ocean a remarkable fishing ground that is also teeming with marine mammals and sea birds.

Day 5: At sea

Enjoy life on deck or join the expedition team for interesting lectures on the Cape Verde Islands, our next destination.

Day 6: Midelo, Cape Verde

Mindelo is a very busy town and full of life. The inhabitants of the Cape Verde evolved their own Creole culture and language influenced by people from Europe, Africa and South America. Do not miss the famous market place in Mindelo and submerse yourself a totally different culture. The old town is also an interesting experience and windsurfers will love the beaches here.

Day 7: Praia, Cape Verde

Praia is the capital of Cape Verde. Not far from Praia you find the tiny Cidade da Ribeira Grande de Santiago (Cidade Velha) the former capital of Santiago. The Portuguese founded it in 1461. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an old fortress, “Fortaleza Real de Sao Felipe”, the extraordinary restored “Rua Banana” and the oldest colonial church in the region. Enjoy a day of snorkelling or take a walk along the beach to experience the hectic life here.

Day 8: At sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean

The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean was a quite common travel experience a hundred years ago. Today it is extremely special to cross an ocean on a ship and not just fly the distance!

Day 9: At sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean

As we cross the Atlantic Ocean we will fill the days with interesting lectures, great edutainment and on board activities. Enjoy the feeling of you and the ocean, having time to be underway - doing something few people take the time to do nowadays.

Day 10: At sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean

You will see that the ocean is not only blue. The colour will change by the influence of the sunlight and the microorganisms in the water. Flying fish will join us on our way to Brazil and sea birds like the masked booby offer a special attraction.

Day 11: At sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean

Enjoy the view to endless horizons, read the book(s) you never had the time to read or chill out on deck.

Day 12: At sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean

Have another lazy day at sea, or take part in the on board activities, lectures and edutainment.

Day 13: Belém, Brazil

After a few days in a Zen state our arrival in Belém, Brazil can be a rude transition. But don’t worry; we spend two days here so you can roam the streets and parks shaded by mango trees. The city lies at the bank of the river Para that belongs to the incredible widely ramified river system of the Amazon basin. We will cruise through the Baia de Maraio to reach the harbour of Belem situated at 1° 27’S, nearly on the Equator. Amazonia is affected by the tropical climate of the South American equatorial region, and is home to an impressive species-rich evergreen tropic rainforest.

Day 14: Belém, Brazil

You will need time to explore the megacity of Belem, also known as "cidade das mangueiras” the city of the Mango trees. Nightlife here tends to have an intellectual flavour: art-house theatres, small music venues and heady cafe-bars. Join our outings to nearby areas for wilderness adventures, where you also will learn more about the tropical nature of Amazonia.

Day 15: At sea, along the Brazilian Coast

Join the expedition team for more lectures or spend the day on deck relaxing.

Day 16: At sea, along the Brazilian Coast

As we continue cruising south the ship will be accompanied by sea birds like boobies and frigate birds. But also tropical land birds like to get a ride on the ship as we are sailing quite near to the Brazilian coast.

Day 17: Fortaleza, Brazil

As we arrive in Fortaleza, it is time to say good-bye after a truly special two-week expedition. You can also choose to continue the adventure with us, going even further south to Uruguay.