Porto is a magnificent city steeped in history, stories, and songs. Once the world’s greatest seafaring nation, Portugal’s maritime grandeur is palpable throughout the city. We recommend arriving a day or two early to explore and immerse yourself in its charm before boarding. Located midway along the Iberian Peninsula, the temperature here is noticeably warmer than in Northern Europe. On departure day, we hope for favorable winds, as leaving the Douro River estuary can be challenging in westerly conditions. Once at sea, we’ll set a southwesterly course and begin our watch schedule. Our next destination, Madeira, lies about five days of sailing away.

During the watch, the crew on deck assists with sails, steering, and navigation. We also lend a hand to the chef when requested. Watches rotate every four hours, leaving plenty of time to enjoy a good book, take in the scenery, and revel in the ever-improving weather. The aft deck becomes a hub for storytelling, with most tales being at least partly true! Madeira offers a mild climate, even in winter, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 17 degrees Celsius. Beloved by hikers and nature enthusiasts, this volcanic island boasts a rugged and rocky coastline. After Madeira, we’ll have another two days at sea. The temperature will continue to rise, and with favorable winds, we can expect smooth sailing. Around us, we may spot flying fish, and if we’re lucky, a sea turtle or two. Life at sea is truly delightful!

The voyage from Porto to Tenerife is the third leg of our mile-maker voyage to Cape Verde. You can also embark in Rotterdam or Plymouth. Or you can continue sailing with us to Sal. If you choose to join multiple legs, you get several benefits: 1) A long sailing experience, 2) 15% discount on your voyage fee, 3) You can stay on board in the days in between the sailing legs and you will have more time to explore our destinations.

Level 2

Level 2-voyages are suitable for anyone in good health and a reasonable level of fitness, without mobility issues. On these voyages, you can expect days with strong winds or high waves, but most of the time the conditions will be good. A harbor is not always nearby and (medical) help from shore is therefore not always available.

We would like the ‘Oosterschelde’ to be accessible to as broad and diverse an audience as possible, but you must realize that you are embarking on a sea voyage aboard a sailing ship. This requires more from you than a daily walk. Moreover, some voyages are more challenging than others. With different levels (the waves), we provide an indication of how demanding the trip might be. If you’re unsure whether a particular voyage is suitable for you, please contact our shipping office to discuss it.