Port information & tips for Bissagos Islands
The Bissagos Archipelago off the coast of Guinea-Bissau is a pristine natural paradise and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve thanks to its unique biodiversity. The island world impresses with its secluded location and combines wild mangrove forests with palm-fringed sandy beaches and a fascinating, matriarchal culture. Highlights include Orango National Park with its rare saltwater hippos, João Vieira e Poilão Marine National Park, and the historic colonial ruins on Bolama. As expedition ships usually lie at anchor, landing is by tender boat at Porto de Bubaque. The lively village center is just a few minutes' walk from the pier and offers direct access to local markets and authentic encounters in the midst of this original wilderness.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
The Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau is a pristine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that attracts visitors with its unique nature and culture. Cruises here are mostly expedition voyages that require arrival via the capital, Bissau, as there are no traditional cruise terminals.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily via Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau's only international airport. There are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland; instead, the most common connections are via Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal or EuroAtlantic Airways, as well as via Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc. The flight time from Frankfurt, Vienna, or Zurich to Bissau is around 9 to 10 hours, including a stopover.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Bissau airport, which is located only about nine kilometers northwest of the city center, you can easily reach the port by taxi. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance. For onward travel to the Bijagós Archipelago, boats and small ferries are the only means of transport. Providers such as Consulmar Bissau offer ferry and speedboat services from Bissau to the main islands like Bubaque or Rubane. Departure times are heavily dependent on tides and weather, requiring flexible travel planning.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from Europe, the need for connecting flights, and the often irregular boat transfers to the islands, an overnight stay in Bissau before embarkation is highly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your adventure and provides a buffer for potential flight delays or adjustments to boat schedules. Various accommodations are available in Bissau to make the waiting time pleasant.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: when going ashore, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
