Swan Hellenic

Discover West Africa: Senegal to Morocco

Dakar - Casablanca7 nights

Sail from the Atlantic shores to the Sahara on a luxurious journey through West Africa's vibrant cultures.

West to North Africa Discovery

West to North Africa Discovery

An extraordinary voyage from Senegal to Morocco through the contrasts of cultures and landscapes.

Saharan Coastline Adventure

Saharan Coastline Adventure

Where the great desert meets the Atlantic — a rare route few ships ever sail.

Hidden Gems of Mauritania

Hidden Gems of Mauritania

Uncover the untold beauty of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou on Africa's remote coast.

Volcanic Landscapes of Lanzarote

Volcanic Landscapes of Lanzarote

Otherworldly scenes of Timanfaya National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Moroccan Heritage and Coastal Charm

Moroccan Heritage and Coastal Charm

From Agadir's energy to Safi's traditions and Casablanca's timeless allure.

Life Onboard and Expert Insights

Life Onboard and Expert Insights

Days at sea filled with learning, relaxation, and boutique comfort.

Optional Adventures and Encounters

Optional Adventures and Encounters

Curated experiences — from monk seals to Essaouira's "Pearl of the Atlantic."

Voyage Brochure
D1026050107

Dakar - Casablanca

From

Dates

1 May 26 - 8 May 26

Duration

7 nights

Ship

SH Diana

Embark on a remarkable voyage from Dakar to Casablanca, exploring Northwest Africa's rich cultures and landscapes. From Senegal's vibrant medinas to Mauritania's desert charm and Morocco's coastal beauty, each stop offers unforgettable experiences and local discoveries.

NouakchottNouadhibouArrecife,Lanzarote Island,Canary IslandsSafiAgadirCasablancaDakar
Dakar, Senegal

Dakar, Senegal

Begin your journey in vibrant Dakar — a lively cultural hub where West African rhythms meet Atlantic horizons.

Expedition Highlights

A boutique voyage along the Atlantic coast of Northwest Africa — from vibrant Dakar to cosmopolitan Casablanca.

2
Desert Meets Ocean
Sail the Saharan coastline where golden dunes touch the Atlantic waves.
3
Cultural Crossroads
From Senegal's rhythms to Morocco's medinas — a journey through Africa's diverse heritage.
5
Immersive Experiences
Explore volcanic islands, ancient ports, lively souks, and rare wildlife along an unforgettable route.
Saharan Coastline Exploration

Saharan Coastline Exploration

Sail where the mighty Sahara meets the Atlantic — an awe-inspiring meeting of sand and sea along Africa's western edge.

Volcanic Landscapes of Lanzarote

Volcanic Landscapes of Lanzarote

Witness the surreal terrain of Timanfaya National Park — a dramatic world of lava fields and fiery hues shaped by Earth's power.

Moroccan Coastal Heritage

Moroccan Coastal Heritage

Discover Morocco's storied ports — from Agadir's vibrant markets to Safi's Portuguese fortresses and Casablanca's timeless medina.

Expedition Itinerary

7 nights exploring West Africa — from vibrant Dakar to the Saharan coast of Mauritania and Morocco's storied Atlantic ports.

Day 1

Dakar, Senegal

Fabulous museums, a thriving art scene and elegant seaside dining showcase Dakar's rich culture and forward outlook. The bustling traditional Medina quarter with its mosques, tea shops and street markets contrasts with the Senegalese capital's French-influenced architecture and cuisine. The local nightlife is dominated by Mbalax music that blends traditional african rhythms with modern Western styles. Traditional crafts like woodcarvings and paintings sell at Soumbédioune market, making it the perfect souvenir stop.

Dakar, Senegal
Dakar, Senegal
Dakar, Senegal

Day 2

Nouakchott, Mauritania

Nouakchott, Mauritania's capital and largest city, is a key Saharan hub. It offers Fishermen's Beach, known for its colourful boats and sunset views. The city hosts the Presidential Palace and the National Museum of Mauritania, which provides insights into regional history. Notable shopping areas include the Grand Market, Artisan's Village and the Silver Market, known for Mauritanian silver jewellery with distinctive designs.

Nouakchott, Mauritania
Nouakchott, Mauritania

Nouakchott City Program

Nouakchott City Program

included
Half day
  • The excursion is currently being developed by the SH team to showcase the capital's culture, markets, and museums
  • The program will include key landmarks and authentic local experiences
  • No pre-booking is required at this stage — full details will be shared once finalized
Monk Seal Interpretation Centre

Monk Seal Interpretation Centre

included
Half day
  • Get a glimpse into the lives of endangered monk seals and discover ongoing efforts to protect their future

Day 3

Nouadhibou, Mauritania

Nouadhibou, Mauritania's bustling port city, is a cultural hub known for its diverse population, vibrant markets and a strong economy based on iron ore and fishing. The Port Artisanal is busy with Mauritanian and Senegalese pirogue fishing boats. Nearby, Cap Blanc features pristine sands and a colony of monk seals, while the UNESCO-listed Banc d'Arguin National Park, renowned for its nesting birds and migratory waders, is also close by.

Nouadhibou, Mauritania

Nouadhibou Discovery Program

Nouadhibou Discovery Program

included
Half day
  • A new excursion is being designed to highlight Nouadhibou's port life, traditions, and natural surroundings
  • The program will feature locations on the Cap Blanc peninsula and insights into local culture
  • No need to pre-book — final details will be announced later

Day 4

At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship's observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert's view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

At Sea
At Sea

Day 5

Arrecife, Lanzarote Island

Arrecife's waterfront blends volcanic landscapes with bright Atlantic light, framed by lagoons, palm-lined promenades, and centuries-old fortifications. The 18th-century Castillo de San José, once a defensive bastion, now houses the International Museum of Contemporary Art with panoramic sea views. Wander the characterful backstreets of El Charco de San Ginés, a historic lagoon encircled by whitewashed houses and tapas bars. Nearby, the striking Castillo de San Gabriel guards a small islet linked to town by the stone Puente de las Bolas. Other highlights include the Iglesia de San Ginés, with its distinct Canarian architecture, and local markets showcasing island crafts shaped by Lanzarote's volcanic soul.

Arrecife, Lanzarote Island
Arrecife, Lanzarote Island
Arrecife, Lanzarote Island

Discover Timanfaya National Park

Discover Timanfaya National Park

included
Half day
  • Scenic drive from Arrecife to Timanfaya National Park
  • Audio narration from a local priest who witnessed the 18th-century eruptions
  • Visit to El Golfo, the green lagoon inside a half-eroded volcanic crater
  • Return drive through La Geria, Lanzarote's wine-growing region
  • Note: Entrance to the park is regulated; waiting time may reach up to 45 minutes
Northern Lanzarote with Jameos del Agua

Northern Lanzarote with Jameos del Agua

optional
Half day
  • Drive through northern villages such as Los Valles, El Valle de las Mil Palmeras, and Máguez
  • Views of La Corona volcano
  • Stop at Mirador del Río for sweeping panoramas of the Chinijo Archipelago
  • Visit to Jameos del Agua, a natural lava-formed cave system with an underground lagoon
  • Note: Moderate walking with uneven terrain and numerous steps

Day 6

Agadir, Morocco

Agadir's beach is alive with sea-facing cafes, overlooked by the 16th-century Saadian Kasbah which graces Agadir Ou-fellah hill. The sprawling El Had Souk has 6,000 glittering stores, while the reconstructed medina, reborn after an earthquake, offers a glimpse of the city's historical charm. Other highlights include the grand Mohamed V Mosque, one of Morocco's most impressive, and the Ethnographic Museum delving into local Berber culture.

Agadir, Morocco
Agadir, Morocco
Agadir, Morocco

Discover Agadir

Discover Agadir

included
Half day
  • Orientation drive to Cap Ghir hill and the ruins of the 16th-century Kasbah
  • Leisure time at the viewpoint overlooking Agadir
  • Drive into the city center and stroll through local souks
  • Visit to Loubnane Mosque
  • Relaxation along the Corniche Boulevard
  • Approximately 1 km of walking
Souss Massa National Park by 4WD

Souss Massa National Park by 4WD

optional
Full day
  • Photo stop in the fisherman village of Tifnit
  • Drive along the Sidi Rbat dunes track and walk near the Massa River (possible flamingo sightings)
  • Continue to the vast Rasmouka dunes for exploration and photos
  • Lunch at Assounfou restaurant
  • Visit to Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam and panoramic viewpoint
  • Note: Terrain can be bumpy; not recommended for guests with back issues
Berber Cooking Experience and Lunch

Berber Cooking Experience and Lunch

optional
Half day
  • Transfer to an eco-hotel in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains
  • Welcome drink and time to enjoy the panoramic setting
  • Hands-on Moroccan cooking class
  • Introduction to the hotel's sustainable practices (solar power, organic produce, earth construction, rainwater saving)
  • Free time to relax in the hotel's facilities after the lesson
Agadir and the Secrets of Argan Oil

Agadir and the Secrets of Argan Oil

optional
Half day
  • Overview drive through Agadir and ascent to the 16th-century Kasbah for panoramic views
  • Visit to Souk al Had, one of the region's liveliest Berber markets
  • Guided tour of the Tighanimine Women's Cooperative to learn about traditional Argan oil production
  • Moroccan tea and pastries
  • Return transfer to the pier

Day 7

Safi, Morocco

Safi, a port city on Morocco's Atlantic coast, is renowned for its sardine industry. Also known as the Pottery Capital of Morocco, the city's pottery, made in workshops in the Colline des Potiers, is showcased at the National Museum of Ceramics in the Kechla Citadel. Colonised by the Portuguese, the old town features food and craft stalls along Rue du Souq, and the 16th-century Ksar El Bahr fortress highlights Safi's Portuguese heritage.

Safi, Morocco
Safi, Morocco

Essaouira, Pearl of the Atlantic

Essaouira, Pearl of the Atlantic

included
Full day
  • Coastal drive from Safi to the historic city of Essaouira
  • Walk along Vauban-style ramparts and through the 18th-century medina
  • Exploration of the Mellah and its bustling souks
  • Seafood lunch by the beach
  • Approximately 1.5 km of walking
Discover Ancient Safi

Discover Ancient Safi

optional
Half day
  • Scenic views from Sidi Bouzid promenade overlooking the Atlantic
  • Visit to the Ceramic Museum
  • Walk along Rue du Souq inside the old medina
  • Stop at Bab Ecchaaba to observe local pottery craftsmanship
  • Mint tea at a traditional café
  • Around 1 km of walking
Safi Pottery Experience — Hands-on Workshop

Safi Pottery Experience — Hands-on Workshop

optional
Half day
  • Practical training session with a local master craftsman
  • Introduction to Moroccan pottery traditions: potter's wheel and molding techniques
  • Full process overview: clay preparation → shaping → drying → firing → glazing
  • Tea break during the workshop
  • Small handmade gift to take home
  • Approximately 500 m of walking

Day 8

Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, showcases a fusion of French, Moorish, and Art Deco styles in its downtown neo-Mauresque structures. The prominent Hassan II Mosque, finished in 1993, features a towering 210m minaret with laser projections, and the 18th-century medina's lively alleyways provide a glimpse into the city's historical charm. Mohammed V Square, with palm trees and an elaborate fountain, symbolises Casablanca's dynamism.

Casablanca, Morocco

Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition life as we take you to the farthest, most remote regions of the world. The day by day plan and experiences are given as a guide with the actual itinerary depending on weather, ice conditions and guidance of the captain and expedition leader.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transport & Accommodation

  • Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation
  • Your selected stateroom
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes

Dining & Beverages

  • All meals onboard
  • Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
  • 24-hour room service

Expedition Activities

  • Lecture programs by the expedition team and guest speakers
  • One selected shore excursion per port of call
  • All expedition landings

Onboard Amenities

  • Gym, sauna, pool
  • 24/7 self-service laundry
  • Entry-level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)

Expedition Equipment

  • Waterproof backpack
  • Refillable water bottle

Journey Keepsake

  • Memory package of your voyage

Discover Swan Hellenic

Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.

Explorer on ship deck
Swan Hellenic ship at sunset

See What Others Don't

Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.

Our ice class vessels — SH Minerva, SH Vega, and SH Diana — are designed for every latitude, from the Arctic and Antarctica to warm water coasts of Africa and Latin America, and islands of Asia Pacific, delivering the same Nordic elegance, serenity, and comfort wherever the voyage leads.

Best in Antarctica

Swan Hellenic

Best in Antarctica

Best Value for Money

Swan Hellenic

Best Value for Money

Excursion & Collaboration Winner

Excursion & Collaboration Winner

Sailawaze 2025

What our guests say

SH Diana

SH Diana blends cutting-edge technology with stylish sophistication. Every detail is designed for immersive exploration in ultimate comfort with unobstructed views throughout the ship. Whether you're soaking in breathtaking scenery from the panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or relaxing in your luxurious stateroom, SH Diana offers an exceptional experience — perfectly crafted for modern adventurers who seek both discovery and indulgence.

192 guests 127 staff

Exclusive boutique experience

PC6 Polar class

Designed specifically for polar regions

Fine Dining

Across 2 venues

Launched in 2023

Brand new expedition vessel

Wellbeing

Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna & steam room

SHIP BROCHURE
SH Diana pool
Restaurant
SH Diana ship

Staterooms

Bright and spacious staterooms — your cozy home away from home.

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Oceanview

20 m²

FROM

Price on request

FEATURES

  • Two single beds or a double bed
  • Bedroom with living room area
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious bathroom
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Balcony

25 m²

FROM

Price on request

FEATURES

  • 5 m² private balcony
  • Two single beds or a double bed
  • Bedroom with living room area
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious bathroom
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Junior Suite

32-36 m²

FROM

Price on request

FEATURES

  • 6 m² private balcony
  • King size bed
  • Separate living room area
  • Luxurious en-suite bathroom
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Suite

41 m²

FROM

Price on request

FEATURES

  • 5-10 m² private balcony
  • King size bed
  • Separate living room
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower
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Premium Suite

41 m²

FROM

Price on request

FEATURES

  • 8-12 m² private balcony
  • King size bed
  • Separate living room
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and shower
  • Walk-in wardrobe

Expedition Team

Dain Adamson

Dain Adamson

Expedition leader

Dain grew up on South Africa's northeast coast, where the Indian Ocean shaped his lifelong connection to the sea. Trained as a physical oceanographer, he developed expertise in tides, currents, and the dynamic forces that drive the ocean. His passion for marine life has taken him from rehabilitating African penguins in Cape Town to assisting with turtle conservation in Mexico and working with stingrays in the Cayman Islands and Bahamas. Now an Assistant Expedition Leader, Dain shares his knowledge and enthusiasm to inspire guests to respect, understand, and protect the world's oceans.

Carine Zimmerman

Carine Zimmerman

Marine Biologist

Carine began her career in 2008 as a Whale Watching Guide in Spain. Beginning her career in the Strait of Gibraltar, she later guided whale watching trips off the coasts of La Gomera and La Palma in the Canary Islands. She then followed the call of the whales across the Atlantic Ocean to the Dominican Republic where she worked as a Naturalist. Following the season, she headed north to guide in Iceland's waters before returning to warmer climes in Pico and Sao Miguel. Carine found out early that she has a passion for exploration, and she continues to share her incredible knowledge across the world.

Javier Cotin

Javier Cotin

Ornithologist

Javier's love for birds and nature has taken him to some of the world's most remote corners. From studying Eleonora's Falcons in the Mediterranean to exploring seabird habitats in Tasmania, he's dedicated his career to understanding and protecting wildlife. With a PhD from the University of Barcelona, Javier's research focuses on how human activity affects bird populations. Now, based in the Pyrenees, his passion for birding and adventure never fades. Javier's tales from his ornithology research in faraway lands are as thrilling as they are interesting, and he can't wait to share them with curious Swan Hellenic guests!

Start Your Journey

For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.

Penguins in Antarctica
Swan Hellenic ship