Bijagós Islands Eco-Adventure: 6 Days Hippos Dolphins & Mangroves

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Bissau — Speedboat to Bijagós

Arrive in Bissau, transfer to the port, board a speedboat for the 3-hour journey through mangrove channels to the Bijagós Archipelago. Arrive at Rubane Island’s eco-lodge. Sunset orientation on the beach.

Day 2: Orango National Park — Saltwater Hippos

Full-day expedition to Orango Island, home to the world’s only population of saltwater hippopotamuses. These unique creatures swim between islands, grazing on seagrass. Local guides track them through mangrove channels. Stop at the Bijagós village of Eticoga, where the queen-priestess holds authority. Lunch on a deserted beach.

Day 3: Dolphins & Sea Turtles

Morning boat safari to spot Atlantic humpback dolphins and bottlenose dolphins that frequent the channels. Between November and March, witness sea turtles nesting on protected beaches. Afternoon snorkeling on pristine coral reefs. Beach barbecue dinner.

Day 4: Mangrove Canoe Expedition

Traditional pirogue (dugout canoe) expedition through the labyrinthine mangrove channels that define Bijagós. Spot: African fish eagles, pink-backed pelicans, Goliath herons, Nile crocodiles basking on mudbanks, and primates in the canopy. Visit a traditional village to witness Bijagós mask dances if timing permits.

Day 5: Bolama Ghost Town & Return

Visit Bolama Island, the former capital of Portuguese Guinea. Explore the haunting colonial ruins: the abandoned governor’s palace, the courthouse, churches, and avenues now reclaimed by the tropical forest. Afternoon speedboat back to Bissau. Farewell dinner at Bissau’s best restaurant.

Day 6: Departure

Morning Bissau city tour. Transfer to airport.

Inclusions

• 5 nights (eco-lodges & hotel)
• Daily breakfast + 4 dinners + 3 lunches
• Bijagós speedboat transfers
• Orango Park hippo tracking
• Dolphin watching safari
• Traditional pirogue mangrove expedition
• Snorkeling
• Bolama guided tour
• English-speaking guide

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses