Itinerary Overview

D1-D2 Bissau → D3 Bolama → D4-D6 Bijagós Archipelago (Bubaque, Orango) → D7 Return to Bissau. Island-hopping depends on boat schedules and chartered boats; the dry season (November to May) is the most reliable time for this route.

D1-D2 Bissau: Capital of the Estuary

• D1: Arrive in Bissau → Walk along Amílcar Cabral Avenue and explore the old town → Watch the sunset at the Cutuno fishing port, dinner with grilled fish and rice.
• D2: Visit Fortaleza d’Amura (historic fort) → Shop for cashews and textiles at the Bissau Central Market → Spend the afternoon at a local café to soak in the Creole atmosphere, then watch the Geba River estuary sunset from the riverbank in the evening.

D3 Bolama: Gateway to the Mangroves

Take a ferry or speedboat to Bolama Island, the traditional gateway to the Bijagós Archipelago: bike around the island through cashew orchards and mangrove trails, stay in a simple guesthouse on the island or head straight to overnight in Bubaque.

D4-D6 Bijagós Archipelago (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)

• D4: Arrive on Bubaque Island (the transport hub of the archipelago): Confirm your itinerary at the national park information office → Go on a village hike and visit a sea turtle conservation station.
• D5: Take a chartered boat to Orango Island National Park: Cruise through mangrove waterways, join a guided search for the rare population of coastal hippos (keep your distance); pass by traditional salt flats and palm wine villages.
• D6: Go island-snorkeling and have a picnic on an uninhabited sandbank. Turtle nesting night visits can be arranged from January to February (special permits required for Poilão direction). Return to Bubaque in the evening.

D7 Return to Bissau

Take a speedboat back to Bissau, shop for cashew souvenirs in the city, wrap up your trip, and head to the airport for departure.

Tips

• Cash is used throughout the archipelago. Boat charters are expensive and require negotiation—contact a reliable boat operator in advance via your guesthouse or park information office.
• Boat schedules depend on weather conditions. For trips to outer islands, make sure life jackets are available and avoid traveling in the afternoon when winds and waves are stronger.
• There are no ATMs in the archipelago. Bring enough West African CFA francs in cash before departing from Bissau.