West Africa’s coast is rich in history from vibrant cultures to the disturbing legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. Swan Hellenic’s The Slavery Coast Cruise cruise offers a powerful way to explore this region, combining expert-led insights with immersive cultural and wildlife experiences.
In April 2024, I took Swan Hellenic’s West Africa cruise from Angola to Ghana.—it exceeded every expectation in every way. Now, I’m inviting travelers to experience the rarely visited West African on an extraordinary journey. I’ll be going and I would love for you to join me, and save $1,000 per booking vs booking direct.
The 2024 and 2025 seasons sold out fast which means now 2026 is your chance! Contact Rocky to book and save thousands on your trip! The 2026 trip will be on the SH Diana with only 198 passengers max.
Looking for other cruise and expedition deals? Check out my private facebook group where I share more deals on small ship expeditions and luxury cruise options worldwide.
A Thoughtfully Curated Itinerary – West Africa Cruise
Swan Hellenic, known for its focus on sophisticated, educational expeditions with a focus on polar travel has also become a beacon for travel in Western Africa. Swan Hellenic is the ONLY company forging relationships with local governments and visiting unique destinations such as Benin and Congo by Sea. Check out these two reels from my last West Africa Cruise on Swan Hellenic.
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Swan Hellenic has crafted a one of a kind itinerary from Dakar, Senegal to Accra, Ghana. Unlike other ships which skip most of West Africa, this expedition follows the West Africa coast. You will stop at key locations that were crucial to the transatlantic slave trade. This journey includes ports of call in Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote D’ivoire and ends in Ghana. Swan Hellenic is offering guests the opportunity to walk through historical sites, learn from local experts, and understand the significance of these places both for African heritage and world history. Plus there are 3 days to explore the pristine Bijagós Archipelago in true expedition mode.
Plus there are 3 days to explore the pristine Bijagós Archipelago in true expedition mode.
The Bijagós Archipelago will be a highlight for many. Where you will be able to visit pristine beach and meet the traditional Bijagós people who live in balance with their environment off the land. While visiting the remote location, you’ll visit a Bijagos village and discover how the local community has been able to perpetuate their ancestral way of life by taking only what they need from mother nature for their subsistence. Visit places, that less than 1% will ever see.
This Cultural expedition is more than a cruise; it’s a chance to engage with local communities. You will learn about the rich cultures that have thrived here for centuries, and have rebuilt over the last hundred years. Swan Hellenic’s itinerary is built to provide both solemn moments of historical reflection and enriching cultural exchanges,. These exchanges create a balanced experience that respects the profound history of the region. There really is NO other cruise like this. No one else is investing in West Africa. Swan Hellenic is making a difference and bringing the world and cultures together.
Respectful Exploration
Before my trip with Swan Hellenic to Africa West coast. I had my own reservations. Would it be safe? Would the tours and experiences be authentic? I quickly learned that the Swan Hellenic team has thoughtfully designed its excursions to be both sensitive and informative, offering visitors the chance to learn about the local cultures while paying respects to the region’s history. Plus by partnering with local governments I felt extremely safe at all times. 100% welcomed wherever we went and very safe and secure. I 100% recommend a Swan Hellenic trip. Overland options do not really exist in many of these locations and tourism infostructure is extremely limited. This is why this is such a unique cultural expedition and opportunity.
On every trip, Swan Hellenic partners with local historians, anthropologists, and community leaders to ensure guests receive a well-rounded perspective on each destination. These experts guide tours, providing historical context and sharing stories from their own cultures, giving guests a chance to engage more personally with the locations they visit. Swan Hellenic is also investing in the communities. Helping build schools and clinics, providing support to the community. Not just taking for their own pocket books.
Responsible Travel & Community Impact
Swan Hellenic is deeply committed to responsible tourism. Many excursions are designed to directly support local economies—engaging local guides, artisans, and small businesses. The cruise line partners with community organizations to ensure tourism is respectful, sustainable, and beneficial to the people and cultures it touches.
The Swan Hellenic West Africa expedition is a journey and opportunity to learn about the cultures that continue to flourish in these regions, from vibrant music and dance to culinary traditions and artisan crafts. Markets, festivals, and workshops often form part of the excursion itinerary, letting guests see the ways local communities preserve and celebrate their heritage.
Nature & Wildlife Encounters
This journey isn’t just about history, it’s also a celebration of West Africa’s natural beauty. Guests can explore mangroves, forests, and vibrant cities, with opportunities to visit wildlife reserves and spot everything from rare birds to chimpanzees. It’s a rich blend of cultural insight and ecological discovery. There’s so much to see in West Africa and this trip gets you closer to nature and the world.
Swan Hellenic West Africa Cruise Deal
A West Africa expedition can be expensive, after all, travel across most of Africa is Expensive. And when there’s limited tourist and tourism infastructure, the cost to do anything travel and tourism related increases significantly. Yet I can attest, what you experience is invaluable. Anyone who has ever traveled through the more remote regions of Africa which have limited tourism infrastructure understands how difficult it can be and the costs involved. Look at the cost of a safari for example, easily costing over $1,000 a day per person.
For the 2026 season, I have a limited time deal to save you thousands. The trip is September. 16-29, 2026 expedition traveling South bound. Trip details here. Prices have already increased once, so I would highly suggest booking before the following deal expires and prices increase again.
- Ocean views from $11,990 reduced from $13,325 (3 rooms remaining).
- Balcony Deck 5 from $14,260 reduced from $15,850 (4 rooms remaining).
- Jr Suites: $17,100 reduced from $19,000 (3 rooms remaining).
- Suites: 19,980 reduced from $22,180 (1 suite remaining).
All bookings via Rocky at Scott and Thomas travel also enjoy a $200 onboard credit per person in ocean view rooms and $300 onboard credit per person in balconies or higher.
Swan Hellenic’s price is also ALL Inclusive. EVERYTHING you can imagine is included.
- Port fees and taxes
- staff gratuities
- a complimentary excursion in every port
- open bar
- all meals and beverages
- 24 hour room service
- Airport transfers pre and post cruise
- Pre-cruise hotel night stay in a 5 star hotel
And the icing on the cake, Swan Hellenic has special relationships in place to take care of all your Visa needs. You can get Visa on arrivals at every country and the fee is charged to your onboard account with no admin fees. This makes for a smooth travel experience for everyone.
Bottom Line
Swan Hellenic cruises offers an amazing opportunity to visit West Africa and experience more. This 5 star expeditions open doors to you and allows you to experience the culture, wildlife, and nature of this remarkable place. While many other companies are overlooking many destinations in Africa, Swan Hellenic is forging ahead with local partnerships to bring the world to Africa. I have a special place in my heart for this part of this world and this is why I am bringing my readers the unique opportunities to save more than 11% with this once in a lifetime offer.
Contact Rocky (me) by email to save thousands of dollars per room and enjoy an added onboard credit. This deal is NOT available anywhere else
This cruise WILL sell out. Do not miss the opportunity to travel to West Africa in 2026 and visit seven amazing countries over the course of 13 days. Plus when you can save over 19% and get a free onboard credit, this deal is extra Special. Just proving one more reason why you should ALWAYS use a travel agent to book a cruise and NEVER book direct.
