97 AFRICA: INTERVIEW An authentic Cape Verde experience Adira Ferreira of Shipping Agência Viking talks about the company’s expertise, its collaboration with Nôs Ferry, and curated excursions For more than three decades, Shipping Agência Viking has supported cruise lines and maritime operators visiting Cape Verde, a country comprising ten islands off the west coast of Africa. “Our story began in the early 1990s, when Cape Verde was still emerging as a destination on the cruise map,” says Adira Ferreira, director of tour operations at Shipping Agência Viking. “We were the first to offer authentic local experiences and reliable ship agency services. Over the years, we’ve grown into a trusted partner for most of the world’s leading cruise companies calling at our shores.” Shipping Agência Viking specialises in logistics, guest flow, customs and provisioning, combining its expertise as both a tour operator and ship agent. The company provides services to all the islands except Santa Luzia. It has also developed a close relationship with Nôs Ferry, which runs twice daily between São Vicente and the neighbouring island of Santo Antão. “It’s a route that’s central to many of our excursions,” says Ferreira. “We can arrange extra ferry departures exclusively for our cruise guests. This flexibility makes operations smoother and ensures that guests enjoy a comfortable, punctual and scenic transfer between the islands.” The company’s mantra is ‘slow travel experiences’, which it describes as meaningful, low-impact tours that connect guests with Cape Verde’s people, nature and traditions. Shipping Agência Viking operates on other islands, with guests able to explore the black lava fields on Chã das Caldeiras; dolphin and whale watch on Boa Vista; visit Cidade Velha, a Unesco World Heritage Site, on Santiago Island; walk through the colonial city of São Filipe on Fogo Island; explore Monte Gordo Natural Park on São Nicolau; relax on the whitesand beaches of Maio Island; and wade among lemon sharks on Sal Island. “Our curated excursions are designed to offer both adventure and authenticity while supporting local communities,” says Ferreira. “Guests can even swim with turtles in São Pedro Beach, a project created by local fishermen on São Vicente. On Santo Antão, guests can learn how traditional agriculture sustains island life and how crops are transformed into grogue (local rum), goat cheese and homecooked meals. We also promote small group cultural tours, including private performances by local musicians playing traditional Cabo Verdean rhythms such as morna, coladeira and funaná.” Photo: Shipping Agência Viking “Our curated excursions are designed to offer both adventure and authenticity”
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