Cruise The Great Atlantic Expedition 2026
Across the Green Islands of the Atlantic
Madeira • Azores • Canary Islands
The Great 2026 Atlantic Expedition – nature, oceans, volcanoes and wind
This extraordinary multi‑stage voyage connects three of the most beautiful island regions in the Atlantic: Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands. It is a journey through volcanic worlds, mountain trails shrouded in clouds, whale‑inhabited waters, natural lava pools, unique island cultures and the raw pulse of the ocean.
1. Madeira – a garden in the ocean
The first stage of the expedition
Madeira is an island of volcanic cliffs, cloud‑covered mountains and lush green valleys shaped by ancient levadas. It is an island made for trekking and dramatic vistas – from the sharp ridges of Ponta de São Lourenço to the tropical gardens of Monte and the sky‑high viewpoint at Cabo Girão. Before we head north toward the Azores, we explore the island and prepare the yacht for the ocean passage.
Where we berth – Marina Quinta do Lorde
Located at the far eastern cape of the island, next to the Ponta de São Lourenço nature reserve, Quinta do Lorde Marina is:
- one of the most modern and best‑protected marinas in Madeira,
- an ideal place to begin a long‑distance expedition,
- located away from the noise of the city – surrounded by the wild landscapes of the island’s eastern tip,
- offering easy access to Madeira’s best trails and viewpoints.
From here we begin our exploration of Madeira before setting course toward the mid‑Atlantic.
What we will see on Madeira
- Ponta de São Lourenço – the famous cliff trail along dramatic volcanic ridges,
- Funchal – old town, botanical gardens, Monte cable car,
- Levadas – legendary irrigation paths offering some of the best hikes in the Atlantic,
- Porto Moniz – the volcanic natural swimming pools,
- Cabo Girão – one of the highest cliffs in Europe.
2. The Azores – green volcanic horizons
The heart of the expedition
The Azores are nine volcanic islands scattered across the Atlantic, each with its own character. We explore their lakes, calderas, geysers, endemic forests and spectacular coastlines. This is also the region of whales, dolphins and the traditional culture of Atlantic seafarers.
Key highlights
- São Miguel – Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas hot springs, tea plantations,
- Terceira – Angra do Heroísmo (UNESCO), Algar do Carvão volcanic chamber,
- São Jorge – dramatic fajãs and legendary cheese,
- Graciosa – windmills and Furna do Enxofre volcanic dome,
- Santa Maria – the oldest and sunniest island of the archipelago.
Each island offers a different world – from emerald lakes to black volcanic shores.
3. Canary Islands – wind, volcanoes and the ocean
The warmest stage of the voyage
The Canary Islands greet us with steady trade winds, high volcanic ranges and rugged coastlines. We sail around islands shaped by fire – Tenerife and La Palma – where the geology is alive and visible everywhere.
What we explore
- Tenerife – Teide volcano, Anaga mountains, black‑sand beaches,
- La Palma – Caldera de Taburiente, high‑altitude trails,
- Cumbre Vieja – impressions of the 2021 eruption,
- Northern coast – natural lava pools and dramatic cliffs.
Across the Green Islands of the Atlantic – a dream journey
This expedition brings together:
- ocean passages on the legendary Challenge 67 yacht,
- exploration of volcanoes and tropical valleys,
- encounters with nature – whales, dolphins, geothermal landscapes, cloud forests,
- culture – from Portuguese Atlantic heritage to the island traditions of Spain,
- cuisine – seafood, São Jorge cheese, Madeira wine, Canarian rum.
It is a unique chance to discover three different Atlantic island worlds – each beautiful and truly one of a kind.
Welcome aboard – Nashachata was built with YOU in mind!
Cruise legs:
| Leg number | Route | Dates | |
| Manewrówka | 2026.04.26 - 2026.05.03 | Details | |
| 26.0 | Alcaidesa-Alcaidesa | 2026.05.04 - 2026.05.11 | Details |
| 26.1 | Alcaidesa-Madera -Horta | 2026.05.15 - 2026.06.05 | Details |
| 26.3 | Horta-Ponta Delagada | 2026.06.06 - 2026.06.20 | Details |
| 26.4 | Ponta Delagada-Ponta Delagada | 2026.06.20 - 2026.07.04 | Details |
| 26.5 | Ponta Delagada-Horta | 2026.07.04 - 2026.07.18 | Details |
| 26.6 | Horta-Quinta do Lorde | 2026.07.18 - 2026.08.01 | Details |
| 26.7 | Quinta do Lorde-Las Palmas | 2026.08.01 - 2026.08.15 | Details |
| 26.8 | Las Palmas-San Miguel | 2026.08.15 - 2026.08.29 | Details |
| 26.9 | San Miguel-Funchal-Alcaidesa | 2026.08.29 - 2026.09.14 | Details |