The Bissagos Islands or Bijagós Archipelago are a group of 18 major islands and dozens more smaller ones in the Atlantic Ocean. They are a part of Guinea-Bissau. The archipelago constitutes a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for animals including marine turtles and monkeys and are mostly forested. It is possible to see hippos or turtle nesting grounds on some islands.
The islands include Bolama, Bubaque, Carache, Caravela, Enu, Formosa, Galinhas, João Viera, Maio, Meneque, Orango, Orangozinho, Ponta, Roxa, Rubane, Soga, Unhacomo, Uno, and Uracane.
Things to see and do
* Orango Grande – famous for its salt water hippos
* Joao Vieira and Poilao – best islands for turtle spotting
* Kere – a tiny uninhabited islands
* Baloma
* Acunda
General Information
Cruise Season – Oct - May
Currency – West African CFA franc (XOF)
Language – Portuguese
Population – 2,624 km² approx
Land Area – 30,000 km²
Electricity – 2 round pins European style
Time – GMT plus zero hours
International Country Telephone Code – +245
Travel Links - Access to the Bijagos Archipelogo is via Bissau.Direct flights Lisbon-Bissau with TAP three times a week, all arrive currently at 01:10 am, returning the same day. TACV have four flights each week from Dakar to Bissau, returning to Dakar the same day.
There is a sea route between Dakar and Bissau. Additionally there are boats to and between the Bijagos islands.