Caravelas II

About this board game

Caravelas II is a board game for 2–4 players, with a playing time of about 45 minutes, that recreates the beginning of the Portuguese empire during the Age of Discoveries.

Players take command of caravels and sail across seas that were never sailed before, seeking the destinations linked to Portugal’s commercial success. Discover locations, load your ships with spices and precious metals, and return to Lisbon to deliver your resources and earn victory points. The passage around the Cape of Good Hope is dangerous, however, as Adamastor may sink your boats.

On each turn, a player can spend up to four motion cards to move their caravels along predetermined sea routes. The number on each card determines how many squares a ship moves. After moving, the player may discover locations, load resources, and deliver them in Lisbon.

• Use up to four motion cards during your turn.
• Return unused cards or save them for a later turn.
• Draw new motion cards until you have four in hand.
• Choose when to explore, load resources, and return to Lisbon for points.

Designed as a simpler version of Caravelas, Caravelas II keeps the original game’s goal, graphics, and didactic interest while making the rules and play duration more accessible to younger and broader audiences. It uses fewer components, has four pages of rules instead of sixteen, and removes event cards.

Ship management is also simplified, and caravels move only along predetermined routes. Released in 2013, this streamlined adventure offers a focused way to experience the Portuguese Discoveries through movement, exploration, resource delivery, and careful navigation.