Depends on the crossing. Usually they will choose a route that is favorable. This is probably the same as the ocean crossings by row boat.

https://youtu.be/6SYHamnHqU8?si=vp-NLeMnsdQz1R-Z

Generally speaking there is a route called the "Milk Run" from Europe to the Caribbean that has tail winds and good currents in the right direction. Also much nicer weather.

Portugal to French Guiana means following the North Atlantic Gyre - The Canary Current then the North Equatorial Current.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Atlantic_Gyre

Looking at the current maps, I think most of the paddling will be southward, to get down to South America rather than the Caribbean.

For example, Thor Heyerdahl's Ra II, a square-sailed reed boat, went from Morocco to Barbados - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor_Heyerdahl#Boats_Ra_and_Ra... .

The people I've heard of who have rowed across the Atlantic generally do Canary Islands to the Caribbean. There's even "The World's Toughest Row" for that route - https://www.worldstoughestrow.com/ .