In a country that consists exclusively of islands, ferries are indispensable means of transport. A number of islands of the Cape Verde archipelago have no official airport. Because of the presence of ferries, it is possible to visit these islands.
There are several shipping companies that have good ships for the crossing of one Cape Verde island to another. As the Atlantic Ocean can be rough, we recommend only taking the ferry if you want to go to an adjacent island and when no flight connection is possible. For example, from Sao Vicente to Santo Antao. This is much more comfortable and efficient.
A limited number of ferry boats between the islands have a regular and punctual departure schedule. Only these ferry connections are listed below. There are also other routes where ferries are sailing. These ferries leave at sufficient demand and / or sufficient freight. For the islands with an airport, we therefore recommend taking a domestic flight.
Ferry connections Cape Verde
On the following routes there are regular ferries*.
Boavista
From Sal to Boavista a trimaran sails (fast sailboat that comprises a main hull and two smaller outrigger hulls). The tour is part of an excursion of a day. There are only a limited number of places available. More information is available at Hotel Morabeza (Santa Maria) on Sal.
Sao Vicente <-> Santo Antao
There are several ferry boats between Sao Vicente and Santo Antao. Departure and arrival is in Mindelo (Sao Vicente) and Porto Novo (Santo Antao). At the terminal you can buy tickets for the crossing. Do this at least 30 minutes before departure. 10 minutes before departure, you can go aboard the ferry. The price for a single trip is around 8 euros. In most cases you can also bring your rental car, but check the conditions of the car rental company beforehand if this is permitted.
Mar de Canal (Armas ferry) The Armas ferry brings you to the other side within 60 minutes. It can hold 450 passengers and 60 cars. The ferry departs 2 times a day and on Sunday 1 time. The departure times are:
- Mindelo to Porto Novo
Monday – Sunday: 07:00
Monday – Saturday: 14:00 - Porto Novo to Mindelo
Monday – Saturday at 09:00
Monday – Sunday: 16:00
Interilhas (Polaris ferry)
This ferry brings you a little faster to the other island. In about 50 minutes you are already across the street. Like the Armas ferry, it leaves 2 times a day at other times. On Thursday, this ferry only sails 1 times.
- Mindelo to Porto Novo
Monday – Sunday: 08:00
Monday – Wednesday: 15:00
Friday – Sunday: 15:00 hours - Porto Novo to Mindelo
Monday – Saturday at 10:00
Monday – Wednesday: 17:00
Friday – Sunday: 17:00
CVfastferry
This fast ferry operates regularly between Sao Vicente and Santo Antao. The price for an single journey is slightly higher than with Interilhas and Mar de Canal.
Sao Vicente <-> Sao Nicolau
The Interilhas ferry operates twice a week on Friday and Saturdat between Mindelo (Sao Vicente) and Tarrafal (Sao Nicolau). The travel time is approximately 6 hours. You can also take the fast ferry from CVfastferry.
Santiago – Fogo – Brava and vica versa
The fast ferry of CVfastferry operates between the islands of Santiago, Fogo and Brava. Depending on your final destination, the price is between 16 and 40 euros.
Santiago – Sao Nicolau – Sao Vicente and vica versa
On this route, CVfastferry facilitates the connection. The sailing time from Santiago to Sao Nicolau is over 13 hours. And from Sao Nicolau to Sao Vicente over 6 hours. Depending on your final destination, the price is approximately between 21 and 60 euros.
* Providers, destinations and prices may change in between. Check for the recent information with the provider.
Martin says
Hi, I am looking to fly into Sal on the 31st of October, I am trying to get to Mindelo. Can you please advise on a suitable ferry and cost please.
Monica Pinto says
HI I am looking for a ferry from Sao Vicente to Sal one way how long does the ferry take and how much
is there a ferry with a room and bed ?
Tim says
Hi, is there also a ferry from Boa Vista to Sal. Because I can find a ferry from Sal to Boa Vista, but not the other way. And if there’s a ferry from Boa Vista to Sal, is there a schedule or some days the ferry goes?
lorna says
can you help please, my daughter is stuck in sao Vicente and needs to get back to boa vista. Can you advise when there will be a boat as no one can give her any information
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Lorna,
Did see try to ask in the harbour of Sao Vicente? A better and faster alternative is going by plane.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
thais says
hello, i will come to cape verte between november and december and I would like to know if there are some ferries going throught santiago-sal-sao vicente and the ammounts of the tickets of these ferries. thank you very much
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Thais,
Yes, ferries are running in November and December. If you go from Santiago to Sao Vicente, think about a price around 60 euro’s per person. The travel duration will be more than 10 hours.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Kristien says
We want to travel in cap Vert in the month of octobre and i want to now if thé ferry between boavista and dal are regular??
Thanks for youre answer
Kristien
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
The ferry line has a fixed itinerary, a couple of days per week.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
carlota says
Hello,
I will arrive to Boa Vista on 10th of August and I would like to know what the current situation is like with the ferrys. Should I get the tickets before landing or I can get them once I will be there?
Thank you.
Carlota.
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
You can buy tickets once you are there, in advance or before departing (be on time).
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Kiran says
Hello
I arrive in Sao Vicente on a sunday next month at 13.15. I am planning timo get the ferry to Santo Antonio at 3pm as I understand that it is the last ferry across for the day. I am also thinking of buying the ticket online, before I get there.
Will there be enough time for me to catch the ferry from the airport? How busy are the flights into SV from London?
If i dont get to buy the ticket online beforehand, will I have enough time to buy when there?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Kerry,
Having almost 2 hours from landing on the airport and getting on the ferry should normally be enough. Make sure you are first in line at the customs ;-). And what also helps is having your Visa / TSA registration ready.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Anonymous says
How much does the boat cost from boa vista to Sal and how often does it go?
Athena says
Hello, which island is closest to sal ? And which island do you recommend to do first from Sal?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
Boavista is the neighbor island of Sal and the closest by. Which island you would like to visit depends on your preference.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org