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.
Sarah says
Hello, can you tell me the possibilities for me to go from Sao Vicente to Sao nicolau on Monday 6th May or Tuesday 7th May please thanks
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
We would advice you to check this with the ferry company. They can share exactly when they operate.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Antonia says
Hi,
I’m looking to travel from Sal to Praia but can’t find a route for this – is there one and how much does it cost?
Many thanks
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Anonia,
Going directly from Sal to Santiago we would advice you to take a domestic flight. Flight duration is around 45 minutes.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Armindo says
Hi Team CapeVerdeIslands, is there a daily connection between Praia and Fogo next week? When does it Start and how much is it for one Person (16 to 40 E?) and do we have tu book in advance (and where?). Thank You very much! Kind regards Armindo
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Armindo,
Departure of the ferry is on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and takes you in around 3.5 -4 hr to Fogo. Pricing is between 25 and 40 euro, depending on the preferred class. All data with some reservation. Booking in advance is always recommmended, especially if you have a strict travel schedule.
Good luck!
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Christo says
How do we book tickets?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Christo,
In some cases online, otherwise just at the counter (ferry terminal).
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Milla says
We Should travel Boa Vista to sal between 10-12 March 2019. What is the Price for ferry and how ofthen they operate? Cannot find any information online. Thank you in advance, Milla
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Milla,
Other then a cargo boat or tourist trimaran there are currently no (regular) ferries between Sal and Boavista. We advice you to take a domestic flight.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Francesca says
Dear Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
if I understand correctly, not even now (April) there is a ferry connection to go from Boa Vista to Sal, right? And I assume that it is not possible to take a cargo boat as passenger, correct?
thanks
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Francesca,
Other then a cargo boat or tourist trimaran there are currently no (regular) ferries between Sal and Boavista. Cargo boats are an option, but do not have fixed time schedules. If possible, we advice you to take a domestic flight.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Ligia Arsenescu says
hello.
can you please tell me how can we travel from Boa Vista to Sal on 27 february 2019
Thank you,
Ligia
Imoh Igho-Osagie says
Hi Team Cape Verde,
What are the typical ferry costs between Porto Novo and the Cape Verde Islands?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Imoh,
If we understand it correctly you want to depart from Porto Novo. What port / island is your destination?
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Rowan says
Hello,
I was hoping you could provide me with times and costs about the following ferries:
1) The ferry from Sao Vicente to Santo Antao on the 6th of January 2019
2) The ferry from Santo Antao to Sao Vicente on the 10th of January 2019
3) The ferry to Sao Nicolau times during January 2019
Thanks,
Rowan
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Rowan,
Great that you are considering travelling by ferry. For more details please contact to ferry company or ask one of the Cape Verde consultants: https://www.capeverdeislands.org/cape-verde-travel-consultant/
Thanks,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Giacomo Chiozzotto Gaida says
Hello, may I know the schedule and prices for a one-way ferry from Boa Vista to Praia on the 30 of November (or near dates)?
Thank you.
Giacomo Chiozzotto Gaida
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Giacomo,
For specific details we would recommend you to check it with the ferry company. Or ask one of the Cape Verde consultants: https://www.capeverdeislands.org/cape-verde-travel-consultant/
Thanks,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Yvonne says
Hi, Will the timetable remain the same in November 2018?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Yvonne,
Yes, but please check in advance with the company as things can change.
Thanks,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Adam says
Hello,
what is the price for frerry from Sal to Boavista?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
Depends on the operator and if you take the commercial catamaran. For the catamaran you will pay at least 75euro.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org