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.
Christine says
Hi we need to go from boa vista to sal on 25th january. Does anyone know if it’s possible by ferry please
Diletta says
Hello, I need a Ferry from Santiago to Boa Vista on the 23rd of February after 13.00. I cannot find anything though, can you please help me?
Seigerschmidt Helmut says
Hello team from CapeVereeIslands.org,
is there any ferry schedule from Sal to BoaVista on Feb 3rd available ,
if so where do I have to book it ?
1 person only
many thanks
helmut
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Helmut,
At this moment it is hard to determine if there will be a ferry available or not. There might be an option on Monday 3 February in the morning (duration 3 hours or more), but to sure you have to check this with the ferry company Interilhas. Another option is to take a domestic flight.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Linda says
We need to get a round-trip from Boa Vista to Santiago, how can we do this? We would like to go 30.-31.12 to Santiago, and back to Boa Vista 3.-4.12
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Linda,
If you want to take the ferry, you can buy your tickets at one of the ferry companies. Please check in advance the time schedule so you are sure it will fit in your travel plan.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Álvaro says
Is there any ferry connection between sao Vicente and sao nicolau?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Yes, for more details see the article.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Joao Goncalves says
What is the Ferry Schedule between Fogo and Brava in January?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Joao,
Please check with the ferry companies for the latest time tables.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org