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.

Ferry Cape Verde

Ferry Cape Verde

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.

In short

  • Ferries connect the main islands of Cape Verde
  • Key routes: Sao Vicente – Santo Antao, Santiago – Fogo – Brava
  • Crossing times range from 1 hour to 6 hours
  • Schedules may change due to wind or sea conditions
  • Tickets available online or at the port
  • Most popular and reliable route: Sao Vicente – Santo Antao
  • Best travel period for calmer seas: November – June

Ferry connections Cape Verde

A limited number of ferry boats between the islands operate with a regular schedule, providing essential connections for locals and visitors alike. These include the Barlavento Line, the most frequent route with around14 departures per week, linking Sao Vicente and Santo Antao. The Redonda Line, operating a couple of times per week, connects Sao Vicente, Sao Nicolau, Sal, Boavista and Santiago. The Sotavento Line runs around 2 times per week, connecting Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava, serving the southern islands of the archipelago. Additionally, the Triangular Line, a bi-weekly service, links Santiago, Sao Nicolau, and Sao Vicente, ensuring accessibility between these diverse destinations.

For the islands with an airport, we therefore recommend taking a domestic flight. On the following routes there are regular ferries*.

Fefrry connections and travel duration in cape verde

Ferry connections and travel duration (in hours) in Cape Verde

Barlavento Line: Sao Vicente - Santao Antao
The Barlavento Line connects Sao Vicente and Santo Antao with frequent ferry services, operating around 14 times per week. This route offers a reliable and convenient connection between these two vibrant islands, making it an essential link for both locals and visitors exploring the beauty of Cape Verde.

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 15 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.

Redonda Line: Sao Vicente, Sao Nicolau, Sal, Boavista, Santiago
The Redonda Lineconnects Sao Vicente, Sao Nicolau, Sal, Boavista and Santiago with reliable ferry services operating three times per week. This route offers an essential link between some of Cape Verde’s most popular islands, making it a convenient option for both locals and travelers exploring the archipelago.

The ferry connection between SalandBoavista offers a way to travel between these two popular Cape Verdean islands. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, but the service does not operate daily and depends on weather conditions and demand, so planning ahead is essential. The price is around 25 euros for a single trip. There is also a trimarans that sails as 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.

Between Sao Vicente and Sao Nicolau the Interilhas ferry operates twice a week. The travel time is approximately 6 hours. You can also take the fast ferry from CVfastferry. The price is around 30 euros for a single trip.

Sotavento Line: Maio, Santiago, Fogo, Brava
The Sotavento Line connects Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava with ferry services running twice per week. This route provides an important transport link for the southern islands of Cape Verde, supporting both local communities and visitors seeking to explore these unique destinations. Depending on your final destination, the price is between 23 and 45 euros for a single trip.

Sotavento Line: Santiago, Sao Nicolau, and Sao Vicente
The Triangular Line connects Santiago, São Nicolau, and São Vicente with a bi-weekly ferry service. This route offers a convenient way to travel between these diverse islands, catering to both residents and tourists exploring Cape Verde. 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 19 and 61 euros for a single trip.

* Providers, destinations, frequency and prices may change in between. Check for the recent information with the provider.

Tips for traveling between the islands by ferry

  • Check schedules in advance: ferry schedules can change frequently due to weather and demand. Confirm your travel dates and times close to your departure.
  • Download the MarineTraffic app: this app (or related) lets you track ferry movements in real time and ensures you are updated on any changes.
  • Be prepared for rough seas: the ocean between the islands can be rough, especially during the winter months. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before boarding.
  • Have a backup plan: if the ferry is canceled, consider booking a domestic flight as an alternative to ensure you reach your destination.
  • Arrive early: boarding can take time, and arriving early ensures a smoother experience.