Traveling in Cabo Verde by sea

Ferries in Cabo Verde: travelling between the islands by sea

Exploring the islands of Cabo Verde by sea is a unique experience that offers not only breathtaking views but also a deeper connection with the essence of the archipelago: the sea.

For travellers who want to feel the soul of Cabo Verde, there is nothing better than travelling between the islands on a ship, accompanied by the Atlantic breeze.

In Cabo Verde, the maritime passenger and cargo transport service has been granted to CV Interilhas, which includes the Portuguese ETE GROUP and Cabo Verdean shipowners such as Cabo Verde Fast Ferry, Polaris SA, Verdemar, Santa Luzia Salvamento Marítimo, União dos Transportes Marítimos, Oceano Made, Sociedade Armadora Aliseu Lda, and Adriano Lima.

The operators Nôsferry and Polaris are also an option for those looking to travel between the islands of the Cabo Verde archipelago.

Ferry routes in Cabo Verde

CV Interilhas operates the ferries in Cabo Verde, through a concession for inter-island passenger and cargo maritime transport, signed by the Government of Cabo Verde. In total, there are three ships operating year-round, 24 hours a day.

Inter-island connections are ensured by an operational model that links the nine islands of the archipelago, with pre-defined routes and schedules with weekly frequencies. The journeys are updated daily based on current meteorological and oceanographic conditions as well as local weather forecasts.

Source CV Interilhas

CV Interilhas provides the following routes

The Barlavento Line connects the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão with 14 weekly departures. The trip takes less than an hour on the Chiquinho BL ship, which has a capacity for 430 passengers and 220 tonnes of cargo (including passenger vehicles and goods).

The Redonda Line, which is actually a semi-circle, connects the islands of São Vicente, São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago twice a week.
The journey between São Vicente and São Nicolau takes 5 hours, from São Nicolau to Sal takes 8 hours, from Sal to Boa Vista around 3 hours, and from Boa Vista to Santiago about 8 hours.

On this route, passengers travel on the D. Tututa ship, with a capacity for 250 passengers and 180 tonnes of cargo (including passenger vehicles and goods).

The Sotavento Line connects the islands of Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava three times a week. The distance between Fogo and Brava is less than an hour, between Fogo and Santiago about 4 hours, and from Maio to Santiago less than 2 hours.

The journey is made on the Kriola ship, with a capacity for 164 passengers and 66 tonnes of cargo (including passenger vehicles and goods).

There is also the Fortnightly Triangular Line, which connects the islands of Santiago, São Nicolau, and São Vicente fortnightly on the D. Tututa ship. This rotation alternates with the Redonda Line, providing quicker connections between Santiago and São Vicente while still stopping at São Nicolau. This route runs on odd weeks, departing São Vicente on Wednesdays, stopping at São Nicolau, and then continuing directly to Santiago before returning to São Vicente to resume the Redonda Line.

Source Nos Ferry

Another ferry operator in Cabo Verde is Nôsferry, which offers a service to Santo Antão, alternating with CVI's service. The Nosferry Mar d’Canal ship has a capacity for 450 passengers and 40 vehicles, operating the route between São Vicente and Santo Antão, making it easier to explore the charms of both islands.
There are daily ferries from Monday to Sunday, departing from Mindelo (São Vicente) and Porto Novo (Santo Antão). From Monday to Saturday, ferries depart Mindelo at 8 am and 3 pm, and Porto Novo at 10 am and 5 pm. On Sundays, the ferry departs Mindelo at 8 am and 2 pm, and Porto Novo at 10 am and 4 pm.

Polaris also operates routes between São Vicente - São Nicolau - Sal - Boa Vista, Santiago - Maio, and Santiago - Fogo.

Tickets for CV Interilhas ferries can be purchased online, at ticket offices near the Maritime Terminal of Mindelo and the Maritime Terminal of Porto Novo, or through an authorised network of partners. However, tickets for the Nôsferry can only be purchased at the Maritime Terminal of Mindelo and the Maritime Terminal of Porto Novo.

It is important to note that tickets cannot be purchased directly onboard the ferry, so prior planning is essential.

Preparing for your ferry journey between the islands

To board the ferry, you must present a photo ID and the corresponding ticket. Check-in must be completed at least one hour before departure. Ensuring that the name on your ID matches the name on your ticket is crucial to securing your boarding.

Hand luggage: Each passenger is allowed to carry up to two pieces of hand luggage, provided they meet the dimensions of 55x40x25 cm and each weighs no more than 8 kg.

Checked luggage: You are allowed to check in up to two pieces of luggage, each with a maximum dimension of 33x55x85 cm and a total weight of up to 25 kg.

Source Mindel Insite

Transporting pets on the ferry

The transport of pets on ferries is allowed as long as they are in suitable carriers approved by the operator. Generally, pets are treated as checked luggage, but depending on the size of the carrier, they may be considered hand luggage. In such cases, prior approval is required.

Guide dogs are permitted to travel alongside their owners free of charge, provided the necessary documentation is presented.

Useful tips for travelling by ferry in Cabo Verde

During ferry journeys between the islands of Cabo Verde, you will likely have the opportunity to chat with a local. Enjoy the unique Cabo Verdean hospitality, known as "morabeza," and experience an incredible welcome before even reaching your destination.

To ensure a smooth trip, keep the following in mind:

Planning: Check schedules and available routes in advance.

Documentation: Always have a valid ID and printed ticket with you.

Luggage: Adhere to luggage limits to avoid additional fees.

Pets: If travelling with pets, contact the operator in advance and follow the pet transport guidelines.

With the right preparation, your journey across Cabo Verdean waters will be as memorable as the destinations you will visit.

Due to sea and wind conditions, it is advisable to take precautions against seasickness, and local pharmacies can offer suitable medication.

Weather conditions affect maritime operations, so you should check the latest information on official websites and CV Interilhas' social media channels.