Cape Verde Ferry FAQ

How do I get from São Vicente to Santo Antão?

Take the ferry from the Cais Marítima terminal in Mindelo to Porto Novo on Santo Antão. The crossing takes around 50 minutes and runs multiple times every day. CV Interilhas and Nôs Ferry both serve this route. There is no airport on Santo Antão so the ferry is the only option.

How do I get from Praia to Fogo?

CV Interilhas operates the Kriola vessel on the Praia to Fogo route several times per week as part of the Linha Sotavento. The crossing takes approximately 4 hours. Check current departure days and times using the Ondas search tool.

Can I island hop in Cape Verde by ferry?

Yes. CV Interilhas connects all 9 inhabited islands with regular ferry services. Some routes run daily, others a few times per week. The northern islands are more frequently connected than the southern ones. Use the Ondas search to plan a route across several islands.

Which islands have no airport in Cape Verde?

Santo Antão and Brava both have airstrips that are no longer in service. The ferry is the only way to reach them. Santo Antão is reached from São Vicente and Brava is reached from Fogo.

How much does the ferry cost in Cape Verde?

Prices vary by route and by passenger type. Cape Verde nationals pay a lower fare than non-nationals. As a guide, the São Vicente to Santo Antão crossing costs around 950 CVE for nationals and 1500 CVE for non-nationals, which is approximately 9 to 14 euros. Longer routes cost more. Ondas shows current prices in both CVE and EUR.

Do I need to book in advance?

For busy routes like São Vicente to Santo Antão you can usually buy at the port on the day. For longer or less frequent routes such as Praia to Fogo or São Vicente to São Nicolau, booking in advance is recommended especially during holiday periods and Easter week.

How reliable are Cape Verde ferries?

The São Vicente to Santo Antão crossing is very reliable and runs in most weather conditions. Longer routes can be affected by rough seas, particularly between November and March. CV Interilhas occasionally suspends sailings due to adverse weather and posts updates on their Facebook page. Ondas displays live disruption alerts when a service is affected.

Can I bring a car on the ferry in Cape Verde?

Yes, CV Interilhas carries vehicles on most routes. You need to book vehicle space in advance as it is limited. Bring your vehicle documents. Prices vary depending on the size of the vehicle and the route.

What is the difference between CV Interilhas and Nôs Ferry?

CV Interilhas is the main operator and covers all 9 islands across several lines. Nôs Ferry is a newer operator currently focused on the São Vicente to Santo Antão route. Where both operate the same route, departure times differ so it is worth checking both to find the sailing that suits you. Ondas shows results from both operators in one search.

Is there food and drink on Cape Verde ferries?

Onboard facilities vary by vessel and route. On shorter crossings like São Vicente to Santo Antão there may be limited options. On overnight crossings it is advisable to bring your own food and water. Always check what is available on your specific vessel before boarding.

What should I do if my ferry is cancelled?

Check the CV Interilhas Facebook page for official updates. Ondas also displays disruption alerts when a line is suspended. If your ferry is cancelled due to weather you will usually be offered a rebooking on the next available sailing. Always confirm directly with the operator.

Is Ondas free to use?

Yes. Ondas is completely free, requires no account and has no advertising. It was built by a member of the Cape Verde diaspora as a free resource for travellers and locals alike.