Ferry Between Cape Verde Islands

Taking the ferry between the islands of Cape Verde is one of the best ways to experience the archipelago. The sea crossing gives you views you simply do not get from a plane, and for some islands it is the only way to get there.

This guide covers every regular ferry route, how long each crossing takes, which operator runs it, and practical tips for making the journey smooth.

The Two Ferry Operators in Cape Verde

All regular inter-island ferry services in Cape Verde are run by two companies.

CV Interilhas is the larger of the two and operates most of the routes across the archipelago. It runs several vessels connecting the main islands on a regular weekly schedule.

Nôs Ferry is a newer operator running on specific routes. It is worth checking both when you are planning a trip because departure times and availability can vary between them.

The Most Popular Ferry Routes

São Vicente to Santo Antão

This is the busiest ferry route in Cape Verde. The crossing between Mindelo on São Vicente and Porto Novo on Santo Antão runs multiple times every day, making it the most reliable connection in the archipelago. The journey takes around 60 minutes.

Santo Antão has no working airport so the ferry is the only way to reach the island. This makes the São Vicente to Santo Antão route essential for travellers heading to one of Cape Verde's most spectacular hiking destinations.

Praia to Fogo

The ferry from Praia on Santiago island to São Filipe on Fogo runs a few times per week. The crossing takes around 4 hours. Fogo is home to an active volcano and the journey time is worth it for the landscape you arrive into.

Praia to Maio

Maio is a quiet island known for its beaches and relaxed pace. The ferry from Praia takes roughly 2 hours and runs several times a week. It is one of the easiest island-hopping trips you can make from the capital.

Praia to Brava

Brava is the smallest and most remote of Cape Verde's inhabited islands. Like Santo Antão, it has no working airport so the ferry from Fogo is the only connection. From Praia you typically travel via Fogo to reach Brava. The island rewards the effort with dramatic scenery and very few other tourists.

São Vicente to São Nicolau

This route connects two of the northern Barlavento islands and is operated less frequently than the São Vicente to Santo Antão crossing. It is worth checking the schedule well in advance and booking early if you plan to travel here.

How Long Do Cape Verde Ferries Take?

Journey times vary a lot depending on the route. Short crossings like São Vicente to Santo Antão take under an hour. Longer routes between the Barlavento and Sotavento island groups can take 12 hours or more.

Practical Tips for Travelling by Ferry in Cape Verde

Arrive at the port early. Most operators recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before departure. The ferry will not wait and boarding closes before departure time.

Buy tickets in advance when you can. For popular routes like São Vicente to Santo Antão you can often buy at the port on the day. For longer or less frequent routes, booking ahead online or through a local agent avoids the risk of missing out.

Check the schedule close to your travel date. Ferry timetables in Cape Verde can change seasonally and some crossings are cancelled in rough weather. Always confirm departure times the day before you travel.

Bring something to eat and drink on longer crossings. The onboard options vary between vessels.

Be prepared for some movement on the water. The Atlantic crossing between islands can be choppy, especially between November and March. If you are prone to seasickness it is worth coming prepared.

Ferries to Islands Without Airports

Two islands in Cape Verde can only be reached by ferry because their airstrips are no longer in service.

Santo Antão is reached from São Vicente. The ferry runs multiple times daily and is very reliable.

Brava is reached from Fogo. The crossing runs regularly, though less frequently than the northern island connections.

Search Cape Verde Ferry Schedules

Use the search tool on Ondas to find real departure times for any route between the 9 islands. It covers both CV Interilhas and Nôs Ferry, works offline, and is free to use.