São Vicente to Santo Antão Ferry

The ferry between São Vicente and Santo Antão is the busiest and most important sea connection in Cape Verde. It is the only way to reach Santo Antão, an island with no working airport, and it runs multiple times every day in both directions.

The Route

The ferry crosses the channel between Mindelo on São Vicente and Porto Novo on Santo Antão. Mindelo is the second largest city in Cape Verde and the main gateway to the northern Barlavento islands. Porto Novo is the principal port on Santo Antão's southern coast.

The crossing is relatively sheltered compared to other Cape Verde ferry routes, though conditions can be rougher between November and March when the Atlantic swell picks up.

How Long Does the Crossing Take?

The ferry takes approximately 60 minutes depending on the vessel and sea conditions. It is one of the shortest ferry crossings in Cape Verde, making it easy to do as a day trip from Mindelo if you want to explore Santo Antão without staying overnight.

How Often Do Ferries Run?

This is the most frequently served route in Cape Verde. Two operators run multiple daily crossings in each direction.

Between the two operators, there are up to 4 departures from Mindelo and 4 from Porto Novo every day, giving travellers considerable flexibility.

Which Operators Serve This Route?

CV Interilhas operates the vessel Chiquinho on this route. It is part of the company's Linha Barlavento service. Tickets can be purchased at cvinterilhas.cv or at the port office in Mindelo.

Nôs Ferry operates the vessel Mar d'Canal. Tickets are available at nosferry.cv and at port counters. Nôs Ferry has slightly different departure times and a different weekday/Sunday schedule.

Buying Tickets

Tickets for the São Vicente to Santo Antão ferry can usually be purchased on the day of travel at the port. However, during peak travel periods such as holidays and weekends, it is advisable to book in advance.

The non-national fare is approximately 1,500 CVE (around €14) per person each way. Cape Verdean nationals pay a reduced fare of approximately 950 CVE.

Both operators accept payment at the port. CV Interilhas also offers online booking through their website.

Arriving at the Port

In Mindelo, ferries depart from Porto Grande, the main harbour. In Porto Novo, the ferry terminal is right in the centre of town. Both ports are walkable from the main commercial areas.

Operators recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before departure. Boarding closes before the scheduled departure time and the ferry will not wait for late arrivals. If you are bringing a vehicle, arrive earlier as vehicle loading takes additional time.

Why People Take This Ferry

Santo Antão is widely regarded as the best island in Cape Verde for hiking. The dramatic mountain scenery, terraced valleys and coastal trails attract walkers from around the world. Since there is no airport, every visitor to Santo Antão arrives by ferry.

The route is also vital for local residents who commute between the two islands for work, education and family. Many people living on Santo Antão travel to Mindelo regularly for shopping, medical appointments and administrative services.

Other Routes From São Vicente

São Vicente is also the starting point for the Linha Redonda, a longer route operated by CV Interilhas that connects Mindelo with São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago. This route runs twice weekly and is useful for reaching the eastern and southern islands by sea.

You can search all routes from São Vicente using Ondas.