Brava is the hardest of Cape Verde's inhabited islands to reach, and that difficulty is inseparable from its charm. There are no scheduled flights: you arrive by boat from Fogo, on a crossing that the weather can cancel — so a trip here needs flexibility built in.
Why there are no flights
Brava has an airstrip, but scheduled services were suspended years ago because strong and unpredictable crosswinds made operations unsafe. Occasional charters aside, the ferry is the only practical way in and out, which is why the island has stayed so quiet.
The ferry from Fogo
Boats run between São Filipe on Fogo and Furna on Brava, taking roughly an hour. Services operate several times a week rather than daily, and schedules change — always confirm locally the day before. The channel is exposed and the crossing can be genuinely rough; take seasickness precautions. See our general ferries guide.
Weather and cancellations
Sailings are cancelled when conditions are poor, sometimes for consecutive days. This is the single most important planning point for Brava: if you have a flight home from another island, do not schedule your return tight. Most experienced travellers build in at least one or two spare days.
How to plan a Brava trip
- Reach Fogo first, by flight via Praia or by ferry.
- Allow a minimum of two nights on Brava; three or four is better.
- Leave at least one buffer day before any onward flight.
- Confirm the return sailing as soon as you arrive.
- Carry enough cash — ATMs on Brava are very limited.
- Read our island-hopping guide for the wider routing.
Frequently asked questions
Are there flights to Brava?
No scheduled flights. Services were suspended because of dangerous crosswinds, so the ferry from Fogo is the only practical way to reach Brava.
How long is the ferry from Fogo to Brava?
Roughly an hour between São Filipe and Furna, running several times a week rather than daily.
Can the ferry to Brava be cancelled?
Yes, regularly, when sea conditions are poor. Always build spare days into your plans before any onward flight.