Ferries are an essential part of travel in Cape Verde, especially for Santo Antão and Brava, but the network is not a simple daily shuttle between every island. Some routes are short and practical; others are long, infrequent and more exposed to Atlantic conditions.
This guide explains the most useful ferry routes, how CV Interilhas ticketing works, when to arrive, what identification you need and how to protect the rest of your itinerary from schedule changes.
Cape Verde ferries: quick facts
| Main operator | CV Interilhas |
| Key short route | São Vicente ↔ Santo Antão, about 1 hour |
| Other useful routes | Santiago ↔ Maio, Santiago ↔ Fogo, Fogo ↔ Brava |
| Check-in | Official passenger guidance says at least 1 hour before departure |
| Important | Tickets cannot be purchased when boarding the ship |
The most useful Cape Verde ferry routes
Current schedules change, but these are the route families most relevant to visitors.
São Vicente to Santo Antão
The classic crossing from Mindelo to Porto Novo. Official listings commonly show about one hour, and this is the most practical ferry link for a first-time trip.
Fogo to Brava
A short essential link for reaching Brava, with official route pages commonly showing around one hour.
Santiago to Fogo
A useful southern route, often shown at roughly four hours. It can be combined with the onward ferry to Brava.
Santiago to Maio
A convenient route to Maio, often around two hours in official listings.
Long northern and cross-archipelago routes
Services may connect São Vicente, São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago. These journeys are longer and usually less convenient than flying when a suitable flight exists.
How to buy Cape Verde ferry tickets
CV Interilhas says tickets can be bought through its website, ticket offices and official partners — not when entering the ship.
Book online
Use the operator’s live booking system once your route appears in the timetable.
Book at a ticket office
Useful when online payment fails or your route is not easy to find. Ask your accommodation where the current local office is.
Do not leave it to boarding
The operator states that passengers cannot buy a ticket as they enter the ship.
Names and ID
The identification document must match the passenger name on the ticket, or boarding can be refused.
Ferry check-in and boarding rules
Official passenger guidance requires check-in at least one hour before departure. For unfamiliar ports or vehicle transport, arrive earlier.
Bring photo identification
Carry your passport or another accepted original photo ID.
Keep the ticket available
Save the ticket offline and have a charged phone, but carry a printed copy if your device is unreliable.
Travelling with a car
Vehicle spaces and procedures are separate from a passenger-only ticket. Reserve the vehicle and arrive early.
Luggage
Keep medication, valuables, water and a warm layer in a small bag you can access during the crossing.
Delays, cancellations and missed connections
The operator’s conditions allow schedules and connections to change for force majeure. It also states it is not liable for your connection to another service. That is the most important planning lesson for ferry travel.
Never connect tightly to an international flight
Return to your departure island at least one day early.
Reconfirm the day before
Check the official timetable, messages and port information.
Keep flexible accommodation
A refundable room on the gateway island can protect you if a sailing moves.
Travel insurance
Choose a policy that fits independent connections and understand what evidence is needed for a claim.
What are the crossings like?
Atlantic conditions vary. The short São Vicente–Santo Antão and Fogo–Brava links are popular, but even short sailings can be lively on windy days. Longer crossings can be uncomfortable for travellers prone to motion sickness.
Choose your seat early
A midship seat lower in the vessel usually moves less than the bow or upper deck.
Prepare before departure
Eat lightly, stay hydrated and ask a pharmacist or doctor about suitable motion-sickness medication.
Protect electronics
Sea spray and luggage handling are good reasons to use a waterproof pouch.
Main ports used by travellers
Know the exact port and transfer plan before travel.
Mindelo, São Vicente
Gateway to Santo Antão. The port is close to central Mindelo.
Porto Novo, Santo Antão
Main arrival port, with taxis and aluguers for onward travel to mountain and north-coast bases.
Praia, Santiago
Important hub for southern and longer routes.
São Filipe / Vale dos Cavaleiros, Fogo
Gateway for Fogo and onward travel to Brava, depending on service.
Furna, Brava
Main port for Brava; transfers climb towards Nova Sintra.
Where to check ferry schedules and buy tickets
Do not rely on an old blog timetable. Sailing days and times can change.
Live routes
Online tickets
Use the operator’s official ticket page.
Reconfirm locally
Ask your guesthouse or hotel to reconfirm the port and check-in time, especially on smaller islands.
Frequently asked questions
Can you travel between all Cape Verde islands by ferry?
There are routes across the network, but not every island pair has a direct or daily service. Flights are often more practical for long distances.
How long is the ferry from São Vicente to Santo Antão?
Official schedules commonly show about one hour.
Can I buy a ferry ticket onboard?
No. CV Interilhas states that tickets cannot be purchased when entering the ship.
How early should I arrive for a Cape Verde ferry?
At least one hour before departure, according to official passenger guidance.
Do I need a passport for the ferry?
Bring a valid photo identification document that matches the name on your ticket. International visitors commonly use their passport.
Are Cape Verde ferries reliable?
They operate on published schedules, but Atlantic weather and operational issues can cause changes. Build buffer time into important connections.
Checked July 2026. Schedules, fees and entry rules can change; verify again before booking or travel.
Practical checklist
- Check the official timetable again the day before travel.
- Arrive at least one hour early.
- Keep a full day between a ferry and your international flight.
- Prepare for motion sickness even on a short crossing.