Complete Guide to the Ferry from São Vicente to Santo Antão: Schedules, Prices and Tips

If you're planning a trip to Santo Antão (the trekking and nature paradise of Cape Verde), there's a crucial logistical detail you should know: there are no commercial flights to Santo Antão . The only way to reach this spectacular mountainous island is by boat from the port of Mindelo, on the neighboring island of São Vicente.

Although the journey is short, coordinating flight arrivals, ground transportation, and purchasing boat tickets often raises many questions. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to cross the channel without any surprises.

1. How long does the trip take and what is the crossing like?

The boat trip covers the approximately 15 kilometers that separate the two islands. The journey takes one hour (60 minutes).

🌊 Roca's Sea Tip: The channel separating the islands can have some strong waves at certain times of the year (especially due to the winter trade winds). If you tend to get seasick, we recommend taking a seasickness tablet half an hour before boarding and sitting in the central or rear areas of the ship, where the rocking is much less.

2. Companies, Schedules and Prices

Currently, the main connections are provided by the company NosFerry. and Interislands .

Usual schedules

Typically, there are 4 daily departures in each direction. The standard schedules are usually:

• From Mindelo (São Vicente) to Porto Novo (Santo Antão): Departures in the morning at 07:00 and 08:00 and in the afternoon at 14:00 and 15:00.

• From Porto Novo to Mindelo: Departures in the morning at 09:00 and 10:00 and in the afternoon at 16:00 and 17:00.

• Sundays : Please check the schedules, as they may be subject to change.

  
  

Note: Schedules may change depending on the season, holidays, or sea conditions, so it is always advisable to reconfirm the day before your trip.

Prices

A one-way ticket for an adult costs 1500 CVE (13.6 EUR). Children benefit from reduced fares.

3. How do I arrange a transfer from São Pedro Airport?

This is the point where many travelers experience the most coordination difficulties. When your flight lands at São Vicente Airport (VXE), you need to take transport to the port of Mindelo (a journey of approximately 25-30 minutes).

In addition, you should take into account the time you will spend at the airport, from landing to departure. Disembarking, queuing for entry control, baggage claim, etc., usually take between 20 and 40 minutes.

If your connection time between your flight and the ferry is tight, trying to arrange transportation at the airport in a hurry can be stressful.

4. Avoid headaches: Travel worry-free with Roca's

At Roca's , we know your vacation starts the moment you set foot in Cape Verde. That's why we created our star transfer and connection service :

1. Airport Pickup: São Vicente.

Our private driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal of São Pedro airport with a sign bearing your name.

2. Direct transfer to Porto: 20 minutes.

We will take you comfortably, safely and directly to the port of Mindelo in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring that you arrive with the ideal time for boarding.

3. Guaranteed boat tickets: No queues.

For your complete convenience, we can arrange the advance purchase of your ferry tickets, saving you time in the queues at the port ticket offices.

4. Welcome to Santo Antão: Porto Novo.

Upon arrival in Santo Antão, another member of our team will be waiting to take you to your accommodation or directly to the starting point of your first trail.

📝 Are you already planning your adventure? Don't leave the logistics to chance. Click the button below and send us a WhatsApp message so we can coordinate your transfers between São Vicente and Santo Antão. We'll take care of everything!

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