cape verde island hopping Sal to Boa Vista ferry

CV Interilhas Ferry Guide: Travelling Between Sal & Boa Vista

How the crossing actually works, what it costs, and why you need buffer days.

At a Glance: Quick Overview

Operator: CV Interilhas, the national inter-island shipping company.

Route: There is no dedicated Sal–Boa Vista service. The crossing is one leg of a longer circular route.

Crossing Time: Around three hours between the two islands, though total travel time can be longer.

Frequency: Roughly twice a week, often departing in the evening or overnight.

Typical Fare: Around 2,500 CVE (roughly €25) one way for the crossing.

Booking: Online at cvinterilhas.cv or at a port ticket office, always in advance.

Section 1: How the Route Actually Works

This is the part most travellers get wrong, and it shapes everything else.

No Direct Service. The ferry between Sal and Boa Vista is part of the CV Interilhas Linha Redonda circuit, and there is no dedicated direct service between the two islands. The connection is made by a vessel that calls at both islands as part of a circular route through the archipelago, linking São Vicente, São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago. The circuit runs roughly twice per week.

What That Means in Practice. The sailing time between the two islands is around three hours, but because the ferry runs as part of a circuit, you may need to wait on Sal for the vessel to arrive from its previous stop, and total travel time varies with the direction of the circuit. Not every sailing offers a convenient same-day connection between Sal and Boa Vista, so checking the specific date you want is essential.

Departure Times. Sailings frequently leave in the evening or at night rather than during the day, which catches people out when planning onward transport at either end.

Ferry vs. Flying. The ferry is cheaper and carries more luggage, which makes it attractive for anyone travelling with kite or windsurf gear. Domestic flights are far quicker but cost more and have tighter baggage limits. Neither is reliable enough to schedule tightly, so choose on cost and luggage rather than on speed.

Section 2: Booking Tickets

Tickets cannot be bought as you board, so this has to be sorted in advance.

Online. Tickets can be purchased online at cvinterilhas.cv. Book well ahead, since the circuit runs infrequently and the Sal–Boa Vista connection is popular with visitors. Tickets typically become available once the seasonal timetable is published, which means you often can't book many months out.

At the Port or Through an Agency. Tickets can also be bought at port ticket offices, and travel agencies across the country handle bookings too. If you haven't booked online, arrive at the port at least an hour before departure to buy, and be aware that schedules are subject to change, so it's worth buying your return leg at the same time.

Fares. CV Interilhas offers a reduced fare for Cape Verdean nationals and residents, with the non-national fare roughly 60 percent higher, and you may be asked for identification when boarding. As a guide, the Boa Vista–Sal crossing has been quoted at around 2,500 CVE for a roughly three-hour trip, but check current fares when booking.

Changes & Cancellations. Weather cancellations happen. Ask at the time of booking what the operator's policy is for rebooking or refunds when a sailing is cancelled, and keep your booking reference and contact details to hand.

Section 3: Baggage

This is where the ferry beats flying.

The standard allowance is generous by airline standards: typically two checked pieces of up to 25 kg each, plus two pieces of hand luggage of around 8 kg each. Large items and excess baggage may incur an extra charge, and vehicles can be carried on certain routes, though availability and pricing need checking directly with the operator. If you're moving kite gear, boards, or bicycles between islands, contact CV Interilhas before booking rather than turning up and hoping.

Section 4: Departure Day & On Board

What to expect at the port and on the crossing.

At the Port. Arrive well before departure, at least an hour if you already have tickets and longer if you don't, and allow time for luggage and document checks. On Sal, the port is on the west coast, a taxi ride from Santa Maria, so factor that journey in, particularly for a night sailing. On Boa Vista, the port at Sal Rei is close to the town centre and taxis.

On Board. The vessels are generally functional rather than comfortable, with seating indoors, deck space, restrooms, and a small bar or cafeteria selling drinks and simple food. Air conditioning is a common complaint, either fiercely cold or not working at all, so bring layers for both possibilities. Some vessels offer a higher-class cabin for a surcharge.

Section 5: Sea Conditions & Seasickness

The Atlantic between the islands can be rough, particularly in the windy season.

Swells build through the winter and spring trade wind months, and crossings that are smooth in September can be uncomfortable in February. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication well before boarding rather than once you feel unwell, sit low and toward the middle of the vessel, keep your eyes on the horizon, and stay out of stuffy interior spaces if you can.

Section 6: The Buffer Day Rule

If you take one thing from this page, take this.

Sailings are cancelled or rescheduled for weather with little notice, and the circuit only runs a couple of times a week, so a cancellation can cost you several days rather than several hours. Never schedule a ferry crossing on the same day as an international flight home, and build a buffer of at least a day, preferably two, between your last inter-island leg and your departure. If your trip is only a week long, seriously consider staying on one island instead.

Section 7: Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead are schedules published? CV Interilhas publishes a seasonal timetable covering several months at a time, so you generally can't see or book sailings far in advance. Check the operator's site as your travel dates approach.

Can I take a rental car or 4x4 across? Vehicles can be carried on certain routes, but this needs confirming with the operator, and your rental agreement almost certainly won't permit taking the vehicle to another island. Assume you'll rent separately on each island.

What happens if the ferry is cancelled? You'll be rebooked or refunded according to the operator's policy, but with only a couple of sailings a week you may wait days for the next one. This is exactly why buffer days matter.

Is the ferry cheaper than flying? Yes, usually considerably so, and the baggage allowance is far more generous. The trade-offs are journey time, awkward departure hours, and vulnerability to weather.

Can I do Boa Vista as a day trip from Sal? Not realistically. With sailings a couple of times a week and often at night, the timetable doesn't support a day trip. Plan at least a few nights on the second island.

Continue Planning Your Trip

Deciding which island to visit? Our Sal vs. Boa Vista comparison covers the differences. For onward travel once you land, see Getting Around Boa Vista or Getting Around Sal Island. And for entry paperwork before you fly, read our guide to EASE registration and Cape Verde entry requirements.