Mindelo to Santo Antão Ferry: Times, Fares & Day Trip
Mindelo to Santo Antão: Ferry & Day Trip Guide
How to cross from São Vicente to Santo Antão: operators, fares, timings, getting around on arrival, and how to plan a day trip.
From Mindelo's waterfront, the mountains of Santo Antão rise across the channel, green, jagged, and completely unlike dry São Vicente. They're only an hour away. The ferry between the two islands is the most frequent and reliable crossing in Cape Verde, which makes Santo Antão the country's easiest island hop, whether you're going for a day or staying to hike.
At a Glance: Quick Overview
Route: Mindelo, São Vicente, to Porto Novo, Santo Antão.
Crossing Time: Around 50–60 minutes.
Operators: CV Interilhas and Nôs Ferry.
Sailings: Up to four departures a day in each direction, morning and afternoon.
Fare: Around 1,500 CVE (about €14) each way for non-residents.
Arrive: At least 30 minutes before departure. The ferry leaves on time.
Only Way In: Santo Antão has no working airport.
Section 1: Why Go to Santo Antão
The perfect contrast to São Vicente.
São Vicente is Cape Verde's cultural capital, arid and urban. Santo Antão is its opposite: steep volcanic mountains, deep green valleys, terraced sugarcane fields, cliffside villages, and some of the best hiking in the Atlantic. The two islands complement each other perfectly, and many visitors plan them together.
Getting There. Santo Antão has no working airport, so the ferry from Mindelo is the only way to reach the island. Its airstrip is no longer in service.
Day Trip or Longer? A day trip gives you the highlights by car. To hike properly, and to experience the island's quiet evenings, plan to stay a few nights.
Section 2: The Ferry
Everything you need to know about the crossing.
Operators & Vessels
Two companies run the route. CV Interilhas operates the Chiquinho, and Nôs Ferry operates the Mar d'Canal. Their departure times differ, so check both to find the sailing that suits you.
Terminals
In Mindelo: Ferries leave from the Cais Marítima terminal on the seafront, easy to reach from the city centre on foot or by taxi.
In Porto Novo: The ferry terminal is right in the centre of town.
Sailings & Timing
Between the two operators, there are up to four departures from Mindelo and four from Porto Novo every day, with both companies running morning and afternoon crossings. Exact times change with each operator's timetable, and can differ on Sundays and public holidays, so check the current schedule before you travel. Note that there are no sailings on 1 January.
For a Day Trip. Take an early morning ferry from Mindelo and an afternoon ferry back from Porto Novo, which gives you most of the day on the island.
Fares
The non-resident fare is 1,500 CVE (about €14) with CV Interilhas and 1,470 CVE (about €13) with Nôs Ferry, per person each way. Cape Verdean residents pay a reduced 950 CVE. A return trip therefore costs around €27–€28.
Buying Tickets
Tickets can be bought at the terminal in Mindelo or online through the CV Interilhas website, and both operators accept payment at the port. You can usually buy on the day, but on weekends and holidays, book ahead. Book well in advance around carnival, Christmas, and New Year. Bring your passport or ID.
Boarding
Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The ferry is known for being extremely punctual, and the gangway is pulled away around 10 minutes before it leaves, so late passengers will be left behind.
Section 3: On Board & Sea Conditions
What the crossing is like.
The Channel. The crossing is open Atlantic water, and it can be choppy and swell-y, particularly in the windier months from roughly November to March.
Reliability. Despite this, the São Vicente to Santo Antão crossing is the most reliable in Cape Verde and rarely gets cancelled. When sailings are disrupted, operators post updates, so check before leaving for the terminal if the weather looks rough.
Seasickness. If you're prone to it, take tablets around half an hour before boarding, sit low and in the middle of the vessel, and keep your eyes on the horizon.
On Board. Expect indoor seating and outside deck areas, and a snack bar with coffee and light bites. The views of both islands are worth keeping your camera out for.
Section 4: Arriving in Porto Novo
How to get around Santo Antão.
Drivers & Guides. Drivers and guides meet arriving ferries outside the terminal, and many visitors arrange a driver in advance.
By Aluguer. Shared minibuses wait for the ferry and run to the island's main towns, including Ribeira Grande and Paúl, for a few hundred Escudos. They leave when full. They're cheap, but they won't let you stop at viewpoints, and fitting a full loop into a day by aluguer is difficult.
With a Private Driver. For a day trip, hiring a driver is by far the best option, typically costing around €50–€80 for the day per vehicle, which becomes good value when shared. A driver can stop wherever you like and will make sure you're back for the ferry. Agree the price, route, and return time in advance.
Section 5: Day Trip Itineraries
Two ways to spend a day on Santo Antão.
Option 1: The Mountain & Coast Loop
The classic day trip, covering the island's most spectacular scenery.
The Estrada da Corda. From Porto Novo, drive up the historic cobbled road that climbs through the mountains to the green north of the island.
Cova. Stop at the rim of an ancient volcanic crater, whose floor is farmed, with cloud often spilling over its edges.
The Delgadinho Ridge. The road runs along a narrow crest with steep valleys dropping away on either side, one of the most dramatic viewpoints in Cape Verde.
Ribeira Grande & Ponta do Sol. Descend to the north coast towns and the fishing harbour at Ponta do Sol.
Fontainhas. Visit the tiny village perched on a ridge above the Atlantic, one of the most photographed places in the islands.
Back to Porto Novo. Return via the faster coastal road in time for the afternoon ferry.
Option 2: The Paúl Valley
A slower, greener day focused on one of the island's most beautiful valleys.
The Paúl Valley. Head to Paúl and walk among terraces of sugarcane, bananas, papayas, and mangoes.
A Grogue Mill. Visit a traditional sugarcane mill to see how grogue is made, and taste it and ponche.
Lunch. Eat at a local restaurant in the valley, where fresh local produce is the highlight.
Section 6: What a Day Trip Costs
Rough costs per person.
Ferry: Around €27–€28 return for non-residents.
Transport on Santo Antão: A few Euros by aluguer, or around €50–€80 for a private driver for the day, shared across your group.
Lunch & Drinks: Around €8–€15.
Grogue Tasting & Small Fees: A few Euros.
Total: Roughly €40–€50 per person travelling by aluguer, or €70–€100+ with a private driver shared between two, less in a larger group.
Section 7: Day Trip Checklist
Ferry Tickets: Booked in advance on weekends and holidays, with your passport or ID.
Timing: At the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure, in both directions.
Seasickness Tablets: Taken before boarding if you need them.
Cash: Escudos or Euros in small notes for drivers, cafés, and fruit stands, since cards are less widely accepted on Santo Antão.
Layers: A windbreaker or light jacket for the ferry deck and for the mountains, which are cooler and mistier than the coast.
Footwear: Comfortable shoes with good grip for cobbled roads and short walks.
A Return Buffer: Aim to be back in Porto Novo well before the last ferry.
Continue Planning Your Trip
For how this day fits into a longer stay, read Three Days in São Vicente. For transport and prices on São Vicente, see Getting Around São Vicente. And for all inter-island crossings, our guide to inter-island travel in Cape Verde covers every route.
Booking ferry transport from Mindelo (São Vicente) to Santo Antão island
Booking ferry transport from Mindelo (São Vicente) to Santo Antão is straightforward, but advance planning ensures a smooth day trip or hiking excursion.
1. Where & How to Book Tickets
- At the Ferry Terminal: You can buy tickets directly at the passenger ticket office inside the Porto Grande Ferry Terminal along the harbor promenade in Mindelo.
- Online Booking: Tickets can be booked in advance via the official CV Interilhas online portal.
- Via Hotel / Reception: Many hotel receptions and local travel agencies in Mindelo can assist with booking or arranging ferry tickets.
- When to Buy: It is strongly recommended to purchase your ticket at least 24 to 48 hours in advance (or the day before) to secure your seat, particularly on weekends or during high season.
- Identification: You must present your passport or valid photo ID when purchasing tickets and scanning at the boarding gate.
2. Route, Operator & Pricing Details
- Route: Porto Grande (Mindelo, São Vicente) ➔ Porto Novo (Santo Antão).
- Primary Operator: CV Interilhas.
- Crossing Time: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour across the channel.
- Ticket Cost: Expect to pay around 1,000 to 1,500 CVE (~€10–€15 / $10–$15 USD) each way per adult.
- Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards (e.g., Revolut, N26) or cash in Euros / Escudos are accepted.
3. Recommended Day-Trip Schedule for Hikers
To maximize hiking time in Santo Antão's lush valleys (such as Vale do Paúl or Cova Crater), use the following schedule:
- Departure from Mindelo: Catch an early morning ferry (typically departing around 07:00 AM or 08:00 AM). Arrive at the terminal 30–45 minutes prior for check-in.
- Return Departure from Porto Novo: Take the late afternoon return ferry (typically departing around 16:00 PM or 17:00 PM), which gives you roughly 7–8 hours to explore.
4. Onward Transport Upon Arrival at Porto Novo
When you disembark at Porto Novo in Santo Antão, transport options wait right outside the port exit:
- Shared Minibuses (Alugueres): Local white Hiace vans wait outside to take hikers directly to popular starting points like Pombas / Paúl Valley, Ribeira Grande, or Ponta do Sol for ~200–300 CVE (~€2.00).
- Private Taxi Drivers: You can hire a private driver at the port (~€50–€80 for the day) to take you up the historic mountain road (Estrada da Corda) to drop you off at trailheads and pick you up after your hike.
5. Essential Crossing Tips
- Rough Atlantic Seas: The ocean channel between São Vicente and Santo Antão is open Atlantic water and can experience strong trade winds and swells. If you are prone to seasickness, take motion sickness medication 30 minutes before boarding.
- Weather Contrast: While Mindelo is warm and arid, Santo Antão's mountain passes can be cool, misty, and rainy. Pack a light windbreaker or rain jacket alongside sturdy hiking shoes.