Maio to Santiago: The Ferry to Praia

Search Maio → Praia ferries

Getting off Maio by sea means a two-hour crossing west to Praia, the national capital on Santiago. For Maio's residents this is the essential link to hospitals, government offices, the university, and the international airport that connects Cape Verde to the rest of the world. For travellers who have spent a few days on one of the quietest islands in the archipelago, the ferry back to Praia is the natural next step — and a short enough ride that you can be in the city by lunchtime.

Departing from Maio

The ferry leaves from the port in Vila do Maio, the island's small capital. Everything on Maio is close, so reaching the port from any guesthouse or rental in town is a short walk or taxi ride. If you are staying at one of the beach lodges outside Vila, arrange transport to the port the evening before — options are limited early in the morning.

Be at the port at least 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. Boarding closes early and the vessel will not wait for latecomers.

The Crossing

The voyage from Maio to Praia takes about 2 hours. The water between the two islands is generally calmer than the longer northern crossings, though some swell is possible, particularly in the winter months. The Liberdadi has basic seating and a covered deck — bring water and a snack for the ride.

Schedule and Frequency

CV Interilhas' Linha Sotavento serves Maio a few times a week. The exact sailing days vary with the seasonal timetable and fortnightly rotation, so there is no single weekly pattern you can count on from month to month. The most reliable way to check is to search the live schedule on Ondas for your travel dates.

Timetables are typically released about a month in advance, so tickets become available relatively close to the travel date. For holiday periods and local festival weekends, book as soon as the schedule is published — the ferry is how most Maio residents travel, and seats fill up.

Operator and Fares

CV Interilhas is the sole operator, using the vessel Liberdadi on its Linha Sotavento circuit connecting Santiago, Fogo, Brava and Maio.

The non-resident fare is approximately 2,300 CVE (~€21) per person each way. Cape Verdean residents pay a reduced fare of approximately 1,530 CVE (~€14). Tickets can be purchased at the port or online at cvinterilhas.cv.

Route: Vila do Maio (Maio) → Praia (Santiago)

Operator: CV Interilhas (vessel Liberdadi)

Duration: about 2 hours

Frequency: a few sailings per week (varies with rotation)

Price: residents 1,530 CVE (~€14) · non-residents 2,300 CVE (~€21)

Arriving in Praia

The ferry docks at the port in Praia, a short taxi ride from the city centre and the Plateau, the historic hilltop quarter that is home to government buildings, the cathedral, and the old colonial streets. Sucupira market, where most locals shop, is nearby.

Praia is the largest city in Cape Verde and the seat of national government. It is also the main gateway out of the country — Nelson Mandela International Airport handles flights to Lisbon, the Canary Islands, Dakar and beyond. If your next move is an international departure, arriving by ferry from Maio the day before gives you a comfortable margin.

Onward Connections from Praia

From Santiago you can continue by ferry to Fogo and Brava on the same Sotavento line, or connect to the northern islands via the Redonda circuit. Domestic flights with CVSky link Praia to Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente and other islands.

Ferry or Flight?

Maio has a small domestic airport with occasional CVSky flights to Praia. Flying is faster when available, but the ferry is cheaper, runs more predictably, and remains the way most people travel between the two islands.