São Nicolau to São Vicente: The Ferry to Mindelo

Search São Nicolau → São Vicente ferries

Leaving São Nicolau by sea means boarding the Dona Tututa at the island's small port and sailing northwest to Mindelo, Cape Verde's cultural capital on São Vicente. For residents heading to the city for shopping, university or government services, this is a lifeline route. For travellers, it is the classic way to continue an island-hopping journey through the northern archipelago — and one of the few crossings where you truly feel the scale of the Atlantic between the islands.

Departing from São Nicolau

The ferry departs from the port near Preguiça on São Nicolau's south coast. From the island's capital Ribeira Brava, the port is a short ride — aluguers (shared minibuses) and taxis run the route, and some accommodation owners will arrange a drop-off. If you are staying in Tarrafal or the northern villages, allow extra time for the drive south.

Arrive at the port at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Boarding closes before the scheduled time and late passengers are not accommodated. For a long crossing like this, arriving early also means a better choice of seat.

The Crossing

The journey to São Vicente takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on sea conditions. It is a full half-day voyage across open Atlantic water — not a quick island hop. Bring water, snacks and something to read. The onboard facilities are basic but adequate.

This stretch of ocean can be rough, particularly between November and March when the Atlantic swell is at its strongest. The Redonda line is one of the crossings most sensitive to weather, so delays and cancellations do happen. Check conditions close to your travel date and build flexibility into your plans.

Schedule and Frequency

CV Interilhas' Redonda line serves São Nicolau roughly twice a week, with an occasional third sailing every fortnight when the extended Rectangular rotation runs. The exact departure days shift with each monthly timetable, so there is no fixed weekly pattern to memorise — the most reliable way to find your sailing is to search the live schedule on Ondas.

Schedules are typically published only about a month ahead, which means tickets become available relatively close to the travel date. Book as soon as the timetable is released, especially around holidays and festival periods when São Nicolau residents travel home in numbers.

Operator and Fares

CV Interilhas is the sole operator on this route, using the vessel Dona Tututa on its Linha Redonda circuit. Nôs Ferry does not serve this crossing.

The non-resident fare is approximately 2,850 CVE (~€26) per person each way. Cape Verdean residents pay a reduced fare of approximately 1,900 CVE (~€17). Tickets can be purchased at the port or online at cvinterilhas.cv.

Route: Preguiça (São Nicolau) → Mindelo (São Vicente)

Operator: CV Interilhas (vessel Dona Tututa)

Duration: approximately 5 to 6 hours

Frequency: roughly twice a week (varies with rotation)

Price: residents 1,900 CVE (~€17) · non-residents 2,850 CVE (~€26)

Arriving in Mindelo

The ferry docks at Cais Marítima in Mindelo, right at the edge of the city centre. From the terminal you can walk to most hotels and guesthouses in under fifteen minutes, or grab a taxi on the quayside. Mindelo is compact and easy to navigate on foot.

As Cape Verde's cultural capital and the largest city in the Barlavento group, Mindelo is where much of the archipelago's music, art and nightlife lives. It is the birthplace of Cesária Évora, built around the natural amphitheatre of Porto Grande bay, and the kind of port city that rewards an extra day or two before moving on.

Onward Connections from São Vicente

Mindelo is the transport hub of northern Cape Verde. The most popular onward journey is the ferry to Santo Antão — a 60-minute crossing that runs multiple times daily with both CV Interilhas and Nôs Ferry. Santo Antão's mountain valleys, coastal trails and the clifftop village of Fontainhas make it one of the most visited islands in the country.

Cesária Évora International Airport on São Vicente also connects to Santiago, Sal, Boa Vista and São Nicolau by domestic flights with CVSky.

Ferry or Flight?

CVSky operates flights between Preguiça (SNE) on São Nicolau and São Vicente several times a week. Flying is faster, but the ferry is cheaper and the traditional way to travel between the islands. Many residents and travellers prefer the sea crossing for the experience and the savings — and because flight schedules on smaller islands can shift at short notice.