Are you anxious about getting stuck on the tarmac while perfect waves roll in elsewhere without you? Arranging transportation for your surf trip to Cape Verde is often a logistical headache, which is why I’m here to explain how to skillfully juggle sometimes unpredictable domestic flights and more economical local ferries. I’ll share my practical tips for saving money on tickets and securing your board bag, because mastering these inter-island trips is the only way to guarantee a successful trip without blowing your budget or losing precious surfing time.
- Plane or ferry: the big dilemma for the surfer in Cape Verde
- Comparison of inter-island transport for your surfing trip
- Planning your island hopping: the golden rules in Cape Verde
- Travelling to the islands: the logistics of everyday life for surfers
- Strategy for transport by island of surfing
- Frequent cancellations and delays in Cape Verde: something to anticipate
Plane or ferry: the big dilemma for the surfer in Cape Verde
For your surf trip, you have two options: plane or ferry. It all depends on your budget and your patience with the elements.
Domestic flights: the quick solution, but an unpredictable one
The aeroplane remains the fastest way to travel between the islands of the archipelago. You will fly with Cabo Verde Airlines. Flights take an average of 20 to 50 minutes and cost approximately £50–£150 per flight.
Your main advantage as a surfer is saving time to maximise your sessions. Less travel time mathematically equals more time in the water. That’s the priority.
The big problem is the unpredictable reliability of flights. Flights are often subject to delays or cancellations, especially due to the capricious weather such as dry fog.
“That’s my choice when the timing is tight, but I always keep an eye on the weather before booking.“
The ferry: the economical option for patient surfers
The CV Interilhas ferry is the low-cost alternative for travelling by sea. Expect to pay between €8 ($9) and €40 ($44). It’s a more local and authentic experience. You really get to mix with the locals.
It’s a good option for those on a tight budget, but you need to be patient. Crossings are long and infrequent, often only 2-3 times a week for long distances.
The main drawback is the rough seas, which can make crossings uncomfortable and cause cancellations. If you get seasick, think twice, especially with a board under your arm. Sometimes it’s the only option for Santo Antão.
“I took the ferry to Santo Antão, arriving on the island with the cliffs that rise up, it was worth the trip.”
Comparison of inter-island transport for your surfing trip
Now that you have the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Which mode of transport should you choose based on your priorities? Here is a comparison to help you decide.
The match: speed vs budget vs flexibility
The aeroplane offers pure speed, but your budget may quickly skyrocket. Conversely, the ferry saves you money and immerses you in the local vibe. Expect endless crossings and sometimes unpredictable schedules, however. That’s the price of authenticity.
If you’re coming for a week of intensive surfing, fly without hesitation. But if you have a month ahead of you to explore, the boat becomes a valid option. Your travel style dictates the logistics.
Never book an international flight on the same day as a domestic flight or ferry crossing. This is the golden rule in Cape Verde for avoiding cold sweats.
Comparison table: aeroplane versus ferry
Want to avoid transport hassles that ruin a session? Face the facts.
| Criterion | Aircraft (Domestic flights) | Ferry (CV Interilhas) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast (20–50 mins) | Slow (1 hour to 12 hours+) |
| Cost | High (€50 ($55) – €150 ($164)) | Low (€8 ($9) – €40 ($44)) |
| Reliability / Punctuality | Average (sensitive to weather conditions, delays) | Low (possible cancellations, rough seas) |
| Comfort | Good | Variable (can be very rough) |
| Board transport | Available at an additional cost | Simple and less expensive |
| Environmental impact | High | Lower per passenger |
As you can see, there is no perfect solution, just compromises. It’s up to you to decide based on your priorities.
Planning your island hopping: the golden rules in Cape Verde
Okay, so you’ve chosen between flying and sailing. But be careful, transport in Cape Verde has its own rules. Here’s how to avoid getting caught out.
Flexibility: your best ally against the unexpected
Here, the timetable displayed remains a suggestion. Delays and cancellations are an integral part of the local experience. If you expect Swiss precision for your transfers, you will end up frustrated on the tarmac.
Golden rule: never schedule an inter-island transfer just before your international return flight. Always allow for extra days in your itinerary to absorb any unexpected events without panicking.
From December to March, the Harmattan, a sandy wind, often grounds aeroplanes. Keep an eye on disturbances linked to the Harmattan, because here, the weather controls everything.
Booking in advance: a good idea (when possible)
When it comes to domestic flights, improvisation can be costly. During peak season (December to April), seats sell out quickly. Book your ticket online as early as possible to secure your seat and avoid exorbitant fares.
As for the ferry, the timetables are often late. Online booking is available, but given the frequent changes, purchasing directly at the port is still sometimes necessary to validate your ticket.
For ferries, check the CV Interilhas website a few days in advance, but always have a plan B. That’s what adventure is all about!
Travelling with your surfboard
Managing your board bag requires extreme vigilance. For air travel, carefully review the baggage policy: weight limits are strict. An undeclared board can cost you the price of a new ticket.
By ferry, the atmosphere is more relaxed and transportation costs a fraction of the price. On land, a rental company will charge you for your cover on the roof. Learn to travel with your surfboard forsurfing without stress to enjoy and discover the surfboards from surf modular from at Newave.
Travelling to the islands: the logistics of everyday life for surfers
Once you arrive on an island, the journey isn’t over. Now you have to get to the spots. Forget the underground, here the options are much more authentic.
The aluguer: the ultimate in local transport
You’re bound to come across these colourful minibuses or pick-up trucks known as aluguers. They are the cheapest way to get around, used by all the locals for just a few escudos.
The operation is simple: the driver only starts the engine when the vehicle is completely full. Be patient, and enjoy the atmosphere, it’s a guaranteed immersion into Cape Verdean life.
This is the ideal option for reaching the main villages or travelling from the airport to Santa Maria. They accept your boards without any problem, often tied to the roof with ropes.
Taxis and car hire: comfort and freedom
If you are in a hurry, private taxis are the most efficient way to get to your accommodation. They are more expensive, but direct. A word of advice: always negotiate the price before getting in, especially if you are arriving at the airport with all your luggage.
Renting a car remains the Holy Grail for surfers seeking complete independence. You will be able to chase the waves on a the isolated spots without depending on random schedules.
Be careful of the terrain; a 4×4 vehicle is often necessary because the roads are roads to the best breaks are often rocky tracks caillouteuses. Good news, your French driving licence is sufficient to hire a jeep.
Checklist for transport to an island
Here is a brief summary to help you choose your mode of transport once you arrive.
- Hire: For those on a budget and for a local experience on the main roads.
- Taxi: For quick, direct or night-time journeys (negotiate the fare!).
- 4×4 hire: For complete freedom and access to remote surf spots.
Finally, mix these options according to your needs of the day is often the best strategy.
Strategy for transport by island of surfing
Each island has its own unique vibe. Adapting your transportation strategy is transport is the key to not missing a single bit of your surf trip. Here is my feedback based on my experience.
Sal and Boa Vista: the most accessible
Sal and Boa Vista, major tourist hubs, are the best connected. With their international airports, air connections are frequent and fast. The ferry remains an option, but only if you have time.
In Sal, forget about renting a car. Taxis and aluguers are more than enough to get you to Santa Maria or the Ponta Preta spot. Save your budget for the essentials.
For Boa Vista, which is larger and wilder, a 4×4 is a real bonus. It is ideal for seeking out the isolated surf spots of Sal and Boa Vista and exploring miles of deserted coastline.
“What’s more, you have a direct flight from Bordeaux with Transavia for the islands once a week. a6> 2 islands once a week for around €300 (price as of November 2025).”
São Vicente and Santo Antão: the inseparable duo
São Vicente has its own airport, but the adventure continues on the water. Santo Antão is only accessible by ferry. Allow an hour for the crossing, which is often rough but magnificent.
In São Vicente, getting around is easy. You can hire a taxi or a7> a taxi will take you to the spot in São Pedro quickly. The island is compact, so there is no need to hire a vehicle.
In Santo Antão, the terrain is breathtaking. The hire cars overlook the coastal road and remain the most reliable means of transport. It is steep, but memorable sessions await the surfer.
“Please note that if you are travelling from Boa Vista, you will first have to go via Sal, and the journey between connections is quite long. Boa Vista -> Sal -> Sao Vicente -> Santo Antão. Quite a journey!”
Santiago: the capital island and its options
Santiago, with Praia Airport, is the hub of the archipelago. It is the largest island, so distances change the situation. The journeys between the spots are much longer here.
Here, hiring a car makes perfect sense for independence. You will surely want to drive up to Tarrafal in the north. There are aluguers but they mainly connect the main towns.
Choosing between flying and taking the ferry will depend mainly on your budget and your patience. In Cape Verde, transportation is an adventure in itself: stay flexible and always plan for unexpected events. Regardless of the option, the goal remains the same: exploring some incredible spots. So, grab your board and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the islands.
Cancellations and frequent delays in Cape Verde: something to anticipate
Travel between the islands of Cape Verde can be more complex than it appears, mainly due to weather conditions. Wind plays a key role in the reliability of inter-island transport and can severely disrupt travel, even on short journeys.
Wind and trade winds, the primary cause of transportation disruptions
Cape Verde is subject to trade winds, which are particularly strong during the dry season between December and March. This period also coincides with the peak surfing season, which explains why many travelers encounter logistical difficulties at this time. When the wind blows strongly, takeoff and landing conditions become more difficult on certain islands, leading to delays or cancellations of domestic flights. Sea connections are even more sensitive to these conditions, as the sea can quickly become too rough to ensure safe crossings.
Inter-island flights: fast, but not always reliable
Airplanes remain the fastest way to travel between islands, but their reliability depends largely on the weather. In the event of strong winds, inter-island flights may be canceled at the last minute or postponed to the following days. Operational priorities may also be given to international flights, which prolongs delays for domestic connections. For this reason, it is strongly advised not to schedule an inter-island flight just before an international departure.
Ferries and maritime connections: highly dependent on sea conditions
Ferries are an alternative on certain routes, but they remain highly dependent on sea conditions. As soon as the wind picks up and the swell increases, crossings may be canceled or maintained in sometimes uncomfortable conditions. These cancellations are frequent and are part of the normal operation of maritime transport in the archipelago.
“During our stay in Cape Verde in January, we wanted to visit the island of Santo Antao, but unfortunately, due to the wind, the ferries were canceled for four days.”
Allow yourself plenty of time to travel stress-free in Cape Verde
Traveling between the islands of Cape Verde means accepting a degree of uncertainty. Allowing for extra days in your itinerary, avoiding tight connections, and limiting the number of island changes can significantly reduce the risk of complications. In this archipelago, delays and cancellations should be considered a normal constraint to be factored in when planning your trip, rather than an exceptional unforeseen event.
FAQ
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You have two main options for island hopping: by air or by sea. The aeroplane (usually via Cabo Verde Airlines or Bestfly) is the fastest option (20 to 50 minutes) to maximise your time in the water, but costs between €50 ($55) and €150 ($164) one way. The ferry (CV Interilhas) is the “back to basics” and economical alternative (€8 ($9) to €40 ($44)), ideal if you have the time and the sea legs, as the crossings can be long and rough.
The most local and economical means of transport is the aluguer. These are shared minibuses that travel along the main roads; you get on, you pay a modest sum and you enjoy the atmosphere. For more freedom or to reach remote spots that are inaccessible by public transport, hiring a 4×4 is often necessary, especially on islands such as Boa Vista or Santiago.
Taxis are more expensive than renting a car, but they are very convenient for transporting your board bag without any hassle or for nighttime trips. a9> trips at night. There isn’t always a meter: the golden rule is to always negotiate the price before getting in. That’s the norm here, and it will save you from any unpleasant surprises when you arrive at the spot.
You have to be flexible! The weather controls everything in Cape Verde. In winter, the wind (the harmattan) can ground aeroplanes, and the swell may prevent ferries from leaving port. Delays and cancellations are part of the adventure. A piece of advice from a friend: never plan an international flight on the same day as an inter-island transfer inter-island, always allow a margin of safety.
When travelling by aeroplane, this is often a sensitive issue: expect to pay a supplement (sometimes around €100 ($109)) and check carefully the a12> size limits set by the company before you book. By ferry, it is much simpler and less expensive. Once on land, most hire cars and taxis will accept your board, often secured on the roof with straps, for a small extra charge.
Sal is a fairly small and flat island, which makes things easier. The aluguers run continuously between the main town (Espargos) and the tourist area (Santa Maria). To go surfing at Ponta Preta or to Palmeira, you will easily find taxis or pick-ups. Car hire is not essential, unless you want to be completely independent.
