FerryConnect

Cabo Verde

São Nicolau (Tarrafal) → Sal (Palmeira)

The long eastbound leg of the Linha Redonda, crossing from São Nicolau’s port of Tarrafal to Palmeira on Sal — the ferry alternative to flying between the green western islands and Sal’s resort coast.

⏱ About 8h🚢 1 operator📅 Twice a week each way on the Linha Redonda🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
Book with CV Interilhas→

São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to Sal (Palmeira) ferry at a glance

The ferry from São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to Sal (Palmeira) takes About 8h across the Atlantic Ocean, operated by CV Interilhas. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: twice a week each way on the Linha Redonda.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: cvinterilhas.cv · cvinterilhas.cv · cvinterilhas.cv · cvinterilhas.cv · How we verify

Return crossing: Sal (Palmeira) to São Nicolau (Tarrafal)

CV Interilhas also sails Sal (Palmeira) to São Nicolau (Tarrafal), taking About 8h. Westbound, the ship leaves Sal in the small hours (02:00) and reaches São Nicolau mid-morning.

São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to Sal (Palmeira) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Monday and Friday: Tarrafal 15:00 → Palmeira 23:00. Return Wednesday and Sunday: Palmeira 02:00 → Tarrafal 10:00

Published departure times

  • Tarrafal 15:00 (Mon, Fri)
  • Palmeira 02:00 (Wed, Sun)

Return: Westbound, the ship leaves Sal in the small hours (02:00) and reaches São Nicolau mid-morning.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official CV Interilhas timetable →Check prices & book on CV Interilhas →

Source: CV Interilhas timetable PDF (Linha Redonda) and daily schedule page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between São Nicolau (Tarrafal) and Sal (Palmeira)

📐 80 Nautical Miles
São Nicolau (Tarrafal)⇄Sal (Palmeira)
⏱ About 8h · 📐 80 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to Sal (Palmeira)?

Book your crossing with CV Interilhas: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with CV Interilhas→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
CV InterilhasAbout 8hDona Tututa

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

80 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Palmeira is Sal’s commercial port on the island’s west coast; ENAPOR notes it handles passengers as well as freight and fuel

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from São Nicolau (Tarrafal)São Vicente (Mindelo) → São Nicolau (Tarrafal)About 5h · CV InterilhasOnward from Sal (Palmeira)Sal (Palmeira) → Boa Vista (Sal Rei)About 3h · CV InterilhasNearby alternative crossingPraia (Santiago) → Boa Vista (Sal Rei)About 7h · CV InterilhasNearby alternative crossingSão Vicente (Mindelo) → Santo Antão (Porto Novo)About 1h · CV InterilhasNearby alternative crossingPraia (Santiago) → MaioAbout 2h · CV InterilhasNearby alternative crossingPraia (Santiago) → Fogo (São Filipe)About 4h · CV Interilhas
⚓ Port of Tarrafal guide⚓ Port of Palmeira guide⛴ All ferries from São Nicolau⛴ All ferries from Sal🗺 All ferries in Cabo Verde🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to Sal (Palmeira)?
The crossing typically takes About 8h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to Sal (Palmeira) ferry sail?
Monday and Friday: Tarrafal 15:00 → Palmeira 23:00. Return Wednesday and Sunday: Palmeira 02:00 → Tarrafal 10:00. This is the pattern published in the CV Interilhas timetable PDF (Linha Redonda) and daily schedule page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to Sal (Palmeira)?
CV Interilhas operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to Sal (Palmeira) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to Sal (Palmeira) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to Sal (Palmeira) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is São Nicolau (Tarrafal) from Sal (Palmeira) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 80 nautical miles (roughly 148 km).