FerryConnect

Cabo Verde

São Vicente (Mindelo) → São Nicolau (Tarrafal)

The first leg of CV Interilhas’ Linha Redonda, the “round line” that links the Barlavento and Sotavento islands: the Dona Tututa sails from Mindelo to Tarrafal on São Nicolau, the mountainous island Cesária Évora sang of as the island of nostalgia.

⏱ About 5h🚢 1 operator📅 Twice a week each way on the Linha Redonda🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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São Vicente (Mindelo) to São Nicolau (Tarrafal) ferry at a glance

The ferry from São Vicente (Mindelo) to São Nicolau (Tarrafal) takes About 5h 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 · enapor.cv · How we verify

Return crossing: São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to São Vicente (Mindelo)

CV Interilhas also sails São Nicolau (Tarrafal) to São Vicente (Mindelo), taking About 5h. Return sailings run on Wednesdays and Sundays at the end of the ship’s loop from Praia.

São Vicente (Mindelo) to São Nicolau (Tarrafal) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Monday and Friday: Mindelo 09:00 → Tarrafal 14:00. Return Wednesday and Sunday: Tarrafal 11:00 → Mindelo 16:00

On alternate weeks an extra Linha Redonda/Retangular rotation also calls at Fogo.

Published departure times

  • Mindelo 09:00 (Mon, Fri)
  • Tarrafal 11:00 (Wed, Sun)

Return: Return sailings run on Wednesdays and Sundays at the end of the ship’s loop from Praia.

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 Direct Ferries →

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

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between São Vicente (Mindelo) and São Nicolau (Tarrafal)

📐 41 Nautical Miles
São Vicente (Mindelo)⇄São Nicolau (Tarrafal)
⏱ About 5h · 📐 41 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
CV InterilhasAbout 5hDona Tututa

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

41 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • ENAPOR says the Port of Tarrafal is mainly for inter-island traffic, with two piers and a metal ro-ro ramp
  • The ship continues from São Nicolau to Sal, Boa Vista and Praia

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from São Vicente (Mindelo)São Vicente (Mindelo) → Santo Antão (Porto Novo)About 1h · CV InterilhasOnward from São Nicolau (Tarrafal)São Nicolau (Tarrafal) → Sal (Palmeira)About 8h · CV InterilhasNearby alternative crossingSal (Palmeira) → Boa Vista (Sal Rei)About 3h · CV InterilhasNearby alternative crossingFogo (São Filipe) → BravaAbout 1h · CV InterilhasNearby alternative crossingPraia (Santiago) → Boa Vista (Sal Rei)About 7h · CV InterilhasNearby alternative crossingPraia (Santiago) → Fogo (São Filipe)About 4h · CV Interilhas
⚓ Porto Grande, Mindelo guide⚓ Port of Tarrafal guide⛴ All ferries from São Vicente⛴ All ferries from São Nicolau🗺 All ferries in Cabo Verde🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from São Vicente (Mindelo) to São Nicolau (Tarrafal)?
The crossing typically takes About 5h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the São Vicente (Mindelo) to São Nicolau (Tarrafal) ferry sail?
Monday and Friday: Mindelo 09:00 → Tarrafal 14:00. Return Wednesday and Sunday: Tarrafal 11:00 → Mindelo 16:00. On alternate weeks an extra Linha Redonda/Retangular rotation also calls at Fogo. 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 Vicente (Mindelo) to São Nicolau (Tarrafal)?
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 Vicente (Mindelo) to São Nicolau (Tarrafal) 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 Vicente (Mindelo) to São Nicolau (Tarrafal) 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 Vicente (Mindelo) to São Nicolau (Tarrafal) 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 Vicente (Mindelo) from São Nicolau (Tarrafal) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 41 nautical miles (roughly 76 km).