Cape Verde has ten volcanic islands in West Africa. Ferries, small boats, and planes link islands. Santiago's main port has frequent, cheap ferries. Island-hopping in "lances" is more scenic, but strong seas can delay it. More extensive island flights are quick but expensive. Cape Verde has several island-hopping options. Santiago's main port offers frequent, affordable ferries. Traditional and scenic "lances" can be delayed by rough seas. Flights between the larger islands are fast and convenient but expensive. Consider cost, duration, and comfort when planning your Cape Verde island-hopping trip. Weather and sea conditions can also affect travel plans, so have a flexible itinerary and allow extra time for delays. Island-hopping in Cape Verde is a unique and rewarding way to explore this beautiful archipelago's diverse culture and landscapes.

How To Get Around The Cape Verde Islands Is A Complete Guide

Learn About Cape Verde's Geography

Getting acquainted with the basic geography of the Cape Verde archipelago is the first step in planning an island hopping holiday. People live on nine of Cape Verde's 10 islands. It is possible to divide these islands into two groups: the windward Barlavento islands as well as the downwind Sotavento islands. Santo Anto, Sal, So Vicente, Santa Small amount of space, So Nicolau, So Nicolau, and Boa Vista are the islands that make up the Barlavento group. Fogo, There are three islands that make up the Sotavento group: Maio, Santiago, and Brava.

Pick The Appropriate Form Of Transportation

Different modes of transport between Cape Verdean islands have advantages and disadvantages. The available choices are as follows:

• TACV, the national airline of Cape Verde, provides transportation by air. This is the quickest and most hassle-free way to get from one island to another, but it can also be the most costly.
• Two ferry services, Cabo Verde Fast Ferry and Naviera Armas connect the islands. These ferries are a decent alternative if you're looking to save money on transportation but are okay with a lengthier trip. However, ferry times are unpredictable, and the ride can be challenging, especially in wet weather.
• If you're visiting with a large group, consider hiring a private boat to transport you to and from the islands. While this route is more costly, it provides greater flexibility in planning and execution.
• You'll need to use a local boat to get to Santa Luzia and Boa Vista, two of the smaller islands. Small and somewhat uncomfortable, these boats are the most economical and genuine means to get from island to island.

Plan Your Itinerary

Having chosen your form of transportation, the next step is to map out your journey. When arranging your trip, keep in mind the following details:

• Although Cape Verde is relatively small, the distances between its individual islands can be rather large. For instance, from Santiago to So Vicente, it takes roughly an hour to fly but nearly three hours to get by ferry.
• The cost of getting from one island to another varies widely, as was indicated earlier. Although flights are more expensive than ferries, they get you there quicker.
• Time: Plan your itinerary around how long you wish to spend on each island. If you're looking to get outside, consider extending your stay on an island like Santo Anto, where there are several hiking opportunities and other outdoor recreation forms. Boa Vista, another island, is famous for its beaches and could be better suited for a shorter trip.

Book Your Tickets In Advance

Before the busy travel season begins, it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance (December to April). This step will guarantee the lowest fares and a reserved seat on your preferred mode of transportation.

Conclusion

There are several options for travelling between the islands of Cape Verde. Ferries are a popular and economical choice, with regular departures from the main port on the island of Santiago. Small boats, or "lances," offer a more traditional and scenic option, although they can be prone to rough seas and delays. Flights between the larger islands offer a quick and convenient option, although they can be more expensive. Planning an island hopping vacation in Cape Verde requires attention to details like budget, time, and luxury. Keep in mind that the weather and sea conditions can also impact travel plans, so it is a good idea to have a flexible itinerary and to allow extra time for potential delays. Regardless of the mode of transport you choose, island-hopping in Cape Verde is a unique and rewarding experience that offers the chance to discover this beautiful archipelago's diverse culture and landscapes.