Post updated here
Information on domestic flights in Cape Verde is scarce and often confusing.
But don’t worry, we’ll tell you all about it in detail.
As with most islands, there are two options to travel between them; across the sea using ferries, and through the air using domestic flights in Cape Verde. Whenever possible we recommend using the airplane, and we will explain why… First, let’s get to know a little about the main means of transport in Cape Verde:
As we can see, the archipelago has four international airports: Praia (Santiago), Sal, Mindelo (Sao Vicente) and Boavista, followed by a small network of domestic airports on the islands of Maio, Fogo and Sao Nicolau. The islands of Brava and Santo Antao have no options for domestic flights in Cape Verde and are accessible only by ferry. By sea, all the islands have a port and ferry option. Below is a table with the most important routes and their weekly frequencies:
Flight / Ferry Frequencies
S.Vic. – S.Antao Ferry | Daily
S.Vicente – Boav. Airplane : Thursday to Sunday
S.Vicente – Salt Airplane | Daily
Praia – S.Vicente Airplane : Daily
Praia – Sal Airplane : Daily
Praia – Boavista Airplane : Does not fly on Tuesdays
Praia – Fogo Airplane : Daily
Praia – Maio Airplane : Twice a week
Praia – S.Nicolau Airplane : Twice a week
Sal – Boavista Airplane : 3 times per week
Sal – Sao Nicolau Airplane : Once a week
Fogo – Brava Ferry : Twice a week
* The schedules, frequencies and even routes can be modified according to the months or the new policies of the respective companies. Apart from those shown, there are also other flights with very low frequencies and with a “one-way” option, due to the circular routes between several islands.
Domestic flights in Cape Verde: which company operates them?
The company that operates between islands in the Creole archipelago is Binter Cape Verde. This Canary company always offers a good experience and a very flexible cabin baggage policy. In addition, the fares include checked baggage of 20kg.
In terms of ferries, the company that operates all routes is Interilhas. With 7 routes and 5 types of ships, two of which are fast, this covers all inter-island maritime transport.
For more information related to domestic flights in Cape Verde and ferries you can click on the following links:
"Many times, when planning a trip ourselves, we do not take into account internal flight schedules and/or the possible problems that delays or cancellations may cause in our program."
Cape Verde, a perfect vacation destination
We recommend using ferries only when there is no alternative. As we can see in the map, there are islands that do not have domestic flights in Cape Verde, such as Brava and Santo Antao. In these cases, we only have one option. In the case of Santo Antao, the ferry is very comfortable and the experience is as pleasant as it is fast, and we can always enjoy good views.
The case of Brava is somewhat more complicated, and as its name indicates, the wind has not historically helped its communications. In 1988 an aerodrome was built that was barely in operation for two years; landing every day in hostile conditions, and being a real adventure, precipitated its early closure. Today we can visit the airport facilities and still wonder how the aircrafts were supposed to land….
View from the Ferry in Sao Vicente
Non-operational airfield, Brava
Air and sea routes
For the rest of the routes that have domestic flights available in Cape Verde, we definitely recommend the plane. This is for two reasons: the quality of the service and the lower risk of suffering long delays or cancellations. Some sea connections depend on how full the ferry is, and sometimes, if there are not enough passengers and goods, they delay it until it is full or simply cancel it. Also, depending on the route, especially the long ones, the comfort and experience with the waves would not provide a pleasant experience at all. If you are a person who gets seasick easily, don’t think twice: airplane.
Landing in Sao Filipe (Fogo)
Dry Mist, an enemy for domestic flights in Cape Verde.
In the winter months, this meteorological phenomenon can occur in which a very dry air mass with suspended dust is dragged from the Sahara desert towards the Atlantic Ocean. In the months when this effect may occur (January, February or March), some domestic flights in Cape Verde may be affected, especially at non-international airports. Some of the smaller airfields do not have anti-fog systems and do not authorize take-off or landing until conditions permit.
Dry haze satellite view (Source: NASA)
The importance of being supported by a specialist agency.
Whether you choose to travel between islands by ferry or through domestic flights in Cape Verde, it is highly recommended that you have a trip designed by a dedicated agency. We’ll tell you why.
Many times, when planning a trip themselves, people do not take into account the schedules of internal flights and/or the possible problems that delays or cancellations may cause in their program. The fact of being accompanied by your agency of origin and in all the islands of Cape Verde, allows you to travel with 0 worries.
In our case, we are informed of any kind of notification concerning domestic flights in Cape Verde and ferries, even before they are published on the official websites. In this way, with this updated information and our experience, we can anticipate and provide quick and efficient solutions. This way your scheduled itinerary will be affected as little as possible.
Now that you know more, all the information regarding domestic flights in Cape Verde is a little clearer.
