Cruise passengers
A cruise day in Mindelo or Praia without a tour
Short answer
Cruise ships call mostly at Porto Grande in Mindelo and at the port of Praia, the tourism board says. In Mindelo the town, the market and the waterfront are the day; in Praia, the Plateau and a beach. Keep every plan well inside your all-aboard time: nothing here waits for a ship.
Where the ships dock
The tourism board says the ports most used by cruise ships are in Mindelo and Praia. Porto Grande in São Vicente has a covered terminal for passengers; Porto da Praia has a passenger terminal more than 355 metres long. The busiest cruise season runs from October to April. ENAPOR, the ports authority, reports cruise calls at Porto Grande in its news.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeCruise tourism in Cabo VerdeENAPORCruise news from the ports authority
Mindelo on foot
The tourism board suggests discovering Mindelo by strolling through the city and ending at the Mindelo Market. For anything further, taxis are São Vicente’s main transport — agree the price before you start — and the board names two taxi apps that work in Mindelo, Nha Taxi and Zoomly.
Santo Antão is 40 minutes away by ferry, but tickets must be bought at least 1 h 30 before departure and check-in closes an hour before sailing. On a normal call that leaves little time on the other side, and the ferry will not wait for your ship.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeCruise tourism in Cabo VerdeSão Vicente islandGetting around each island by landCV InterIlhasTicket purchase rulesPassenger rules: check-in, luggage and assistance
Praia without a car
The tourism board points cruise visitors in Praia to Quebra Canela beach, local shops and restaurants, and the Municipal Market. Sol Atlântico’s real-time map lists lines 2 to 16 and 18 to 20, nearly all through Plateau (line 15 still has a suspension notice from 6 August 2024), but trips are sold on prepaid cards bought at a customer desk — on a single day, taxis are simpler.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeCruise tourism in Cabo VerdeSol AtlânticoReal-time bus map and line listProvisional suspension of line 15Tariffs, cards and passes
Money ashore
The tourism board says ATMs are available on all islands and that euros are accepted in many places, but advises escudos for small purchases. Cotacâmbios says it is in the final stage of expanding to the Porto Grande and Praia passenger terminals; until a desk is open, do not count on one.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeCurrency and costsCabo Verde AirportsFinancial services at the airports
Sponsored
Where the bus is not enough
Booking through these links supports this free guide at no extra cost to you.
Guided trips for places public transport does not reach. Book only what the answer above leaves uncovered.
Questions travellers ask
Can I visit Santo Antão on a cruise stop in Mindelo?
Only on a long call. The crossing is 40 minutes each way, but you must buy tickets at least 1 h 30 ahead and check in an hour before sailing, and the boat will not wait for your ship.
Sources: CV InterIlhasRoutes, schedules and crossing timesTicket purchase rulesPassenger rules: check-in, luggage and assistance
Is there a shuttle bus from the cruise terminal?
No source we checked publishes one. Ask your cruise line; otherwise, Mindelo’s centre is the tourism board’s suggested walk, and taxis are available.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeCruise tourism in Cabo Verde
When is the cruise season in Cape Verde?
The tourism board says cruise traffic peaks between October and April.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeCruise tourism in Cabo Verde