Cape Verde has something for everyone!
Whether sailing enthusiasts, hikers, beach lovers, peace seekers, windsurfing or diving fans!
And that far away from tourist crowds!
About 800 nautical miles south of the Canary Islands and 400 nautical miles west of the African coast awaits you a sailing area of superlatives!
The insider tip for experienced sailors!
Why charter on Cape Verde?
- Tropical air & water temperatures all year (no rainy season, hurricanes, etc …)
- Miles of pristine sandy beaches far away from mass tourism
- Few other yachts, no “nautical mass tourism” – sailing in its most original form
- Crystal clear water with great biodiversity (dolphins, whales, tuna, etc …)
- Friendly and helpful residents full of zest for life
- Traditional music and singing
- Resistant NO Passat (winter 4-5 Beaufort, summer 3-4 Beaufort) – all in just 6 hours flight from Europe
Every island is different, discover your favorite island!
The Cape Verde Islands are divided into two groups of islands. The northern islands of the Barlavento (“islands over the wind”), as well as the southern islands of the Sotavento (“islands under the wind”). Only nine of the fifteen islands are permanently inhabited!
Extensive sandy beaches can be found mainly on the flat eastern islands, as well as on Sao Vicente. Behind the beaches stretch dune areas and salt marshes.
You will find a variety of plant species there, around 90 of which are found nowhere else in the world. The uninhabited island of Santa Luzia lures with miles of secluded sandy beaches. If you are planning a longer stay, be sure to sail south to the island of Fogo.
Visiting the 2.728m high volcano is a must, not only for hikers. Only about 10 nautical miles away is the completely opposite island of Brava, which is also known as flower island.
Very interesting video clips about the islands can be found here.
Boa Vista: “The Cozy”
Boa Vista is one of the flat eastern islands with many sand dunes. Sal Rei is located on the north side of the islands, from miles of wide beaches to Praia da Chave. Around the offshore island of Ilheu de Sal Rai is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling areas in Cape Verde with its calm waters and rich flora and fauna. Just north of Sal Rei in the bay of Esperanca are more than 50 wrecks from over five centuries. The main activity of the island is in addition to the emerging tourism, the fishing and the cannery and fish factory.
Brava: “The Flower Island”
Brava is the smallest inhabited island of Cape Verde and is also called the flower island.
Since the island is very high, it is almost constantly surrounded by Passat clouds and thanks to this humid, fertile climate thrive beautiful plants such as hibiscus and oleander. A ride on the Aluguer (shared taxi) in the higher village Nova Sintra is recommended. The descent can be done on foot via the road or the old path. The temperatures on Brava are pleasant for hiking and the view is partially given to the neighboring island of Fogo.
Maio: “The Lonely”
The island of Maio was discovered only four years after Boa Vista. Initially, the island was used only as pastureland of goats and donkeys, later brought the salt production from the still visible salt pans new modest wealth. On Maio it practically never rains, because the Passat clouds can not discharge due to the low altitude. An island tour makes it clear that the inhabitants are very concerned with the afforestation of other alien tree species such as acacia or vegetable crops. As a local specialty, local cheese is offered. The visit to the island of Maio is basically associated with a lot of peace and tranquility. You may see some turtles coming ashore on pristine beaches for oviposition.
Fogo: “The volcanic island”
Rising from 4,000m depth, the almost symmetrical cone reaches another 2,829 meters above sea level and consists of 2 caldeiras / volcanic craters. Fogo, the volcanic island, is with the Pico de Fogo the highest island of Cape Verde. The “small” or the “big” volcanic cone can best be climbed early in the morning. We recommend the trip by Aluguer (shared taxi) from Sao Felipe, the third largest and picturesque town of Cape Verde to Cha das Caldeiras. At the foot of the volcano is the village of Cha das Caldeiras, where the famous Fogo wine grown there can be tasted. In the lively town of Sao Felipe itself, there are many bars and restaurants to enjoy the Cape Verdean delicacies. Or relax on the black beaches!
Sal: “The Sunny”
Sal offers perfect conditions for a beach holiday. Most of the international flights land on Sal. The village of Santa Maria in the south of the island is therefore most often chosen for the hotel holiday since there are many four-star hotels of international standard on the white sandy beach. Sal is also a top spot for surfing and diving enthusiasts. Crystal clear waters, long sandy beaches and constant winds provide perfect conditions to spend a few days after your sailing trip on Sal. From Santa Maria, e.g. Also interesting quad / buggy tours through the dune landscapes over Ponta Preta to Murdeira offered. In Palmeira, in the west of the island, there is a sheltered and wide harbor bay. In the original fishing village with traditional small restaurants, fresh fish dishes are served.
Santa Luzia: “The Uninhabited”
Santa Luzia (nature reserve) offers good protection from the waves, from NE blowing trade winds. Apart from a few fishing boats, the islands of St. Luzia, Branco, Razo, which are inhabited only occasionally in the summer, are only visited by recreational sports boats and yachts.
Numerous dolphin species often pass these islands. During the winter months until spring, humpback whales also come to mating in the area of the archipelago.
The kilometer-long fine sandy beach in Baia de Praia attracts to swimming. Snorkelers can watch the colorful, tropical fish, such as the green-yellow shimmering angelfish. Sea turtles can be seen during the summer months.
Santiago: “The Fertile”
Santiago is the largest island of Cape Verde with the capital Praia, which is located in the south of the island. The most intensive use of the interior of the island is agricultural on the high and long mountain ranges. Especially recommended is the drive through the mountains to the higher located town of Assomada. Several times a week there is a large farmer’s market which offers an overview of many self-made, local products but also tinware, dishes etc. The village of Serra offers a breathtaking view of the valleys below.
The bay of Tarrafal is very popular even with locals. An oasis, white sandy beach with coconut palms invites you to swim. Also in Tarrafal there is a market hall where fruit, textiles with embroidery and wicker and pottery are offered. Every day, fishermen, with their brightly painted rowboats, land with up to 2m big tuna, which are processed by their wives.
Santo Antao: “The mountain”
Santo Antao with its impressive mountain scenery is popular with many sailors for hiking and exploring. Rugged mountain peaks and sharp-edged ridges alternate with spruce and pine forests! Take the Aluguer (shared taxi) to Paúl in the north of the island. Many agriculturally important products such as cassava, bananas, mangoes, corn and sugarcane are grown in the fertile valley. A grocery distillery in Cha de Joao Vaz can also be visited.
Sao Nicolau: “The Original”
Sao Nicolau is one of the northern islands between Sao Vicente and Sal. The inhabitants live on the fish, which is processed into canned food in the local fish factory. Around Sao Nicolau is a fish-rich sea basin with crayfish and tuna.
The island is divided into two areas. The western part is very fertile and is cultivated up to the highest altitudes. Beans, maize but also orange and papaya trees thrive. Visit the Parque Natural of Monte Gordo. The east of the island is very dry, the coasts are mostly steep with isolated black beaches like Carrical.
Sao Vicente: “The Cultural”
Sao Vicente is the most culturally interesting island of Cape Verde. Mindelo, the second largest city and secret cultural capital of Cape Verde, is known for its music and festivals. Morna, as the locals call their traditional music, will accompany you everywhere. International artists like Césaria Évora started their career in restaurants in the port city of Mindelo!
Market hall, fish market, cafes and restaurants in a colonial atmosphere offer a pleasant habituation to local conditions, before it in the following days in z. T. untouched areas goes.
Special highlights are the music festival – “Baia das Gatas Festival” in August (= the first full moon weekend in August), as well as the carnival of Mindelo with Brazilian influence!
The new Marina Mindelo is the first and only fully equipped marina in Cape Verde. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the picturesque old town of Mindelo on Sao Vicente. The services offered by Boat CV are fully in line with today’s yachting standards. Sailmaker, accessories dealer, gas station, gas and water are on site.
Surfing and diving
The best diving and surfing spots are on the islands of Sal and Boavista. Crystal-clear water and more than 50 wrecks from over five centuries can be found in the bay of Esperanca (Boa Vista). Boa Vista also offers buggy and quad bike tours through the dunes.
Deep sea fishing
In Marina Mindelo the “Billfish Club Cabo Verde” offers boats with crew and the best equipment for deep-sea fishing. Back in 1998, the world’s largest marlin was caught on Cape Verde on the “Happy Hooker”!
Carnival and festivities in Cape Verde
A special experience is the carnival in Mindelo “Music – Dance – Joie de vivre!”.
In summer, the well-known music festival “Baía das Gatas” with numerous national and international musicians takes place on the beach of Sao Vicente.
All holidays of Cape Verde can be found here.
Yacht Charter Base Sao Vicente / Marina Mindelo
Alto Santo António 253, Mindelo, Sao Vicente, Kapverden
Position: 16° 53,9´N 24° 59,8´W
https://www.marinamindelo.cv/english/index.html
The Marina Mindelo is the only marina on the Cape Verde and is located in the immediate vicinity of the picturesque old town of Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente.
The company Boat CV under German management offers everything the sailors expect from a modern marina.
Service
- Yacht service
- Sailmaker
- Electronics workshop with accessories trade
- Gas station, electricity and water
For all sailors there are sanitary facilities with showers and toilets in the marina.
An area with a pool shortens the waiting time until the ship is taken over.
Supermarkets
In about 200 to 500m distance you will find the first supermarkets, as well as the large market hall with a good supply of fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. The supermarkets are quite well sorted. Gladly a taxi can be organized for you after the purchase, the employees of the supermarket are happy to help you.
Restaurant
Directly opposite the entrance to the marina is the first restaurant Club Nautico, more restaurants, bars and cafes are in the immediate vicinity and therefore within walking distance.
Gas station
There is a petrol station in the marina.
Travel and area information Cape Verde
Getting there
Cape Verde is served several times a week by the “Tap Portugal” and by some charter airlines (eg Tuifly). We recommend the arrival with the “Tap” via Lisbon directly to Mindelo. This can also be combined very well with a stopover in the interesting city of Lisbon. The fares vary depending on the airline and travel period.
The transfer from the airport Sao Vicente to the marina costs by taxi (for four people) about € 15,– and takes about 10-15 minutes.
Entry requirements
There is a visa requirement for entry to Cape Verde. Since many airlines already want to see the visa at check-in, we strongly recommend that you apply for it before your trip. In order to avoid any difficulties in the event of an accident, etc., you need a visa for 3 months (maximum length of stay) – the costs remain the same whether a 2-week or a 3-month visa is applied for and no problems arise through a later departure.
The exhibition is usually very fast (about 3-4 working days). The passport with 2 passport photos, a 2-fold application form and an already stamped return envelope must be sent to the respective consulate in Austria, Germany or Switzerland.
The costs of the exhibition in the amount of approx. € 45,– are to be transferred in advance.
(Partly also cheaper group visas are offered – please check with the respective diplomatic representations according to the list below.)
Passport must be valid at least 6 months after entry. The entry with the identity card is not possible. The visa procurement can be easily arranged in advance. If you have fellow sailors from non-EU countries, please check with the respective boaters about any other entry formalities.
Download of the application forms:
Austria www.kv.meixner.at
Germany www.embassy-capeverde.de
Switzerland www.kapverde-konsulat.ch
Travel medicine
For the Cape Verde no compulsory vaccinations are required.
The same applies to Cape Verde as to all other tropical areas:
- Recommended is a basic vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A / B and typhoid fever).
- There are pharmacies and hospitals on every island, but it is recommended to bring a first-aid kit, which not only contains regularly needed medicines, but also medicines for common travel illnesses.
- It is also important to use suncream with a high sun protection factor.
- The costs of hospitalization must first be borne by the patient. We recommend the conclusion of a private travel health insurance as well as a repatriation insurance for all air travel.
- As everywhere in the tropics (and sometimes even in the Mediterranean) tap water should not be drunk on the Cape Verde.
Internet and telephone
The mobile networks are very well developed, in the vicinity of all major islands you have almost always reception. For safety, please inform your mobile service provider before departure. On-site it is also possible to purchase a package with mobile phone and prepaid card from about € 15,–.
Another way to keep in touch and get information is the many internet cafes. A private W-LAN router for the ship can be rented from us at the base (€ 30,– / week and 3 GB free, another 3 GB € 9,–). Please reserve when booking.
There are also numerous telephone booths in the cities and larger towns. Phone cards are readily available.
Safety
They should take the same precautions as in all other areas (Caribbean, Mallorca, Canary Islands, Italy etc …). Do not leave money, ornaments and valuables on shore leave open on board and block all hatches and the yacht. It is also advisable not to display luxury goods such as jewelery, expensive cameras, etc. in the public excessively and not leave unattended at the beach during swimming stays.
Currency & means of payment
The Cabo Verde Escude (CVE) is the official means of payment in Cape Verde.
CVE 110,– correspond to approx. € 1,–. The importation of Cabo Verde escudos is not allowed. Euro or all other currencies can be introduced in any amount.
The first option to change money to CVE is at the Sal airport. The currency exchange / bank is open during the day. There are also vending machines available in which can be solved with Visacard and partly also EC card money in local currency.
Important! Please keep the last receipt of the money well. Only with this receipt can Cabo Verde escudos at the end of the journey back in Euro / Swiss Francs etc. be changed back. The passport must usually be presented. The export of CVE is not allowed.
There are other exchange options in the banks on all major islands and it can be at least in one of them also cash with Visacard (sometimes Mastercard) related. The Commission currently has approximately CVE 1000 per purchase. There are ATMs outside on Sao Vicente and Santiago.
As everywhere else, a small tip is certainly appreciated when visiting a restaurant, but is not expected in Cape Verde. You will also find that many native boys are eager to take care of the dinghy on their shore leave. This works fine and the teens can earn money with this work, the dinghy is safe. For you, there are only a few escudos, for the children a serious task (As a guide: Already € 2, – as a wage per day for “Dinghy Watch” would be sufficient and a lot of money for the children … whose negotiating skills is not to be underestimated …)!
Required Documents
- Sailing license
- Resume of Sailing Experience
- completely filled crew list
Proposals for a sailing trip
| 1 Week (app. 153 nautical miles) 1: Check-in São Vicente 2: Santo Antao (Tarrafal) 22 nm 3: Santo Antao excursion 4: Santa Luzia 25 nm 5: São Nicolau (Tarrafal) 40 nm 6: São Nicolau excursion 7: Check-out São Vicente 66 nm | 1 Week (app. 125 nautical miles) 1: Check-in São Vicente 2: Santa Luzia 25 nm 3: São Nicolau (Tarrafal) 40 nm 4: São Nicolau excursion 5: São Nicolau Carrical 20 nm 6: Sal (Palmeira) 65 nm 7: Check-out Sal |
| 2 Weeks (app. 322 nautical miles) 1: Check-in São Vicente 2: Santo Antao (Tarrafal) 22 nm 3: Brava (night ride) 120 nm 4: Brava excursion 5: Fogo 10 nm 6: Fogo excursion 7: Santiago (Tarrafal) 50 nm 8: Santiago excursion 9: São Nicolau 80 nm 10: São Nicolau excursion 11: Santa Luzia 25 nm 12: São Vicente 15 nm 13: São Vicente excursion 14: Check-out São Vicente | 2 Weeks (app. 335 nautical miles) 1: Check-in São Vicente 2: Santa Luzia 15 nm 3: São Nicolau (Tarrafal) 25 nm 4: São Nicolau excursion 5: Boavista 95 nm 6: Boavista excursion 7: Maio 45 nm 8: Maio excursion 9: Santiago (Tarrafal) 35 nm 10: Santiago excursion 11: São Nicolau (Carrical) 80 nm 12: São Nicolau excursion 13: São Vicente 40 nm 14: Check-out São Vicente |
| 3 Weeks (app. 424 nautical miles) 1: Check-in São Vicente 2: Santo Antao (Tarrafal) 22 nm 3: Brava (night ride) 120 nm 4: Brava excursion 5: Fogo 10 nm 6: Fogo excursion 7: Santiago (Tarrafal) 50 nm 8: Santiago excursion 9: Maio 35 nm 10: Maio excursion 11: Boavista 45 nm 12: Boavista excursion 13: Sal 17 nm 14: São Nicolau (Carrical) 65 nm 15: São Nicolau (Tarrafal) 20 nm 16: São Nicolau excursion 17: Santa Luzia 25 nm 18: São Vicente 15 nm |
For shore excursions, “Aluguers” (shared taxis) are available. The vehicles and drivers can be rented for certain routes or all day. Simply arrange the price with the local driver before departure.
Tour of Cape Verde Islands (by Kai Brossmann & André Mégroz)
As a “light” version also available in English, Italian and French for € 14,50. Now expanded to 44 anchorages and harbors with GPS waypoints!
The nautical cruise guide includes many descriptions of all islands, color photographs, colored island maps with anchorages and harbors, maps for pleasure boating carefully updated by the authors on many trips around the islands. Tides, currents, driving and choice of anchorages, formalities, shopping and care tips, reception facilities for mobile phones, etc.
Weather
In summer, the wind conditions are rather moderate with 2-4 Beaufort. If you like it less windy, you should sail in the summer on the Cape Verde.
Over the winter months NO-Passat rules with 4-6 Beaufort. For experienced sailors, the months of November to March offer ideal sailing conditions and a pleasant climate.
Water temperatures range from 22°C in winter to up to 27°C in summer. The daily maximum temperatures are depending on the season at 24°C to 29°C.
The tidal range is about 70cm. Landing takes place either directly by dinghy to the beach or partially to the pier in the small fishing ports. Fishermen also often offer taxi services.
Weather Forecast: The NO Passat prevails, but it can sometimes be disturbances. Weather information can be found in the internet cafes on almost every island. A weather SMS service is also offered by the base.