Sailing in Cape Verde
Including Boa Vista Island Coastal Waters, Sal Island Southern Waters, and São Vicente and Porto Grande Bay. On the map.
The vibe
Sailing here is a true oceanic experience, involving long, exhilarating passages between islands that feel like stepping stones in the middle of a vast, deep blue sea. The trade winds make for reliable, fast sailing, particularly during the winter months when the weather is most settled. It is a specialist trip for those who are comfortable with open-water navigation, as the ports are sparse and the conditions can change rapidly.
Boa Vista Island Coastal Waters
Boa Vista
Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Boa Vista offers challenging Atlantic coastal sailing and island passages characterized by steady trade winds and open swells. Sailors explore dramatic white-sand coastlines, remote anchorages, and turquoise lagoons between open-water stretches.
Access. Sailing charters and yacht support are accessible through Sal Rei marina and local tour operators based on Boa Vista.
Notes. Strong trade winds typically peak from November to May, requiring competent offshore handling and ocean-ready vessels.
Sal Island Southern Waters
Sal
Cayambe / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 lu)
The southern and western coastal waters of Sal offer lively day-sailing, catamaran cruises, and coastal hopping under reliable sunshine and steady winds. The area provides accessible cruising grounds between sandy beaches and reef edges.
Access. Day charters and sailing excursions operate out of the tourist hub of Santa Maria and Palmeira harbor.
Notes. Best sailed during the dry windy season from November to April; watch for localized swells along exposed points.
São Vicente and Porto Grande Bay
Mindelo
Herbert wie / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Porto Grande Bay in Mindelo is one of the finest natural deep-water harbors in the Atlantic, serving as a primary transatlantic cruising crossroads and yacht hub. The surrounding waters provide dynamic coastal sailing with dramatic volcanic island backdrops.
Access. Marina Mindelo provides comprehensive facilities, yacht services, and charter arrangements on São Vicente.
Notes. Popular stopover for transatlantic rallies; well-sheltered harbor with robust marine infrastructure.
Tarrafal Bay and Santiago Coast
Tarrafal
David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Tarrafal Bay on the northern tip of Santiago offers a scenic sheltered anchorage and coastal sailing ground framed by high cliffs and palm trees. It is a favored stop for cruising yachts traversing the southern Cape Verde islands.
Access. Reached via coastal passages from Praia or Mindelo; anchoring is available directly in Tarrafal Bay.
Notes. Well-protected from prevailing northeasterly trades, making it one of the calmer anchorages in the southern group.