São Vicente & Santo Antão 2-Day Tour: Ferry, Guide, Insights

Two islands, two days, one local guide who knows both

This 2-day tour covers São Vicente and Santo Antão with a local guide who lives on these islands and leads both days. Day one stays on São Vicente: walk Mindelo's colonial center and markets, drive to Monte Verde (774m) for tea at the peak, swim at Baía das Gatas' natural lagoon, and explore fishing villages. Day two crosses by ferry to Santo Antão, climbs the Old Mountain Road to Cova de Paúl crater, visits Ribeira Grande and Paúl Valley, stops at a grogue distillery, and returns via the Coastal Road with mountain tunnels and ocean views.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore São Vicente Island highlights

• Guided walk in Mindelo historic center
• Visit Fish, African, and Municipal Markets
• Enjoy views from Monte Cara and Laginha Beach
• Drive up Monte Verde and visit Tea House
• Explore fishing villages Salamansa and Calhau
• Swim or relax at Baía das Gatas lagoon
• Discover rural life in Calhau Valley

Day 2: Day trip to Santo Antão island

• Early pick-up from Mindelo accommodation
• Ferry ride to Santo Antão harbor
• Meet local guide in Porto Novo
• Travel Old Mountain Road to Cova de Paúl crater
• Visit Ribeira Grande, Ponta do Sol, Sinagoga, Paúl
• Enjoy traditional Cape Verdean lunch
• Visit distillery to learn about Grogue
• Return via Coastal Road to Porto Novo
• Ferry back to São Vicente
• Transfer to accommodation in Mindelo

The experience

The tour runs across two full days and hinges on the ferry crossing that connects the islands. Day one stays on São Vicente, starting with a guided walk through Mindelo's historic center: colonial architecture, vibrant colors, and the Fish, African, and Municipal Markets (closed Sundays). From there, you drive up Monte Verde, the island's highest peak at 774 meters, and stop at the Tea House for a drink at the summit. The route then moves through traditional fishing villages like Salamansa and Calhau, where you see daily life unfold: farms, windmills, and volcanic terrain. You swim or rest at Baía das Gatas, a natural blue lagoon, before returning to Mindelo.

Day two starts early with a transfer to the harbor for a 1-hour ferry ride to Santo Antão. The crossing itself is part of the experience: watch for dolphins or flying fish on the water. Once you land in Porto Novo, your guide takes you inland on the Old Mountain Road to Cova de Paúl, a volcanic crater with views from Delgadinho Ridge. The day moves through small towns (Ribeira Grande, Ponta do Sol, Sinagoga, Paúl), and includes a traditional Cape Verdean lunch at a local restaurant. A stop at a distillery teaches you about grogue, the local sugarcane spirit. The return journey follows the Coastal Road, where mountain tunnels cut through rock and the ocean appears and disappears alongside the drive. The ferry takes you back to São Vicente and a transfer returns you to Mindelo.

Both days are led by someone from these islands. The guide speaks English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese, and the operator emphasizes that these are people who live here and care about sharing not just the main sights but the stories and cultural details that make the place work. Ferry tickets, harbor transfers, and distillery entry are included. You arrange your own lunch and dinner.

What’s included

• Ferry tickets for the round-trip crossing to Santo Antão.
• entry into the grogue distillery.
• two guided experiences with a local professional guide.
• harbor transfers on both days.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 40 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Green Line Tours Cabo Verde

Is this one for you?Two full days means you see both islands without rushing, but the schedule leaves no room for a third island or a full day elsewhere in your trip. Book this if you want to stay on São Vicente and Santo Antão and have a guide who knows the back roads and villages, not just the main viewpoints.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Monte Verde and why do people go there on day one?

Monte Verde is São Vicente's highest peak at 774 meters. The tour drives to the summit, where a Tea House sits at the top and serves tea or coffee. The main draw is the panoramic view of the island and the sea from that height. The Tea House is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Do I swim in the ocean or a pool at Baía das Gatas?

Baía das Gatas is a natural blue lagoon, so you swim in the lagoon itself if you choose to. Bring swimwear if you plan to get in the water. The tour also allows time to relax without swimming.

How long is the ferry ride from São Vicente to Santo Antão?

The ferry crossing takes 1 hour. The operator notes that dolphins or flying fish sometimes appear along the route, and the crossing is included in the tour price.

What happens at the grogue distillery on day two?

The distillery stop is a learning experience about grogue, the local sugarcane spirit made in Cape Verde. The tour includes entry to the distillery. The guide explains the production and tradition behind it.

Which towns and villages does the Santo Antão day visit?

Day two on Santo Antão includes Ribeira Grande, Ponta do Sol, Sinagoga, and Paúl, as well as stops at Cova de Paúl crater and Delgadinho Ridge for views. The route follows the Old Mountain Road inland and the Coastal Road on the return, passing through mountain tunnels and along ocean views.