Transportation

Your adventure in Paul begins with an exciting trip. You will first fly to Mindelo Airport (airport code: VXE) on the island of São Vicente from Praia or Sal, then take an hour-long ferry ride to Port Novo on Santo Antão, where on a good day you will be accompanied by a pod of dolphins or school of flying fish.

At the ferry dock in Porto Novo, there will be many alguer or collective taxis (Hiace-model Toyota passenger vans) that can take you to different points on the island. To get to Paul, ask for one headed in that direction. During the 75-minute ride, you will see breathtaking views of the valleys (Price — 400 CVE).

The most commonly used ferry, “Mar d’Canal,” is in great condition and follows a fixed schedule, which should be taken into consideration when planning your itinerary.

 

MAR D’CANAL (operated by ARMAS)
This 800-person ferry operates on a roll on/roll off system, and can transport vehicles. It is clean, and operates punctually and very professionally. The fare is 600 CVE.
From São Vicente to Porto Novo
Tickets at Gare Marítima, tel: 231 8187
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: 8:00 and 15:00
Wednesday, Sunday and holidays: 8:00
From Porto Novo to São Vicente
Tickets at kiosk located at the top of the ramp to the dock, tel : 222 2360
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: 10:00 and 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00
Sunday: 17:00

RIBEIRA DE PAUL
A much smaller boat than the Mar d’ Canal, which may not be as punctual depending on the amount of cargo, but the travel time is the same as Mar d’Canal. The fare is 600 CVE.
From São Vicente to Porto Novo
Tickets at Gare Marítima, tel: 231 1642
Monday - Saturday: 7:30
Sunday: N/A
From Porto Novo to São Vicente
Tickets at agency across from the Shell station.
Monday - Saturday: 10:30
Sunday: N/A

TARRAFAL
A 1,000-person ferry connecting the islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente, São Nicolau and Santiago. It travels between São Vicente and Santo Antão every weekend. The fare is 600 CVE.
From São Vicente to Porto Novo
Tickets at Gare Marítima, tel: 232 1179
Saturdays & Sundays: 7:30
From Porto Novo to São Vicente
Tickets at the agency a block up from that of Ribeira de Paul, across from Shell station, tel 222 2461.
Saturdays & Sundays: 16:30

Rental Cars
Rental cars are available in Porto Novo.
Pôr do Sol, 2 22 21 79
Residencial Antilhas, 2 22 11 93
Porto Novo Car Lda., 2 22 14 90