Sal, Cape Verde

Island Information for Sal, Cape Verde

Voyages start from Palmeira which is a bay and small fishing port  on the west of the island, nearer the airport. The large concrete commercial breakwater is cordoned off.  Wait under the shady tree near the bar where the local fishermen unload their catch on a little stone jetty.  The ships dinghy will come in to collect you at joining time.

Voyages end in the main tourist port of Santa Maria in the South of the island.

Both are easily reached by taxi. If you are arriving a few days early then the majority of accommodation, beach bars, restuarants and shops are in Santa Maria.

Santa Maria

There is an old town and a local population, living in low rise housing, but it has been rather consumed by beach side development and apartments. The town does resemble a building site, but the 3 mile beach still offers a perfect place to unwind before your voyage.  The sea is a stunning turquoise with local fishing boats still bringing in a daily catch of wahoo and tuna.  There are several fish restaurants on the beach or in the local squares and a couple of harder to find restuarants with quality menus. Many of the hotels are run by Italians or Portuguese and some have small restaurants too. You can buy snacks from small local shops or street vendors.

You can have windsurfing or kite surfing lessons - the conditions are excellent if you are not a beginner - but it is not cheap.

People watching and swimming in the sea is the best activity.

Flight Information

Fly either with Thompsons from either Gatwick, Birmingham or Manchester. 14 day charter flights are the cheapest if you can get dates that fit your voyage. You will need a few days on Sal to use these.

Or with Portuguese airline TAP which has daily flights from the UK or other European Countries but often go via Lisbon with long stop overs and arrive late at night.

It is possible to arrive on TAP Air Portugal flights that arrive at 01:00 on Day 2 of the voyage. For example, if your voyage starts on 3rd Jan 2013, you can arrive on the 01:00 flight on 4th Jan 2013. We would only advise you do this, if you have limited holiday time available. Far better to arrive a day or two early, enjoy the island and arrive at the vessel relaxed and refreshed ready for your departure. In any event, please advise us of your flight details, and do not book anything until we have confirmed your berth.

The Thompson Flight schedule from London Gatwick to Sal, is in and out on a Thursday for winter 2012/13. Tuesday to and from Birmingham, and Wednesday to and from Manchester. It is possible to buy one way flights.

Try using the following llink, use the Change Search button to select the airports, UK ALL, London ALL, etc and the dates or months you want.

SkyScanner

Hotel Accommodation on Sal

Vaccinations

None are required for Cape Verde. The winds and dry climate mean there are less mosquitos than the Caribbean in the evenings. The ship has a water maker which it uses whilst sailing offshore so there is always clean fresh water to drink.

VISA

You will require a Visa.

If you live in the UK with a British Passport you obtain your visa on arrival at the airport - about £25

If you live in any country that the Cape Verde Islands has a consulate (e.g. Netherlands) in you have to obtain a visa in your own country (the UK does not have a Cape Verde Consulate).