Mindelo (Sao Vicente) - General Info

Where is Mindelo?

Mindelo lies on the island of Sao Vicente in the Cape Verde Islands.  It has 80,000 inhabitants (approx. 70,000 of those live in Mindelo) and stretches 16 km from north to south and 24 km from east to west. It has several very beautiful beaches, all very different from each other.

Mindelo was, historically where most yachts went a quick refueling stop, but it now attracts yachts, including the ARC+, as a stopover to explore the island and the restored colonial town. The town is situated at the edge of a subsided volcano crater, the harbor is naturally formed and is one of the most protected in the archipelago.

The town is in Porto Grande Bay which gives total protection from NW through E to S and partial protection (with a fetch of up to 2M) from S around to W. Occasionally a westerly swell can set in which can make anchoring here, or berthing in the marina, rather uncomfortable.

Entrance Notes and Cautions for Mindelo:

Marina Mindelo recommends yachts approaching the harbor to keep to the north of the bay after passing the big rock “Ilhéu dos Pássaros” in the middle of the channel.

On entering the harbor keep a distance of approximately 100m off the commercial pier.

A night entry here can be difficult as the navigation lights are hard to distinguish from the ones onshore and those of the anchored ships in the bay. A chart plotter is essential.  However cruisers report there are new green channel markers (December 2024) which now make a night approach much easier.  Simply go to any of the green channel markers and anchor East /or South East of them. You do not need to go into the big anchorage field, you can do that in daylight. East to the green buoys you are away from ferries and from wrecks.

Marina Mindelo has reported that a clear landmark to spot at night is the bright white/red ferry called ARMAS moored to the end of the commercial part of the harbor. They recommend keeping it clear to port and enter the marina or anchorage area at moderate speed as many of the anchored yachts do not use anchor lights.

It is normally very windy here (15-25kn at all times) so protect your lines accordingly.

See SV Seefalke's useful approach video from January 2019.

Security:

Since the 2023/24 season, there have been some anchored boats that have suffered robberies, and there are more beggars in the street. Marina Mindelo, keen to give yacht owners peace of mind, have collaborated closely with the local authorities and improved security, including increased patrols, both on land and on the water, upgraded surveillance systems and additional cameras. With regular communication between the marina and law enforcement, response times have improved, and incidents are swiftly managed.

They remind yacht owners that securing valuables, locking entrances, and being mindful of surroundings remain essential, as is communicating any safety concerns to marina staff and local authorities.

Position:

16°53.13'N,24°59.56'W (marina)

Last updated:  January 2025