Palmeira (Sal) : Profile

Location

Palmeira lies on the western side of the island of Sal, on the north shore of a large bay. Sal is 40nm north of Boa Vista and is one of the most tourist-orientated of the cape Verde islands.

Due to the prevailing winds, the Palmeira anchorage is generally very sheltered. It has been reported to be a very hospitable harbour, however noonsite continues to receive reports on dinghy theft here, so usual security precautions should be taken to prevent theft from yachts and stolen dinghies/outboards.

Clearance

Usually customs and immigration formalities are completed at the international airport. One should fly the Q flag and the captain should check in with the police in Palmeira. The ship's papers will be held until departure.

Docking

A new breakwater extention has been completed here and a new deep water buoyed chanel has been established. At present all the lights are functioning. This developement is not on the latest charts or pilots and care is needed, especially if entering at night.

The best anchorage is in Baia da Palmeira at 16° 45'N, 22° 59.2'W in about 4m of water over thin sand (not a good anchorage in a strong southerly). Not advisable to enter at night because of the various wrecks, and also the lighthouse might not be working.

Last updated November 2011.

Palmeira, Sal - Details of New Breakwater & Deep Water Channel (08 Nov 2011)

Cape Verdes: Mindelo - Our Experience (07 Oct 2010)

Atlantic Islands Guide (29 Sep 2010)

A Positive Report on Mindelo, Cape Verdes (27 May 2010)

Cape Verdes: Mindelo - Yacht Stolen (19 Apr 2010)

Atlantic Ocean: N of Cape Verdes - Suspicious Pursuit (19 Apr 2010)

Marina Mindelo, Sao Vicente (25 Mar 2010)

Mindelo – A Good Place to Stop but Take Care (07 Jan 2010)

Cape Verdes Thefts And Yacht Boarding - A Problem Cured? (09 Jun 2009)

Update on West African Territories (15 Sep 2008)

Caribbean to West Africa (10 Jul 2008)