Porto Tarrafal (CVTAR)

The port handles inter island traffic and plays an important role connecting Sao Nicolau with the rest of the archipelago.

Porto Tarrafal is located on the NW coast of Sao Nicolau in the Cape Verde islands.

Anchorage can be obtained 0.15nm SW of the pier in a depth of 37m, fine sand. This is the best anchorage off the island for small vessels. Care is necessary when anchoring as the shore is very steep-to and depths of 200m are found less than 0.5nm offshore.

The Bay of Tarrafal is entered 3nm NNW of Ponta da Peca and can be recognised by the mouth of Ribeira do Tarrafal, which flows into its head.

BA 369. Admiralty Pilot NP1.

Pier head Light: Is Vm 4s 5m 5M.