Tarrafal

 

To call Tarrafal a harbour is misleading for us yachtsmen. It is an anchorage, open to the south, next to the commercial fishing and ferry harbour. There is no point in seeking shelter behind the pier since you will be chased away as soon as a larger ship is expected. The best anchorage is a bit west of the commercial harbour where you anchor on 7 m on black sand.

Often there are strong winds from the mountains so make sure that your anchor holds, or you will see your yacht disappear to sea.

The best place to land with your dinghy is at the pier. There you can use a ramp so that you don't have to surf ashore. As in Mindelo, it is advisable to make a deal with one of the boys at the innermost beach. He will look after your dinghy, show you the way to the harbour office, help you with purchase of fuel and water and laundry service.

Hang right after the gates for the harbour office and immigration.

All your basic provisions can be purchased here, the best place is the Shell station at the exit from town. Cheese and fresh foods are kept out of sight in a fridge behind the counter.

The bank handles bills but not cards.

Eating ashore is possible, a green house on the beach is recommended. The ground floor is a grocery store and there you order your meal and decide a time for it. The meal is then one flight up in the private dining room, very nice with three dishes of homecooked.