The Maio Cruise Ship Port sits in Porto Inglês (locals call it Vila do Maio), the main town along Maio’s southwestern coast. This sea entrance serves as the island’s primary maritime doorway, handling both passenger ferries and visiting cruise ships.
Though not crowded with cruise traffic, Porto Inglês occasionally hosts smaller vessels.
For other Cape Verde Cruise destinations check out our Cape Verde Cruise Ship Port Guide page.
Getting around? Grab one of those aluguer shared taxis (100-300 CVE), hop on a minibus, or rent a car if you want freedom (costs 4,000-6,000 CVE per day).
While you’re here, check out the cool saltwater pool with its swim-up bar, the Aviarius bird place, and definitely try the local Cape Verdean-Portuguese food – it’s pretty tasty!
Just make sure you’ve got some local cash on you, and give yourself about 90 minutes to get back to your ship.
Our guide covers all the other details you’ll need for a great day in port.
Map of Maio Cruise Ship Port
Port Facilities and Arrival Information
Located on Maui’s eastern shore, Kahului Bay is home to the island’s main commercial port, with two man-made peninsulas that shield ships from the open ocean. You’ll dock at one of three piers that handle all of Maui’s cargo and cruise traffic. The deep-water berths can fit two cruise ships back-to-back.
Inside the terminal building, you’ll find restrooms and a tourist info desk with locals who can point you in the right direction. There’s also free Wi-Fi near where you dock, so you can text family back home or look up those last-minute island adventures you’ve been meaning to book.
Getting Around Maio Island
When you’re ready to explore beyond the port, you’ll need to figure out how to get around. The cheapest options are the aluguers (shared taxis) that run set routes between villages – they head out early from the main squares and only cost 100-300 CVE ($1-3). Same deal with the Hiace minibuses.
Want more freedom? Grab a private taxi from Vila do Maio for about 500-1000 CVE ($5-10) per trip. Most drivers know the island like the back of their hand and can show you some hidden gems along the way.
Feeling adventurous? Rent a car for 4,000-6,000 CVE per day or zip around on a scooter for 2,500-3,500 CVE through your hotel. Just a heads-up though – lots of roads aren’t paved, so expect a bumpy ride!
Top Attractions Near the Port
Step off the boat in Maio and you’ll find a ton of cool stuff right at your fingertips. Grab a drink at the swim-up bar in the massive saltwater pool – nothing beats cooling off after wandering around in the heat. The Aviarius bird sanctuary is pretty sweet, and if you’re into marine life, definitely book that dolphin encounter. Your Instagram followers will thank you.
Got an adrenaline itch? Hit up the FlowRider surf simulator or make a splash at Lost Mayan Kingdom waterpark. Culture buffs should catch the Danza de los Voladores show – those guys literally fly through the air. And if you’re into ancient stuff, the Chacchoben ruins are just a quick hour’s drive and absolutely worth it.
Local Cuisine and Dining Options
When you’re hungry in Maio, you’ll find a cool mix of Cape Verdean and Portuguese food right by the cruise port. If you want to splurge, check out Mama’s Fish House on the beach – they serve amazing fresh-caught fish. Roy’s Ka’anapali is another nice spot where they do this tasty Hawaiian-Japanese fusion thing (their butterfish is pretty famous).
If you’re watching your wallet, hit up Paia Fish Market for some killer fish tacos, or wander through the food trucks at Kahului Sunday Market. You should definitely try real Hawaiian stuff like poke from Foodland, loco moco at Tasty Crust, or grab some shave ice at Ululani’s – so good when it’s hot out! And if you want dinner with a view, Merriman’s does farm-to-table food with ingredients from around the island. The sunset there is worth it alone.
See what’s on offer from the Port of São Filipe (Fogo) for a different Cape Verde Cruise destination.
Practical Travel Tips for Cruise Visitors
Want to enjoy your Maio cruise without the headaches? A bit of prep work goes a long way! Check that your passport won’t expire within six months after your trip ends, and look up visa rules for each stop – nothing ruins a vacation faster than paperwork problems!
Grab your cruise line’s app before sailing – it’s a lifesaver for getting updates without hunting down crew members. Toss your day-one essentials in your carry-on so you’re not stuck waiting for luggage to arrive.
Here’s a rookie mistake to avoid: set your watch to ship time, not local time. Trust me, the ship won’t wait just because your phone automatically changed time zones!
When you’re out exploring Maio, give yourself a 90-minute cushion to get back before sailing. The ship will leave without you! And don’t forget to bring some local cash and stash your expensive stuff in your cabin safe – better safe than sorry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi Available at Maio’s Cruise Anchorage Point?
Wondering about Wi-Fi while at Maio’s cruise spot? The terminal itself doesn’t beam internet directly to your anchored ship, but don’t worry – you can still stay connected through your cruise’s own internet services like VOOM or MedallionNet when you’re hanging out in the anchorage area.
What Currency Is Accepted by Local Vendors on Maio Island?
On Maio Island, you’ll need Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) when shopping with local vendors. Better have cash on hand – those small market stalls and local shops typically don’t take credit cards or euros. Most vendors simply won’t have card machines or want to deal with foreign currency.
Are There Medical Facilities Near the Vila Do Maio Port?
Hospital do Maio is pretty close to the Vila do Maio port – kind of like your safety net when you’re in the area. They handle emergencies and basic stuff, but don’t expect too many specialists there. And hey, if you don’t speak the local language, you might want to bring someone who can translate for you.
When Is the Best Season for Cruise Ships Visiting Maio?
Fall (September-November) is honestly the sweet spot for cruising to Maio. The weather’s warm and dry, plus you won’t be fighting crowds everywhere you go. Spring (April-May) works great too – temperature’s just right and you can often score better deals on your trip.
Are There Any Local Cultural Restrictions Visitors Should Be Aware Of?
When you’re visiting, just remember to respect the local way of doing things. Throw on something that covers your shoulders and knees at religious spots, skip the swimwear when you’re walking around town, always ask before snapping photos of locals, and keep the drinking to bars and restaurants that actually serve alcohol.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Mindelo (São Vicente) Cruise Ship Port.
