Right-side seats capture the dramatic volcanic departure from São Vicente and maintain ocean views for most of the 90-minute crossing. The left side offers the salt-pan approach to Sal, but the takeoff experience is more visually distinctive.
Flown VXE to SID? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sao Vicente Island to Amilcar Cabral is 139 miles (224 km), a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
The flight crosses open Atlantic Ocean between the two islands with no significant landmarks. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), the ocean is featureless. The route passes roughly 50 nautical miles north of Santo Antão Island (visible as a distant dark mass if flying at lower altitudes on clear days), but typical cruise altitude makes it barely perceptible. The midpoint offers no notable geographic features—primarily blue water and sky.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from VXE
RIGHTVXE typically departs runway 20 (southwesterly). Right-side seats face toward the Atlantic Ocean and the southwestern coast of São Vicente, with views of the island's volcanic terrain dropping away beneath the aircraft.
Landing at SID
LEFTSID (Amilcar Cabral on Sal Island) typically lands runway 09 or 27 depending on wind. For eastbound approach (runway 09), left-side seats provide views of Sal's flat, salt-pan landscape and the island's eastern coastline. The descent path offers clear views of the island's distinctive white salt flats and lagoons.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sao Pedro (VXE) to Amilcar Cabral International (SID)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Vicente Island to Amilcar Cabral. Right-side seats capture the dramatic volcanic departure from São Vicente and maintain ocean views for most of the 90-minute crossing. The left side offers the salt-pan approach to Sal, but the takeoff experience is more visually distinctive.
What can I see during takeoff from Sao Pedro in Sao Vicente Island?
During takeoff from Sao Pedro (VXE), sit on the Right side for the best views. VXE typically departs runway 20 (southwesterly). Right-side seats face toward the Atlantic Ocean and the southwestern coast of São Vicente, with views of the island's volcanic terrain dropping away beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: São Vicente's western volcanic cliffs, Atlantic Ocean horizon, Mindelo harbor area to the left as you climb, Monte Verde peak receding behind.
What can I see when landing at Amilcar Cabral International in Amilcar Cabral?
When landing at Amilcar Cabral International (SID), sit on the Left side for the best views. SID (Amilcar Cabral on Sal Island) typically lands runway 09 or 27 depending on wind. For eastbound approach (runway 09), left-side seats provide views of Sal's flat, salt-pan landscape and the island's eastern coastline. The descent path offers clear views of the island's distinctive white salt flats and lagoons. Notable sights include: Sal Island's white salt pans and evaporation lagoons, Santa Maria town on the southern coast, Pedra Lume salt crater to the north, Atlantic Ocean and approaching runway.
How long is the flight from Sao Vicente Island to Amilcar Cabral?
The flight from Sao Pedro (VXE) to Amilcar Cabral International (SID) takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 139 miles (224 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sao Vicente Island to Amilcar Cabral flight path pass over?
The flight crosses open Atlantic Ocean between the two islands with no significant landmarks. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), the ocean is featureless. The route passes roughly 50 nautical miles north of Santo Antão Island (visible as a distant dark mass if flying at lower altitudes on clear days), but typical cruise altitude makes it barely perceptible. The midpoint offers no notable geographic features—primarily blue water and sky.