Cape Verde is a dream destination for scuba divers of all levels. This volcanic archipelago off the West African coast is home to crystal clear waters and incredibly diverse marine ecosystems. With its colourful reefs, underwater caves and shipwrecks, Cape Verde offers an exceptional setting for exploring the richness of marine life.

In this guide, we will take you to discover the best dive sites in the archipelago, the different diving schools, as well as essential advice to make the most of your underwater adventure.

Diving spots in Cape Verde

Santa Maria, Sal

Level: Beginner to Advanced
Description : Santa Maria, located in the south of Sal Island, is one of the most popular diving spots in Cape Verde. With its clear waters, coral reefs, and varied marine life, this site offers ideal conditions for divers of all levels. The dives are shallow (around 10 to 18 meters), and allow you to observe a wide variety of tropical fish, turtles and sometimes manta rays.

Consulting : Dive early in the morning for better visibility and more marine activity. Local dive schools offer supervised trips, perfect for beginners.

Tarrafal, Santiago

Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Description : Tarrafal is a beautiful spot located on the island of Santiago. It is famous for its fringing reef and underwater caves that are home to a rich marine life, including rays, moray eels, and butterfly fish. Dives at Tarrafal are often shallow, making them ideal for beginner divers wishing to discover the underwater biodiversity of Cape Verde.

Consulting : Take your time to explore the caves, but be aware of the currents which can sometimes be stronger at certain times of the year. It is recommended to check the conditions with a local dive center before you go.

Cidade Velha, Santiago

Level: Beginner to Advanced
Description: Located on the west coast of Santiago Island, Cidade Velha offers a different and complementary diving experience to Tarrafal.
The area is distinguished by its underwater volcanic formations, natural arches, caves and drop-offs which create spectacular landscapes.
Marine life there is rich, with the regular presence of turtles, rays, moray eels and schools of tropical fish.
Depending on the season, it is also possible to observe pelagic species.

Tip: Cidade Velha offers the opportunity to combine diving and cultural discovery, as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ideal for those who wish to blend history and underwater exploration during a single trip.

Mindelo, São Vicente

Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Description Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, is a must-see diving destination for experienced divers. Its waters are teeming with surprises, including shipwrecks, reefs, and impressive rock formations.
Site "Game", a small island near the port of Mindelo, is known for its deep dives of up to 30 meters, where you can encounter reef sharks, barracudas, and other large predators.

Consulting : Visibility is often at its best between April and November. An experienced guide is recommended for deep dives and to explore wrecks safely.

Porto Novo, Santo Antão

Intermediate level
Description Porto Novo offers a unique diving experience, with underwater landscapes made up of canyons, volcanic arcs and unusual rock formations.
The seabed there is very well preserved, and you can observe species such as groupers, parrotfish, and even some stingrays.

Consulting : Porto Novo is less touristy than Sal and São Vicente, which allows you to dive in calm waters, away from the crowds. However, currents can be present, so it is advisable to dive in the company of a local center.

Bay of Gatas, São Vicente

Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Description Baía das Gatas is a protected bay on the island of São Vicente, offering calm and shallow dives.
It's an ideal spot for beginners and those who want to try night diving. The site is known for its colorful marine life, including parrotfish, damselfish, anemones, and sometimes even octopuses.

Consulting : This spot is perfect for a relaxing family dive. The bay is well protected from waves and currents, making it a great option for introductory dives and night dives.

Palmeira, Salt

Advanced level
Description : Located on the island of Sal, Palmeira is a diving spot that is particularly suitable for experienced divers due to the sometimes powerful currents and deep dives. This site is known for its wrecks, some of which are several decades old, and which are now inhabited by a rich marine biodiversity: barracudas, moray eels, and schools of colorful tropical fish.

Consulting : Dives in Palmeira are recommended for those looking for a challenge, especially with the wrecks located between 25 and 30 meters deep. Make sure to dive with a local guide who knows the currents and can guarantee a safe dive.

Fajã, São Nicolau

Intermediate level
Description : The island of São Nicolau is home to the Fajã site, a secluded and unspoiled location where divers can discover a variety of marine life. The site is particularly interesting for its coral reefs, spectacular rock formations and the presence of tropical fish, stingrays, and sometimes nurse sharks.

Consulting : The Fajã spot is far from the tourist centers, so it is advisable to plan an outing with a local diving center. The tranquility of this area makes it a real gem to discover for divers looking for adventure.

Underwater flora and fauna in Cape Verde

A unique marine biodiversity

The seabed of Cape Verde is a real treasure for nature lovers, home to a unique biodiversity due to the geographical position of the archipelago, at the crossroads of the Atlantic currents. 

Emblematic species to encounter

sea ​​turtles

Cape Verde is a prime destination for spotting sea turtles, especially the loggerhead turtle. From May to October, these magnificent creatures come to lay their eggs on the beaches of Sal and Boa Vista, but it is also possible to come across them while diving in the area. Green and hawksbill turtles can also be spotted occasionally.

Rays and sharks

Cape Verdean waters are home to many species of rays, including stingrays and, with a bit of luck, the majestic manta rays. Some spots, such as Palmeira to Sal and Mindelo in São Vicente, are good places to observe these rays gliding gracefully underwater.

When it comes to sharks, Cape Verde is one of the few destinations in West Africa where it is possible to observe reef sharks, nurse sharks, and sometimes even whale sharks, especially during migration periods. 

Tropical fish

The diversity of tropical fish in Cape Verde is impressive: parrotfish, angelfish, triggerfish, boxfish and schools of butterflyfish are only a small part of the species visible. 

Marine flora and reefs

The archipelago's reefs are mainly made up of hard corals, sponges, and seaweeds that form complex habitats, home to a multitude of marine species. Although Cape Verde is not known for its lush coral reefs like some other tropical destinations, the underwater flora remains rich and varied.

When to dive to observe specific species?

• sea ​​turtles : The best time to see turtles in Cape Verde is from May to October, during the nesting season.
• Manta rays : More frequent between July and October, these rays are mainly observed around the islands of Sal and São Vicente.
• Whale sharks : Whale sharks usually pass by Cape Verde between September and December, as they migrate through Atlantic waters.
• Tropical fish : Available all year round, the wealth of tropical species makes each dive unique, with a particularly active biodiversity of May to November, a period when visibility is often excellent.

Endemic species

In addition to the classic marine species, Cape Verde is also home to some endemic species that are found nowhere else. In particular, you can find fish endemic to the Eastern Atlantic such as the Cape Verdean boxfish, as well as shrimps and small crustaceans specific to the region.

The different types of diving in Cape Verde

Diving for beginners

Cape Verde is an ideal destination for beginner divers, with many shallow spots, excellent visibility, and generally calm diving conditions. The sites of Santa Maria to Sal and Baia das Gatas in São Vicente are particularly suitable for novice divers. The clear waters and shallow reefs allow you to explore a wide variety of tropical fish while remaining at accessible depths (between 6 and 12 meters).

First dives

Diving baptisms are offered by several centers on the islands of Sal, Boa Vista, and São Vicente. These introductory dives are ideal for discovering the underwater world in complete safety, accompanied by qualified instructors. 

Diving for experienced divers

For more experienced divers, Cape Verde offers many more technical spots, with wrecks and deep dives. The site of Palmeira Sal offers several fascinating wrecks, located between 20 and 30 meters deep. These wrecks are home to schools of barracudas, moray eels, and various crustaceans.

Wreck Diving

Cape Verde has several wrecks, remains of old merchant ships or fishing vessels. The wrecks of Palmeira and Mindelo are a must for advanced divers, with a depth that can reach up to 30 meters. These dives require good buoyancy control, as currents can be present and the wrecks are sometimes narrow to explore.

Shark Diving

For those looking for an adrenaline rush, shark diving is a unique experience that Cape Verde offers. The islands of Sal Island et São Vicente are preferred destinations for this type of diving.

Cave diving

The Cape Verde archipelago is also known for its fascinating underwater caves, offering a unique diving experience. The spot of Tarrafal on the island of Santiago offers several caves and cavities where divers can enter, discovering spectacular light shows and diverse marine life. These dives generally require an intermediate to advanced level and good buoyancy management.

night dive

The calm waters of Baia das Gatas in São Vicente are ideal for night dives. By the light of torches, divers can observe nocturnal creatures such as octopuses, crabs, lobsters, and lionfish coming out of hiding.

What you need to know for night diving

Night diving requires good preparation, including a main flashlight and a backup light. It is also advisable to dive with a guide who knows the site well, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. 

Tips for diving in Cape Verde

Best time to dive in Cape Verde

Cape Verde enjoys an arid tropical climate, making it a practically year-round diving destination. However, the best time to dive in Cape Verde is generally between April and November, when water temperatures are most pleasant (between 22°C and 27°C) and underwater visibility is optimal. During these months, sea conditions are more stable, offering excellent visibility, often greater than 25 meters, and particularly active marine life.

For those wishing to observe specific species, such as whale sharks or sea turtles, it is advisable to dive between September and December, a period when these species migrate through the waters of Cape Verde.

Recommended equipment

• Wetsuit : A combination of 5 mm is ideal for the cooler months, and a 3 mm for summer.
• Flashlight : For night dives and cave explorations, a good quality flashlight is essential.
• Underwater camera : Cape Verde's crystal clear waters and diverse wildlife make it a great place for underwater photography. Don't forget to bring a suitable camera to capture those magical moments.
• Safety equipment : It is recommended to always have a whistle and a surface marker buoy (SMB) in case of need, especially for deeper dives or in the presence of currents.

Safety and Precautions

• Diving with a local dive center : Due to unpredictable currents and changing conditions, it is strongly recommended to dive with a local dive center. 
• Avoid solo diving : It is best to dive in a group, especially on more isolated sites such as Santo Antão or São Nicolau.
• Learn about the currents : Some spots, such as Palmeira in Sal or Porto Novo in Santo Antão, can be subject to strong currents. Before diving, be sure to check the conditions with the guides or dive centers.
• Respect for flora and fauna : Cape Verde is a natural environment that is still preserved, and it is essential to respect underwater life. Avoid touching corals, chasing animals, or picking up underwater objects. This contributes to the preservation of this fragile ecosystem for future generations.

Insurance and certification

Before diving in Cape Verde, make sure your certification is up to date and that you have a diving insurance valid covering overseas dives. Some dive schools may require proof of certification and insurance before allowing you to participate in trips, particularly for deep or technical dives.

Diving schools and centers in Cape Verde

Best Diving Centers in Cape Verde

Sal: Santa Maria

Cabo Verde Diving

• Services : Diving courses (from beginner to advanced), dives with rays, night dives.
• Distinctives features : Located in Santa Maria, this center offers night dives for those who want to discover another side of Sal's underwater fauna. The instructors are qualified and emphasize the safety of the divers.

Santiago: Tarrafal

Dive Center Santiago

• Services : Diving in caves, diving with rays, introductory dives for beginners.
• Distinctives features Located in Tarrafal, this center specializes in cave diving and also offers excursions to explore the fringing reefs around the bay, where marine life is diverse.
  

Santiago: Old City

Cidade Velha Diving

• Services offered: Introductory dives, shore and boat dives, PADI courses, cave and volcanic formation explorations.
• Features: Based in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this center offers a personalized approach with small groups. The dives allow you to discover volcanic arches, drop-offs, and a diverse marine fauna including turtles, rays, and moray eels.

St. Vincent: Mindelo

Dive Tribe Mindelo

• Services : PADI certifications, deep dives, wreck dives.

• Distinctives features : Dive Tribe Mindelo offers dives on unique wrecks, as well as deep dives for experienced divers. The center promotes the importance of marine conservation by collaborating with local NGOs.

Santo Antão: Porto Novo

Santo Antão Diving Adventures

• Services : Guided dives, exploration of underwater canyons.

• Distinctives features : This center offers dives to discover the underwater volcanic formations, such as arches and canyons, typical of the seabed of Santo Antão. The local guides know the currents and the best times to dive perfectly.

Cape Verde Diving Rates and Certifications

Diving prices in Cape Verde vary depending on the center, the type of diving, and the level of the diver. On average:

• Try dive : Approximately 70 to 100 euros, including all equipment and supervision by an instructor.
• Guided dive : Between 50 and 80 euros by diving.
• PADI Certifications : Classes start from 400 Euros for the Open Water Diver.

Additional services offered

• Diving lessons : Most centers offer PADI certified diving courses, allowing beginners to train up to the level of autonomous diver.
• Equipment : All necessary equipment is usually included in the price of the dives, although some centers also allow you to rent or buy equipment on site.
• Boating : To access the more remote sites, boat excursions are often organized. This is an opportunity to discover less frequented spots and enjoy a day at sea.

Cape Verde is a premier destination for diving enthusiasts, offering a multitude of sites suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced divers. Whether you wish to explore multicolored reefs, captivating shipwrecks, or swim alongside rays and sharks, each island promises a unique underwater experience. By choosing to dive in Cape Verde, you will have the opportunity to discover a thriving marine ecosystem, while supporting local communities and contributing to the preservation of the archipelago's biodiversity.

So, prepare your fins, your snorkel, and your spirit of adventure to explore the underwater wonders of Cape Verde, a true jewel of the Atlantic just waiting to be discovered.