Uncover Cape Verde: The Best Dive Sites You’ve Never Heard Of

Cape Verde sits at the crossroads of tropical waters and Atlantic currents, offering an underwater realm that blends tropical and cold-water ecosystems in one dive. It’s still off many divers’ radar, meaning pristine reefs, vibrant marine life, and fewer crowds . Expect encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, nurse sharks, and vast schooling fish—all in the same adventure .

Getting There & Getting Around

International Flights: Four airports—Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, São Vicente—welcome flights from Europe, Africa, and the Americas
Between Islands: Domestic routes include local flights, speedboats, and ferries (though timetables can be flexible)
Local Transport: Metered taxis, resort transfers, or rental cars are readily available, especially near dive centres.

Best Time to Dive

Prime Season: April–November—ideal water temps (23–27 °C) and calm conditions
All-Year Diving: Possible year-round; just be ready for cooler (19 °C) winter waters—bring a 5 mm or even 7 mm wet-suit
Wildlife Highlights by Season:
- Whale sharks & mantas: June–November
- Humpback whales: January–April
- Loggerhead turtles, nurse sharks, dolphins: year-round

Top Dive Islands & Signature Sites

Sal

Offers the most dive operators and infrastructure
Buracona Cave: Enter at 26 m into a cavern lit by natural light—spectacular
Kwarcit Wreck (Shark Bay): A fishing boat wreck near Sal, teeming with scorpionfish, lobsters, stingrays

Boa Vista

Best for turtles, pelagics and big marine life—but seas can be choppier
Atlantida: Gentle 9 m reef—excellent for all levels, home to lobsters and morays
Shark Bow: An advanced dive with drop-offs and caves; expect nurse sharks, turtles, amberjacks

São Vicente & Santo Antão

Mindelo Bay Wreck: 80 m wreck hosting soldierfish, goatfish
Santo Antão Cargo Ship: A 1966 wreck split into sections—thriving with puffers, rays, nurse sharks
Over 40 dive sites including pinnacles, canyons, wall dives with big schooling fish and rays

Other Unique Environments

João Valente Bank: Offshore seamount featuring rich coral and fish biodiversity
Baía da Murdeira (Sal): Protected bay and turtle nesting area, great snorkelling/diving site

Diving Conditions & Logistics

Visibility: Typically 20–40 m; some sites boast visibility up to 70 m .
Currents & Suitability: Expect strong currents in canyons and open water—intermediate to advanced divers recommended. Beginner-friendly spots also exist .
Gear & Certifications: Bring 3–5 mm suits; some locations may require thicker during cooler months. Local dive shops offer full gear rentals and certifications (PADI/SSI) .
Dive Frequency: Most dive centres run two guided dives per morning, followed by surface intervals and optional afternoon dives

Marine Life Highlights

Big Encounters: Turtles, dolphins, nurse & whitetip sharks, hammerheads (Mar–Nov), mantas (summertime), whale sharks (Jun–Nov), humpback whales (Feb–May)
Reefs & Critters: Colorful reef fish—parrotfish, goatfish, trumpetfish—as well as lobsters, crabs, nudibranchs, morays .
Endemic Species: Home to ~60 endemic fish, plus widespread tropical and Atlantic fauna

The Cape Verde Dive Experience

All‑in‑One Adventure: Dive through wrecks, caves, canyons, pinnacles; combine underwater thrills with island culture, music, and cuisine
Off-Grid and Uncrowded: A less commercialized destination—authentic, tranquil, and carefree.
Perfect for All Levels: Infrastructure supports brand-new divers and seasoned explorers alike, with specialty options like wreck or cave diving.
Eco-Friendly Travel: Protected marine reserves safeguard nesting turtles and other wildlife—respectful tourism is strongly encouraged.