Cape Verde

Migratory giants that visit the islands for breeding and calving.

Humpback Whale

The world's largest fish, attracted by plankton blooms during the warmer months.

Whale Shark

Known locally as 'Ragged-tooth' sharks, often found resting in caverns and overhangs.

Sand Tiger Shark

A variety of colorful sea slugs unique to the Macaronesian islands.

Endemic Nudibranchs

Scuba diving in Cape Verde offers a unique blend of tropical and Atlantic marine life, set against a dramatic volcanic backdrop. Located about 570 kilometers off the coast of West Africa, this ten-island archipelago is a crossroads for migratory species and a haven for endemic life. Divers can explore a variety of underwater landscapes, from cavernous lava tubes and steep walls to historical shipwrecks and vibrant coral reefs. The islands of Sal and Boa Vista are the most developed for diving, offering easy access to sites teeming with parrotfish, barracuda, and several species of moray eels. During the winter months, Cape Verde becomes one of the few places in the world where you can hear and occasionally see humpback whales on their breeding grounds. The mixing of warm tropical waters and cooler Atlantic currents creates a biodiversity-rich environment where you might see manta rays and whale sharks in the summer, and sand tiger sharks and nurse sharks year-round. Whether you are navigating the intricate tunnels of 'The Blue Eye' or drifting along the volcanic ridges of 'Santo Antão', Cape Verde provides an adventurous and relatively off-the-beaten-path diving experience that rewards those looking for rugged beauty and surprising marine encounters.

The liveaboard industry in Cape Verde is small but growing, occasionally offering expeditions between the northern and southern island groups for experienced divers.

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

Hotel Riu Palace Boavista

Odjo d'Agua Hotel

The most popular island for tourism, known for its golden beaches and excellent infrastructure for divers and watersports enthusiasts.

Sal Island

Famed for its vast sand dunes and as a primary breeding ground for Humpback whales and loggerhead turtles.

Boa Vista

The greenest and most mountainous island, offering dramatic underwater topography and off-the-beaten-path diving.

Santo Antão

Inter-island travel is primarily by domestic flights (BestFly Cabo Verde) or ferries. On individual islands, 'aluguer' minibuses are the most common and affordable way to get around.

Sample Dive Trip Itineraries for Cape Verde

Where to Stay in Cape Verde