Raso & Branco Islets: Branco Islet

Raso & Branco Islets: Raso Islet

As uninhabited islets with no permanent facilities, all meals on Raso and Branco expedition trips are provided by the liveaboard or expedition vessel. The quality and variety depend entirely on the operator, with most providing fresh Cape Verdean-inspired cuisine including local fish, traditional stews, and tropical fruits. Meals are typically communal affairs on deck, creating a social expedition atmosphere with fellow divers sharing the day's underwater experiences.

Liveaboard accommodation only

Pre-expedition stay Mindelo

Pre-expedition stay Ribeira Brava

Post-expedition Mindelo

The Raso and Branco Islets form a protected nature reserve in the central Cape Verde archipelago, offering some of the most remote and pristine diving in the entire Atlantic region. These two small uninhabited islets sit exposed in the open ocean between Sao Nicolau and Sao Vicente, accessible only by liveaboard vessel or multi-day expedition boats departing from the larger islands. Raso Islet features dramatic walls where Atlantic currents concentrate large schools of barracuda, jacks, and various shark species, while Branco Islet is renowned for its nurse shark populations and encounters with large pelagic species including tuna and wahoo. The nature reserve status has preserved these underwater ecosystems in exceptional condition, with healthy coral communities, abundant invertebrate life, and fish populations that have been depleted on more accessible islands. The islets serve as critical seabird nesting colonies, and the marine environment supports an extraordinary food chain from microscopic plankton to apex predators. Diving here requires expedition-level planning and experience, as the remote location means no nearby emergency services and potentially challenging conditions. For qualified divers willing to undertake the journey, the Raso and Branco Islets represent Cape Verde's ultimate diving experience with underwater environments that rival the best remote diving destinations anywhere in the Atlantic.

Raso & Branco Islets

Raso & Branco Islets is accessible via domestic flights from Sal or Boa Vista international airports, or by inter-island ferry services. The island's dive sites are reached by boat from the main harbour, with most sites within thirty to sixty minutes of the departure point. Multiple dive operators run daily trips during the diving season, and the compact island size makes all sites easily accessible. The tropical climate ensures warm temperatures year-round with the best diving conditions from May through November when winds subside and visibility peaks.

Where to Stay in Raso & Branco Islets

Accommodation Overview

Recommended Areas

Liveaboard vessel

Mindelo (pre/post)

Featured Hotels & Resorts

Liveaboard accommodation only

Pre-expedition stay Mindelo

Pre-expedition stay Ribeira Brava

Post-expedition Mindelo