Diving in Cape Verde
Including Boa Vista Island Diving, Sal Island Diving, and Santiago Island Diving. On the map.
The vibe
Diving here feels like exploring a rugged, underwater frontier where the topography is dominated by dramatic rock formations and deep blue drop-offs rather than vibrant coral gardens. The season runs year-round, though the cooler months bring in larger pelagic species that make the deeper dives particularly rewarding. The infrastructure is professional and organized, catering to those who want a structured dive holiday without the overwhelming crowds found in more mainstream destinations.
You will need to present your certification card to local operators.
Boa Vista Island Diving
Boa Vista
Sentinel-2 cloudless 2016 by EOX IT Services GmbH is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Boa Vista is known for its shallow coral and rocky reefs, alongside notable wrecks such as the Cabo Santa Maria freighter resting near the shore. Scuba divers encounter abundant schooling fish, turtles, and rays amidst sunlit sandy bottoms and volcanic ledges. Several professional dive bases operate around Sal Rei to guide divers through these scenic Atlantic waters.
Access. Dive shops operate primarily out of Sal Rei, offering boat trips and equipment rentals. Rabil Airport connects the island to major European hubs.
Notes. Ideal for all certification levels with depths typically between 10m and 30m.
Sal Island Diving
Sal
r_dfawn / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sal Island offers exciting Atlantic scuba diving with a mix of dramatic rocky reefs, volcanic caverns, and historical wrecks like the Santo Antão. Divers explore thriving marine life including moray eels, stingrays, and occasional nurse sharks cruising the basalt formations. Local dive operators run daily boat trips out of Santa Maria to popular sites featuring swim-throughs and rich pelagic action.
Access. Dive centers are concentrated around Santa Maria on the southern tip of Sal, offering daily boat excursions and PADI training courses. Most international flights arrive at Amílcar Cabral International Airport nearby.
Notes. Water temperatures range from 22°C to 26°C depending on the season; strong Atlantic swells can affect site accessibility in winter months.
Santiago Island Diving
Santa Catarina
Cayambe / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Santiago provides diverse scuba diving opportunities along its rugged coastline, featuring volcanic rock formations, underwater arches, and vibrant reef ecosystems. Divers can explore both sheltered bays and exposed drop-offs populated by groupers, barracudas, and colorful invertebrates. Local dive clubs operate out of the Praia area to access these lesser-visited Cape Verdean dive sites.
Access. Scuba operators based in Praia facilitate boat dives and gear hire. Flights arrive at Nelson Mandela International Airport.
Notes. Best dived between May and November when sea conditions are calmest.
São Vicente Island Diving
São Vicente
Sentinel-2 cloudless 2016 by EOX IT Services GmbH is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The waters around São Vicente and neighboring Santa Luzia feature dramatic underwater topography shaped by volcanic activity, including sheer walls, deep drop-offs, and intricate caves. Scuba divers frequent sites rich in macro life as well as larger pelagics like tuna, jacks, and rays. Local dive charters depart from Mindelo to explore these exposed offshore reefs and seamounts.
Access. Dive operators based in Mindelo harbor provide boat charters to the island's coastal sites and nearby marine reserves. São Vicente is served by Cesária Évora Airport.
Notes. Depths range from 15m to 40m+; conditions can be exposed with moderate to strong Atlantic currents.