Fishing in Cape Verde
Including Boa Vista Coastal Waters, Fogo Island Volcanic Coastline, and Mindelo Bay and Sao Vicente Coast. On the map.
The vibe
Angling here is a test of patience and strength, pitting you against powerful game fish in the deep, open waters just off the islands. The season is long, but the action really heats up when the migratory species pass through the archipelago. It feels like a dedicated sport-fishing trip, with most visitors booking onto specialized charters that provide all the necessary gear and local expertise.
A standard recreational fishing licence is required.
Boa Vista Coastal Waters
Boa Vista
Horst / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Boa Vista features extensive sandy beaches, rocky points, and rich coastal waters frequented by bluefish, triggerfish, and jacks. Surfcasters find plenty of uncrowded shoreline to target predatory fish moving with the tides.
Access. Easily accessible by rented 4x4 or quad from Sal Rei. Many prime shore-casting beaches are located near the northwestern and eastern coasts.
Notes. Respect local marine protected areas and turtle nesting zones along certain beaches. Check with local guides regarding seasonal wind and surf conditions.
Fogo Island Volcanic Coastline
São Filipe
Cayambe / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The dramatic volcanic cliffs and deep drop-offs surrounding Fogo Island offer rugged shore casting and deep-water boat fishing. The sudden depth changes close to shore attract pelagic species and strong reef dwellers.
Access. Access is primarily from the coastal settlement of Sao Filipe, where local boatmen can sometimes be hired for nearshore trips.
Notes. Extreme caution is required when rock fishing due to powerful Atlantic swells crashing against volcanic basalt shelves.
Mindelo Bay and Sao Vicente Coast
São Vicente
Addshore / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mindelo on Sao Vicente Island is world-renowned for its heavy tackle blue marlin fishing, particularly during the peak summer months. The deep oceanic drop-offs surrounding the island also hold massive tuna, wahoo, and shark species.
Access. World-class sportfishing yachts and experienced skippers operate out of the marina in Porto Grande, Mindelo. Advance booking is essential during peak marlin season.
Notes. Sportfishing regulations align with national Cape Verdean maritime laws. Billfish conservation practices, including tag-and-release, are widely practiced by local captains.
Praia Coastal Waters, Santiago
Praia
Reino Baptista / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The coastal waters surrounding the capital city of Praia offer accessible bottom fishing and nearshore trolling. Anglers frequently hook mackerel, snapper, and small tunas just outside the main harbor.
Access. Fishing boats and local guides can be arranged through contacts at the main port areas in Praia.
Notes. Standard maritime safety rules apply; ensure boat operators carry proper life-saving equipment.
Sal Island Waters
Sal
r_dfawn / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The surrounding Atlantic waters off Sal Island offer thrilling deep-sea and bottom fishing for blue marlin, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and amberjack. Charters depart regularly from Santa Maria harbor, providing access to productive offshore drops and reefs.
Access. Sportfishing charters and private boat rentals are readily available in Santa Maria. Visitors can book half-day or full-day trips through local tour operators and fishing lodges.
Notes. A standard recreational fishing permit or arrangement through your licensed charter operator is recommended. Catch-and-release is encouraged for billfish.
Tarrafal Bay, Santiago
Tarrafal
David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Tarrafal Bay on the northern tip of Santiago Island provides sheltered anchoring and excellent nearshore reef fishing for snapper, grouper, and barracuda. Local fishermen and visiting anglers work the rocky points and drop-offs.
Access. Accessible via road from Praia. Local fishermen often take visitors out on traditional wooden pangas, or shore anglers can cast from accessible rocky outcrops and beaches.
Notes. Shore fishing is generally free, but boat trips require negotiating rates directly with local boatmen in the cove.