Spearfishing in Cape Verde
Including Boa Vista Island Coastline, Sal Island Reef Flats, and São Vicente Island Coast. On the map.
The vibe
Spearfishing here is a serious, specialist endeavor that requires a deep understanding of the Atlantic's unpredictable currents and rocky terrain. The hunt is most productive during the transition months when the water temperature is stable and the visibility is at its peak. You will find this is a very local-centric activity, and you will need to connect with experienced local guides who know how to navigate the hazards of the coast.
A local fishing licence is required.
Boa Vista Island Coastline
Boa Vista
Horst / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Boa Vista offers dramatic volcanic ledges, deep drop-offs, and sweeping Atlantic currents that draw pelagic hunters. The rough rocky bottoms and offshore shelves harbor strong populations of grouper, snapper, and roving amberjack. Spearfishers encounter challenging open-water conditions where heavy-duty gear and good breath-hold are essential.
Access. Access is largely DIY or arranged via independent local fishermen and private boat owners in Sal Rei who know the local swells. Dedicated commercial spearfishing charter outfits are sparse, so travelers usually need to bring their own travel-friendly spearfishing setup and coordinate local boat transport directly.
Notes. Spearfishing in Cape Verde is regulated by national fisheries laws prohibiting scuba-assisted hunting; all catches must be done via freediving. Visitors should verify any local marine protected zones around Boa Vista before heading out.
Sal Island Reef Flats
Sal
ROB MOWE · Pexels
Sal's leeward coast and reef flats offer warm, clear Atlantic water with grouper, snapper, bream, and reef species along a volcanic island rim. Cape Verde's growing freedive community hunts the accessible fringing reef on calm days.
Access. Shore entries from Santa Maria and reef points on the island's west side; small boat trips can be arranged locally. Gear is limited on-island—bring a speargun; licence obtainable in Sal or Praia.
Notes. Recreational spearfishing licence required (monthly or annual, obtainable locally). Freediving only—SCUBA prohibited for spearfishing. Daylight only; 3 demersal fish daily limit; 200 m from bathing beaches. Santa Luzia Natural Reserve and other protected areas are no-take.
São Vicente Island Coast
São Vicente
Addshore / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The dramatic coastline around Mindelo and the northern shores of São Vicente provide nutrient-rich waters swept by Atlantic currents. Jagged rocky reefs and deep offshore ledges create ideal environments for hunting large grouper, snapper, and passing pelagics. Conditions are frequently windy, creating exciting, technical hunting grounds for experienced freediving spearfishers.
Access. Mindelo serves as the primary maritime hub where visitors can connect with independent local skippers and coastal guides. Specialized spearfishing charters are not mass-marketed, requiring travelers to network with local fishers or independent boat operators at the port.
Notes. Freedive spearfishing only; scuba tanks are illegal for harvesting fish in Cape Verde waters. Check current regional catch limits and protected bays with local authorities.
Tarrafal Bay, Santiago
Tarrafal
David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Tarrafal Bay on the northern tip of Santiago features a sheltered crescent of water opening up to rugged coastal drop-offs and rocky benthic structures. The transition from the protected bay to the outer headlands offers a mix of shallow reef hunting and deeper blue water encounters with jacks and coastal pelagics. It is one of the more accessible shore-and-boat transition zones on the island.
Access. Accessible via shore entries from the bay beaches or by hiring local fishermen with small skiffs right from the waterfront in Tarrafal. Organized spearfishing shops are absent, so gear must be brought along and local boatmen hired ad hoc.
Notes. Strictly freediving and speargun regulations apply nationally. Ensure hunting is done outside designated swimming zones and local marine reserves in the bay.