Diving in Sal, Cabo Verde

Best Time to Dive

Cabo Verde enjoys a relatively stable climate throughout the year, making it an excellent destination for diving. There is no real rainy season, so rainfall is minimal. The period from August to October sees slightly more rain, but even then, it is minimal and has little impact on water visibility. Sea temperatures range between 23°C and 27°C, allowing for year-round diving. However, the most optimal conditions are typically from November to July.

Marine Life

Cabo Verde's waters are rich with diverse marine life. For those interested in encountering larger marine animals, here's a handy guide on when to see specific species:

• Hammerhead Sharks (not dangerous): March to November

• Whitetip Reef Sharks (not dangerous): All year round

• Nurse Sharks (not dangerous): All year round

• Rays: June to August for the best chances; less common from September to November

• Whales: February to May for the best chances; some sightings possible year round

• Dolphins: All year round

• Turtles: March to November

Always consult local dive centers for the latest information and best spots to see these animals.

Diving Facilities

Sal and Boavista are the primary islands with professional diving facilities. Dive schools across these islands offer equipment rentals, certifications, organized trips, and invaluable local advice on dive sites. Other islands with diving infrastructure include Santo Antão, São Nicolau, São Vicente, Maio, and Santiago. Cabo Verde's dive facilities are generally of high quality, ensuring a safe and enjoyable diving experience.

Diving in Sal, Cabo Verde, offers divers of all levels a treasure trove of underwater adventures. From the vibrancy of coral reefs to the majestic presence of larger marine creatures like sharks and turtles, the island's dive sites provide an unforgettable experience. Whether you're exploring shipwrecks, underwater caves, or shallow reefs, the consistent year-round conditions and high-quality facilities make Sal a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts.

Diving in Cape Verde: An Underwater Paradise Awaits

Diving in Cape Verde is a real treat! Any diver will be thrilled at the array of marine life available to see. Our experts have put together the top dive sites to explore.

Cape Verde is the perfect choice if you are searching for somewhere to enjoy sea life. With its unique combination of tropical waters and Atlantic currents, it suits scuba divers of all abilities. Cape Verde offers a fantastic underwater environment, making it one of the top dive destinations in the world.

When diving in Cape Verde, you will be able to enjoy spotting a huge variety of sea life, from Loggerhead Turtles who lay their eggs on the beaches of the islands, to dolphins, manta rays, and various species of sharks. Diving is possible from most of the islands, including Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago. Santiago is great for wrecks, Boa Vista is well-known for its turtles, while Sal is the most established for diving. You will be able to experience the full spectrum of marine life that calls these islands their home.

Dive Sites in Cabo verde

Sal offers over 20 recognized dive sites, each promising a unique underwater experience. A few standout options include:

1. Choclasse: Located about three kilometers off Santa Maria, this spot features a large plateau with yellow coral polyps, schools of fish, tuna, Atlantic sailfish, and even sharks. Depths range from 13 to 30 meters.

1. Farol Baiox: Perfect for shallow dives, this site offers schools of fish, a small shipwreck, and coral-filled crevices. Expect to see turtles, rays, and various tropical fish.

1. Kwarcit Shipwreck: A 50-meter Russian fishing boat sunk in 2006 to create an artificial reef. It sits at a depth of 28 meters and hosts a variety of marine life, including scorpion fish, lobsters, and stingrays.

1. Cavala: Situated one kilometer off Santa Maria, this site is ideal for experienced divers with depths of 25 to 40 meters. A cave at 30 meters often hides many rays.

1. Três Grutas: This site features a small reef with three caves at a depth of nine meters. Rich with coral and micro-life, it offers an intriguing exploration.

1. Buracona (Blue Eye): This famous dive site features a cathedral-like cave at seven meters, creating a stunning play of light and shadow.

1. Santo Antão Shipwreck: This 45-meter cargo ship, sunken in 1966, sits at just 11 meters deep. Suitable for all divers, it features pufferfish, barracuda, and stingrays.

Additional Dive Sites Worth Exploring

1. Mindelo - São Vicente

Within the bay of Mindelo, you will find an 80-meter-long wreck, which is home to a diverse habitat of marine life, including schools of Soldier Fish, Yellow Grunt Fish, and Goat Fish. This site attracts divers of all levels due to its accessible depth and variety of marine life.

2. Santo Antão - S. Antao Shipwreck

Thanks to the sinking of a large cargo ship in 1966, this site offers a great opportunity to discover marine life within the wreck, which now sits in three pieces. Divers of all levels will have the chance to see Porcupine Puffers, Barracuda, Parrotfish, Trumpetfish, Stingrays, and nurse sharks.

3. São Pedro - São Vicente

This small shallow bay is perfect for snorkelers and diving beginners. It is an excellent place to see turtles, which are almost guaranteed.

4. Shark Bay - Sal

For experienced divers, Shark Bay presents the opportunity to dive at the Kwarcit Wreck. The fishing boat sank in 2006 and has become an artificial reef covered in coral. It's now home to schools of Scorpionfish, Lobsters, Fireworms, Flabellinas, and Stingrays.

5. Choclassa – Sal

Located about three kilometers off Santa Maria, this dive site features a large plateau with yellow coral polyps, schools of fish, tuna, Atlantic sailfish, and even sharks. The depths range from 13 to 30 meters, making it accessible for various levels of diving experience.

Buracona e Regona – Sal

These volcanic grottos in the north of the island are a sight to behold. Buracona, famous for its "Blue Eye," offers a surreal atmosphere with incredible light displays. Regona is a labyrinth of interconnected grottos, home to an ample amount of marine life, including large fish and various species of shellfish. This site is reachable after a 40-minute car ride.

Farol – Sal

A multi-level dive characterized by its three different depth tiers. The many cracks and crevices in the rock walls hide a myriad of marine creatures, making it ideal for those looking to encounter Frogfish and various shellfish. The dive is accessible after a short 10-minute boat trip.

Caldaia – Bolama – Sal

This dive begins near the remains of a large steamship that sank at the southwest tip of Sal in the early 20th century. The large boiler and canyon provide a home to a variety of marine creatures, including Stingrays and Nurse Sharks. The dive reaches a maximum depth of 19 meters.

Lost Anchor – Sal

Suitable for divers of all levels, this small wall starts at 16 meters deep and is full of life. It offers sightings of Stingrays and nurse sharks resting in tranquil spots.