Diving and snorkelling in Cabo Verde

Diving in the Cape Verde Islands is an unforgettable experience. The archipelago’s location makes it one of the most diverse sanctuaries for marine life, where you can see everything from majestic whales to tiny nudibranchs.

For those who have yet to try scuba diving, snorkelling offers plenty of opportunities. However, the short continental shelf around the islands limits horizontal reef diving. Instead, you can explore a variety of open water dives, vertical (wall) reefs, cave dives and shipwrecks. Snorkelling in deeper waters is best done close to shore as waves can stir up sand and reduce visibility.

Marine life is relatively easy to spot. Between January and March you may be lucky enough to see humpback and sperm whales on their annual migration. Throughout the rest of the year, sharks, mantas, moray eels and turtles are common, along with a variety of fish. Trumpetfish and blowfish are among the easier species to spot in shallower waters.

Cape Verde’s diverse dive sites cater for all levels of divers, from beginners to experts. Diving is generally possible all year round, although visibility can be affected by run-off during the rainy season (July to October), depending on the island.

Divers should be experienced to encounter larger animals such as whales, mantas and sharks. These creatures are not easily seen from shore and often require diving in deeper waters. Inexperienced divers are advised to consult their instructor or dive master to ensure the best possible experience.