Cape Verde · SCUBA DIVING
Volcanic walls, wrecks and warm water year round. These 4 cover the try-dives and the certified boat trips out of Santa Maria and Mindelo, priced with gear and certification requirements spelled out.
Start in Santa Maria with classroom instruction and pool or sheltered-sea practice, then return in the afternoon for a 30 to 45-minute Atlantic descent by boat. PADI-certified instructors supply all equipment. This small-group introduction suits beginners age 10 and older who can swim and meet the health requirements.
Meet the Cabo Verde Diving Aquarium team in Santa Maria at 8:30 am for two guided scuba descents, usually one to 18 to 35 meters and a second to 18 meters or less. Tanks, weights, belts, transfers, and guidance are included. Bring certification proof and budget an extra €20 for rental gear.
“Cabo Verde Dive School provided an excellent service from start to finish. All of the staff were very friendly. The dive brief was clear and the guides were very helpful on the boat. Amazing dive spots seeing turtle, nurse shark, lots of stingray anRead more”
Spend a full day learning scuba basics with a multilingual instructor, first in a pool or calm water at Bikini Beach, then on a 30 to 45 minute boat outing from Santa Maria. Small groups are limited to five. You may spot turtles, rays, moray eels, reef fish, and seasonal whales. Mauricio, Xanti, Santi, Kush, Leo, and Eric are among the instructors praised for calm guidance.
“It was a very nice experience, the instructor (KUSH-I hope I spelled it right) is very patient, calming and made this whole experience worth it. Very clear in his instructions and was an excellent support under water during the morning training and during the diving. Thank you so much Kush. You encouraged us to do this again someday. Highly recommended for beginners as the instructor makes you feel very safe.”
Join Santa Maria Dive Center for two morning scuba descents around Sal Island, led by an instructor in groups of seven or fewer. You’ll visit from a choice of 24 marked sites, with possible turtles, pufferfish, coral, tropical fish, or sunken boats. Certified divers receive tanks, weights, belts, and hotel transport. Other gear costs 15 euros per descent.
“Good diving trip! The seas were a bit rough, so keep that in mind during the windy season, but the dives were great, regardless! The ship wreck was super unique with literally hundreds of puffer fish in schools!”
Pick an island, a crater or a stretch of water.
