Looking for an active holiday with no compromise on beauty?
The coastal hotspot of Cape Verde promises bountiful opportunities for diving and snorkel enthusiasts. Whether you’re a total beginner or you’ve seen coral reefs across the globe, this breathtaking seascape won’t disappoint you.
Below, we’ve covered everything you should know about planning a Cape Verde holiday with a focus on diving, snorkelling, and the fascinating biodiversity beneath its azure waters.
Best spots for snorkelling
If you’re not ready to dive, head to Santa Maria, or the island of Sal. With shallow reefs and vibrant marine life, including parrotfish and moray eels, this area makes a strong starting point for snorkelling.
The best underwater life can be spotted near the rocky soils. It’s best to catch a boat ride to your snorkel spot, since the sands can swirl in the shallows and cloud your views.
Local people snorkel at Calheta Funda, while tour operators often start their snorkelling trips in the sheltered Murdeira Bay. This protected area offers magnificent opportunities for spotting rare fish, but you’ll need to be a confident swimmer to make the most of your visit.
Scuba Diving in Cape Verde
The best location for Cape Verde holidays will depend on your experience and skill levels. Just a few of the most popular include:
- Buracona: On Sal Island, this natural hotspot is famous for its underwater lava tunnels. It’s a must-visit for experienced divers.
- Chaves beach: Renowned for its sea turtles and clear waters, it’s the perfect meeting point for snorkelling enthusiasts.
- Santo Antão: This island boasts unique marine landscapes with distinctive volcanic formations and colourful coral gardens too.
Marine life you’ll encounter
Cape Verde is a haven for marine biodiversity, frequently visited by sea turtles, dolphins, rays, and reef sharks. Vibrant coral reefs surrounding the islands deliver year-round opportunities for snorkelling and diving.
In the springtime, seasonal visitors include humpback whales, which promise the sight of a lifetime for those on boat tours. Throughout the summer nesting season, loggerhead turtles arrive to lay their eggs.
If you’re particularly interested in spotting the turtles, it’s worth exploring the work of the Turtle Foundation to find out how your trip can support conservation efforts while you’re on holiday.
Best time to go to Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a group of ten different islands, so the localised weather forecast can vary immensely. However, each island typically boasts very little rainfall and hot temperatures all year round.
Apart from one rainy season in early autumn, the dry Cape Verde weather promises great opportunities for clear seas. Whale and turtle seasons make summer and spring particularly exciting.
- April to October boast the warmest temperatures, which may help to keep you comfortable on a snorkelling trip.
- November to June offers calm waters and great visibility, which typically ranges from 20-30 meters. Perfect conditions for diving.
Staying safe underwater
Knowing your limits is one of the most important snorkelling tips for beginners, but you should also follow our advice:
- Never go alone: Always dive or snorkel with a trusted friend or family member, or an organised tour group. Follow instructions from licensed guides with strong reputations.
- Protect marine life: Avoid touching or otherwise disturbing animals and coral reefs, making every effort to preserve these fragile ecosystems.
- Choose the sustainable option: Try to find eco-friendly tour providers when you book. Many support conservation efforts, including turtle protection programmes.
Before you set off on the marine adventure of a lifetime, it’s worth knowing how to snorkel or scuba with safety in mind. With thorough preparation, you’ll be ready for the most incredible summer holiday yet.
