🇨🇦Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Cabo Verde

North Atlantic Ocean

sea

West African Transition

province

Cape Verde

ecoregion

Aquário

Aquário is a dive site located approximately 15-20 minutes by boat from the Pier. The site features a distinctive wall that extends outward, forming a near 90-degree angle with the rock, creating a square-shaped structure reminiscent of a natural aquarium. Divers can expect to encounter small schools of fish and, during the appropriate season, sightings of Manta rays, as well as turtles and larger fish in the deeper waters beyond the wall.

16.8620, -25.0705

Arenas

Arenas is a shore dive site characterized by large isolated rock formations. Divers explore the sandy areas and the surrounding reef, where schools of fish are consistently present. The site features small arenas where rays and turtles can occasionally be observed. The dive concludes in a spacious cavern adorned with an arch, teeming with schools of fish. The average depth is 8 meters, with a maximum depth of 14 meters. Notable marine life includes groupers, gunnards, damsels, trumpetfish, nurse sharks, rays, turtles, nudibranchs, frogfish, parrotfish, doctorfish, and octopus.

17.0529, -24.9914

Atlanticus Diving - House Reef

Atlanticus Diving - House Reef offers a relaxed diving experience with a sandy and rocky bottom located within a bay. The dive site starts at a depth of approximately 2 to 3 meters and extends to depths of 15 to 18 meters, depending on the diver's experience level. This bay serves as a nursery for various marine species, making it a habitat rich in small marine life. Common sightings include moray eels and pufferfish, which are present in about 90% of the dives here. The entry and exit to the water are straightforward, making it accessible for divers of all skill levels.

14.9020, -23.5130

Atlantis Palace

Atlantis Palace is a cavern dive characterized by a sandy bottom and multiple entrances. The dive begins at the deepest entrance, allowing divers to explore various small openings within the cavern. The ceiling is adorned with yellow coral polyps, providing a unique visual experience. Divers can often observe large schools of fish moving between the entrances. Marine life commonly encountered includes amberjacks, groupers, soldierfish, parrotfish, stingrays, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, lobsters, frogfish, nudibranchs, bigeyes, Guinea grunts, and glasseyes.

17.1155, -24.9686

Baixa do Boi

Baixa do Boi is a small islet located near Janela in the northern region of the island. The dive begins at the most sheltered area on the western point of the islet, where divers will have the rocky formations to their left. The dive extends approximately 40 meters along the islet's edge. The site is rich in marine biodiversity, with notable species including doctorfish, amberjacks, damselfish, tunas, scorpion fish, glasseye, parrot fish, Cape Verdeean Morro, lobsters, trumpet fish, and pufferfish. Occasional sightings of oceanic sharks may also occur. Divers should be attentive to the blue waters for additional marine life.

17.1179, -24.9681

Bikini Beach

Bikini Beach offers a calm diving environment, ideal for training in saltwater conditions throughout the year. The site features a combination of rocky and sandy substrates, with a maximum depth of 5 meters. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including parrot fish and trumpet fish, along with other reef species.

16.6141, -22.9295

Bodega De Tchoko

Bodega De Tchoko is a dive site with a maximum depth of 14 meters (46 feet), suitable for all divers. The sandy bottom is home to nurse sharks, stingrays, moray eels, cuttlefish, lobsters, porcupine fish, amberjacks, sea bream, crabs, and nudibranchs.

15.9640, -22.8629

Boris

Boris is a wreck dive site located at depths ranging from 20 to 28 meters (66-90 feet) off the southwestern coast of Sal, Cape Verde. The wreck of a former Russian commercial ship was intentionally sunk in 2006 to create an artificial reef, attracting various marine life including fish and occasional manta rays. Certified wreck divers can penetrate the wreck, but a torch is recommended.

16.5747, -22.9282

Cabnav (Muck Dive)

Cabnav is a muck dive site located at the coordinates 16.902300, -24.997200. The site is characterized by depths ranging from 3 to 10 meters, making it suitable for various diving experiences, including training courses. It is sheltered by the pier and moored vessels, providing calm diving conditions. Marine life commonly observed here includes frogfish, conger eels, rays, trumpetfish, lobsters, and small schools of fish, often found near the pier structure.

16.9023, -24.9972

Calderinha Wreck

The Calderinha Wreck, located at a depth of 5 meters, is over 100 years old and lies close to shore. The wreck is largely in ruins, with the boiler being one of the few intact features. This site is suitable for both snorkeling and diving. Marine life includes green turtles that often rest in the area, as well as nurse sharks that can be found hiding among the wreckage. Divers can also observe a variety of fish and moray eels in the vicinity.

16.5855, -22.9173

Canjana

Canjana is situated 11.3 kilometers from Porto Grande, within a bay that provides shelter from wind and northeastern waves, resulting in calm diving conditions. The site features a pinnacle that reaches depths of 17 to 19 meters, where divers can observe a rich diversity of marine life. Visibility is generally good, enhancing the diving experience. Notable species include frogfish, amberjack, rays, turtles, and nudibranchs. During certain seasons, there is a possibility of encountering manta rays.

16.8574, -25.0717

Cavala

Cavala is a wall dive site that begins at a depth of 28 meters (82 feet) and descends beyond 60 meters (196 feet). Divers can encounter various pelagic species, including sharks, barracudas, trevallies, mackerel, tuna, and sea turtles, with hammerheads and tiger sharks more commonly seen from May to September.

16.5701, -22.9207

Cavala, Sal

Cavala is a wall dive that begins at a depth of 28 meters, with a steep drop-off leading to 35 meters where divers can explore an overhang. The sandy bottom is located at 42 meters. The site is characterized by an abundance of orange cup coral and is home to various marine life, including turtles, stingrays, and jackfish that can be seen resting or hovering near the bottom. As divers continue deeper, they may encounter nudibranchs and moray eels along the wall, with depths reaching up to 65 meters.

16.5823, -22.9171

Central Station

Central Station is located near the end of Paço de Pau bay and offers a shallow dive experience. Divers can explore a sandy and rocky terrain featuring numerous holes and small caverns. The ceilings of these caverns are adorned with yellow and orange coral polyps, providing a vibrant backdrop. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including soldierfish, parrotfish, doctorfish, oceanic triggerfish, pufferfish, stingrays, trumpetfish, angelfish, amberjacks, and glasseye. This dive site is accessible from the shore.

16.9084, -25.2911

Champignon

Champignon is a dive site with a maximum depth of 12 meters, characterized by a sandy bottom and an extensive reef featuring a 1-meter-high overhang. This site offers easy diving conditions suitable for divers of all experience levels, with relaxed conditions year-round. Marine life commonly observed includes turtles, rays, nurse sharks, lobsters, crabs, nudibranchs, and puffer fish, among others, particularly under the overhang.

16.6041, -22.9343

Christine Plateaux

Christine Plateaux offers a calm diving experience characterized by a plateau where divers can observe various marine species hiding under isolated rocks. The dive involves moving along a sandy bottom and exploring rocky areas, including crevices that may harbor marine life. Occasionally, divers may encounter currents, allowing for a drift dive on the return. The average depth is 10 meters, with a maximum depth of 14 meters. Notable marine life includes multiple species of moray eels, small stingrays, spider crabs, lobsters, nudibranchs, frogfish, and baby nurse sharks. Other species such as doctorfish, groupers, parrotfish, and soldierfish can also be observed.

17.0638, -24.9837

Critters Walk

Critters Walk offers a calm dive experience starting from Praia do Vulcão. The dive begins on a sandy platform and extends along the reef, where divers can explore small crevices and holes in search of unique marine life. The average depth is 8 meters, with a maximum depth of 12 meters, making it suitable for divers interested in macro photography. Commonly observed species include nudibranchs, frogfish, groupers, scorpion fish, moray eels, lobsters, pufferfish, box fish, and soap fish. Occasionally, divers may encounter turtles, stingrays, and oceanic triggerfish.

17.0546, -24.9888

Cubos

Cubos is characterized by its unique rock formations resembling small cubes, composed of black stones. The dive site has an average depth ranging from 14 to 16 meters, with a maximum depth of 22 meters. Divers typically engage in drift diving, navigating with rocky structures on the left and white sand on the right, where a small reef can be found at the deeper end. The area is rich in coral and small schools of fish, with potential sightings of mantas during their season. Additionally, green turtles, rays, frogfish, and various mollusks can also be observed here.

16.9149, -24.9751

Djeu (Ilhéu dos Pássaros)

Djeu, also known as Ilhéu dos Pássaros, is an islet situated approximately 3.5 km northwest of Mindelo and can be accessed by a 5-minute boat ride from Porto Grande, where the Dom Luís lighthouse is located. This dive site offers 4 to 6 distinct dive routes, accommodating various diver profiles and preferences. Marine life at Djeu includes a diverse array of schooling fish species, with over 10 identified, as well as turtles, barracudas, ocean mantas, rays, dorados, and wahoo. The underwater environment features various corals, molluscs, and crustaceans, making it a rich habitat for marine biodiversity.

16.9100, -25.0110

Éder Márcio Leite Pereira

Éder Márcio Leite Pereira is a dive site situated between the east and southeast of Djeu, featuring depths that can reach up to 40 meters. The site is characterized by walls and gorges, requiring divers to swim into open waters for optimal exploration. This area is known for encounters with larger pelagic species, similar to those found around the nearby islet. Divers can expect to see over 12 different fish species, including Tunas, Barracudas, Dorados, Esmoregal, Wahoo, Giant Rays, lobsters, as well as gray and lemon sharks. The entry to this site is from the shore.

16.9097, -25.0097

Eder´s Trident

Eder's Trident consists of three prominent rocks rising about 6 meters above the water, extending into the bay towards the north and northeast. These formations are surrounded by sandy areas, providing a distinct contrast to the underwater landscape. While the marine life in this area is similar to that found throughout the bay, the deeper sections near the Trident can reveal larger schools of fish and other marine surprises. This site is accessible via shore entry.

16.9114, -24.9796

Edzina

Edzina is located at coordinates 16.890000, -25.034600 and is accessed via shore entry. The site was discovered by divers Éder and Zina while exploring rocky formations northwest of Ponta de Tubarão. It is notable for being one of the top dive sites on the island, featuring a unique reef situated amidst sandy surroundings. Divers can expect to encounter schools of various species, including Glasseye, Red squirrelfish, Doctorfish, seabreams, Brown moray eels, Greater slipper lobsters, and common stingrays.

16.8900, -25.0346

Farol

Farol is a multilevel reef that ranges from depths of 4 to 18 meters, characterized by diverse marine life and geological features such as crevices, overhangs, and caverns. The site includes rocky and volcanic formations interspersed with sandy patches. It is home to a variety of species, including green turtles, parrot fish, trumpet fish, puffer fish, nurse sharks, moray eels, nudibranchs, octopus, lobsters, and rays, making it a rich environment for observation.

16.5857, -22.9163

Fateja

Fateja, located 9 kilometers from the center of Diving, is primarily a drift dive site characterized by a sandy gorge that leads to a maximum depth of 22 meters. The dive features rocky formations on the right side, culminating in a wall with an underwater cavity. Divers can expect to encounter various schools of fish, with green turtles being a notable highlight. Additionally, sightings of rays, cat sharks, frogfish, and numerous nudibranchs are possible, making it a diverse marine environment.

16.8701, -25.0569

Find Wally

Find Wally is a muck dive located at Porto Novo Harbor, accessible from the shore. This site offers an easy entry point, making it suitable for both day and night dives. Night dives are particularly rewarding, as they reveal a variety of marine life that is often elusive during daylight hours. Divers can expect to encounter species such as frogfish, nudibranchs, scorpion fish, moray eels, lobsters, fireworms, rays, and octopuses. Occasionally, whale sharks may also be spotted in the area. The dive site is characterized by a mix of marine life and debris, including plastic bottles and fishing lines, which adds to the unique experience of muck diving.

17.0172, -25.0597

Furna de Rosa

Furna de Rosa is a unique dive site characterized by its cave structure, measuring approximately 8 meters in height, 10 meters in width, and extending 16 meters in length. The name 'Furna' translates to 'deep cavity' or 'cave', while 'Rosa' signifies a 'garden' of colorful corals that surround the entrance, providing an impressive visual right from the start of the dive. This site is notable as the only known cave on the island, allowing divers easy access to the exit. The maximum depth within the cave reaches 10 meters, making it suitable for divers seeking a straightforward dive experience.

16.8426, -25.0832

Hanging Garden, Kap Verde

At Hanging Garden in Kap Verde, divers begin their descent on a sandy slope, reaching depths of around 30 meters. A left turn leads to a drop-off adorned with golden cup corals and black corals, as well as fan corals lining the edge. The dive continues along the wall at approximately 35 meters until reaching its end. Divers then ascend slowly back to the sandy area towards the boat. Marine life commonly observed includes schools of doctorfish, amberjacks, stingrays, moray eels, parrotfish, turtles, and lobsters. Occasionally, silky sharks, blacktip sharks, and mantas may be spotted.

17.0587, -24.9857

Ilhéu do Boi

Ilhéu do Boi is a small islet located near Janela in the northern region of the island. The dive begins in the southernmost area, which offers protection, and follows the rocky terrain on the right side, reaching depths of approximately 30 meters. Divers will return along the same path, ascending near the rocky formations while observing the open blue water. Marine life commonly encountered includes doctorfish, parrotfish, scorpionfish, trumpetfish, sepia, lobsters, amberjacks, glasseyes, Cape Verde morays, moray eels, damselfish, tunas, and nudibranchs.

17.1169, -24.9685

Jardim das Gorgónias

Jardim das Gorgónias is located in Paço de Pau Bay, characterized by a sandy bottom interspersed with small rocky canyons. Divers can explore the area at an average depth of 15 meters, reaching a maximum of 20 meters. The dive site is notable for its abundant gorgonians, which populate the underwater landscape. Marine life includes various species such as parrotfish, doctorfish, lobsters, crabs, nurse sharks, oceanic triggerfish, trumpet fish, damselfish, butterfly fish, and nudibranchs. The site offers a diverse environment for observing different marine species in their natural habitat.

16.9194, -25.2539

Kwarcit Wreck (Boris)

The Kwarcit Wreck, also known as Boris, is an artificial reef established by Manta Diving Center in January 2006 as part of the Rebuilding Nature project. It is recognized as the first artificial reef in the Cape Verde archipelago. The site is home to various marine species, including the Royal Spiny Lobster (Panulirus regius), Nudibranch (Flabellina arveleoi), African hind (Cephalopholis taeniops), Guinean grunt (Parapristipoma humile), and even the Whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Divers can access this site by boat, and it offers a unique opportunity to explore the marine life that has made this wreck their habitat.

16.5827, -22.9192

Ladra Cachorro

Ladra Cachorro is located approximately 5 to 8 minutes by boat from Porto Grande bay. This dive site features shallow areas and offers drift diving opportunities, with a maximum depth of 22 meters. Divers can expect to encounter over 10 different species of fish, particularly in the deeper sections. Notable marine life includes manta rays, turtles, and barracudas. The rock formation at this site is said to resemble the head of a howling dog.

16.8841, -25.0439

Molhe de. Fora

Molhe de Fora is located outside the harbor and features an artificial pier. The dive begins at the sandy bottom near the start of the pier, with rocky structures to the right leading towards the harbor entrance near the ferry dock. Marine life can often be found hiding among the rocks, so using a torch can enhance the experience by revealing creatures in the crevices. Common species observed include puffer fish, rays, lobsters, sand congers, surgeonfish, nudibranchs, amberjacks, spider crabs, Bermuda sea chubs, and trumpet fish. Occasionally, nurse sharks may also be spotted in this area.

17.0159, -25.0581

Morro Branco

Morro Branco offers a relaxing dive experience with a gradual descent leading to a rocky plateau that reaches a maximum depth of 15 meters. Divers can explore various crevices and large rocks that provide shelter for numerous marine species. The site may experience occasional currents, allowing for drift diving while observing the diverse marine life. Common sightings include moray eels, groupers, pufferfish, trumpet fish, parrot fish, damselfish, rays, frogfish, doctorfish, and soldier fish.

16.9794, -25.3198

Navio a Vapor

Navio a Vapor is a small wreck of an ancient vapor vessel, likely a work ship, located in a shallow area. The wreck spans approximately 80 meters and is composed of iron, creating a chaotic structure that supports a diverse marine ecosystem. The average depth of the site is 8 meters, with a maximum depth reaching 11 meters. Due to its shallow location, diving conditions can be challenging at times. Marine life commonly observed here includes schools of bigeye, soldierfish, doctorfish, groupers, damselfish, lobsters, scorpionfish, moray eels, parrotfish, seabreams, butterflyfish, grunts, and glasseye.

16.9968, -25.0988

Ninho de Guincho

Ninho de Guincho is located on the northwest side of the island, approximately 10 minutes by boat from Porto Grande. This dive site features multiple routes, allowing for 4 to 6 different dives in the same area. The depths range from 5 to 22 meters, accommodating both relaxed dives and more challenging experiences. The underwater environment is characterized by an abundance of corals and rocky formations, where divers can encounter various marine life, including schools of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, frogfish, and nests of loggerhead turtles within the bay.

16.9090, -24.9909

Parede de Bitxon

Parede de Bitxon offers a wall dive that begins with a sandy descent leading to a drop-off at 33 meters. Divers can then ascend gradually along the wall's edge while observing the blue waters. The dive concludes near a coastal reef, reaching a sandy platform at 5 meters, where a variety of marine species can be seen throughout the dive. Common sightings include amberjacks, barracudas, Bermuda sea chubs, blackjacks, doctorfish, moray eels, trumpet fish, lobsters, and rays. Occasionally, divers may encounter manta rays, whale sharks, guitarfish, and oceanic sharks.

17.0550, -24.9853

Parede de Monte Trigo

Parede de Monte Trigo features a vertical wall dive that begins at the surface and descends to a depth of 30 meters. Divers will navigate along the wall, keeping it on their right side while observing the open water. On the return, the dive shifts to shallower depths with the wall on the left, allowing exploration of various crevices and marine life. Notable species include tunas, doctorfish, soldierfish, trumpetfish, amberjacks, parrotfish, glasseye, nudibranchs, and scorpionfish. Occasional sightings of manta rays and oceanic sharks may also occur.

17.0214, -25.3350

Parede do Tarrafal

Parede do Tarrafal is located in the bay of Tarrafal, with a shore entry point. The dive begins on a rocky plateau at a depth of 6 meters and continues down to approximately 20 meters along a vertical wall. Divers can explore various crevices within the wall, which are home to a diverse array of marine life. Common species observed include Doctorfish, parrot fish, nudibranchs, moray eels, puffer fish, soldier fish, Cape Verde damselfish, amberjacks, frogfish, and spider crabs. The site is characterized by schools of fish that enhance the underwater experience.

16.9627, -25.3128

Peredão

Peredão is characterized by an overhang that descends to a sandy bottom at a depth of 22 meters, with the top of the structure located at 18 meters. This extensive reef is marked by two distinct buoys for dive entry. Divers can observe various marine life, including large moray eels that often take shelter under the overhang. Additionally, species such as parrot fish, trumpet fish, surgeon fish, and goat fish are commonly seen. During the summer months, loggerhead turtles may also be spotted in the area.

16.6184, -22.9358

Pináculo Tv

Pináculo Tv is located after Monte Trigo bay, featuring a shallow plateau of rock and sand that transitions into a rocky area leading to the cape's end. At approximately 25 meters depth, a pinnacle is present, often surrounded by currents. This site is known for its diverse marine life, including species such as doctor fish, Bermuda sea chub, blackjacks, soldierfish, tunas, parrot fish, trumpet fish, pufferfish, rays, glasseye, and groupers.

17.0224, -25.3411

Pipi da Menina

Pipi da Menina is located in a small bay characterized by underwater passages created from layers of lava. The site features rocky formations that extend nearly to a depth of 30 meters. Divers can explore various holes and openings while observing the diverse marine life present. Notable species include soldierfish, doctorfish, moray eels, nudibranchs, rays, nurse sharks, lobsters, parrotfish, trumpetfish, glasseye, and bigeye. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.

16.9822, -25.3196

Plateaux do Curralinho

Plateaux do Curralinho is located close to the coast at coordinates 16.922700, -25.316200. Divers explore the area by moving along the rocky formations while keeping the rocks to their right. The dive involves searching hidden crevices for various marine species. Occasionally, divers may encounter drift currents, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the marine life present. Common species include Doctorfish, parrot fish, scorpion fish, moray eels, lobsters, stingrays, turtles, soldierfish, glasseye, trumpet fish, and damselfish. Nurse sharks and manta rays may also be spotted, though these occurrences are less frequent.

16.9227, -25.3162

Ponta d'Tum

Ponta d'Tum features a drop-off located close to the shore, beginning at a shallow plateau around 10 meters deep. As divers proceed towards the blue, they reach the edge of the drop-off at approximately 30 meters. The dive typically follows the edge of the wall, often with a drift dive, allowing exploration of the diverse marine life inhabiting the area. Commonly observed species include doctorfish, parrotfish, moray eels, amberjacks, tunas, soldierfish, trumpetfish, scorpionfish, black jacks, and rays.

16.9436, -25.3180

Ponta de Nho Jon ( Shallow)

Ponta de Nho Jon (Shallow) is situated within the Bay, providing calm surface conditions and good visibility. This site is suitable for various activities, including try dives, snorkeling, and training courses, as well as for experienced divers. The underwater landscape allows divers to navigate between rocks, particularly in the depth range of 5 to 12 meters. Marine life is abundant, with notable sightings of green turtles, schools of fish, rays, and cat sharks.

16.8812, -25.0511

Ponta de Peça

Ponta de Peça is located at the last point before reaching Tarrafal. This dive site features a rocky wall that descends beyond 40 meters, characterized by large rocks that create various crevices for marine life. Divers may encounter currents due to its cape location, and there is potential for sightings of larger species such as manta rays in the blue waters. Common marine life includes doctorfish, soldierfish, trumpetfish, glassy sweepers, parrotfish, amberjacks, blackjacks, moray eels, and lobsters.

16.9047, -25.2981

Ponta de Tubarão

Ponta de Tubarão, also referred to as Ponta do Morro Branco, is located at the base of the mountains. Divers must swim out to the Open Water, navigating between three reefs. The site reaches a maximum depth of 16 meters, with an average depth ranging from 11 to 13 meters. It is characterized by an abundance of shoals, coral formations, gorges, and small caves. A notable feature of this dive site is the presence of nurse sharks, particularly during their mating season, where they can be observed at depths of 3 to 6 meters, measuring between 1.5 to 4 meters in length.

16.8872, -25.0327

Ponta do Pesqueiro Preto

Ponta do Pesqueiro Preto offers a calm diving experience starting from a bay characterized by a rocky bottom on the left and sandy substrate on the right. Divers will navigate along the rocky area, ascending near the coast while exploring small crevices that host various marine species. The dive concludes at an isolated rock located at a depth of 5 meters beneath the boat. Common marine life includes groupers, parrotfish, trumpet fish, cornet fish, damselfish, turtles, moray eels, doctorfish, and frogfish. Occasional sightings may include manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, and large tunas.

17.0572, -24.9864

Ponta do Tubarão

Ponta do Tubarão offers a shore entry dive characterized by a rocky bottom resembling large potatoes, which provides habitat for diverse marine life. The site is known for its rich biodiversity, including species such as amberjacks, barracudas, groupers, and lobsters. Divers may encounter schools of doctorfish, Bermuda sea chub, seabreams, trumpet fish, as well as sea stars and sea cucumbers. Occasional sightings of mantas, sharks, and turtles enhance the experience. Currents can occur, particularly during lunar changes, bringing in schools of fish and adding to the dynamic underwater environment.

17.0559, -24.9861

Ponta Nho Jon ( Deep)

Ponta Nho Jon is located approximately 7.5 km from Porto Grande and is accessible via shore entry. The dive site features depths reaching below 50 meters and is characterized by strong, often turbulent currents. The area is known for its rich pelagic species, particularly around the pinnacle at 27 meters, which is adorned with corals. Divers can expect to see giant frogfish, schools of smaller fish, and frequent sightings of manta rays and barracudas.

16.8836, -25.0522

Pontinha

Pontinha is a wall dive that begins at a depth of 14 meters and descends to a maximum of 30 meters. The dive site can be explored in two sections: the deeper area around 30 meters and a shallower section at approximately 20 meters. The wall features numerous nooks and crannies that serve as habitats for various marine life, including lobsters, moray eels, stingrays, fish, and turtles. The slope at the base of the wall extends into the deep blue, providing an expansive underwater landscape.

16.5903, -22.9354

Praia do Vulcão

Praia do Vulcão offers a sandy descent with the reef located to the left. Divers can explore a diverse marine ecosystem during a calm dive, reaching depths of up to 30 meters for those with more experience. The site is rich in marine life, including amberjacks, barracudas, groupers, scorpion fish, moray eels, lobsters, schools of surgeon fish, frog fish, nudibranchs, parrot fish, and trumpet fish. Divers are encouraged to maintain awareness of their surroundings for potential sightings.

17.0549, -24.9883

Rotxa de Ventoinha

Rotxa de Ventoinha is located on the northeastern part of the island. The dive begins on a rocky plateau at a depth of 6 meters, leading into a channel that features large rock canyons, reaching a maximum depth of 20 meters. Divers can navigate along the canyons and sandy bottom, exploring various crevices that host a diverse range of marine life. Common sightings include schools of doctorfish and parrotfish, groupers, multiple species of moray eels, nurse sharks, stingrays, lobsters, nudibranchs, soldier fish, and oceanic triggerfish.

17.0957, -24.9600

Santo Antao Wreck

The Santo Antao Wreck lies at a depth of 11 meters and is an ideal dive site for both novice and experienced divers. This 60-year-old wreck, measuring 30 meters in length, is located near the shore where it collided with rocky formations. The site is known for its abundant marine life, including numerous pufferfish that blend into the seafloor. Divers may also encounter stingrays, nurse sharks, trumpet fish, turtles, moray eels, and nudibranchs in the area.

16.5895, -22.8921

São Macario

São Macario is an 80-meter-long shipwreck located in Mindelo's bay at a maximum depth of 15 meters (50 feet). The wreck is home to various marine life, including pufferfish, scorpionfish, goatfish, and moray eels, making it accessible and suitable for all divers.

16.8846, -25.0153

Secret garden

Secret Garden is located 35 minutes northeast of Porto Novo, featuring a sandy bottom that slopes down to a maximum depth of approximately 30 meters, with an average depth around 15 meters. Divers will find rocky formations to the right, which create numerous small holes teeming with marine life. The dive typically concludes at an isolated rock, often inhabited by turtles. Common species observed include amberjacks, groupers, scorpion fish, moray eels, lobsters, doctor fish, frog fish, nudibranchs, parrot fish, and trumpet fish. Occasionally, divers may encounter oceanic sharks and manta rays.

17.0568, -24.9852

Sem Âncora

Sem Âncora is a dive site accessible from the shore, located at coordinates 16.864400, -25.066500. The average depth ranges from 14 to 16 meters, with a maximum depth of 22 meters when divers venture further from the mountain. The site is known for its calm conditions and is home to over 12 species of fish, along with sightings of rays and turtles.

16.8644, -25.0665

Sharkys

Sharkys is a shore dive site located approximately 10 minutes from the harbor. The dive begins at a depth of 5 meters and reaches a maximum of 10 meters. Divers can explore isolated reef blocks situated on a yellow sandy bottom. This area is known for sightings of nurse sharks, rays, turtles, and various species of moray eels. Additional marine life includes lobsters, damselfish, trumpetfish, surgeonfish, spider crabs, sand congers, and parrotfish.

17.0033, -25.0906

SS Marcar

The SS Marcar is a wreck dive site with a maximum depth of 15 meters. Originally a Liberty Ship constructed in the USA during World War II, it was abandoned due to water leaks in Tarrafal, Santo Antão, and subsequently towed to São Vicente, where it sank in the Bay in 1968. Divers can observe a significant number of small fish schools, particularly near the bow of the wreck. Additionally, sightings of rays and vibrantly colored frogfish are common in the area.

16.8877, -25.0120

Tres Grutas (3 Caves)

Tres Grutas, or 3 Caves, is a shore dive site characterized by a wall featuring three distinct caves. Two of these caves are larger, allowing for penetration of 8 to 10 meters, while the smallest cave accommodates only one diver at a time for turnaround. The deeper cave is inhabited by soldierfish, and the second cave is known for trumpet fish. Divers may also encounter nurse sharks, rays, turtles, and various other fish species around the wall and within the caverns.

16.5842, -22.9179

Wish You Were Here

Wish You Were Here is situated in the northeastern region of the island. The dive site features a labyrinthine reef structure that rises to a depth of 6 meters, surrounded by a sandy bottom that extends to 12 meters. This area is rich in marine biodiversity, with numerous schools of fish often visible during currents. Common species include Doctorfish, Damsel fish, various Sea Breams, Parrot fish, Butterflyfish, Groupers, Frogfish, Amberjacks, BigEye Jacks, Nudibranchs, turtles, Nurse sharks, and stingrays.

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