🇨🇻Cabo Verde

Before every dive, confirm certification fit, recent diving experience, maximum depth, currents, overhead exposure, boat traffic, weather limits, guide ratio, entry and exit, oxygen, first aid, radio/phone contact and evacuation route. Never penetrate caves, caverns or wrecks without specific training, authorization, redundant equipment and a suitable team. Avoid solo apnea and unsupervised reef snorkeling. The U.S. government documents strong currents and drownings on multiple islands. DAN guidance suggests at least 12 hours before flying after a single no-decompression dive and at least 18 hours after repetitive dives; more conservative buffers are prudent, especially for remote air connections. Mandatory decompression, high-elevation roads and severe profiles need specialized individualized planning.

Basic care is available on inhabited islands, but capabilities and transfer times vary; higher-level facilities are centered on Praia and Mindelo, and serious cases may need international medical evacuation. The U.S. State Department explicitly warns that Cabo Verde has no in-country hyperbaric or decompression chamber. For a diving injury, activate local medical emergency services at 130, provide oxygen if trained and available, and have the operator contact DAN at +1 919 684 9111 for specialist assistance and evacuation coordination. Do not use a ferry or commercial aircraft for suspected decompression sickness without medical advice. Confirm insurance covers the activity, depth, remote transfers and evacuation before traveling.

Cabo Verde is important for loggerhead turtle nesting and juvenile shark nurseries. Decree-Law 50/2024 regulates organized turtle observation and restricts access, lights, photography disturbance, vehicles, dogs and some water sports on priority nesting beaches. The law identifies biological nesting from June through October and a general regulated on-land observation window of July 15 through September 30; actual locally advertised 2026 programs may have differing approved dates, so request proof of current authorization. On Sal, Baia da Murdeira is a formally designated marine reserve, and the Parda lemon shark nursery deserves non-feeding, non-contact visits. Boa Vista protected nesting and dune habitats are not general off-road recreation zones. Santa Luzia, Branco and Raso form a sensitive conservation landscape rather than a casual dive-trip promise. Follow site-specific marine authority rules, avoid anchoring on reefs and never collect shells, coral or wildlife.