Boa Vista

Require a documented operator emergency action plan with oxygen, first-aid training, boat communications, weather decision process and the method of transfer to local emergency care. Confirm certifications and recent experience for the actual selected dive, not the maximum depth printed on a map. Atlantic currents, waves and surge affect entries and exits. Dive with a qualified guide and buddy, carry an SMB if requested and respect no-decompression and ascent procedures. For flying after diving, DAN gives minimum 12 hours after one no-stop recreational dive and 18 hours after repetitive or multi-day no-stop dives, with longer after decompression; more buffer lowers risk. For apnea, never freedive alone, and do not treat an ordinary snorkel outing as depth-freedive supervision.

UK health advice says facilities are particularly limited on Boa Vista. U.S. travel guidance says there are no hyperbaric or decompression treatment facilities anywhere in Cabo Verde, notes limited medevac options between islands and recommends evacuation-capable insurance. No Boa Vista-specific chamber or guaranteed emergency transfer route is verified. In a suspected decompression emergency, summon local medical response, provide emergency oxygen if trained and available, communicate the dive profile, contact insurer/DAN medical support, and follow emergency clinicians' directions. Do not delay first aid to independently locate a chamber. Medical emergency line: 130; police: 132; fire: 131. These contacts are national numbers, not a verified on-island dispatch-time promise.

Cabo Verde turtle rules classify protected nesting beaches, forbid disruptive activity on priority beaches during breeding season, and regulate nighttime tours. The statutory biological nesting window is June 1-October 31; tourist land observation is July 15-September 30 unless separately authorized. Respect licensed tour and group rules, avoid white light and flash, never touch turtles or hatchlings, and keep vehicles off beaches and dunes. Turtle Foundation specifically warns against tourism pressure and intrusive night trips on Boa Vista. Cabo Verde Natura 2000 documents significant local marine biodiversity. Never feed or chase wildlife, touch coral or remove artifacts. Protected-area permits, special excursion permissions and site-specific closures must be checked before activities. Confirm any site-specific entry requirements, and do not assume permission to swim with turtles or whales.