Fly into Cesaria Evora International Airport (VXE) on Sao Vicente and transfer by arranged pickup or licensed taxi to Mindelo. Route and airline availability change, so confirm a dated ticket rather than assuming daily international or domestic flights. Haliotis lists its dive center at Hotel Oasis Porto Grande in central Mindelo with marina departures. If based in Porto Novo on Santo Antao, continue by an actual booked Mindelo to Porto Novo passenger ferry. Santo Antao has no functioning commercial airport, and rough seas can affect the crossing. A Santo Antao Haliotis dive charter is an activity itinerary, not a substitute for confirmed ferry or port arrangements. Sao Vicente airport; Mindelo dive base; Ferry timetable.

Main commercial air gateway on Sao Vicente, serving Mindelo and visitors connecting onward by sea to Santo Antao. Verify scheduled service, entry paperwork and onward ferry timing. Official airport operator.

In Mindelo, taxis and locally arranged transfers connect the airport, marina, beaches and accommodation. A confirmed boat operator, not a rented vehicle, is the normal access route for listed scuba sites. On Santo Antao, ferries arrive at Porto Novo, where taxis, hired drivers and shared local transport can connect to the Green Turtle base and farther inland valleys. Cross-island mountain road travel takes additional time, and late-evening onward transport may be limited. Check which port each ferry uses, booked pickups, return sailing buffers and trail-end transfers before fixing a day trip. Do not infer direct inter-island shore access, continuous public buses or a safe unguided port-entry dive. Inter-island schedules; Santo Antao itinerary guidance.

Cabo Verde entry depends on passport nationality, permitted length of stay and purpose. The government provides a visa and Electronic Entry/Pre-registration (EASE) process. Many air arrivals must complete EASE and pay the international Airport Security Fee (TSA), but nationality, residency and exemption rules vary. The official TSA price is 3,400 CVE for non-exempt international travelers and 150 CVE for domestic passengers under the listed rules. UK government guidance recommends EASE at least five days before departure and reports that a July 2026 rule can penalize some arrivals who have not registered. These timings are UK-specific travel advice, not an assertion that all nationalities have identical entry terms. Confirm passport-validity requirements on the appropriate consular government page, especially if connecting between islands. Official visas/EASE; Official TSA; UK entry guidance.

Haliotis lists tanks, compressor, Nitrox, rental/retail equipment and an equipment rinse area at its Mindelo hotel base. Green Turtle advertises SSI programs and diving equipment at Santoantao Art Resort near Porto Novo. Confirm current compressor status, air/Nitrox analysis, cylinder volumes and valve compatibility; publish no unverified rental or fill guarantee. Haliotis suggests a 3mm or 5mm suit during its warmer July to November period and 5mm or 7mm for cooler December to June outings, adjusted for diver thermal needs. Bring a correctly fitting mask, computer, buoyancy marker where appropriate, and any personally critical items. Check ferry luggage rules for oversized luggage and never transport filled cylinders without carrier authorization. Shop facilities; Porto Novo operation; Luggage guidance.

Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) is the official currency. Euros may be accepted at some visitor-facing businesses, but acceptance, rates and change are merchant-dependent and are not a substitute for legal-tender CVE. Pay government fees in the amounts published by the authority, and confirm tour prices in the operator currency before purchase. Bank of Cabo Verde.

Use established bank ATMs in Mindelo or Porto Novo before traveling to rural Santo Antao valleys. International card acceptance, cash inventory and machine availability are variable; do not assume a village cash point or a particular foreign card will work.

Cabo Verde generally uses European-style type C/F outlets at 230 V, 50 Hz. The operator site also describes local 220 V equipment. Check device input rating and bring a proper plug adapter. Electrical safety guidance.

Communications

Mobile services from Alou and Unitel T+ are described by the local tourism information service. Check eSIM/SIM eligibility, mobile coverage and real-time connectivity at the accommodation or exact remote route. Urban Mindelo coverage is generally easier than steep Santo Antao valleys; do not rely on having mobile signal offshore, on hiking ledges or on the inter-island channel. Download offline maps, ferry tickets, emergency contacts and dive medical details in advance. Telecommunications overview.

Language

Portuguese is the official language. Cabo Verdean Kriolu is widely used locally, with regional variants; English may be used at international dive operators and some tourist services but should not be assumed in rural villages or hospitals. Confirm the dive briefing and emergency communication language before booking. Basic Portuguese or a trusted bilingual guide helps on Santo Antao.

Insurance

Select coverage that explicitly includes the intended scuba certification depth, freediving where applicable, boat excursions, decompression illness, search/rescue if needed, and evacuation outside Cabo Verde. A basic travel policy may exclude technical, overhead, unguided or high-altitude excursions. Cabo Verde is reported by the US State Department to have no hyperbaric treatment center, so ask the insurer how it would organize international transfer and who approves payment. Carry insurer and DAN emergency numbers offline. Medical support warning.

Packing list

Bring a 3mm to 7mm wetsuit option or arrange suitable rental, depending on season and personal cold tolerance; mask, computer and safety marker if diving; and a wind layer for boat rides. Use reef-conscious sun protection and avoid contaminating turtle-water habitats. For Santo Antao, add traction footwear, a drybag, water, sun cover and a light rain layer, especially when steep trails may be wet. Pack medications, insurance documentation and phone numbers, with enough contingency for a ferry cancellation. Haliotis publishes its typical 3mm/5mm and 5mm/7mm seasonal recommendations. Equipment and temperature advice.

Sao Vicente and Santo Antao Dive Coast

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

Getting Around

Entry Requirements

Gear Logistics Checklist

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Electricity