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Water Sports and Activities in Cape Verde: The Ultimate Guide for Adventure Lovers
Cape Verde is a hidden gem located off the coast of West Africa, offering a diverse range of water sports and activities for adventure seekers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, Cape Verde has something to offer for everyone. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the best water sports and activities to try in Cape Verde.
These islands are a real paradise for adventure seekers, especially those who love Atlantic waters.
More information about Cape Verde
Surfing
Cape Verde is famous for its world-class surfing spots, attracting surfers from all around the globe. The waves can reach up to 10 meters high during the winter season, making it a perfect place for experienced surfers. However, there are also plenty of spots suitable for beginners. Some of the best surfing spots in Cape Verde are:
- Santa Maria Beach, Sal Island
- Ponta Preta, Sal Island
- Ribeira Grande, Santo Antao Island
- Tarrafal Beach, Santiago Island
Cape Verde is known for its consistent waves and warm waters. The best time to go surfing in Cape Verde is between November and March when the waves are at their biggest. Some of the most popular surfing spots in Cape Verde are Santa Maria Beach in Sal Island and Ponta Preta in Boa Vista Island.
If you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, there are plenty of surf schools that offer lessons and equipment rentals. Surf schools such as Kite and Surf Cape Verde and Mitu Monteiro Kite and Surf Center provide professional guidance for all levels.
Surf Hub Cape Verde provides high-quality equipment and experienced instructors who are knowledgeable about the local surfing conditions. During the lesson, you'll learn the basics of surfing, including paddling, standing up, and riding the waves.
More about surfing in Africa: here
What to Bring on a Surfing Trip
- Surfboard (or rent one from a surf school)
- Wetsuit
- Surf wax
- Sunscreen
- Rashguard
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- First aid kit
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a great way to experience the underwater world without the need for scuba diving equipment. Cape Verde has many great snorkeling spots, such as:
- Santa Maria Beach, Sal Island
- Viana Beach, Sao Vicente Island
- Buracona, Boa Vista Island
- Mindelo Bay, Sao Vicente Island
Snorkeling gear rentals are available at many dive centers (and at the Santa Maria pier), and it's always recommended to snorkel with a professional guide for safety.
Scuba Diving
Cape Verde is a fantastic place for scuba diving with its sparkling turquoise waters and rich marine life. There are many diving spots in Cape Verde that cater to both beginner and experienced divers. Some of the best diving spots in Cape Verde are:
- Shark Bay, Sal Island
- Krioula Island, Santiago Island
- Ilheu de Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island
- Santo Antao Island
Some of the popular scuba diving spots in Cape Verde are Shark Bay in Sal Island and Ribeira da Barca in Santo Antao Island.
One of the dive centers that offer scuba diving trips in Cape Verde, Sal Island is Cabo Verde Diving. They provide high-quality equipment and experienced instructors who are knowledgeable about the local diving conditions. During the dive, you can expect to see a variety of fish species, including parrotfish, barracudas, and snappers. You may also encounter larger species such as reef sharks, nurse sharks, and even manta rays if you're lucky.
Scuba Diving in Shark Bay, Sal Island
Shark Bay is one of the best diving spots in Cape Verde, known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. Cabo Verde Diving is one of the dive centers that offer diving trips to Shark Bay. They provide high-quality equipment and experienced instructors who are knowledgeable about the area's marine life.
During the dive, you can expect to see a variety of fish species, including parrotfish, barracudas, and snappers. You may also encounter larger species such as reef sharks, nurse sharks, and even manta rays if you're lucky.
Recommended by PADI
Freediving in Pedra de Lume, Sal Island
Pedra de Lume is a popular spot for freediving in Cape Verde, known for its clear and calm waters. One of the dive centers that offer freediving trips to Pedra de Lume is Cabo Verde Diving.
During the freediving session, you'll be able to explore the underwater world without the need for scuba equipment. With the guidance of experienced instructors, you can improve your technique and extend your breath-holding capacity.
Apnea Boom freediving school provides all the equipment needed for a successful freediving session, including wetsuits, fins, and masks. They also provide safety measures, such as a safety buoy and a trained safety diver who will be monitoring the session from the surface.
You may also encounter larger species such as turtles and octopuses if you're lucky.
By learning Fundamentals of freediving and following the safety procedures and techniques taught by the Apnea Boom teachers, you can enjoy the thrill of freediving while minimizing the risks associated with this adventurous activity.
Kiteboarding
Cape Verde is one of the best kiteboarding destinations in the world, known for its steady winds and flat water conditions. Some of the popular kiteboarding spots in Cape Verde are Kite Beach in Boa Vista Island and Sal Island.
One of the kiteboarding schools that offer lessons and equipment rentals in Cape Verde is Boa Vista Kite School. They provide high-quality equipment and experienced instructors who are knowledgeable about the local kiteboarding conditions. During the lesson, you'll learn the basics of kiteboarding, including launching, landing, and riding the board.
Essential Kiteboarding Equipment
- Kite
- Board
- Harness
- Helmet
- Wetsuit
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
Kiteboarding in Kite Beach, Boa Vista Island
Kite Beach is one of the best kiteboarding spots in Cape Verde, known for its steady winds and flat water conditions. Boa Vista Kite School is one of the kiteboarding schools that offer lessons and equipment rentals at Kite Beach.
During the lesson, you'll learn the basics of kiteboarding, including launching, landing, and riding the board. With the help of the instructor, you'll soon be able to ride the board and perform basic tricks.
The best kiteboarding school (established by world champion) MiTu
Fishing
Cape Verde is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of fishing experiences, from deep sea fishing to fly fishing. Some of the popular fishing spots in Cape Verde are Tarrafal Bay in Santiago Island and Sal Island.
One of the fishing charters that offer fishing trips in Cape Verde is Cape Verde Big Game Fishing. They provide high-quality equipment and experienced captains who are knowledgeable about the local fishing conditions. During the trip, you can expect to catch a variety of fish species, including marlin, tuna, and wahoo.
Deep Sea Fishing in Tarrafal Bay, Santiago Island
Tarrafal Bay is one of the best fishing spots in Cape Verde, known for its diverse range of fish species. Cape Verde Big Game Fishing is one of the fishing charters that offer fishing trips to Tarrafal Bay. They provide high-quality equipment and experienced captains who are knowledgeable about the local fishing conditions.
During the trip, you can expect to catch a variety of fish species, including marlin, tuna, and wahoo. In one of their recent trips, they caught a 250-pound marlin, which was a great catch and an unforgettable experience for the clients.
Real customer's reviews on this site
Jet Skiing and Parasailing
Jet skiing and parasailing are some of the most popular water sports in Cape Verde, offering a unique perspective of the islands' natural beauty. Some of the best places for jet skiing and parasailing in Cape Verde are:
- Santa Maria Beach, Sal Island
- Viana Beach, Sao Vicente Island
- Praia da Chave, Boa Vista Island
- Mindelo Bay, Sao Vicente Island
Safety is always a top priority for jet skiing and parasailing activities. Always wear a life jacket, and follow the instructions of the professional guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Our partners's overview
Final Thoughts
Cape Verde is a perfect destination for adventure lovers, offering a diverse range of water sports and activities. Whether you're into surfing, scuba diving, kiteboarding, or fishing, Cape Verde has something to offer for everyone. With its warm waters, clear skies, and friendly locals, Cape Verde is a paradise waiting to be discovered. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and head to Cape Verde for your next adventure!
Ready to Explore Cape Verde? Book with Sal Trips
If you're looking to experience the best of Cape Verde's adventurous activities, you'll want to book with Sal Trips. This agency has a wealth of experience in organizing and executing all kinds of adventures for visitors to the islands: Cabo verdian restaurants, live music show, spear fishing trip!
. By booking through Sal Trips, you'll be able to take advantage of their local knowledge, get the best prices for your activities, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your adventure is in capable hands. Plus, by booking through the form on this article's page, you'll be able to take advantage of exclusive discounts and promotions that you won't find anywhere else. So don't wait any longer – book your adventure through Sal Trips today!Contacts
Phone in Santa Maria: +238 913 77 28