Dive sites in Cape Verde

Located on the rugged northwest coast of Sal, Buracona is a cavern formed by ancient volcanic activity. Divers enter through a wide underwater portal into a massive cathedral chamber illuminated from above by natural skylights, including the famous Blue Eye opening. Beyond the main cavern, the basalt terrain slopes out toward the open Atlantic, featuring lava tubes, overhangs, and large boulders.

Cavala is an offshore deep dive site located off the southwest coast of Sal. The profile features a steep wall and rocky plateau that plunges into deep blue water. Because of its open-ocean exposure and typical bottom profiles, it attracts pelagic marine life cruising along the current lines.

Champinhon is a volcanic dive site off the coast of Sal, named for its distinctive mushroom-shaped basalt rock that rises from the seabed. Divers explore the extensive overhangs, fissures, and cavernous recesses carved underneath the main formation. Sandy plains wrap around the structure, providing a habitat for resting benthic rays and bottom-dwelling species.

Positioned off the southern coast of Sal, Choclassa is a submerged volcanic plateau rising from the open ocean floor. The formation features rocky ledges, overhangs, and scattered basaltic boulders that attract pelagic species moving along the coastal shelf. Due to its offshore position, the site often experiences moderate to strong currents, making drift diving standard procedure.

Danfior is a volcanic reef formation situated off the southern coast of Sal near Santa Maria. The dive plan traces a rugged rocky step system with distinct overhangs and small recesses surrounded by white sand patches. Divers regularly encounter nurse sharks resting along shaded alcoves, while groups of stingrays glide over the sandy channels flanking the main basalt structure.

Located off the bay of Mindelo, the islet of Ilhéu dos Pássaros—locally known as Djeu—offers diving along rugged volcanic slopes and rocky ledges. Steeper drop-offs give way to scattered boulders and sandy channels where Atlantic species mingle with tropical reef fish. Swells entering the channel between São Vicente and Santo Antão frequently bring pelagic visitors into the area.

Dois Olhos is a volcanic cavern site situated along the rugged western coast of Sal. Its name comes from two distinct overhead ceiling apertures that let sunlight pierce into a dark basalt chamber. Outside the main cavern, the topography gives way to rocky ledges, rubble slopes, and sandy channels frequented by coastal pelagics and bottom dwellers.

Positioned just off the southern point of Sal near the lighthouse, Farol features volcanic rock formations, low basalt ledges, and sandy channels. Divers drift across scattered boulders where moray eels and resting stingrays tuck beneath rocky overhangs. The shallow depth and typically gentle conditions make it a staple for relaxing local boat dives.

Located along the rocky coastline of São Vicente, Fateixa features dynamic volcanic rock formations that slope gently onto a sandy seabed. Divers navigate boulder piles, low-profile overhangs, and fissures that shelter a healthy variety of Macaronesian and tropical Atlantic marine life. The site offers reliable encounters with coastal fish aggregations and bottom-dwelling rays resting along the sand edges.

Located off the coast of São Vicente, Ladra Cachorro features dramatic volcanic topography shaped by old lava flows. Large basalt blocks and undercut ledges create shelter for resident Atlantic and Macaronesian marine species, while open water sections attract passing pelagic hunters when currents run through the channel.

A volcanic rock shelf along the southwestern coast of Sal features elongated ledges, fractures, and low overhangs. Divers drift along the rocky drop-off, peering under cavernous undercuts where sleeping nurse sharks and large stingrays rest on sandy patches while pelagic fish cruise the open water above.

Set along the rugged coastline of São Vicente, Ponta Canjana features dramatic volcanic topography characterized by basalt ridges, deep fissures, and boulder-strewn slopes. Oceanic currents wash past the headland, drawing pelagic species from the blue while benthic marine life finds shelter inside dark overhangs and rock crevices.

Located off the coast of São Vicente, Ponta Nhô Jon features jagged volcanic formations, dramatic basalt ledges, and rocky overhangs carved by Atlantic swells. Divers navigate across boulder-strewn slopes where schooling pelagics intercept coastal currents, while macro life shelters in crevices beneath the rocks.

Positioned off the southwest coast of Sal Island, Ponta Preta Deep features rugged volcanic topography characterized by steep drop-offs, overhangs, and natural basalt shelves. Atlantic swells regularly sweep past the point, attracting pelagic predators while sheltering bottom-dwelling species under rock ledges.

Located off the southwestern coast of Sal near Santa Maria, Pontinha consists of volcanic rock formations, low ledges, and small overhangs resting on a sandy seafloor. Atlantic reef fish congregate along the stone steps, while rays and benthic sharks frequently shelter under the natural basalt shelves.

Located off the southwestern coast of Sal near Santa Maria, this site centers on a rocky drop-off and stepped volcanic ledge. Boulders and crevices provide shelter for resting nurse sharks and large moray eels, while schools of jacks and yellowtail snappers drift along the current-swept slope.

Located off the northwest coast of Sal, Regona presents a complex network of volcanic caverns, archways, and winding swim-throughs. Sunlight penetrates overhead ceiling openings into shadowed chambers, illuminating schools of sheltered fish. Outside the cavern system, the seascape transitions into rocky plateaus and basalt boulders frequented by pelagic passersby and benthic species.

Off the coast of Sal, the Santo Antão wreck comprises the shattered sections of a merchant steamship that sank in the mid-1960s. Resting across a sandy seabed, the collapsed hull exposes the engine block, drive shaft, and twisted steel ribs. The site frequently serves as a second dive and an entry-level wreck profile in Cape Verde.

Situated along the volcanic coast of São Vicente, São Macário features a dynamic mix of dark basalt ledges, large boulders, and sandy patches. Divers explore overhangs and small crevices that shelter an array of macro life alongside Atlantic and tropical fish species. The site offers reliable conditions with minimal surge on calm days, making it accessible while providing interesting terrain for exploration.

São Macário sits along the rugged volcanic coastline of São Vicente. Boulders, crevices, and ledges dominate the seafloor, providing shelter for Atlantic reef dwellers against prevailing currents. Divers navigate through rocky corridors where schools of fish hover over volcanic basalt shelves.

Located off the southwestern coast of São Vicente, São Pedro is sheltered inside a broad bay with volcanic rock outcroppings giving way to sandy flats. The site is widely recognized for its resident green sea turtles, which congregate near the shallows and around local fishing boat moorings. Rocky shelves house small invertebrates and bottom-dwellers, while the open sand reveals buried rays and wandering schools of pelagic fish.