Cape Verde
The Atlantic's Unique Biodiversity
The Atlantic's Unique Diversity
The Cape Verde Islands, or just Cape Verde, are a group of volcanic islands in the Atlantic, located about 570 km off the west coast of Africa.
There are 15 islands, and they couldn't be more different from each other when it comes to climate and scenery!
Only 9 of the islands are inhabited, and they're a perfect year-round holiday destination for beach lovers, adventurers, but most of all for water sports enthusiasts like kitesurfers, windsurfers, and of course, divers!
You'll find Cape Verde's capital, Praia, on the biggest island, Santiago.
Since the archipelago isn't affected by cold Atlantic currents, the climate is mild all year round. Air temperatures are a pleasant 24°C – 31°C, and the sea is wonderfully warm!
SÃO VICENTE
Cape Verde's Diving Paradise
For divers, São Vicente Island is a perfect diving paradise and one of the world's best dive destinations! That's thanks to its pleasant year-round water temperatures, great visibility (up to 25m), and rich biodiversity. Even though Cape Verde is a year-round spot, the months from April to October are best for a diving holiday. You'll find minimal strong winds then, and water temperatures hit their peak of 24°C - 28°C.
Around São Vicente, you'll find everything the Atlantic underwater world has to offer! We're talking moray eels, scorpionfish, lobsters, different tuna species, barracudas, and turtles, all the way to rays, sharks, and with a bit of luck, even various whale species like humpbacks, orcas, or sperm whales. The most common sharks you'll see in Cape Verde are nurse sharks, blacktip sharks, and sand tiger sharks. Sometimes, if you're really lucky, you might even be surprised by a tiger or hammerhead shark! Between July and November, your chances of encountering manta rays and whale sharks are highest. You'll mostly find corals on the beautiful shipwrecks, just waiting to be explored. Diving in Cape Verde definitely promises some truly unforgettable experiences!
The dive sites here are amazing, with contrasting underwater landscapes like dark basalt rock, bright sandy bottoms, caves, and overhangs – perfect for divers of all levels! Just a heads-up, experience in drift diving and being in good physical shape are definitely a plus.
Beyond all the amazing diving, São Vicente has a really special vibe and tons of other cool things to discover and experience! With its wonderful landscapes and beautiful beaches like Salamansa, Baia das Gatas, or São Pedro beach (super popular with windsurfers!), it's known as the 'Island of Contrasts' and is easily one of the most stunning islands in Cape Verde.
Mindelo, the island's capital, is known as Cape Verde's cultural capital. You'll find a huge cultural heritage here, along with tons of restaurants serving delicious local specialties. Oh, and Mindelo also hosts an annual music festival!
DIVE TRIBE DIVING CENTER
Dive Tribe has two super well-equipped dive centers on São Vicente Island. One is in São Pedro on the west coast, and the other is in Mindelo on the north coast. The Mindelo dive center also has three modern RIB boats, which can easily get you to any dive site. From the São Pedro dive center, you'll either go out on a RIB boat or with local fishing boats.
Your starting point and the number of dives depend on the sea conditions, and if conditions are right, night dives are also possible in Cape Verde! The difficulty of the dives is always adjusted to your group's skill level, and you'll always be accompanied by at least one guide.
Dive Tribe's centers in São Vicente also offer SSI or PADI courses, all taught by qualified and competent pros in a nice, relaxed atmosphere.
Come dive with Dive Tribe and discover the incredible marine life of Cape Verde, it's like swimming in a giant, colorful aquarium!
TERRA LODGE
STUNNING VIEWS OF MINDELO
The Terra Lodge, nestled on São Vicente's northwest coast, is truly charming! It boasts breathtaking views of Mindelo Bay and its colorful houses, a peaceful garden filled with bananas, dates, and coconuts, the sweet sound of birds chirping, a refreshing swimming pool, and cozy hammocks on the balcony where you can chill out and watch the sunset over the bay.
This eco-friendly lodge, with its 12 rooms, perfectly blends the charm of Mindelo's cultural heritage with modern comforts, fitting right in with the colonial style of the old houses surrounding it.
For example, the lodge uses a solar system to generate its own electricity, recycles wastewater, and makes smart use of local resources.
PRICES TERRA LODGE STANDARD ROOM / SUPERIOR ROOM & DIVE PACKAGE
Prices valid from 01.01.- 31.12.2022
Prices valid from 01.01.- 31.12.2022
Included:
- 7 nights stay in your chosen room category
- Breakfast
- 10 dives including tank and weights
Not Included:
- Flights
- $2 per person per day - Visa and Tourism Tax (to be paid locally)
- €25 Airport transfer (Airport - Hotel - Airport)
- Car rental recommended from €28 per day (www.rentecocar.com)
- Dive gear
- Dive & travel insurance
- Tips
HOTEL FOYA BRANCA
A SPACIOUS RESORT RIGHT ON THE SANDY BEACH
Hotel Foya Branca is nestled in São Pedro Bay, on the far west side of São Vicente Island, offering amazing views of the Atlantic. It's super close, about 2 km from Cesária Évora International Airport, and just 10 km from Mindelo's city center. Plus, it's got two outdoor pools for adults and its very own dive and windsurf shop.
The hotel also boasts a spacious garden area, a tennis court, a gym, a restaurant, and a snack bar. Around Hotel Foya Branca, you'll find tons of activities like trekking, mountain biking, boat trips, deep-sea fishing, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and, of course, diving!
PRICES HOTEL FOYA BRANCA & DIVE PACKAGE
Prices are valid from January 1st to April 30th, 2022, and November 1st to December 31st, 2022.
Prices are valid from May 1st to October 30th, 2022.
Included:
- 7 nights stay in your chosen room category
- Breakfast
- 10 dives including tank and weights
Not Included:
- Flights
- $2 per person per day - Visa and Tourism Tax (to be paid locally)
- €25 Airport transfer (Airport - Hotel - Airport)
- Car rental recommended from €28 per day (www.rentecocar.com)
- Dive gear
- Dive & travel insurance
- Tips