Diving in Boa Vista
Why dive here
Boa Vista offers 10 dive sites in Cape Verde.
Boa Vista often gets overlooked for Sal, and we think that’s a real shame. The diving here is raw, proper Atlantic stuff. Think vast, open seas and the kind of dramatic encounters you dream about. If you're here between February and May, you’re smack in the middle of humpback whale season. Hearing their calls underwater, a deep thrumming that vibrates through your chest, is something else entirely. We’ve had some truly spectacular dives on the wreck of the *Santa Maria*, a behemoth that’s been slowly breaking up since 1968. It’s an artificial reef now, with schools of barracuda so thick they make the light ripple as they turn. The currents can be a bit frisky here, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. But that’s what brings in the larger pelagics. We’ve spotted rough-toothed dolphins zipping by on safety stops and even had a distant glimpse of an orca pod one memorable afternoon. For reef dives, we love the sites around the islet of Sal Rei. The visibility here can hit 25 metres on a good day, and you’ll often find loggerhead turtles cruising along the reef edge, utterly unbothered by your presence. There are also these incredible Devonshire cup corals, a splash of vibrant orange against the volcanic rock. It’s not the colourful, shallow reef diving of the Red Sea, but it’s got a wild, untamed beauty that we absolutely adore.
Boa Vista Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Boa Vista
Boa Vista Dive Sites
10 dive sites in Boa Vista
Alcatraz
Alcatraz offers a straightforward dive, popular for its schools of grunts and snappers that shelter around the rock formations. We often spot moray eels tucked into crevices, and the occasional nurse shark cruises by. It's a relaxed spot, good for newer divers building confidence, with generally mild currents. The main draw here is the sheer number of fish in a relatively confined space.
AXPI-MENDI
AXPI-MENDI is a cracker of a wreck dive, especially for those who appreciate history and shallow water. This old steamship, run aground off Boa Vista, sits in just 3m of water, meaning you get incredible bottom time. What we love about it is how accessible it is, even if you’re relatively new to wreck diving, but it still has plenty of character to keep experienced divers happy. You’re pretty much guaranteed clear, bright conditions here, with sunlight dappling through the water onto the rusted metalwork. We’ve spent ages just finning slowly around the boiler and engine room, imagining the ship’s past. It’s no surprise that the wreck has become a fantastic artificial reef. Keep an eye out for moray eels peering from crevices and big schools of goatfish swirling around the hull. Our favourite moments here are always spent spotting the little details, like the portholes now encrusted with sponges. It’s a great spot for photographers too, the ambient light is just superb for capturing the scale and atmosphere of the wreck.
AXPI-MENDI (POSSIBLY)
The Axpi-Mendi, or what we *think* is the Axpi-Mendi, sits impossibly shallow, barely dipping its nose below the surface at just two metres. It’s less a dive and more a snorkel, but don’t let that put you off. This isn't some broken-up debris field; it’s a proper ship, a trawler, beached and battered, and we love it for its sheer accessibility. You’re exploring a wreck from the surface here, but it’s remarkably intact for something so exposed. The bow points skyward, half-submerged, with waves washing over the deck. You can peer into the wheelhouse, swim around the davits, and watch shoals of juvenile fish dart in and out of every crevice. We’ve spent hours here, just floating, feeling the push and pull of the ocean, listening to the creaks and groans of the hull. It’s less about big pelagics and more about the micro-ecosystem that has claimed this vessel – crabs scuttling, anemones swaying, and the sun dappling through the deck plates. Go at high tide for the best experience; it gets a bit too exposed otherwise. It’s an ideal spot for snorkelers, freedivers, or even just a unique afternoon activity if you're not up for a full dive, offering a really raw encounter with a shipwreck.
CABO SANTA MARIA
The Cabo Santa Maria wreck on Boa Vista isn't one for the faint of heart, or indeed, one for strapping on a tank. This isn't a dive site in the traditional sense, and frankly, we’d tell anyone looking for a deep wreck penetration to look elsewhere. Instead, the real beauty here is how the ocean has slowly, relentlessly, reclaimed this old cargo ship. It ran aground back in '68, and fifty-odd years of Atlantic waves have done a proper job of tearing it apart. What you get now is this incredible skeletal remains, right there on the beach, a photographer's dream at sunset. Walk along the sand and watch the waves crash through its ribs. You can see big shoals of fish darting in and out of the lower sections, even from above the waterline. It’s a testament to nature's power, a rusting monument to the sea. We love visiting at low tide; you can get right up to the mangled hull, feel the salt spray, and really appreciate the scale of it. It’s a powerful, stark reminder of the ocean's raw force, and a unique way to connect with Cape Verde's wild coastline.
Cret-Cheu
Cret-Cheu, off Boa Vista, is a solid drift dive when the conditions are right. We've often seen various rays gliding along the sandy bottom, and the occasional nurse shark peeking from under overhangs. It’s a good spot for divers comfortable with current, looking for a relaxed exploration of the reef edge. Keep an eye out for schooling jacks further out in the blue.
GARTHPOOL
Garthpool, that big old sailing vessel, is our pick for a unique Boa Vista dive. We love that it’s right there on the beach, its bow often poking out of the waves, a stark reminder of its 1929 demise. Submerged, the hull is now completely colonised, an artificial reef for damselfish and big schools of goatfish that swarm the structure. You’ll feel the surge here, a constant push and pull that reminds you this is an exposed site, but that movement also brings in the nutrients. We often find nurse sharks resting under the larger plates of steel, a common sight on Boa Vista wrecks. If you time it right, a calm day with minimal swell, you can spend a good chunk of your bottom time exploring the nooks and crannies of the bow section, where the light plays through the gaps and throws shadows across the sand. It’s a site that changes with the sea, always something a little different to see.
GATHPOOL
Gathpool isn't just a wreck; it's a testament to the ocean's reclaiming power, sitting right off Boa Vista’s shores. We love how accessible it is, sometimes even visible from the surface on a calm day, perfect for a relaxed dive or even a snorkel if you’re keen. The site itself is the skeletal remains of a sailing vessel, broken into several sections, yet each piece tells a story. We’ve spent hours weaving through the ribs of the hull, spotting the resident parrotfish nibbling at the encrusting corals. What makes Gathpool special is this interplay of history and biology. You’ll fin over what used to be the deck, now a haven for schools of juvenile barracuda that shimmer in the sunlight. Our favourite tip? Go early in the morning. The light penetration then is incredible, illuminating the nooks where moray eels often peer out. It’s a gentle dive, suited to those who enjoy exploring something tangible, rather than just drifting past a reef. Expect to see plenty of damselfish darting amongst the rusted metal, and if you’re lucky, a turtle might glide by, treating the wreck as just another part of its territory.
João Valente
João Valente offers a solid reef dive off Boa Vista. You'll find a healthy spread of corals here, providing good shelter for the smaller reef fish and nudibranchs we've spotted on past trips. It's a relaxed spot, making it a good choice for those looking for an easy second dive or less experienced divers building confidence. We tend to see plenty of damselfish and parrotfish grazing the corals.
Roby s place
Roby's Place is a straightforward dive on Boa Vista, generally calm and good for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed afternoon. You'll find a mixed bottom, mostly sand with scattered rocks and smaller coral formations. We often spot octopus here, tucked into crevices, along with some resident moray eels. It’s a decent option if you’re keen to get wet without challenging conditions.
Shark Point
Shark Point, off Boa Vista, often delivers exactly what its name suggests. We’ve found nurse sharks resting on the sandy bottom, sometimes tucked into rocky crevices. The site is relatively shallow, usually around 10-15 metres, making it a relaxed dive, good for newer divers or those who just want to spend some quality time with the local shark population. We also see stingrays here quite often, cruising along the sand.
Boa Vista Dive Centres
2 dive shops and operators in Boa Vista
Boa Vista Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Boa Vista, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:18
Sunset
17:51
Daylight
12h 33m
Golden Hour
17:22
First light (dawn) at 04:56 · Last light (dusk) at 18:13
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:03 | 17:19 | 11h 16m |
| Feb | 05:58 | 17:35 | 11h 37m |
| Mar | 05:41 | 17:42 | 12h 1m |
| Apr | 05:18 | 17:47 | 12h 29m |
| May | 05:03 | 17:54 | 12h 52m |
| JunLongest | 05:00 | 18:05 | 13h 4m |
| Jul | 05:08 | 18:08 | 13h 0m |
| AugNow | 05:16 | 17:57 | 12h 41m |
| Sep | 05:20 | 17:35 | 12h 15m |
| Oct | 05:24 | 17:12 | 11h 48m |
| Nov | 05:35 | 16:58 | 11h 24m |
| DecShortest | 05:51 | 17:02 | 11h 11m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Boa Vista.
Where to Stay near Boa Vista
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Marine Protected Areas near Boa Vista
18 protected areas near Boa Vista - please respect local regulations when diving
Parque Natural Norte da Ilha do Maio
Reserva Natural Tartaruga
Parque Natural do Norte
Reserva Natural Baía da Murdeira
Reserva Natural Casas Velhas
Reserva Natural Ponta de Sinó
Reserva Natural Serra Negra
Reserva Natural Costa da Fragata
Reserva Natural Praia de Morro
Reserva Natural Lagoa Cimidor
Reserva Natural Morro de Areia
Salinas de Porto Inglês
Showing 12 largest of 18
Getting to Boa Vista
Rabil
Espargos
Praia
Book a dive trip in Boa Vista
Guided dives, courses & snorkel tours - instant booking