Diving in Sal
Why dive here
Sal is a diving destination where divers can encounter dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas.
Sal is the busiest island for diving in Cape Verde, and for good reason. You'll find a solid mix of reefs, some interesting cave systems, and a few wrecks that are easy enough for newer divers. What really draws us back are the sharks - lemon sharks and nurse sharks are common sights, and if you hit it right between July and October, you might even spot a whale shark cruising past. It's a comfortable place to dive, offering plenty without throwing anything too challenging your way.
Sal Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Sal
Sal Dive Sites
22 dive sites in Sal
Ancora
Ancora is a solid wreck dive off Sal, suitable for open water divers. The wreck itself is relatively intact, settled on a sandy bottom. You'll often find plenty of scorpionfish tucked away and schools of grunt sheltering in the holds. It's a straightforward dive, good for photographers looking for an easy subject.
Bikini Beach
Bikini Beach is a straightforward dive, shallow at just 7m, making it ideal for new divers or those getting reacquainted with their gear. We typically find smaller reef fish here, along with crabs and shrimp tucked into the rocks. It’s a gentle introduction to Sal’s underwater environment, often used for introductory dives or skills practice. Expect an easy entry and calm conditions.
Boris
Boris, off Sal, offers a straightforward dive, often a good second dive of the day. You’ll find schools of yellowfin tuna cruising past and barracuda hanging in the gentle current. It’s a comfortable site for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed exploration with consistent pelagic sightings.
Buracona
Buracona is probably better known for its "Blue Eye" cave, a sunlit grotto that's more a snorkel or free-dive spot than a full-on scuba trip. Dive boats will often drop you a little further out, letting you explore volcanic rock formations and some small swim-throughs. It's a decent second dive, good for newer divers looking for straightforward conditions and a bit of sheltered exploration.
Caldaia
Caldaia offers a straightforward dive, popular for its volcanic reef formations and reliable visibility. Expect to see plenty of schooling fish, often including snappers and grunts, along with the occasional moray eel peeking from crevices. It’s a good choice for divers wanting an easy, relaxed exploration without strong currents, suitable for all experience levels.
Calderinha Wreck
The Calderinha Wreck is one of those sites that just puts a smile on our faces. We love it because it’s so accessible, sitting in just 14 metres, making it perfect for newer divers or those who just want a relaxed, long bottom time. It’s a good-sized cargo ship, lying on its starboard side, and what we find really captivating are the huge sections of the hull that have collapsed inwards, creating these fantastic swim-throughs. Sunlight filters down through the gaps, illuminating the schools of squirrelfish that dart in and out of the shadows. What really makes the Calderinha a standout for us isn’t its grand size, but the way the ocean has completely reclaimed it. The metalwork is encrusted with sponges and hard corals, and you’ll find moray eels peeking out from every nook and cranny. Keep an eye out for octopus tucked away in the darker corners of the hold, they’re often well camouflaged. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the propeller still sits largely intact, now a busy apartment block for tiny damselfish. It’s a lovely, unhurried dive, offering plenty to explore without any challenging currents.
Cavala
Cavala is a drift dive off Sal, moving along a sandy bottom interspersed with rocky outcrops. We typically see schools of barracuda and often encounter larger pelagics like tuna cruising past. It's an easy drift, making it suitable for newer divers comfortable with current, looking for a relaxed journey with potential for big fish sightings.
Cavala, Sal
Cavala, Sal, takes you down to 33 metres, an intermediate dive that often has a bit of a kick with the current. We typically drift along, looking for larger pelagics like tuna and wahoo that cruise through the deeper water. It's a blue water experience, less about intricate reef features and more about who might pass by in the open. Best for divers comfortable with depth and current, keen on spotting bigger fish.
Champignons
Champignons on Sal offers a decent dive for those looking for something a bit different. The site features a series of mushroom-shaped rock formations, giving it its name, with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. We’ve spotted octopus tucked away and schools of grunt sheltering from the current. It’s a good option for divers wanting a relaxed dive with interesting topography.
Choclassa
Choclassa on Sal offers a relaxing dive, often with calmer conditions than some of the island’s more exposed sites. You’ll typically find plenty of reef fish here, along with the chance of seeing turtles grazing. It’s a good spot for newer divers or those looking for an easy second dive, with depths generally staying moderate.
Dos Olhos
Dos Olhos offers an interesting dive, with a few small caves and overhangs to explore. We've seen plenty of nurse sharks here, often resting in the sandy patches, and the resident schools of grunts are always entertaining. It’s a good spot for divers looking for a relaxed exploration, rather than a drift. Visibility is generally solid, making it suitable for newer divers too.
Dunas
Dunas offers a straightforward dive on a sandy bottom, broken up by scattered rocks and small rocky outcrops. We often spot moray eels tucked into the crevices and rays gliding over the sand. It’s a calmer spot, good for newer divers building confidence or for a relaxed second dive. Visibility here is usually pretty reliable.
Sal Dive Centres
5 dive shops and operators in Sal
Ocean Wildlife in Sal
28 species recorded in Sal
Sal Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Sal, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:18
Sunset
17:52
Daylight
12h 34m
Golden Hour
17:23
First light (dawn) at 04:56 · Last light (dusk) at 18:14
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:04 | 17:18 | 11h 14m |
| Feb | 05:59 | 17:35 | 11h 35m |
| Mar | 05:41 | 17:42 | 12h 1m |
| Apr | 05:18 | 17:47 | 12h 30m |
| May | 05:02 | 17:56 | 12h 54m |
| JunLongest | 05:00 | 18:06 | 13h 7m |
| Jul | 05:07 | 18:09 | 13h 2m |
| AugNow | 05:16 | 17:59 | 12h 42m |
| Sep | 05:21 | 17:36 | 12h 15m |
| Oct | 05:25 | 17:12 | 11h 48m |
| Nov | 05:36 | 16:58 | 11h 22m |
| DecShortest | 05:53 | 17:02 | 11h 9m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Sal.
Where to Stay near Sal
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Marine Protected Areas near Sal
20 protected areas near Sal - please respect local regulations when diving
Reserva Natural de Santa Luzia
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 Integral Ilhéus Branco e Raso
Reserva Natural Praia de Morro
Reserva Natural Lagoa Cimidor
Showing 12 largest of 20
Getting to Sal
Espargos
Rabil
Praia
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