Diving in Sal

Explore 23 dive sites in Sal, Cape Verde. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Marine Life in Sal

Home to 29 recorded species including 17 reef fish, 9 whales & dolphins, 1 other, 1 hard corals, 1 sea cucumbers.

Dive Site Difficulty in Sal

Sal has 4 beginner, 2 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Marine Protected Areas in Sal

  • Salinas de Porto Inglês - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Paisagem Protegida Buracona-Ragona - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Paisagem Protegida Salinas Porto Inglês - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Parque Natural do Norte - Natural Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Parque Natural Norte da Ilha do Maio - Natural Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural Casas Velhas - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural Baía da Murdeira - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural Costa da Fragata - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural de Santa Luzia - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural Integral Ilhéus Branco e Raso - Integral Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural Lagoa Cimidor - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural Morro de Areia - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural Ponta de Sinó - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural Ponta do Sol - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural Praia de Morro - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural Serra Negra - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reserva Natural Tartaruga - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • RNI Ilhéu Baluarte - Integral Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • RNI Ilhéu de Curral Velho - Integral Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • RNI Ilhéu dos Pássaros - Integral Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)

Getting to Sal - Nearest Airports

  • Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), Espargos - 14 km away, approx 30 min travel time
  • Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC), Rabil - 54 km away, approx 74 min travel time
  • Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), Praia - 196 km away, approx 229 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions like for diving in Sal, including visibility and temperature?
The provided data for Sal, Cape Verde does not specify typical water conditions such as visibility or temperature. For up-to-date information on these conditions, we recommend consulting local dive centers directly.
What kind of marine life can I expect to encounter while diving in Sal, Cape Verde?
Divers in Sal, Cape Verde can look forward to encountering a variety of sharks. The region is known for lemon sharks and nurse sharks, with seasonal whale shark encounters occurring from July to October. You can learn more about these species and others in our wildlife database.
Which are considered the best dive sites around Sal Island, and what makes them stand out?
Sal Island offers a diverse range of 23 dive sites, including reefs, wrecks, and a cave. While the data doesn't explicitly rank "best" sites, popular options include the beginner-friendly Calderinha Wreck and the intermediate reef site Cavala, Sal. Divers can explore various underwater landscapes catering to different skill levels.
Is Sal a good dive destination for beginner divers, or is it more suited for advanced levels?
Sal, Cape Verde is an excellent dive destination suitable for both beginner and intermediate divers. There are several beginner-friendly sites like Calderinha Wreck, Santo Antao Wreck, and Bikini Beach, alongside numerous intermediate reef and wreck dives. With 5 dive centres in the area, there are options for all experience levels.
Are there any specific dive sites in Sal known for shark or manta ray encounters?
The Sal, Cape Verde sub-region is known for encounters with lemon sharks, nurse sharks, and seasonal whale sharks from July to October. However, the provided data does not specify particular dive sites where these shark encounters are more frequent. There is no mention of manta ray encounters in the available information.
What are the seasonal variations for diving in Sal, and when is the best time to visit for optimal conditions?
The primary seasonal variation noted for Sal, Cape Verde is the presence of seasonal whale shark encounters, which occur from July to October. Beyond this, the provided data does not detail other seasonal variations or specify an overall best time to visit for optimal diving conditions. For more general information on dive seasons, you can visit our when to dive page.
How strong are the currents typically when diving in Sal, and how does this affect dive planning?
The provided data for Sal, Cape Verde does not include information regarding the typical strength of currents or how they might affect dive planning. For details on local current conditions, it is best to consult with one of the 5 local dive centres.
What is the easiest way to get to Sal Island for a diving holiday?
The provided data for Sal Island does not contain information about transportation or the easiest way to get there for a diving holiday. We recommend checking international flight routes to Sal's Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) or consulting travel guides for the Cape Verde region.