14m
    Beginner
    Sal, Cape Verde
    Reserva Natural Ponta de Sinó

    Calderinha Wreck

    Best months: Aug–Nov

    Protected Area

    Reserva Natural Ponta de Sinó

    Why dive here

    Calderinha Wreck is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas. Water ranges 22-28°C, warmest August, September, October.

    Best timeAug–Nov
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas
    Water22-28°C · warmest August, September, October
    CharacterWreck dive · max 14m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    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.

    Typical Calderinha Wreck Dive Profile

    5m10m15mSafety Stop0m14m max~50 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:2417:1411h 50m daylightGolden hour 16:45

    Calderinha Wreck Wreck History

    Vessel Type

    fishing vessel

    Cause

    unknown

    Tucked away in the sheltered bay of Calderinha on the island of Sal, this small, pleasant wreck is a highlight for many visiting divers. While the vessel's specific history and name have been lost to time, it is believed to have been a local fishing boat that found its final resting place on the sandy bottom. Its calm location has protected it from the full force of the Atlantic, preserving it as an intact and delightful dive site.

    Sitting upright at a maximum depth of 14 meters, the Calderinha Wreck is perfect for novice divers, photographers, and those looking for a relaxed exploration. The clear, warm waters of Cape Verde provide excellent visibility, revealing a structure that is now completely encrusted in life. Schools of soldierfish and grunts swarm the deck, while trumpetfish and octopus can often be found hiding in its nooks. The easy conditions and abundant marine life make this a truly enjoyable dive and a perfect introduction to the underwater world of Cape Verde.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Calderinha Wreck

    Calderinha Wreck Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Calderinha Wreck, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (16.61, -22.93) (1km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    28°C

    82°F · Range: 26.6–29.7°C

    Air Temperature

    27°C

    80°F

    Wind Speed

    7.91 m/s

    15.4 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1013.5 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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