Calderinha Wreck
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.
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
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.
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to Calderinha Wreck
Dive shops near Calderinha Wreck
Cabo Verde Diving
Santa Maria Dive Center
Scubateam Cabo Verde
Eco Dive School Cabo Verde
CABO DIVING LDA
Reviews for Calderinha Wreck
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Calderinha Wreck
Calderinha Wreck Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Calderinha Wreck, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (16.6, -22.9) (0km away)
August Averages
Air Temperature
25.99°C
79°F
Wind Speed
6.5 m/s
12.6 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1012.2 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
Book a dive trip in Sal
Guided dives, courses & snorkel tours - instant booking
Where to Stay near Calderinha Wreck
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.