## Is Cape Verde Good for Scuba Diving?
Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 500 miles west of the coast of Senegal. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and year-round warm climate. But is Cape Verde good for scuba diving?
The answer is a resounding yes! Cape Verde offers some of the best scuba diving in the world. The waters around the islands are incredibly clear, with visibility often reaching 100 feet or more. The underwater topography is varied and interesting, with everything from shallow reefs to deep walls and drop-offs. And there is an abundance of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and whales.
## What Makes Cape Verde So Good for Scuba Diving?
There are a number of factors that make Cape Verde such a great place to scuba dive.
The water is crystal clear. The visibility in the waters around Cape Verde is often 100 feet or more, which makes it easy to see all the amazing marine life.
The underwater topography is varied and interesting. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from shallow reefs to deep walls and drop-offs.
There is an abundance of marine life. The waters around Cape Verde are home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and whales.
The weather is great year-round. The climate in Cape Verde is warm and sunny year-round, with average water temperatures in the mid-70s. This makes it a great place to scuba dive any time of year.
## Where Are the Best Scuba Diving Sites in Cape Verde?
There are many great scuba diving sites in Cape Verde, but some of the most popular include:
Ilheu Branco: This small island is located off the coast of Boa Vista and is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The underwater topography is varied, with shallow reefs, deep walls, and drop-offs. There is an abundance of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and whales.
Ilheu Razo: This uninhabited island is located about 30 miles off the coast of Brava. The underwater topography is dominated by a large underwater plateau, which is home to a variety of marine life. The most common sightings include sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and whales.
Morro Branco: This dive site is located off the coast of Sal and is known for its stunning coral formations. The underwater topography is varied, with shallow reefs, deep walls, and drop-offs. There is an abundance of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and whales.
Farol de Santa Maria: This dive site is located off the coast of Santa Maria and is known for its large population of sharks. The underwater topography is varied, with shallow reefs, deep walls, and drop-offs. There is an abundance of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and whales.
Baia das Gatas: This dive site is located off the coast of São Vicente and is known for its beautiful sandy bottom and clear waters. The underwater topography is varied, with shallow reefs, deep walls, and drop-offs. There is an abundance of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and whales.
## What Can You Expect to See When Scuba Diving in Cape Verde?
The marine life in Cape Verde is incredibly diverse, and you can expect to see a wide variety of creatures on your dives. Some of the most common sightings include:
Sharks: There are over 30 species of sharks in Cape Verde, including tiger sharks, bull sharks, lemon sharks, and nurse sharks.
Rays: There are over 20 species of rays in Cape Verde, including manta rays, eagle rays, and stingrays.
Turtles: There are five species of turtles in Cape Verde, including green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and loggerhead turtles.
Dolphins: There are over 10 species of dolphins in Cape Verde, including bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, and common dolphins.
Whales: There are over 20 species of whales in Cape Verde, including humpback whales, blue whales, and sperm whales.
## What Are the Best Dive Centers in Cape Verde?
There are a number of dive centers in Cape Verde, but some of the most popular include:
Scuba Cape Verde: This dive center is located in Santa Maria on the island of Sal. They offer a variety of scuba diving courses and guided dives.
Dive Center Boa Vista: This dive center is located in Sal Rei on the island of Boa Vista. They offer a variety of scuba diving courses and guided dives.
Dive Center Brava: This dive center is located in Nova Sintra on the island of Brava. They offer a variety of scuba diving courses and guided dives.
Dive Center São Vicente: This dive center is located in Mindelo on the island of São Vicente. They offer a variety of scuba diving courses and guided dives.
## Conclusion
Cape Verde is an excellent place to go scuba diving. The waters are clear, the underwater topography is varied and interesting, and the marine life is abundant. If you are looking for a great place to dive, Cape Verde should be at the top of your list.