Environmental Care
We promote eco-friendly diving practices to protect Cape Verde's unique marine ecosystem.
Scuba Diving in Cape Verde
PADI Dive Center in Cidade Velha
Discover the Hidden Depths of Cape Verde with certified PADI instructors
What We Stand For
Respect for Marine Life
All dives are guided with a strong focus on ocean conservation and minimizing environmental impact.
Local Partnership
We work closely with the local community, respecting Cape Verdean culture while creating opportunities.
Empathy and Patience
Our team provides patient, supportive guidance for divers of all skill levels.
Cleanup · July 27, 2026
Thank you for pitching in
On July 27 we cleaned the beach and seabed together. We do this regularly to care for Cidade Velha — and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who took part to make a better place for all.
For our divers
Where to stay in Cidade Velha
We've picked trusted guesthouses and apartments near our dive center — with a map, walking routes and direct booking links to make planning your dive trip easier.
See places to stay →
From Praia
Scuba diving from Praia — 30 min to our centre
Staying in Praia? Our PADI dive centre in Cidade Velha is about 30 minutes by hiace (including the usual wait). Fun dives, courses, try scuba — full guide for day trips from the capital.
Diving from Praia guide →
Plan your trip
Getting around Santiago — Praia to Cidade Velha
Staying in Praia and diving with us? Hiace, taxi, map of stops and fares — everything you need to reach our dive center in about 30 minutes by hiace (including wait).
Transport guide →
Certified divers
How a dive day works — 2 dives
From the morning meet-up and briefing to the boat, surface interval and second dive — here’s what a typical day with us looks like.
See the full day →Your Gateway to Cabo Verde's Underwater Paradise!
Praia · Cidade Velha · Santiago · Cabo Verde
PADI dive centre on Santiago Island — ~30 min from Praia by hiace (including wait; ~20 min driving), in the UNESCO World Heritage village of Cidade Velha.
Dive into the crystal-clear Atlantic waters off Cidade Velha, where volcanic rock formations and thriving marine biodiversity await.
Whether you're a certified diver or a first-time explorer, our experienced team will guide you through breathtaking dive sites and help you gain international diving certifications. We offer a full range of PADI courses—from Discover Scuba Diving to Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue Diver certifications.
With decades of experience and a passion for ocean exploration, we make every dive in Cape Verde safe, educational, and unforgettable.
Cidade Velha Diving — key facts
Cidade Velha Diving is a PADI dive centre in Cidade Velha on Santiago Island, Cape Verde — about 30 minutes from Praia by hiace (including the usual wait; ~20 min driving). Fun dives from €49/day, courses in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and 208+ five-star Google reviews. Led by Tony, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT).
- What
- PADI dive centre in Cidade Velha, Santiago Island, Cape Verde (not Sal or Boa Vista).
- Where
- R. Direita de São Sebastião 13, Cidade Velha — UNESCO fishing village on Santiago's south coast.
- From Praia
- About 30 minutes by hiace (including the usual wait) or ~€25 taxi from Praia hotels / ~€30 from the airport.
- Offers
- Fun dives from €49/day, Discover Scuba for beginners, PADI Open Water (€390, 3 days), Advanced, Rescue and specialties.
- Languages
- Courses and guided dives in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
- Reviews
- 208+ five-star Google reviews.
- Underwater
- Dense Atlantic fish life — schools, tuna, barracuda, groupers, moray eels; volcanic rock, historic anchors; sometimes a manta.
- Vs Sal
- Santiago diving is less crowded and more virgin than mass-tourism Sal resort diving.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best scuba diving near Praia, Cape Verde?
The main dive sites for Praia visitors are along the Cidade Velha coast on Santiago Island. Cidade Velha Diving is a PADI centre about 30 minutes from Praia by hiace (including wait).
How much does scuba diving cost in Cidade Velha / Santiago?
Fun dives for certified divers start from €49 per day. PADI Open Water is €390 (about 3 days). Advanced is €300 and Rescue Diver €350. See the full price list on the website.
Is Santiago better than Sal for diving?
Sal is built around resort diving and mass tourism. Santiago — especially Cidade Velha — is quieter and more virgin underwater: dense fish life, volcanic sites and fewer charter crowds.
What languages does Cidade Velha Diving teach in?
English, Spanish and Portuguese.
How much is a first dive / Discover Scuba in Cape Verde?
Discover Scuba (try dive / baptism) is €70, or €90 with boat trip, at Cidade Velha Diving — about 30 minutes from Praia. Max 4 participants per instructor.
How much is the PADI Open Water course near Praia?
PADI Open Water is €390 all-inclusive (~3 days) at our centre in Cidade Velha — equipment, dives and certification included.
Diving Experiences
PADI Courses
Learn to dive or advance your skills with our internationally recognized PADI courses.
Open Water Diver: Your first step to become a certified diver. See the course →
Advanced Open Water: Dive deeper and navigate new environments. See the course →
Rescue Diver: Prevent and manage dive emergencies. See the course →
Divemaster: First professional level — ~3 months living the dive centre life in Cidade Velha. See the course →
Open Water from €390 →
Discover Scuba Diving
Curious about diving but not ready for a full course? Perfect for first-timers.
You'll dive under the direct supervision of a PADI instructor and experience the thrill of breathing underwater in a safe, supportive environment. From €70.
Book Discover Scuba →Fun Dives
Certified divers can join us for guided fun dives through the rich underwater world of Cidade Velha and Santiago island.
Expect volcanic rock, dense fish life — large schools, tuna, barracuda, groupers and moray eels — plus coral patches, historic anchors and, sometimes, a manta.
How a dive day works → View prices & book →🌴 Tailor Your Cape Verde Adventure with Us
At Cidade Velha Diving, we help you design a unique dive and travel package—just the way you imagine it. From the moment you arrive, we'll take care of every detail so you can focus on enjoying paradise.
- 🏡 Accommodation: Handpicked local stays to relax after your dives.
- 🚐 Airport Transfers: Hassle-free pickups and drop-offs.
- 🤿 Diving Experiences: Courses, fun dives, and custom sessions for all levels.
- 🏝️ Beyond Diving: Hikes, boat rides, island picnics, and scenic escapes.
- 🔥 Cultural Evenings: Gatherings with music, stories, and local warmth.
Just share your interests, and we'll build a custom package that's adventurous, relaxing, and truly unforgettable.
Underwater colour in Cidade Velha
Sun corals at Ponta Grande — one of the dive sites we explore from our PADI center on Santiago’s south coast.
Dive Stories & Blog
Guides, tips and stories about diving in Cape Verde—written by our PADI team in Cidade Velha.
Digital Nomad Scuba Diving in Cape Verde — Flexible PADI Courses
Get PADI certified while remote working in Cape Verde. Flexible Open Water schedules, affordable stays in Cidade Velha or Praia, hiace…
Read article →
In Cape Verde and Looking for Something Original? Try Diving in Santiago
Already in Cape Verde and wondering what to do? Scuba diving, boat trips and a day in Cidade Velha on Santiago Island — an authentic…
Read article →
PADI Diving Certification in Cape Verde — Santiago & Praia Guide
Get PADI certified on Santiago Island near Praia: warm water, small groups, Open Water €390 all-inclusive at Cidade Velha Diving. Quieter than…
Read article →Diving in Cape Verde. An authentic diving journey in Santiago Island
Discover why diving in Cape Verde is different. An authentic journey in Santiago Island, with pristine waters, living culture and real…
Read article →
PADI Open Water Diver Course in Praia, Cape Verde
Get certified with our PADI Open Water Diver course in Praia, Cape Verde. Small groups, expert instructor, and dives in vibrant volcanic waters.
Read article →
PADI Rescue Diver in Cidade Velha — Our Favourite Course in Cape Verde
Why Rescue Diver is the most fun and useful PADI course — CPR, oxygen, surface rescues and real scenarios on Cidade Velha beach, Cape Verde.
Read article →Kind words from happy divers
Real reviews from divers who explored Cape Verde with our PADI team.
208+ five-star reviews on Google
★★★★★An unforgettable experience. Professional instructors, calm waters and incredible marine life. I felt safe from the first minute and would recommend Cidade Velha Diving without hesitation.
Sarah M.
★★★★★Excellent dive center in a magical setting. The team is patient, knowledgeable and passionate about the ocean. Fun dives and courses are both top quality.
Thomas L.
★★★★★We did Discover Scuba and Open Water here. Warm welcome, great equipment and dives you won't forget—fish-filled reefs, historic anchors and crystal-clear Atlantic water.
Elena R.
SRI LANKA · FEBRUARY 2027
Dive deeper. Travel differently.
Join ALYNE, our next experience in Sri Lanka, or contact us about upcoming diving trips around the world.
Ready to Dive In? Let's Connect
Reach us via WhatsApp, email, or Instagram—or fill out the contact form below to plan your dive trip in Cape Verde.
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@cidadevelhadiving
Daily dives, marine life & life in Cidade Velha
