What We Stand For

Environmental Care

We promote eco-friendly diving practices to protect Cape Verde's unique marine ecosystem.

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.

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.

Marine debris collected during the cleanup

See photos & join next time →

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 →

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 20–30 minutes.

Transport guide →

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!

Cidade Velha · Santiago · Cabo Verde

PADI dive center on the historic Atlantic coast of Santiago Island — UNESCO World Heritage site.

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.

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.

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 →

View prices & book →

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.

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Certified divers on a guided fun dive exploring reefs near Cidade Velha, Santiago, Cape Verde

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 formations, coral reefs, sea turtles, trumpetfish, parrotfish, rays and more—and explore shipwrecks beneath Cabo Verde's waves.

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.

Vibrant sun corals at Ponta Grande dive site in Cidade Velha, Cape Verde — 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…

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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…

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Diving Certification in Cape Verde. One of the Best Places in the World

Discover why Cape Verde is one of the best places in the world to get your diving certification. Warm waters, serious PADI training, clear…

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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…

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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.

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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.

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Kind words from happy divers

Real reviews from divers who explored Cape Verde with our PADI team.

170+ 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—turtles, reefs and crystal-clear Atlantic water.
Elena R.

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