What does a dive day look like with Cidade Velha Diving?

We meet at the dive center

We start the day at our dive center, in the heart of Cidade Velha.

Meeting point on Google Maps →

First we review all documentation. If you can complete the forms before you arrive, even better — it only takes a few minutes and helps us make the most of the day.

Complete your forms here →

We’ll also check your diving certification, answer any remaining questions and settle any balance due for the activity.

Then we try the equipment and prepare everything for departure to the beach. We organise each diver’s kit into small labelled bundles.

The briefing

Before entering the water we run a full briefing at the dive center.

We’ll show you on a map the dive site chosen for that day. The choice always depends on sea conditions — we pick the site that offers the safest and most enjoyable experience.

We also use our Cape Verde marine species book to introduce some of the incredible life you can find around Santiago. Our coast is known for dense fish life and high biodiversity. It’s common to see large schools of fish, sergeant majors, groupers, moray eels, tuna, trumpetfish, pufferfish and many nudibranchs. With a bit of luck we may also see mantas, sharks or turtles.

We’ll explain which species not to touch — such as fireworms or certain sea pens — so you can enjoy the dive safely.

It’s the perfect moment to clear any last doubts before getting in the water.

To the beach

Once ready, we head to Cidade Velha beach. The cylinders go ahead in a local tuk tuk so the heavy gear is already waiting for you.

Beach meeting point on Google Maps →

There we finish assembling the kits, load them onto the boat and, together, push the boat into the water to start the adventure.

Heading to the dive site

Our dive sites are usually about 10 to 30 minutes by boat.

There are more remote places, such as Baía do Inferno, that we organise as special trips. If you’re interested, ask us how they work.

First dive

We dive until we reach our safety reserve.

Before ascending we always do the corresponding safety stop.

Once on the surface we remove equipment in the water so boarding the boat is more comfortable and safer.

Then we return to the same beach where we started.

Surface interval

While we go back up to the dive center to swap cylinders and prepare the second trip, many guests take time to relax.

Cidade Velha beach is lined with small cafés and restaurants with sea views — perfect for a coffee, hydration, rest and talking about the first dive.

The surface interval usually lasts about one to one and a half hours.

Second dive

Around 12:30 we board again for the second dive.

We repeat the same process: navigate to a new site, enjoy another dive and return to the beach.

We normally finish the day between 14:00 and 15:00.