Why Cape Verde Is One of the Best Places in the World to Get Your Diving Certification

If you are thinking about getting your first diving certification, it is normal to have questions.

Where to do it.

If you will really learn to dive.

If it will be safe.

If the certification will allow you to dive anywhere in the world.

Choosing the right place to get certified makes a huge difference. Not only in the card you receive, but in how you dive afterwards and the relationship you build with the ocean from day one.

Cape Verde, and especially the island of Santiago, offers unique conditions that make it one of the best places in the world to get certified as a diver, whether it is your first certification or the next step in your diving journey.

Cidade Velha, where we dive

Ideal conditions to learn how to dive

One of the most common searches is “best place to learn to dive” or “where to do the Open Water course”.

Conditions matter.

In Cape Verde, water temperature stays between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius all year round. This means you can learn to dive comfortably, without cold stress and with more effective time underwater.

Air temperature also plays an important role. Throughout the year, it stays roughly between 20 and 31 degrees Celsius, creating relaxed and pleasant days for learning. When your body is comfortable, learning comes more naturally.

Climate information from Google

A calm and uncrowded environment

Cidade Velha, where we dive

Many people look for a “beginner diving course without crowds”. And for good reason.

Santiago Island is much more untouched than other islands in Cape Verde, such as Sal. There is no mass diving tourism here, no crowded boats and no busy dive sites.

We are the only PADI certified dive center on the island, and in practice the only ones diving regularly in these waters. During your training dives, you will almost always be the only group at the dive site.

This allows you to learn calmly, without pressure, and with real attention from your instructor.

Santiago is also a large peninsula with dozens of different dive sites. This means we can always find calm and protected areas suitable for courses, regardless of wind direction or sea conditions.

Our dive sites

Learning to dive properly, not just getting a card

Another common search is “reliable PADI certification” or “serious diving course”.

Here, certifications are not given away. You learn to dive.

We work strictly according to all PADI standards, following every requirement carefully. We are an official PADI dive center and we strongly believe in doing things properly. Training is thorough, progressive and clear. Our goal is for you to leave confident, safe and capable of diving anywhere in the world.

Tony, our main instructor and co founder, was trained in top level dive centers in Spain. All our divemasters have been trained by him, following the same philosophy. Safety, patience, solid technique and respect for the ocean.

This is especially important if this is your first Open Water certification, because this is where lifelong diving habits are created.

Open Water Diver theory at our dive center

Clear prices and fully inclusive courses

Another very common question is “Open Water course price” or “what is included in a diving course”.

In all our courses, the price always includes everything you need to get certified, without exceptions:

• Full diving equipment

• Theory

• Practical water sessions

• Official PADI certification

We do not charge separately for theory.

There are no hidden fees.

There are no surprise extras.

Prices are comparable to popular destinations such as Thailand, but with a major difference. Here, there is no industrial diving or rushed certifications. There is time, attention and real training.

Getting certified while traveling

Many people search for “get Open Water certified on vacation”. And it makes sense.

Getting certified while traveling turns learning into a full experience. You do not just study and practice. You live the process.

You wake up close to the ocean.

You learn.

You dive.

You rest.

You share time with your group and with local people.

It becomes an intense, positive and memorable experience, especially for those getting certified for the first time.

Courses and specialties available

We offer training from beginner to professional level:

• Open Water Diver.

• Advanced Open Water Diver.

• Rescue Diver.

• Divemaster.

  
  

Specialties available:

• Deep Diver.

• Night Diver.

• Drift Diver.

• Wreck Diver.

All courses are adapted to your level and your pace, without pressure or rush.

Cleaning the ocean

Responsible tourism and respect for the environment

We work closely with the local community and support sustainable tourism. We respect the culture, the history and the natural environment. The ocean here is not exploited. It is protected.

This approach is also part of learning to dive properly.

Divers, friends, team

A friendly and human team

We are a small, professional and welcoming team. We care that you feel safe, supported and comfortable from your first contact until your final dive.

Here, you are not a number.

You are part of the experience.

If you are looking for one of the best places in the world to get your diving certification, with warm water, serious PADI training, calm conditions and a truly authentic experience, Cape Verde and the island of Santiago are an exceptional choice.

And we would be very happy to guide you through your first steps underwater.