Diving in Santiago Island, Cape Verde: The Atlantic’s Hidden Gem

If you're thinking about diving in Santiago Island, Cape Verde, you're about to discover one of the archipelago's best-kept secrets. While many travelers choose Sal or Boa Vista, Santiago offers a much more authentic, diverse and peaceful diving experience.

🌊 Why dive in Santiago?

• Perfect weather all year: Water temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C — a 3 mm wetsuit is all you need.

• Exceptional marine biodiversity: turtles, sharks, rays, nudibranchs, tropical fish and even humpback whales in spring.

• 50+ dive sites: reefs, caves, walls, historic wrecks, shore and boat dives.

• Low-impact tourism: uncrowded, pristine sites for a more intimate experience.

• History underwater: Cidade Velha is surrounded by colonial-era shipwrecks and legends.

🤠 Cidade Velha Diving: Your PADI Center in Santiago

• Spanish-trained instructors: fully certified, with high safety and quality standards.

• Brand new equipment: imported from Spain in April 2025.

• Sustainable practices: local boats, ocean and beach clean-ups, and responsible tourism.

• All kinds of experiences: PADI courses, try dives, fun dives and full dive packages.

• Real connection to the community: food, culture, and adventure beyond the water.

🏛️ More than diving: make the most of your visit to Cidade Velha

Diving with us also gives you the chance to explore Cidade Velha in a special way, with the guidance and support of our local team.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cidade Velha was the first European colonial city in the tropics. Its cobbled streets, fortresses, churches and ocean views offer a unique historical charm.

And the best part: it’s far from mass tourism. You’ll experience real local life, culture and a peaceful atmosphere that reflects the true essence of Cape Verde.

Between dives, explore scenic viewpoints, try Cape Verdean cuisine or simply enjoy the relaxed pace of the island — always with the comfort and safety of having our guides by your side. They'll help you make the most of your experience both in and out of the water.

Looking for diving that's real, varied and full of life? Santiago is your island. Less crowds, more ocean.