You landed in Cape Verde, settled into your hotel in Praia (or maybe you flew into Sal and you're island-hopping), and now you're scrolling your phone asking the classic question: what is there to do in Cape Verde that's actually worth it?
Beaches are beautiful — but you didn't fly this far for another afternoon on a sunbed. You want something original. Something you'll remember.
Here's an idea that surprises most visitors: come dive with us on Santiago Island, in the historic village of Cidade Velha. Volcanic reefs, wrecks, moray eels, tuna, groupers and shoals of colourful fish — and sometimes manta rays, and sometimes small reef sharks (they normally keep their distance and couldn't care less about you — nothing scary). If it's your first dive, you probably won't see them anyway: we pick the dive site to match your level. All in a UNESCO village where tourism still feels human-sized.
Why diving beats the usual "things to do in Cape Verde" list
Most guides focus on Sal or Boa Vista: resort beaches, jeep tours, turtle watching. All fine — but Santiago is the most diverse island in the archipelago, and its Atlantic waters are still relatively unexplored underwater.
At Cidade Velha Diving (PADI dive centre) you can:
- Try scuba for the first time — no licence needed (Discover Scuba / first dive)
- Fun dives if you're already certified
- Boat trips to sites along the coast when conditions allow
- PADI courses from Open Water upwards if you're staying longer
It's the kind of day that fills your camera and your stories — not just your Instagram.
Perfect if you're already staying in Praia
Many travellers base themselves in Praia for work, family or a city break. Cidade Velha is only 20–30 minutes by hiace (shared minivan) — the local way to travel. It costs around 100–150 CVE and is an experience in itself.
We wrote a full step-by-step guide: how to get from Praia to Cidade Velha by hiace, taxi or car — with a map of where to board and where to get off near our dive centre.
Make it a day trip — or stay the night
Some guests come just for the morning dive and head back to Praia after lunch. Others fall in love with the village and stay:
- Walk the cobbled streets and UNESCO ruins after your dive
- Eat fresh fish by the waterfront
- Sleep in a guesthouse two minutes from our centre — see our where to stay in Cidade Velha guide
Cidade Velha is small enough to explore on foot. No car needed once you're here.
What does it cost?
Prices depend on the activity (try-dive, guided fun dives, courses, boat). Check our dive prices & PADI courses page for current rates. Message us on WhatsApp if you're not sure what fits your level — we'll help you choose.
Other original ideas while you're on Santiago
Combine your dive day with:
- Tarrafal beach — hiace day trip to the north coast (see our transport guide)
- Serra da Malagueta — green mountains above the coast
- Pelourinho & Forte Real de São Filipe — right here in Cidade Velha
But if you only add one thing to your Cape Verde trip, make it the Atlantic below the surface. Most visitors never do. That's exactly why it's worth it.
Ready?
Whether you're in Cape Verde for a week or you have one free day in Praia — send us a WhatsApp. Tell us your dates and whether you've dived before. We'll sort the rest: dives, gear, and how to get here.
See you in Cidade Velha. 🤿