Try Scuba Diving in Cape Verde: A Beginner’s Guide to Your First Dive

If you landed here searching for “first time diving”, “scuba baptism Cape Verde” or “try scuba with no experience”, this is your guide.

Diving might seem intimidating at first. It's totally normal to feel nervous or unsure — but it's also one of the most transformative experiences you can have.

What is a Discover Scuba Diving experience?

Also known as “Discover Scuba Diving” (or DSD) by PADI, this is a special experience created for absolute beginners. You don’t need to be a strong swimmer or know any technical stuff.

It includes:

• A 45–60 minute theory session (signals, equipment, what to expect)

• Breathing and buoyancy practice in shallow water

• A real dive in the ocean, up to 10 meters deep (depending on your comfort)

• Total duration: 2 to 3 hours

Is it safe to try scuba diving for the first time?

Yes. You’re always with a certified instructor who guides and controls everything.This is not a course or a test — it's 100% recreational and fully supervised.

We don’t dive unless you feel ready. No pressure. You only go underwater when you're calm and comfortable.

Common doubts (with honest answers):

• “What if a fish bites me?”

Totally normal fear. But fish don’t bite humans without reason — you’re not food. In fact, they usually swim away, and touching one would be pure luck.

• “I’m afraid I won’t control the environment.”

That’s common. The ocean is a new place. But your instructor stays right beside you, even holding your hand if you need. You’re never alone.

• “What if I’m too far from the shore or the boat?”

Beginner dives are done close to shore, in calm and protected waters.

• “I’m not a good swimmer.”

You don’t need to be. You wear a wetsuit that floats, and your instructor takes care of everything. You just need to breathe and relax.

• “Leaving my comfort zone is hard.” 

😊We get it. But life-changing moments often happen just outside that zone.

• “My cousin did it and something happened to him.”

Fear often comes from other people’s stories. But every body and every dive is unique. The key is being informed and in good hands.

• “I’ve heard you can die from the pressure…”

Very common myth. The water pressure is gentle and manageable. We only go up to 10 meters — no decompression needed — and you’ll learn to equalize pressure safely.

• “What if I can’t breathe underwater?”

It feels strange at first, but you adapt quickly. You breathe through your mouth with constant airflow. We practice it together before entering the sea.

• “I worry about ear pressure.”

You’ll learn how to equalize with a simple trick. We practice it together before the dive.

• “I have anxiety.”

Diving can actually help: slow breathing, total focus, peaceful surroundings. Plus, you’re never alone.

• “What if I freeze at the bottom?”

Your instructor is with you the whole time and can bring you up instantly if needed. You can also ascend easily on your own.

Requirements to do a Discover Scuba Dive:

• Minimum age: 10 years

• Ability to float (no need to swim well)

• No heart, lung issues or recent surgeries

• Fill out a simple medical form

Why Cidade Velha (Cape Verde) is perfect for your first dive:

• Warm water all year (22ºC to 29ºC)

• Shore or boat dives (depending on conditions)

• Experienced instructor: over 10,000 DSDs guided

• PADI dive center with brand-new equipment

• Calm, safe areas for beginners

  
  

What you might see underwater:

• Colorful fish, moray eels, octopus

• Sea turtles

• Rays and schools of tropical fish

• Occasionally dolphins or whales (springtime)

Tips to enjoy it to the fullest:

• Come with curiosity, not expectations

• No need to prove anything: just breathe, look, and feel

• The more relaxed you are, the more fun you’ll have

• Protect your ears: don’t dive if you have a cold

What if you love it?

Then you can take the next step: the PADI Open Water Diver course, which certifies you to dive up to 18 meters anywhere in the world. And yes — your Discover Scuba Diving experience counts as credit toward that course.

QUICK SUMMARY:

• Safe and always supervised

• No experience or swimming skills required

• Fun, peaceful and life-changing

• You only dive if you're comfortable

• Cidade Velha is one of the best places in the world to try it

Ready to take your first breath underwater?

Message us and book your Discover Scuba Dive in Cape Verde with us!.