Question 1

Why diving in Sao Nicolau ?

Accepted Answer

Once you put your head underwater, you will understand... The island boasts one of the few truly pristine and undisturbed marine ecosystems, teeming with biodiversity. This rare occurrence makes São Nicolau a unique diving destination.

After years of diving on other islands, we discovered São Nicolau as the true gem of Cabo Verde. Recognized by professional divers across the region, this island offers exceptional diving conditions that set it apart.

São Nicolau provides outstanding diving experiences, with large wind-protected areas and calm seas. The visibility here is unparalleled, thanks to its crystal-clear waters.

The island offers world-class shore diving, with easy access and stunning dive sites. Our dive spots cater to all levels, from beginners to highly experienced divers. You’ll find a variety of dive experiences, including shallow and deep dive spots, huge walls, canyons, caves, and amazing underwater formations.

Frequent encounters with large marine life such as big tunas, amberjacks, sharks, manta rays, and large schools of fish are common, thanks to the numerous big drop-offs. You’ll also experience the stunning biodiversity and the unique presence of several endemic species from Cabo Verde in these pristine waters.

Check this digital field guide of Cape Verdean animal species:

https://issuu.com/matiasgutierrez6/docs/libro_especies_cabo_verde

Stay tuned for upcoming trips to Ilhéu Raso, a marine protected area yet to be explored!

Question 2

What's the water temperature ?

Accepted Answer

First Period (March 30 - June 10):
Expect water temperatures between 22°C and 25°C. We recommend wearing a 5 to 7mm wetsuit.

Second Period (September 30 - December 10):
Water temperatures are likely to range from 25°C to 28°C. A 3 to 5mm wetsuit should be suitable, depending on your preference.

If you have any questions about water temperatures, please feel free to ask us.

Question 3

What's about water visibillity?

Accepted Answer

Visibility at our dive spots can vary throughout the year, typically ranging from 20 to 50 meters. Weather conditions, of course, can impact this.

Question 4

Do I need to be certified to dive with your center?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for scuba-diving, certification is required. We offer a variety of PADI courses to help you get certified.

If you’re not certified and short on time but still want to dive, don't worry. We offer Discover Scuba Diving experiences to introduce you to the underwater world, or we can simply go snorkeling together.

Question 5

Do you offer equipment rental?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a full range of high-quality diving equipment for rent, including masks, fins, wetsuits, BCDs, regulators, torches and dive computers.

Question 6

What should I bring with me for a dive?

Accepted Answer

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a water bottle. If you have your own dive gear, you are welcome to bring it. We provide all necessary diving equipment if you do not have your own.

Question 7

Can I book dives or courses in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (October - December and March - June), to ensure availability. You can book online through our website form or contact us directly via email or Whatsapp.

Question 8

Can I book with you a package Diving + Accommodation ?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You will find all about our comprehensive packages for accommodation and diving in PRICES section.

Stay with us at the recently established Cacimba Sunset Guest House in Tarrafal, which we can book for you at the best rate. We’ll handle all your needs to ensure a completely relaxed vacation on São Nicolau Island.

Let us know your requirements via email or Whatsapp and we’ll send you a detailed proposal. We will also assist with both international and domestic flights and transfers to make your adventure hassle-free.

Question 9

How do I get to São Nicolau island?

Accepted Answer

Many European countries have already established charter flights from their capitals to the island of Sal - Netherlands, UK, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia etc. Most Europeans can therefore now take direct flights from their home countries to Sal island. Portuguese airline TAP operates daily flights from Lisbon to the islands of Santiago (capital Praia), Sal, and São Vicente.

Cape Verdean domestic flights are operated by Cabo Verde Airlines:

https://www.caboverdeairlines.com/

Cabo Verde Airlines also operates international flights from Lisbon and Paris. They have announced new flight packages for Lisbon - São Nicolau - Lisbon!

To reach São Nicolau, Cabo Verde Airlines currently operates:
- 2 flights weekly from Sal island (Thursday & Saturday)
- 3 flights weekly from Santiago island - Praia (Monday, Thursday, Saturday)

For travelers coming from São Vicente and Sal, local ferry services by INTERILHAS are available. For their schedules, visit their website:

https://www.cvinterilhas.cv/css/pdf/horarios.pdf

In 2024, the ferry from São Vicente to São Nicolau is scheduled to operate three times a week:
- Mondays at 9 am from São Vicente
- Wednesdays at 4 pm from São Vicente
- Fridays at 9 am from São Vicente

Please always check with us or directly with the operators, as schedules are subject to change!

Question 10

Are there other activities on the Island for non-Divers ?

Accepted Answer

São Nicolau, declared one of the five most stunning islands in the Atlantic Ocean by Forbes in 2022 and dubbed the "Atlantic Hawaii," is truly a gem for adventure seekers. Known as the adventure island, it offers a myriad of activities. You can climb the breathtaking Monte Gordo Natural Park, follow numerous trails through the mountains, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and rich environment stretching from the peaks to the sea, all enhanced by the island's historical and cultural heritage.

Renting a car or a quad is easy on the island with several operators, allowing you to explore even the most remote corners such as natural pools of Juncalinho. A mandatory visit is to Carbeirinho, one of the seven wonders of Cabo Verde.

What we love most about São Nicolau is its authenticity and well-preserved memories from past decades, thanks to its low tourist presence. You'll feel not like just another tourist, but like a happy Cabo Verdean among family!

For those who might want a break from the ocean, we also offer hiking tours to explore the island's stunning landscapes.

Question 11

Good to know

Accepted Answer

Here is a list of practicalities to help you best prepare for your trip:

Time Zone: 
- UTC/GMT -1

Electricity and Sockets: 
- European type C/F sockets (two prongs) at 220V.

Wi-Fi: 
- Available for free at Cacimba Sunset Guest House.

Currency: 
- The Cabo Verdean Escudo (CVE) is linked to the Euro at a rate of €1 = 110 CVE.

ATM: 
- Your best source of cash is ATMs. You will find two ATMs in downtown Tarrafal.

Languages Spoken at São Nicolau Diving:
- English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Cabo Verdean Crioule.

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