Everything You Need to Know about Swimming in the Cape Verde Sea!

Cape Verde is a dreamy island getaway for families from around the globe. Pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters provide the perfect backdrop for your holiday snapshots. But amidst this idyllic scene, there’s a potential deal-breaker: the Cape Verde Sea.

Many of us look forward to swimming in the ocean while on vacation. And who can blame us? There’s a unique pleasure in feeling saltwater against the skin. And the sense of freedom from vast open water without constraints of lanes or walls is unrivaled.

In December 2022, our family personally experienced the Cape Verde Sea, so in this blog post, I’m addressing the burning question: Can you swim in the sea in Cape Verde, or is it a no-go?

I’ll share insights, tips, and alternative suggestions so you can decide whether Cape Verde is the ideal destination for your next family holiday. Let’s dive in!

Can you swim in the sea in Cape Verde?

Sal Island is home to the wave-kitesurfing championships and it’s for good reason. While Cape Verde’s Sea draws in kitesurfers and surfers from around the world, even the strongest of swimmers are respectful and wary of the powerful ocean here.

If you’re hoping to swim in the sea, two main factors should be considered when booking your Cape Verde holiday.

1. Location: Some areas on each island are more sheltered and as a result, the water is calmer. It’s more likely (although not guaranteed) that you’ll be able to swim in these spots during your vacation. But even so, it’s not recommended that children or weak swimmers enter the water unsupervised.
2. Time of Year: Winds are at their lowest between May and September, so the waters tend to be calmer. Booking your family holiday during this time can also increase the chances that you’ll be able to swim in the sea. The islands are windiest between late November and March, therefore you can expect Cape Verde sea conditions to be rougher during these times.

Safety Tips

Many of us don’t live close to the sea so water safety isn’t always at the forefront of our minds.

The best thing you can do before swimming in the sea at Cape Verde is to familiarise yourself with the local sea conditions. If in doubt, ask a lifeguard or the receptionist at your resort for more information.

Lifeguards are usually situated on the touristy beaches, especially during high season. But just because there is a lifeguard present, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe to enter the water. Colored flags on the beach can provide precious information about current sea conditions.

If you go swimming, stay close to others so you can raise the alarm if you get into trouble. Stay within the flagged areas.

Familiarise yourself with the number for emergency services in case you or someone else is injured. The phone number for the ambulance service in Cape Verde is 130.

Best Places to Swim in Cape Verde

As mentioned earlier, some places in Cape Verde are better for swimming than others. Sal and Boa Vista islands are most popular with holidaymakers, so we’ll start there. Then we’ll take a look at where to swim in Santiago and Sao Vicente.

Can you swim in the sea in Sal Cape Verde?

So, we set off down the beach toward Santa Maria Pier. The walk (approx. 2 km) which we did a few times was one of our holiday highlights. It was so much fun taking in the sights on the beach as the water lapped at our feet. It wasn’t an easy walk though on the soft sand. If walking isn’t for you, I’d recommend taking a quick cab ride down to the pier.

The closer we got to the pier the more able the kids were to hop to waves. They had the best time! And when we reached the pier, we were greeted by lifeguards and green flags. There were plenty of people swimming and relaxing in the water around the pier.

If you’re staying on Sal Island, your best bet for swimming is next to Santa Maria Pier.

You can get our pick of the best Cape Verde Resorts for Families in Sal here.

Swimming in Boa Vista Cape Verde

The best swimming spot on Boa Vista can be found in the Island’s capital, Sal Rei.

Praia do Estoril is Boa Vista’s smallest beach at only 1 km. Its position shelters it from the trade winds that are responsible for the large waves across much of the Cabo Verde archipelago. The waves are smaller here meaning that there is more chance you’ll be able to swim in the sea. However, as with all Cape Verde beaches, this isn’t guaranteed.

Lifeguards monitor this beach during the high season.

Swim at Tarrafal Beach Santiago Island

At the north of the beach is a sheltered cove area where locals and tourists gather due to the calmer water.

Again, lifeguards monitor this beach in the high season.

The Best Beach for Swimming in Sao Vicente

Laginha Beach on Sao Vicente wins best Cape Verde beach for swimming, hands down.

This urban beach sits just in front of Mindelo, the second-largest city in Cape Verde. On clear days, as you sit with your back to the bustling city, you’ll see the island of Santo Antão just across the bay. And to the other side is the famous silhouette of Monte Caro (Face Mountain).

The turquoise waters here are calm enough for a relaxing swim and lifeguards are present in the high season.

You can get our pick of the Best Cape Verde Beaches here.

Sea Temperature in Cape Verde Throughout the Year

Let’s take a look at variations in average Cape Verde sea temperatures throughout the year.

Month	Sea Temperature Cape Verde (°C)	Average Air Temperature Cape Verde (°C)
January	24.1°C	22.7°C
February	22.9°C	21.7°C
March	22.6°C	21.6°C
April	22.4°C	21.8°C
May	22.7°C	22.5°C
June	23.1°C	23°C
July	24.2°C	23.9°C
August	25.4°C	25.8°C
September	26.3°C	26.6°C
October	27.1°C	26.7°C
November	25.8°C	25.5°C
December	24.2°C	24.1°C

Is the sea warm in Cape Verde?

As you can see from the table above, the sea temperature in Cape Verde is inviting and enjoyable for a significant part of the year. Generally, the sea temperature is very similar to, if not slightly higher than, the average air temperature.

If you plan on dipping into the ocean to cool off, standard swimming attire is more than enough to keep you comfortable. However, for young children or those planning to spend more extended periods in the water, consider opting for a shortie swimsuit.

Other Things to Do in the Sea at Cape Verde

You’re not limited to swimming or hopping waves in the sea at Cape Verde. There are many activities and excursions on the water that you can book before your holiday in Cape Verde. Here are some suggestions:

• Surfing or Kitesurfing Lessons
• Boat Excursions (Catamaran, Yacht, private boat tour)
• Snorkeling or Deep-Sea Diving
• Wading with Lemon Sharks in Sal
• Deep Sea Fishing

You can read about our top 15 things to do in Sal Cape here.

Cape Verde Sea Life

The nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean around the Cape Verde islands are home to a diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem.

In the Shallows

Here are some of the sea creatures you may encounter in the shallows:

In the Deeper Waters

If you’re willing to take a trip out to the deeper waters, you’ll have the chance to come face-to-face with even more species, including:

4. Manta Rays and Eagle Rays
5. Whales and Dolphins: The surrounding seas are frequented by humpback whales, sperm whales, and multiple dolphin species. Boat excursions provide opportunities to witness these marine giants in their natural habitat.
6. Sharks: The waters of Cape Verde are known to be a gathering point for several shark species. While encounters with sharks are infrequent and generally pose no threat to humans, they add an element of excitement for those exploring the deeper ocean.
7. Pelagic Fish Species: Beyond the coral reefs, Cape Verde’s waters host pelagic fish species, including tuna, wahoo, barracuda, and marlin. This attracts sport fishing enthusiasts seeking thrilling deep-sea fishing experiences.
8. Squid and octopus
9. Moray Eels

Nasty Stings

A couple of the creatures found in the sea can give some nasty stings. These include the very rare Portuguese Man O’War and sea urchins. The best option is to stay away from these creatures and avoid standing on underwater rocks without shoes on. However, in case you are stung, be sure to remove all the stings and familiarise yourself with how to treat the injured area.

Here is the NHS advice for stings from jellyfish and other sea creatures. Again, in case of a bad reaction, the phone number for a Cape Verde ambulance is 130.

Alternatives to Swimming in the Cape Verde Sea

Sometimes it might not be possible to swim in the sea during your Cape Verde family holiday. Nature cannot (and should not) be controlled. But it can help to have some backup plans. In Cape Verde, you’re not just limited to the resort’s swimming pool. There are alternative options for swimming:

Sal:

• Pedra Lume: Float effortlessly in the salt lake that now fills the volcanic crater.
• Buracona Lagoon: If conditions allow, take a dip in some of the natural pools around the famous Blue Eye.

See our blog post on the top things to do in Sal Cape Verde for more information.

Boa Vista:

• Olho de Mar: On the track to the Morro Negro Lighthouse you’ll find a small natural pool carved out by the waves.

Santiago:

• Cuba, Ribeira das Pratas: To the north of the island, you will find stunning natural pools near the small village of Ribeira das Pratas. As these pools are close to the ocean, you shouldn’t enter when the sea conditions are very rough.

Sao Vicente

• Baía das Gatas: 12 km from Mindelo, a semi-natural barrier creates a lagoon which is one of the best swimming spots on Sao Vicente.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary: Swimming in the Cape Verde Sea

Yes, you can swim in the Cape Verde Sea, but it does some pose challenges.

The Cabo Verde archipelago, nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, boasts powerful waves, currents, and undertows that demand respect. So, remember to familiarize yourself with local sea conditions, heed lifeguard advice, and look out for colored flags on the beach.

Lower winds between May and September offer more favorable swimming conditions. And some of the better swimming locations include Santa Maria Pier in Sal, Praia do Estoril in Boa Vista, Tarrafal Beach in Santiago, and Laginha Beach in Sao Vicente.

The sea temperature in Cape Verde is closely aligned with the average air temperature, so standard swimming attire is usually fine. Shortie swimsuits are recommended though for extended periods in the ocean.

Beyond the waves, Cape Verde’s Sea is home to a diverse marine life. Corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles frequent the shallows, while deeper waters harbor manta rays, whales, and dolphins. Apply caution to avoid nasty stings from creatures like the Portuguese Man O’War and sea urchins.

Cape Verde offers several beautiful alternatives to swimming in the ocean. From the salt lake of Pedra Lume and the natural pools of Buracona Lagoon on Sal to Baia das Gatas on Sao Vicente.

If ocean swimming is the highlight of family holidays, Cape Verde may not be the destination for you. But if you’re flexible in trying out some alternatives you won’t be disappointed with all that Cape Verde has to offer.