We track 25 dive operators in Tarrafal. 14 teach certification courses (18 PADI, 11 SSI). 17 run snorkelling trips. The biggest cluster is around Santa Maria, with 11. Listings are ordered by Fin Rank: a published score for how complete and verified each listing is.
The 8 highest-ranked of 25. How Fin Rank works
| Rank | Operator | TripAdvisor | Try dive | Agencies | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Maria Dive Center | 4.8(107) | 5.0 | $81 | PADI | Visit |
Which centres run each site, named on their own websites or confirmed by the owner.


Fin lists 25 dive operators in Tarrafal, with the biggest cluster around Santa Maria. 14 of them run certification courses.
PADI is the most common agency (18 centres), followed by SSI (11).
Published try-dive prices we hold range from $81 to $118 USD. Treat these as a guide and confirm with the centre before booking.
17 of the 25 operators we track run snorkelling tours.
Operators are sorted by Fin Rank, a 100-point profile strength score: contact details, what they offer, the dive sites they run, their Google reputation, whether the owner has claimed the listing, and whether their own website links to Fin. 0 listings here are owner-verified. The formula is published in full on the Fin Rank page.
Santa Maria Dive Center is a dive center located in Santa Maria, Cape Verde. They offer a comprehensive range of diving services, including courses, guided dives, and equipment rental. They are a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort.
Eco Dive School Cabo Verde is a PADI 5 Star Dive Center located in Santa Maria, Cape Verde. They offer a range of diving services including courses, guided dives, and equipment rental. They are committed to eco-friendly diving practices.
Scuba Team Cabo Verde - Diving Club is a dive center located in Santa Maria, Cape Verde. They offer a range of diving services including courses, guided dives, and equipment rental. They are a PADI dive center.
Divecenter Santiago is a dive center located in Tarrafal, Cabo Verde. They offer diving and snorkeling services.
Diving Center Riamar is a dive center located in Sal, Cape Verde, offering diving and snorkeling services. They are situated at Praia do Estoril and provide guided dives and courses. The center is known for its experienced instructors and local knowledge of dive sites.
Allblue Cabo Verde is a dive center located in Murdeira, Cape Verde. They offer diving and snorkeling services, as well as courses. They are a PADI certified dive center.

Atlantic Star Nautical Center is a water sports center located on the beach of Santa Maria, Cape Verde. They offer a variety of activities including diving, snorkeling, and boat trips. The center is situated in a prime location for accessing marine activities.
Cabo Verde Diving is a dive center located on Sal Island that offers scuba diving and snorkeling services. The operator provides various PADI and SSI courses, daily fun dives, and private dive options for different experience levels.
Aqualis Diving is a dive center located in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, operating from the Meliá Tortuga & Dunas resorts. They offer a range of diving activities and courses. They are a PADI and SSI certified dive center.
Cabo Verde Diving Aquarium is a dive center located in Santa Maria, Cape Verde. They offer diving courses, guided dives, and equipment rental. They are known for their focus on marine life and conservation.
| 2 | Eco Dive School Cabo Verde | 4.9(107) | 5.0 | $81 | PADI | Visit |
| 3 | Scuba Team Cabo Verde | 4.8(107) | 5.0 | $81 | PADI | Visit |
| 4 | Divecenter Santiago | 4.8(17) | none | none | PADI | Visit |
| 5 | Diving Center Riamar | 4.8(14) | 5.0 | none | PADI · SSI | Visit |
| 6 | Allblue Cabo Verde | 5.0(107) | 5.0 | $81 | PADI | Visit |
| 7 | 4.5(10) | none | none | PADI · SSI | Visit |
| 8 | Cabo Verde Diving | 4.4(94) | none | $118 | PADI · SSI | Visit |
