

Franciscus is a reef dive located off Santiago, Cape Verde. The site features a shallow reef structure that allows divers to observe a variety of marine life, including honeycomb moray, black moray, scrawled filefish, pufferfish, snake eel, Turkish wrasse, and groupers. Other inhabitants include fireworms, tompot blennies, black coral, crabs, grunts, sergeants, and hermit crabs. Access is via boat, and divers should remain vigilant regarding strong currents and potential entanglement risks. Water temperatures range from 23C to 28C throughout the year. Due to variable conditions and potential depth, divers must monitor air supply and thermal protection closely. Arrive self-sufficient with all necessary surface support and a surface marker buoy.
15.27530, -23.75970
Facilities are not confirmed on site, so arrive self-sufficient with water, a surface marker buoy, and any surface support you need. Check current conditions locally before entry, as even a beginner-friendly site can have stronger water movement on some days.
The site is accessible without special permits or marine protected area restrictions.
No known hazards
Recorded at this site
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
23-28°C
Best Time
Year-round
Divers at this site may encounter honeycomb moray, black moray, scrawled filefish, pufferfish, snake eel, Turkish wrasse, and groupers. Additional species recorded include fireworms, tompot blennies, black coral, crabs, grunts, sergeants, and hermit crabs.
While the site is sometimes described as beginner-friendly, current conditions vary significantly. Always check local conditions before entry, as strong water movement can occur.
Access to Franciscus is by boat. Divers should arrive self-sufficient with all necessary surface support.
Water temperatures range from 23C to 28C, with the lowest temperatures occurring in February and March and the highest in September.
Divers must remain vigilant regarding strong currents and entanglement risks. Additionally, monitor air supply and thermal protection closely due to the potential for significant depth and cold water temperatures.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Franciscus in Tarrafal. Water temperatures range from 23°C to 28°C.
The best months to visit Franciscus in Tarrafal are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.