

Best for beginner divers, 9-25m, shore entry, mild current.
Tarrafal is a shore-entry reef and cave dive located off Santiago, Cape Verde. The site features a reef structure ranging from 9 to 25 metres in depth, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions are generally mild, though strong currents can occur, requiring caution near the cave sections. Visibility varies significantly between 5 and 30 metres. Water temperatures remain between 23 and 27 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The site is suitable for beginners, and night diving is available. Local facilities include a dive shop providing air fills, equipment rental, and guided tours.
15.26485, -23.76069
The house reef directly in front of the dive center is suitable for the first check-dive and night dives, and can be dived in buddy teams without a guide after the initial check.
Located at Ponta de Atum in Tarrafal, accessible by road from Praia.
Recorded at this site
Depth
9-25m
Visibility
5-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
23-27°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Nov, Dec
Species recorded around this area include honeycomb moray, viper moray, dusky grouper, white-spotted octopus, common octopus, snake eel, Turkish wrasse, scrawled filefish, pufferfish, and black moray.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginner divers, though you should be aware of potential strong currents and check conditions before entering.
The reef ranges from 9 to 25 metres deep, with an average depth of 15 metres.
Tarrafal is a shore-entry dive site.
While the site is primarily used for diving, the shallow sections of the reef may be accessible for snorkelling depending on current conditions.
Diving at Tarrafal in Tarrafal requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Tarrafal in Tarrafal. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Tarrafal in Tarrafal. Water temperatures range from 23°C to 27°C.
The best months to visit Tarrafal in Tarrafal are January, February, March, April, May, June, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Tarrafal in Tarrafal typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Tarrafal in Tarrafal typically ranges from 5 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.