

Best for intermediate divers, 1-12m, shore entry, mild current.
Salamansa Bay Reef is a long, sandy bay located in the Mindelo Area of Cape Verde. The site features rocky reef patches on its eastern end, which provide shelter for various marine life. Snorkellers can explore depths ranging from 1 to 12 metres, with an average depth of 6 metres. Access is via the shore, and conditions generally feature mild currents and visibility between 10 and 25 metres. Species recorded around this area include wrasses, honeycomb morays, arrow crabs, and various pufferfish and parrotfish. The site is best suited for intermediate snorkellers. A cafe is available nearby for visitors.
16.90500, -24.94500
The dive center is located at the Hotel Oasis Porto Grande, where you can enjoy free access to the swimming pool after your dives.
Meet at the dive center at Hotel Oasis Porto Grande, then walk 5 minutes to the marina to board a rigid inflatable boat.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 12m
Visibility
10-25m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
23-27°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Year-round
Species recorded around this area include wrasses, honeycomb morays, arrow crabs, Turkish wrasse, spotfin burrfish, European parrotfish, porcupinefish, scorpionfish, pufferfish, trumpetfish, threebanded butterflyfish, groupers, and black moray.
The site is rated for intermediate snorkellers, given the conditions and environment.
The depth ranges from 1 to 12 metres, with an average depth of 6 metres.
Yes, entry to the reef is via the shore.
Yes, the site is used for snorkelling and holds a rating of 3 out of 5.
Diving at Salamansa Bay Reef in Mindelo requires the following certifications: Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Advanced Adventurer, Scuba Diver, Level 1 Diver, Level 2 Diver. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Salamansa Bay Reef in Mindelo. Water temperatures range from 23°C to 27°C.
The best months to visit Salamansa Bay Reef in Mindelo 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.
Divers at Salamansa Bay Reef in Mindelo should be aware of sharks. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Salamansa Bay Reef in Mindelo typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Salamansa Bay Reef in Mindelo typically ranges from 10 metres to 25 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.