DIVING CAP GREEN: SAO VICENTE

When Laurent HERVIER from SPOTS D'EVASION suggested that we go and discover diving in Cape Verde and more specifically in Sao Vicente, we said yes without really thinking: a little diving destination for you to discover… of course, we are leaving.

OUR DIVES IN CAPE VERDE

Cape Verde is better known by kiters and windsurfers than by divers… it was not very difficult to understand why. In fact, even if, early in the morning, the wind was relatively calm, by the time it reached the area, it had already grown considerably. We have had to dive with more than 15 knots and 2m depths… rather “manly” conditions. Add to this that the new central zodiac had not yet arrived ...

Despite our adventures, the place when it is calm must be very pleasant. Indeed, the water is clear and the mixture of both tropical and Atlantic fauna makes it an exceptional destination.

The spots are located between 5 and 40 minutes from the beach of the hotel or the port of Mindelo. The club has listed 39 dive sites, mostly at a maximum depth of 25 meters.

DIVING TO SAO VICENTE WITH DIVE TRIBE

António Garcias, the owner of the center Dive Tribe which plunges to Sao Vicente in a very regular way gives us his point of view on the dive area:

“The probability of coming face to face with a manta ray and even a whale shark is real in Sao Vicente. We very often see nurse sharks and also sea turtles. It is one of the best diving spots in all of Cape Verde. ”

Video by Dive Tribe containing images made over a year

HOTEL FOYA BRANCA

Located 10 km from Mindelo, in the bay of São Pedro and facing the most beautiful beach on the island, Foya Branca is a tourist complex of 30.000 m2.
It consists of 12 junior suites, 4 triple rooms, 52 double rooms all equipped with air conditioning, and 6 villas with 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms + kitchenette.
All units offer safe, mini bar, telephone, TV, shower (hot and cold water) and hair dryer.
Guests have access to 3 freshwater swimming pools, including one for children, sun loungers and shaded areas adding to the well-being. They can also practice tennis, play pétanque and a gym is available to them in the complex itself.
A restaurant, three bars and a snack complete the picture. The cuisine is of good quality, based mainly on local products.

SAO VICENTE

São Vicente (Creole: Sanvicente or Soncente) is the second most populous island of Cape Verde, located in the group of Barlavento (windward islands), northwest of the archipelago.
São Pedro airport is located to the south of the city of Mindelo, the main urban center of the island and the second largest city in the country, where the majority of the island's population is concentrated, with a total of 75.000 inhabitants. Mindelo is frequently considered the cultural capital of Cape Verde.
The island, of dry and arid aspect, has for main sources of income fishing, tourism and the exploitation of its very frequented commercial port "Porto Grande".
São Vicente is proud of its many typical dishes, many based on seafood, not to mention the very famous “cachupa”, a kind of “cassoulet” revised and corrected.
São Vicente is also known for the Baia das Gatas Music Festival which takes place on the first full moon weekend in August. It is also the birthplace of the famous singer Cesária Évora.

NOTICE OF ESCAPE SPOTS

“Spots d'Evasion since its creation always tries to promote beautiful diving destinations off the beaten track and above all far from mass tourism.
Obviously the little-known islands of Sao Vicente and even more of Santo Antao are preserved playgrounds, where local life is nonchalant, where nature has still kept all its rights.
The water is usually clear, the fauna rich and not very fierce, although we can sometimes meet snorkelers - and yes, here this activity is not a sport but is part of the exercise of a job. Groupers, barracudas, sleeper sharks, eagle rays, but also snappers, trevally and cicadas… will be waiting for you.

We are offering an extension on the sister island of San Vicente: Santo Antao. The 2 islands being 45 minutes by ferry, we can in a week taste beautiful virgin dives. On Santo Antao, a major landmark for European trekking, we can appreciate mountain landscapes and volcanoes perched at an altitude of more than 2000 m. Photographers can have fun both underwater and at altitude.

A destination that has flavor and guts… .. ”

Price from 1143 € - Find out more: www.spots-evasion-plongee.com

              Report produced in Cape Verde from June 2 to 9, 2013 5 dives in total