Sal
Cape Verde · Atlantic Ocean
Sal Island in Cape Verde sits in the central Atlantic — volcanic walls, caves, lemon sharks (in season), and the occasional whale shark and pelagic visitor. The Atlantic feel and Portuguese-creole culture differentiate it.
How this reef is doing
ⓘ How we measure thisReef state
Atlantic rays, lemon sharks, and macro on volcanic substrate. Limited hard coral cover historically.
Coral cover
Fish life
Heat
No unusual heat right now.
Fishing
Some fishing is allowed here, in marked zones.
Sources · MERMAID and partner coral surveys · NOAA Coral Reef Watch · Global Fishing Watch and reef gravity
What you will see
9 species across the dive sites here
Trumpetfish
Seen 15 days ago
at Santo Antao Wreck
Moray eel
Seen 23 days ago
at Santo Antao Wreck
Nurse shark
Seen 6 months ago
at Kwarcit Wreck
Vulnerable
Round stingray
Seen 7 months ago
at Kwarcit Wreck
Dusky grouper
Seen year round
at Kwarcit Wreck
Pufferfish
Seen year round
at Santo Antao Wreck
Red scorpionfish
Seen year round
at Kwarcit Wreck
Least concern
Striated frogfish
Seen year round
at Kwarcit Wreck
Least concern
Humpback whale
Seasonal visitor
at Santo Antao Wreck
Least concern
Dive sites
What divers say
Lemon sharks in a sand bowl, dozens at a time. An off the beaten track shark experience.
Good to know
Atlantic surge
Long-period swell on the east coast; choose sites accordingly.