Walking
Gentle walks can easily be discovered throughout the islands, taking in the countryside scenery, flora and atmosphere.
A stroll through a country village passing the local water-well is quite an observation of a community’s way of life.
The variety of walks are immense from rough, mountainous terrain to inland bridal path walkways descending into a volcano base.
Valley walking is available in Ribeira Grande in Santo Antâo or between the hillsides of Santiago with dramatic sea views.
The ascent of the volcano in Fogo – Pica de Fogo, is something enjoyed early morning before the heat of the day.
Trekking
Trekking is one of the most popular activities in Cape Verde due to the quantity of paths created by the locals for getting around the islands
Routes take you through breathtaking scenery from rocky coastlines, green valleys, terraced plantations and wilderness up to rocky volcanic peaks. Guided walks can be organised from your accommodation.
Each of the islands offer a variety of unique locations of varying difficulty, although all islands offer breathtaking views and opportunities for bird watching and geological studies along the way. Santo Antâo is possibly the most popular trekking destination offering a delightful journey on foot along the sleepy rocky coastline through green valleys and terraced plantations, wilderness and volcanic landscape. Heights exceeding 1500m of flowering peaks offer a magnificent sight.
An expedition not to be missed on a trekking holiday is an adventure up the Pico de Fogo, which is one of the steepest and most spectacular volcanic cones in the world.
All of the islands offer different walks and routes such as these on Santo Antâo and Fogo. The islands of Sâo Nicolau, Brava and parts of Santiago are also popular.
Many guide books are now available detailing route, length and ability. Walks can be arranged using guides from the island or by prior arrangements at your accommodation. Let your feet take you around some of the most beautiful views and landscapes of the world. It is vital that sufficient water is carried with you.
Wind / kite surfing / boarding 
Santa Maria, on the island of Sal, is considered to be among the world’s top five windsurfing locations.
The windsurfing centre is located on the beach of Santa Maria. However, local pick up trucks will transport windsurfers to other coastal points. Windsurfers enjoy the fresh Atlantic breezes and open seas.
Experience is necessary and most beaches are not suitable for beginners, although instruction is available. A constant breeze allows beginners in the sport to try their skills close to the beach, whilst the seasonally strong winds are the attraction for world champions, some of whom travel to the Cape Verde Islands to train.
The island of Boavista also offers windsurfing challenges of varying degrees. Both islands have established centres offering the sport. Well equipped schools provide a wide range of boards and sails to hire. Alternatively, you may take your own equipment subject to airline regulations. The islands are also rapidly becoming a mecca for surfers, body boarders and kite surfers.
ITOMA Cruising
We recommend the hire of the ITOMA catamaran. A 16 berth all-inclusive stay on this motorised catamaran. It is ideal for windsurfing in winter and diving/snorkeling in summer. There is unlimited use of all sports equipment.
Tennis
The local climate lends itself to open air sports. Some of the modern hotels provide tennis courts including the Hotel Foya Branca, Sao Vicente, the Hotel Morabeza, Sal and the Hotel Praia Mar, Santiago.
Loosen those stiff sporting muscles in clear, fresh air and sunshine.
Bird watching
Enjoyed either as a main holiday option or enjoyable pastime, the islands all have their unique variety of bird life.
Many rare birds in Cape Verde have been placed on the Red List of Endangered Species.
An example of such a bird is the ‘ngon-ngon’ from Fogo. The birds are now so rare they have been placed on the International Red List of Endangered Species, as only a few hundred remain. These nocturnal birds are seen along the craters of the Pico de Fogo.
This trip is not for the faint hearted due to the rock climbing and walking entailed, but the results for bird watching enthusiasts could be well worth it. Likewise, a trip by boat to the uninhabited island of Rasa may be made by the enthusiast wanting to see the Cape Verdean Lark. This 2 hour boat trip usually commences in Vila do Tarrafal located on the island of Sâo Nicolau. It is best to make arrangements for such trips in advance.
Other birds which can be found around the islands include the very common ‘Pandion haliaetus’- the Osprey or the very rare ‘Gallinula chloropus’- the Moorhen. A full list of the birds and the location where they can be found is available. Bird watching can play a major role in other holiday options including trekking and sailing, allowing an opportunity to incorporate a variety of activities.
Mountain biking & cycling
Cape Verde is Nirvana for Mountain Biking. With mountain ranges to explore and quiet traffic free tracks connecting villages and empty beaches.
Diving
Underwater exploration is becoming one of the most popular activities in Cape Verde.
Massive rock formations, caves, canyons, ledges and shipwrecks are home to a host of large fish, shoals of fish and lobsters, making exciting dives.
Particularly due to the location of the islands, there are shipwrecks of all types and age around the shoreline. Located off the shore of Sal are three wreck sites of varying depths, including the site of the 1966 freighter ‘Santo Antâo’.
Established diving schools are available in the following locations: Santa Maria, Sal; Vila do Tarrafal, Santiago; Sal Rei, Boavista; Mindelo, Sâo Vicente; Sâo Filipe, Fogo. It is possible to pre-reserve the dives prior to travel. Instruction and the hire of equipment are available in all locations. Prices are available on request. Although tuition is available for a complete beginner. The underwater currents in the Atlantic Ocean mean that some of the best dive sites are sometimes inaccessible.
Important note: Potential divers must be aware that there is not a decompression chamber on the Cape Verde Islands.
Fishing
The waters surrounding Cape Verde are rich with a wide variety of marine life.
Big game fishing for the much sought after Blue Marlin and Barracuda can be organised from Fogo, Sal and Sâo Nicolau. Equipment is first class, as are the boats and their captains.
Fogo:
The installation of a 35 foot Bertram fibre glass boat (built in America) now allows a variety of excursions and activities to take place from the island of Fogo. The boat is fully equipped for all types of fishing including Big Game fishing, Little Big Game fishing. There is fresh water on board, bathroom facilities complete with WC, refrigerator and stove. The boat has two engines. For the fishing, there are outriggers and a fighting chair available along with safety harnesses. Equipment provided includes Penn International rods and reels. Alternatively, you can take your own equipment subject to airline regulations. Other vessels are available in Sal, Sao Nicolau and Sao Vicente.
Sâo Nicolau:
The island of Sâo Nicolau is most popular for deep sea fishing. The bay of Tarrafal is rich in high quality fish providing the centre of the island’s economy, whilst also attracting the leisure fishing enthusiasts who come here to fish for the much sought after blue marlin and the barracuda. Equipment available includes rods and reels of a good standard, fighting chairs and harnesses. Stations are also fully equipped in Mindelo, Sâo Vicente
Sal:
The fishing clubs in Santa Maria on the island of Sal offer Big Game Fishing, Trawl fishing and Bottom fishing. In addition line fishing can be successful from many points on the island.
Sâo Vicente:
The channel between Sâo Vicente and Santo Antâo is a great spot for Blue Marlin. It is also possible to fish around the island of Sâo Nicolau and the islets of Branca and Rosso.
Blue Marlin – March to November
Albacore – June to December
White Marlin – April to July
Darade Coryphene – November to March
Shark, Wahoo, Bonite – All Year
We have boats available for charter from the port of Mindelo
This year we are delighted to be able to offer fishing trips in Santo Antâo. A local fisherman will take people out and teach them to fish in the traditional Cape Veredean way.
