Off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is a prime destination. Its ten islands bordering the Atlantic Ocean enjoy a preserved natural environment with a succession of green landscapes and fine sandy beaches. In this sumptuous setting, travellers looking for adventure will be delighted as many sporting activities are on offer. It is precisely these that we have chosen to present to you in this article, focusing on our local favourites from Sal to Santiago, Santo Antão and São Vicente. Whether in kayaking, surfing, quad or paddle, there are many ways to discover the country from a new perspective. Here is our selection of 10 sports activities to practice in Cape Verde, for an adrenaline rush!
To organize your stay in Cape Verde, you can contact Morabitur, an agency specializing in island to island tours with French-speaking guides
Hiking in Santo Antão
Santo Antão is the island of hikers. Its mountains and arid lands form a unique landscape that can be discovered along its paths. A hike is possible from Porto Novo to Ribeira Grande, it allows to grasp all the natural complexity of the island according to its landscapes, sometimes lunar and sometimes green, like Vale do Paul, one of the jewels of Santo Antão where corn and sugar cane are grown. To refresh yourself after this long walk, treat yourself to a grogue, a brandy typical of the island
Kitesurfing in Sal
Sal is the world Mecca of kitesurfing: towed by a kite, you can glide on turquoise blue water, carried by the wind. Whether you are a beginner or already a kitesurfing enthusiast, visit one of the best spots on the island: Mitu, a national and international champion! His school, Mitu e Djo Kite School Cabo Verde is located in Santa Maria, on the beach of Kite Beach. The staff is very competent and will help you to exceed your limits on your board
Diving in Sal and Santo Antão
Cape Verde's seabed is incredibly diverse, offering world-renowned diving sites. In Santo Antão, there are two very beautiful spots: the "Hangings garden" coral wall and a white sand reef called "Wish you were here". However, it is the island of Sal which is the most famous for diving with incredible sites like the Chouclass plateau or the Burcona cave. To initiate you, the Scubateam Cabo Verde centre run by Christian, a Frenchman who has become a local figure today, is ideal. Located in the Morabeza Hotel in Santa Maria, it offers diving trips throughout the island of Sal to discover its rich marine fauna
Surfing in Sal and Santiago
In the middle of the impetuous Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde is ideal for a surf trip! Two islands are particularly recommended to tame the wave: Sal and Santiago. On the first one, we go to Sal Surf Camp & School where Kuko gives surf lessons, in French! Paddle and snorkeling lessons are also available. In Santiago, do not miss Tarrafal beach, it is the secret spot for all surfers in Cape Verde. After admiring their skill on the board, you will surely be tempted!
Kayaking in Santo Antão
Tarrafal's sandy beach is one of the largest in Santo Antão. To make the most of this sublime setting, surrounded by mountains, a kayak trip is a very good idea. The Marina D'Tarrafal guest house, managed by Jenny and Tomas, offers brand new kayaks as well as masks and snorkels to discover the sea bed. This small paradise located 50 m from the sea is the ideal place for a relaxing stay. As a bonus, the fresh fish cuisine served by the owners is delicious!
The paddle in Sal
If you are planning to try the paddle, there is nothing better than to practice this activity in the sumptuous setting of the island of Sal! The Atlantic Star Nautical Center, on Santa Maria Beach, offers a wide range of water sports: it is one of the few multi-nautical activity centres in Cape Verde. In a friendly atmosphere, a team of professionals is at your disposal to monitor your progress on your stand-up paddle board. We quickly get a taste for this entertaining sport and, as an added bonus, the centre will give you photos and videos that will remind you of your experience!
The ascent of Mount Fogo
The ascent of Mount Fogo is one of Cape Verde's highlights. We mainly go to the island of Fogo to discover its Dantean landscapes during a hike on its volcano which is also the highest point of the whole archipelago, at 2,829 m. Its volcanic activity is still very intense but in no way prevents agriculture from developing there: apples, peanuts or grenades grow directly on the lava! For the ascent, guides will accompany you. Alcindo is the president of the association of guides of Chã das Caldeiras and also owns a very beautiful ecological guest house
Sport fishing in São Vicente
In Mindelo, you can discover the sport fishing for blue marlin, a beautiful fish that sometimes reaches 450 kg. To do this, go to the sports fishing centre run by Didier Jeanne, a Norman who preferred the Atlantic Ocean to the English Channel! You will discover the different types of fishing: with a small troll, on the bottom or with a jig on board one of its two boats. If you prefer to go for a walk, Didier also organizes boat trips to discover the neighbouring islands
The quad in Sal
To venture into the desert surroundings of Santa Maria, nothing beats a quad ride! It is one of the best ways to face its high sand dunes and access sublime beaches where you can relax, very welcome after such an emotional experience. The Caboquad agency offers outings on the rocky slopes that lead to the salt flats in particular. A good way to get off the beaten track when staying in Cape Verde!
Jet-skiing in Sal
Jet-skiing is a widespread activity in Cape Verde. For an excursion on the island of Sal, we recommend the Zebra Jet centre run by Maï and Vincent, two experienced instructors. Three tours are available: the first lasts 30 minutes and leads you to Ponta Preta, it is an ideal preview to get started in jet skiing. The other two, of one and two hours, make a real tour of the island and offer great sensations. The excursions are accessible to all after listening to the instructors' explanations. In addition, the jet skis are brand new: beware of speeding!
