Cape Verde

Dolphin and whale watching tours

Enjoy sailing in a catamaran on Sal and Boavista and look out for whales and dolphins

Boat Excursions Wildlife

Highlights

  • Visit between February and May for humpback whales
  • Enjoy an afternoon on a catamaran
  • Watch dolphins swim near the boat

Dolphin and whale watching tours

Dolphin and whale watching in Cape Verde is usually an enjoyed as part of a half-day sailing or catamaran trip. If you are in Cape Verde between February and May then you may spot a humpback whale and peak breeding season is March and April. However, its never a guarantee that you will see a whale so enjoy whatever sea life presents itself to you on the day.

Catamaran cruises on Sal and Boavista

Dolphin cruises in Cape Verde

The best islands for dolphin and whale watching are Boavista and Sal, with Boavista having the largest number of sightings. The main species of whales seen around the islands are humpback whales, though others like pilot and sperm whales are also seen occasionally. There are resident species of Fin whale in Cape Verde too.

Dolphins are common year round and often swim alongside the boats. Whale watching trips average two to three hours and, weather depending, depart in the mornings and afternoons. In peak season it is possible to see them from the shore. When Ruth visited, she spotted a humpback and fin whale while walking along Santa Maria beach on Sal.

Whale watching in Cape Verde
Photo taken by Ruth Burgess, from Santa Maria Beach

How can I book whale and dolphin watching in Cape Verde?

If you are booking your holiday to Cape Verde with Archipelago Choice then we can include this activity in your holiday package. All of our holidays are tailor-made, so we can give chat to you about the many experiences available across the islands, then you simply choose the ones that appeal the most to you. Many who visit Cape Verde will start on the island of Sal and heading out to see dolphins in a catamaran is a joy in itself. Managing to spot a whale will be the icing on the cake! If you would like to know a little more, do get in touch!

Have a chat with Max or Jake, on: team@archipelagochoice.com.

Best time to go

Cape Verde’s climate is fantastic year-round, and the islands are really popular for those looking for some sunshine during the winter months. The peak period tends to be between November and March, when the weather is warm and dry and you can enjoy those glorious golden beaches.

The walking trails in Cape Verde are one of the key highlights. Walkers often favour the months of January, February, and March, because it’s dry and sunny but a little cooler than other times of year.

Turtle nesting season runs from July to October, with August generally being the peak month in terms of turtle numbers. For those looking to enjoy windsurfing, sailing, and kite-surfing, the winds are the most consistent between April and November.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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Design your perfect escape with our Archipelago Choice flexible holiday packages, tailored to you and packed with experiences and adventures.

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