Why you might want to consider diving in Santa Maria, Sal:
-
Beautiful and diverse marine life:
-
Turtles: Cape Verde is an important nesting site for several species of sea turtles, including loggerheads and hawksbills. These gentle creatures can often be seen swimming in the waters around Cape Verde.
-
Sharks: Several species of sharks can be found in the waters around Cape Verde, including lemon sharks, nurse sharks, and blacktip sharks. These sharks are generally not aggressive towards humans and can be fascinating to observe from a safe distance.
-
Fish: The waters around Cape Verde are teeming with colorful fish, including parrotfish, triggerfish, and angelfish. Schools of barracuda and jacks can also be seen swimming in the deeper waters.
-
Rays: Several species of rays can be found in Cape Verde, including manta rays, eagle rays, and stingrays. These graceful creatures can often be seen gliding through the water.
-
Cephalopods: Octopuses and cuttlefish are common in the waters around Cape Verde, and can be fascinating to observe as they change colors and patterns to camouflage themselves.
-
Whales and dolphins: Several species of whales and dolphins can be spotted in the waters around Cape Verde, including humpback whales, sperm whales, and several species of dolphins.
-
Clear visibility: The water around Santa Maria, Sal is known for its crystal-clear visibility, which can reach up to 30 meters. This makes it easier for divers to see the marine life and appreciate the underwater scenery.
-
Warm water: The water temperature in Santa Maria, Sal is warm year-round, ranging from around 23-28 degrees Celsius (73-82 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes it comfortable for divers to spend longer periods underwater.
-
Accessible dive sites: There are several dive sites around Santa Maria, Sal that are easily accessible from shore, making it convenient for divers to explore the underwater world. Some of the popular dive sites include Shark Bay, Ponta Preta, and Kite Beach.
Overall, diving in Santa Maria, Sal can be a fantastic way to explore the beauty and diversity of the underwater world in this part of the world.
