Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SURVIVAL GUIDE
Directory A-Z
ACCOMMODATION
By West African standards, accommodation is expensive in Cape Verde, especially on Sal
and Boa Vista and in Praia, where prices are some 30% more than in the rest of the country.
Most other places, you can expect to pay under CVE4000 for a basic but decent double
with shared bathroom. For around CVE4000 to CVE9000, you can expect a comfortable
midrange double with hot water, TV and air-con.At the top end, there are mostly resort ho-
tels that cater to package tours, especially on Sal and Boa Vista.
There are no campsites, but camping on remote beaches, and on Santa Luzia, is possible
and generally safe (except on Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago).
All rates listed include breakfast and VAT, unless otherwise stated.
ACTIVITIES
The main draws are windsurfing and kitesurfing, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing on Sal
and Boa Vista.
There is trekking in the mountains of São Nicolau , Brava, Fogo and especially Santo
Antão.
Surfing is growing in popularity on Sal and Santiago, though in both cases the waves are
quite inconsistent.
Diving in Cape Verde is well known for the diversity of species that can be seen, plus a
few wrecks; dolphins, whales, sharks and rays are all occasionally seen. Because of cur-
rents, not all sites are suitable for beginners or inexperienced divers. Note that there is cur-
rently no decompression chamber in Cape Verde. The best months are from March to
November; Sal and Boa Vista are the best-organised places in which to dive.
Windsurfing and kiteboarding conditions are among the best in the world on Sal, Boa
Vista and lesser-known Maio. Ponta Preta on Sal is a world-famous break. The best months
are between mid-November and mid-May (particularly January to March, when winds are
strong and constant).
April to November (especially June to October) is good for fishing (rays, barracudas,
marlins, wahoos and sharks).
Trekking and cycling are good year-round.
BOOKS
