Cape Verde is known for being a hotspot for lovers of the sea, but it is also a great destination for anyone wanting to see marine life during their trip. Due to Cape Verde’s position in the Atlantic Ocean, many species of aquatic life, including many species of whales, migrate past the island during the year.
In this article, we will cover some top places to visit, as well as what species of whale you can expect to see during your trip to Cape Verde this year.
The Best Cape Verde Destinations For Whale Watching
Generally, there are two main islands you should visit if you’re wanting to see whales while you’re in Cape Verde, Sal and Boa Vista.
For Boa Vista, the entire waters surrounding the island are used as mating and birthing grounds for some species of whale. This makes it a popular choice for many, however, due to many endangered species of whale passing through the waters, finding tours to see the whales during birthing months may be difficult.
Sal lies directly in the migration path for the whales, and offers great lookout spots along the west and south coasts of the island. Boat trips that travel from these areas of the coast have a high chance to catch sightings of whales during peak months.
When Should You Visit Cape Verde to See the Whales?
Possibly the most important part to planning out your whale watching trip is knowing when the best time to travel is. For this, there are two key date ranges you need to know:
- December to May – It is during this period when whales will begin to arrive in Cape Verde’s waters
- March and April – These months are considered peak observation time for anyone wanting to see humpback whales
Travellers should note that Cape Verde’s waters are known for their Atlantic breeze, which is cooling during the hot months. While this will make for a more relaxed boat ride, don’t forget to top up your sun protection while out on the sea.
What Whale Species Can You See In Cape Verde?
In the waters around Cape Verde, there is a chance to see a variety of whale species, some of the main ones include:
- Humpback whales
- Sperm whales
- Pilot whales
- Fin whales
- Minke whales

Your Cape Verde Stay With The Lagoon
It doesn’t matter what kind of escape you are looking for, The Lagoon has options for you! With three separate hotels, The Lagoon can deliver the ideal holiday for any type of occasion. Please check out our collection of hotels below:
– Tortuga Hotel (Familie)
– Dunas Hotel (Familie & Groepen)
– Llana Hotel (alleen volwassenen)
– Laguna (Alleen volwassenen)
– Sol Dunas (Familie)

