Ouril Hotel, São Vicente, Cape Verde
Discover the underwater world of Cape Verde on Sao Vicente: turtles, angler fish, schools of fish and nurse sharks await you. Afterwards, relax in luxury and comfort at the Ouril Hotel.
Travel period
Features
Starting at
Diving São Vicente, Cape Verde
Several years ago, we found the two westernmost islands of Cape Verde to be a wonderful new diving destination. Still we ourselves are very pleasantly surprised when we are there….
The island of São Vicente in Cape Verde is an emerging destination for divers from around the world. The clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean surrounding the island are still rich in marine life and offer a unique view of the underwater world.
Diving is done from Mindelo, the capital of São Vicente. It is a vibrant city with a unique blend of African, Portuguese and Creole culture. It is known for its music scene and nightlife, and there are numerous restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from.
For those looking for an adventurous diving vacation with a shot of culture, São Vicente offers everything you need. Whether you are an experienced diver or just starting out, you will be surprised.
Best travel time: You can dive here year-round. As far as we are concerned, the best periods to go are April, May, June, October, November and early December. Fall is especially nice when the water is already warmed up. Here you also have the greatest chance of spotting any passing big stuff.
📺 NPO – 3 on travel: São Vicente and Santo Antão (CV)
Chris tours Cape Verde, a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Senegal, Africa. Here he visits two of the northernmost islands: São Vicente and Santo Antão. São Vicente, with capital Mindelo, is the cultural and musical heart of the archipelago. On green and rugged Santo Antão, Chris stays in the Paúl Valley, in the midst of impressive nature and away from mass tourism. Watch the episode here.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for São Vicente, Cape Verde
We recommend diving here with a 5mm, 7mm or dry suit.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 - Travel to São Vicente
You will fly to São Vicente where you will land at the Cesária Évora International Airport. This airport is named after perhaps Cape Verde’s most important and famous singer.
It is a small airport so you are quickly back in the arrivals hall. Outside you will be met and a transfer will be ready to take you to Mindelo where you will stay during the week. This is about a 15-minute drive from the airport. The Ouril hotel is located right in the center of town.
Day 2 to 6 - Diving on São Vicente
For the next 5 days, you will go on 2 boat dives each day with the diving school Dive-Tribe. It is located near the port of Mindelo. Anica and her crew will welcome you warmly and help you prepare for your first dives. Once everyone has their equipment complete it will be prepared in the zodiacs and you will depart from the port towards the west coast of São Vicente. Sheltered in the bays, you will dive to a maximum depth of 30 meters on special dive sites such as Djeu Sul, Sao Macaro, and Ponta do Tubarao.
During the dives you will spot schools of fish, angler fish, sister sharks, turtles and much more. Due to limited tourism, you will find a lot of untouched marine life here.
You will make 2 dives a day with a short surface interval on the boat between dives where the crew will provide you with water and local delicacies.
When you return from diving, you can have lunch in cozy Mindelo before returning by van to the Ouril Hotel.
Day 7 - Excursions, relax.... sea turtles?
You can’t dive today, unfortunately! But no worries. Near the village of São Pedro, you can do something unique. On the surface snorkeling with large numbers of turtles. Also fun for non-divers. About 100 meters off the coast near, the turtles once followed the fishermen to eat fish scraps. Meanwhile, Divetribe made a deal to reduce fishing by making money in other ways! Namely, tourism! Part of the proceeds go to the fishermen, another part to the local school. A win-win situation.
This snorkeling trip is perfect for taking photos or videos with your Go-pro. Dodging the turtles is a job in itself in the clear blue water.
Day 8 - Home
Today you will be picked up at the Ouril Hotel and transferred to the São Vicente airport. Unfortunately, the beautiful trip through Cape Verde is over again. In the coming time, you will often think back to the beautiful dives you made on São Vicente and the conviviality of Mindelo.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
Ouril Hotel
Located in Mindelo, near the beach, the 4-star Hotel Ouril Mindelo offers a range of amenities, including an outdoor and indoor pool, a fitness center, and a terrace. The hotel also features a restaurant and a bar, while guests can use free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. For added convenience, services such as a 24-hour front desk, airport transfer, and room service are available.
Each room at the hotel features modern conveniences such as air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a safe, a desk, and a private bathroom with shower. A balcony, as well as linens and towels, are included with all accommodations.
For breakfast, guests can choose between a buffet or continental breakfast. The hotel is close to popular attractions such as Praia da Laginha, the Torre de Belém and Capvertdesign Artesanato.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is €1150 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from €1150 p.p.
- 7 Overnight stays in a 2-bed room
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- Transfer from and to the airport
- Dive package consisting of 10 dives
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to São Vicente
- Airport tax
- from €650,- p.p.
- +/- €31, - p.p.
Optional
- Night dive
- Diving equipment
- €80, - p.p.
- €150 p.p.
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving general
They are boat dives by zodiac. Maximum 1 hour with a maximum depth of 30m.
You sail, depending on the wind and waves in up to 30 minutes to the dive sites. The nearest one is only a 5-minute boat ride away.
You will make 2 dives here in the morning with your usual return just after lunch around 1:30 pm. It is possible to possibly do a 3rd dive in the afternoon.
Yes. This is possible.
Yes. You can take SSI courses to Divemaster here. Starting diving here is very possible. It is suitable for beginning divers.
Yes! The Mansa Marina hotel is a few minutes’ walk along the promenade. The diving school is located next to the ferry.
Diving equipment
They use steel tanks 12L. And both DIN and INT are possible.
Yes. The cost for full equipment is €150 for 5 days of diving.
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