The Cape Verde Islands are situated in the North-East Passat winds so there is enough wind for sailors all year round. During the Winter months (October to March) winds can be strong with around 70% of the winds 4 – 7 Beaufort. During the Summer months (April to September) winds are less strong with around 45% of the winds 4 – 7 Beaufort. There are no hurricanes or heavy storms in the Cape Verde Islands.

Most sailors visit the islands during the Winter months when the weather in Europe is not so good for sailing.

The distances between the islands are relatively long (up to 120 miles) and it is important to be aware that there is little nautical infrastructure available on the islands. However, each island offers fishing harbours and bays where it is possible to anchor safely.

It is possible to charter a yacht with or without the services of a skipper. Sailors who hire without a skipper should be experienced. The Cape Verde Islands do not offer any form of air/sea rescue service.

The yachts are stationed in Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente. Most sailors normally hire for a 2 week period which allows sailing around most of the islands. For those sailors who can only spare 1 week, it is possible to visit the Northern Islands – Santo Antao, Santo Luzia and Sao Nicolau. 

Sailing in the Cape Verde Islands is very much an adventure. 

Cape Verde has one of Africa's most vibrant Carnival celebrations. It's the country's major party, with street parades in February in Praia and Mindelo. On São Tiago and Fogo, Tabanka is celebrated in May and June and marked by music and abstinence. Each island also has its own festival, with the party going on for about a week.

Calendar of Festivals :

• The carnival, which is held in February or March is celebrated on all islands, though mainly on Sao Vicente and Sao Nicolau.
  
• In April the festival of Bandeira de Sao Filipe is held on the island of Fogo.
  
• In June the tabanka, the feast day is held on Santiago and Maio.
  
• In May and June there are the traditional festivals of St John and St Anthony on the islands of Brava, Santo Antao and Sao Nicolau.
  
• August has the lively music festival of Baia das Gatas on the island of Sao Vicente. For a weekend of music, dance and eating.
  

Bird watching is an activity which can be enjoyed on any of the islands The islands all have their own unique variety of bird life, with special bird breeds associated with certain islands.

ngon-ngon Island of Fogo. Endangered Species, as only a few hundred remain.

Cape Verdian Lark Island of Rasa. A 2 hour boat trip from Sao Nicolau.

Many other birds can be found around the islands including the Osprey and Moorhen.

Most styles of fishing are available on the Cape Verde Islands. Some organisations are more experienced and developed than others. The waters contain a considerable number and variety of fish. Established facilities are available on several islands:

Fogo:
Boats are available equipped for all types of fishing including Big Game fishing. Other vessels are available in Sal, Sao Nicolau and Sao Vicente.

Sao Nicolau:
This island is most popular for deep sea fishing. High quality fish is the centre of the island’s economy located in the bay of Tarrafal. You will find the much sought after blue marlin and barracuda. Equipment is available.

Sal:
The fishing clubs in Santa Maria on the island of Sal offer Big Game Fishing, Trawl fishing and Bottom fishing. Successful line fishing can be also be acheived

Gentle walks can easily be enjoyed throughout the islands, taking in the countryside scenery, by far the best way to discover these isl;ands is by following your feet and you will soon come across a breath taking view.

Taking a walk through a country villages is a good way to see how the people on these beautiful islands get on with their day to day lifes.

One of the most popular activities is Trekking on the Cape Verde Islands. Each of the islands offer breathtaking views, different climates with the walks being of varying difficulty. Santo Antao is one of the most popular trekking destinations taking you along a sleepy rocky coastline with heights exceeding 1500m, giving you a fantastic view. of the wilderness and volcanic landscape. The walk continues through terraced plantations and lush green valleys.

Pico de FogoOne not to be missed !! It is an adventure up a volcano. One of the most spectacular volcanic cones in the world.

Many guide books are now available detailing route, length and ability. The islands of Sao Nicolau, Brava, Santo Antao, Fogo and parts of Santiago are also popular.

Windsurfing can be found mainly on two islands Boa Vista and Sal. On the island of Sal in Santa Maria is considered to be one of the world’s top five windsurfing locations. The windsurfing centre is located on the beach of Santa Maria.

Instruction is available, however experience is necessary on most of the beaches as they are not suitable for beginners.

The island of Boavista have established centres offering the sport. All equipment can be hired.

Diving is one of the most popular sporting activities of the Cape Verde Islands. A underwater world of caves, canyons, ledges and massive rock formations which are home to many marine life such as :
Fish.
lobster
eel
dolphins
and with varied marine fauna to see, your dive will not be disapointing.

Naturally there are also shipwrecks dotted around the shoreline due to the location of the islands.

Established diving schools are available in the following locations:
Santa Maria, Sal;
Vila do Tarrafal, Santiago;
Sal Rei, Boavista;
Mindelo, Sao Vicente;
Sao Filipe, Fogo.
Instruction and the hire of equipment are available in all locations.

Please Note: Divers must be aware that there is not a decompression chamber on the Cape Verde Islands.

There are a couple of golf coures One being in Mindelo in the island of Sao Vicente and the other is on Santiago

Having the perfect all year climate. This game can be enjoyed all year round. With more and more courts being established on the islands you shouldn't have to much of a problem having a game. Modern hotels provide tennis courts.

Mountain bikes can be hired in Mindelo, Sao Vicente and can be taken on the ferry to the island of Santo Antao. The ferry docks in the town of Porto Novo

You can hire both leisure cycles and mountain bikes in Sal and Boavista.

Water skiing is now available in Nossa Senhora da Luz Bay, 2 km from Praia Baixo on the east coast of the island of Santiago. It is usually only available during the winter months from November to March.