Beaches
Cape Verde beaches and swimming safety
Short answer
Swim where a lifeguard is on duty and obey the flags: red means danger, do not go into the water; yellow means you may walk in the water but not swim; green means it is safe to swim. The UK government warns that tides and currents around the islands are very strong, and the tourism board says many beaches have no supervision.
The flags and the currents
The UK government advises always using beaches where a lifeguard is on duty. It says tides and currents around the islands are very strong, that waves can be unpredictable with a strong undertow, and that you should take care even walking close to the water’s edge on unsupervised stretches.
- Red: danger — do not go into the water.
- Yellow: caution — you can walk in the water, but you cannot swim.
- Green: it is safe to swim.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: safety and security
What the tourism board adds
The tourism board calls the sea relatively calm but says some currents can be strong, so children should always be with an adult in the water. It says tourist hotspots such as Sal and Boa Vista typically have lifeguards, but many beaches may not have supervision. It recommends sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and shade at the hottest hours. Where the two sources differ, follow the stricter one.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeSafety in Cabo Verde
Beaches you can reach without a car
On Sal, the town of Santa Maria sits on an 8 km white-sand beach. In Mindelo, the airport company points to Laginha beach. In Praia, the tourism board names Quebra Canela. On Boa Vista, Chaves Beach lies by the airport.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeSal islandCabo Verde AirportsVisiting São VicenteTurismo de Cabo VerdeCruise tourism in Cabo VerdeBoa Vista island
Valuables, nights and turtles
The UK government advises avoiding beaches with limited or restricted visibility, and the tourism board says to keep money and phones under your eye. From June to October, Projeto Biodiversidade asks visitors to stay off all beaches at night, when turtles nest.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: safety and securityTurismo de Cabo VerdeSafety in Cabo VerdeProjeto BiodiversidadeCabo Verde’s turtle season
Weather
The tourism board says the sea stays between 22°C and 28°C. The UK government gives the rainy season as mid-August to mid-October, when torrential rain can cause flooding and landslides.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: safety and securityTurismo de Cabo VerdeSun and beach
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Guided trips for places public transport does not reach. Book only what the answer above leaves uncovered. For turtle walks, choose a certified guide and the official season.
Questions travellers ask
Is it safe to swim in Cape Verde?
Only with care. The UK government warns that tides and currents are very strong and advises beaches with a lifeguard; the tourism board says many beaches have no supervision. Follow the flags.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: safety and securityTurismo de Cabo VerdeSafety in Cabo Verde
What do the beach flags mean in Cape Verde?
Red means danger, do not go into the water; yellow means you can walk in the water but not swim; green means it is safe to swim.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: safety and security
Can I watch turtles nesting?
Projeto Biodiversidade asks visitors to book only certified guides. It gives two windows it does not reconcile: watching is “only allowed” from 15 July to 30 September, and its official 2026 dates run from 1 July to the end of September, excluding specific nesting beaches it does not name. Stay off the beaches at night from June to October.
Sources: Projeto BiodiversidadeCabo Verde’s turtle season