About this spot
Tiger Shark Point sits off Santa Maria on Sal Island and delivers exactly what its name promises: reliable encounters with tiger sharks in open water, alongside lemon sharks and blacktip reef sharks that patrol the same stretch. Great barracuda are a constant presence. The site runs 15 to 28 metres, with visibility averaging 25 metres — enough to spot large animals well before they close the distance. Current here is mild, which keeps conditions manageable, but the shark activity and depth push this firmly into advanced territory. Water temperature ranges from 22°C in the cooler months to 27°C at peak warmth. The best windows are January, February, and the September-through-December run, when shark presence is most consistent. Avoid the mid-year months if tiger sharks are the draw. Cape Verde sees relatively little dive traffic compared to more established shark destinations, so encounters here tend to feel unscripted. Divers should be comfortable with open-water descents and maintaining neutral buoyancy without disturbing the animals working the blue around them.
📖 Guide: 10 Best Diving Spots in Cape Verde
Best months
Marine life
Dive types
Trip essentials
Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.
Trip checklist
- 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
- 🤿 Pack: 3/2 mm shorty
- 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
- 📔 Dive logbook
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
- 🔌 Plug type C/F · 230V adapter
- 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
- 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact
Quick facts
- 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
- 🤿 Wetsuit 3/2 mm shorty
- GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
FAQ
›What certification do I need?
PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent, with at least 30 logged dives. Operators typically refuse certified Open Water divers without recent deep-dive experience.
›When is tiger shark season?
October through March is peak, with the highest reliability in November-February. April-September the site is still dived for lemon sharks and reef life.
›Is it dangerous?
Tiger sharks are large predators, but baited dives in Cape Verde have an excellent safety record. Follow guide instructions, keep stable buoyancy, no flashy gear.
›How much does it cost?
Two-tank trips run €110-€140 per diver in 2026. Liveaboard packages from €1,200/week.
