When to see humpback whales in Cape Verde, how to prepare and which rules apply at sea.
Every year, from early February to late May, humpback whales come to the warm waters of Cape Verde to give birth and raise their calves. Boa Vista is one of the best places in the archipelago to watch them.
When is the best time?
The season runs from February to May. March and April are usually the best months, with calmer seas and a regular presence of mothers and calves.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No, and it matters: this is a natural phenomenon. In peak season most trips do encounter whales, but no excursion can guarantee a sighting.
Approach rules
To avoid disturbing the animals, several rules apply:
- sail parallel to the whales, never head-on or from behind;
- slow down as soon as an animal is spotted;
- keep a minimum distance of 80 m, and 100 m for a mother with her calf;
- stop all manoeuvres if a whale approaches the boat by itself.
How to prepare
- Bring a windbreaker or a sweater: it is cooler at sea.
- If you are prone to seasickness, take a tablet one hour before boarding.
- The trip lasts about 2 hours and the boat does not return before the end.
- Recommended from age 8.
Departure and duration
Trips leave from Praia do Estoril at 9:00 and 14:00 and last around 2 hours. In strong wind or rough sea, a trip can be cancelled on the morning itself for safety reasons.
