Whale Watching in Boa Vista: Season, Tips, and Best Practices
When to see humpback whales in Cape Verde, how to prepare, and which rules to respect at sea.
Every year, from early February to late May, humpback whales head to the warm waters of Cape Verde to give birth and raise their calves. Boa Vista is one of the best observation spots in the archipelago.
When is the best time?
The season runs from February to May. March and April are generally the most favorable months, with calmer seas and a regular presence of mothers and their calves.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No, and it is important to know this: it is a natural phenomenon. During peak season, most trips allow you to observe whales, but no excursion can guarantee an encounter.
Approach rules
To avoid disturbing the animals, several rules apply:
- navigate parallel to the whales, never head-on or from behind.
- reduce speed as soon as an animal is spotted.
- respect a minimum distance of 80 m, and 100 m for a mother accompanied by her calf.
- stop maneuvers if a whale spontaneously approaches the boat.
How to prepare well
- Take a windbreaker or sweater: it gets cooler at sea.
- If you are prone to seasickness, taking a tablet an hour before boarding is recommended.
- The excursion lasts about 2 hours, and the boat does not return before the end.
- Excursion recommended for children aged 8 and above.
Departure and duration
Tours depart from Praia do Estoril at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM and last about 2 hours. In case of strong winds or rough seas, a tour may be canceled the morning of departure for safety reasons.
