

Cidade Velha Diving
R. Direita de São Sebastião 13, Cidade Velha 7629, Cabo Verde, Cidade Velha, Santíssimo Nome de Jesus, PRT
Over het Centrum
Cidade Velha Diving, located in the historic city of Cidade Velha, Cape Verde, is a PADI, SSI, and TDI certified dive center. It offers a comprehensive range of courses, from Discover Scuba Diving to the Instructor Development Course, along with specialties such as Wreck Diver and Boat Diving. The center emphasizes a strong commitment to preserving Cape Verde's marine environment, promoting eco-friendly diving practices and respecting marine life.
Cidade Velha Diving's facilities include showers, lockers, accommodation, equipment rental, a dive shop, air fills (including nitrox), and options for boat diving and guided dives. They also provide airport transfers for a seamless arrival. The team speaks Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese, ensuring fluent communication with an international clientele.
Divers can explore the stunning volcanic rock formations and the rich marine biodiversity of the area. The center provides diving experiences tailored to all levels, from curious first-timers with the Discover Scuba Diving program to certified divers seeking fun and skill enhancement. With decades of experience and a passion for ocean exploration, Cidade Velha Diving ensures safe, educational, and unforgettable dives in the crystal-clear waters of Cape Verde.
Beschikbare Cursussen
8 cursosCurso Advanced Open Water
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course at Cidade Velha Diving is designed for certified Open Water Divers eager to expand their underwater horizons and build confidence in new diving situations. This certification allows you to explore deeper and gain experience in specialized diving activities under the direct supervision of an experienced instructor. At Cidade Velha Diving, we focus on practical application, ensuring you master new skills while enjoying the diverse marine environments accessible from Cape Verde. The course structure typically includes five adventure dives, with two mandatory dives: a deep dive and an underwater navigation dive. The deep dive component will teach you the physiological effects of diving at greater depths, typically up to 30 meters (100 feet), and the procedures for safe ascents and descents. The navigation dive hones your ability to plan and execute dives using a compass and natural references, a vital skill for any diver seeking independent exploration. Beyond the core requirements, you will select three additional adventure dives tailored to your interests and the local conditions. Options commonly available through Cidade Velha Diving include drift diving, wreck exploration, night diving, peak performance buoyancy control, or underwater photography. Our location in Cape Verde offers excellent opportunities to practice many of these specialties, allowing you to witness the rich biodiversity and unique underwater topography of the region. This course is generally completed over two to three days, offering a flexible and engaging learning experience. Our PADI-certified instructors are dedicated to providing personalized guidance, ensuring you feel competent and comfortable as you advance your diving capabilities. Completing the Advanced Open Water Diver certification with Cidade Velha Diving opens up a wider range of dive sites and experiences globally. You'll be qualified to dive to greater depths, significantly enhancing your ability to explore shipwrecks, reefs, and other fascinating underwater locations. This course is a logical progression for any diver looking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the marine world. It serves as a crucial stepping stone towards more specialized training, such as rescue diver courses or divemaster programs. The skills acquired here are fundamental for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable diving adventures. Cidade Velha Diving is a PADI-certified center, ensuring that your training meets the highest international standards for safety and education. We offer instruction in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, to accommodate a diverse range of students. While specific dive site details for each adventure dive depend on current conditions and student interest, our proximity to varied underwater landscapes in Cape Verde provides ample opportunities for diverse practical training. The Google rating of 5 stars reflects our commitment to providing exceptional diving experiences and high-quality instruction.
Curso Wreck Diver
The PADI Wreck Diver Specialty course at Cidade Velha Diving offers a unique opportunity to explore the historical and ecological significance of sunken vessels. This specialty is designed for certified divers eager to learn the specific techniques and safety protocols required for wreck exploration. You will gain knowledge on assessing wreck stability, identifying potential hazards like entanglement and silt-outs, and navigating these underwater structures safely. The curriculum emphasizes understanding the risks associated with confined spaces, limited visibility, and structural integrity. Practical training involves several open water dives conducted on actual shipwrecks, providing hands-on experience. You will practice essential skills such as deploying guidelines using reels and maintaining precise buoyancy control to protect both the wreck and the marine environment. If conditions and certification levels permit, you may also learn techniques for safe wreck penetration. This course opens up a new dimension of dive sites, appealing to those fascinated by history and the allure of underwater exploration. Cidade Velha Diving offers this specialty with instruction available in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, catering to a diverse range of international divers. The center's commitment to safety and education is reflected in its high Google rating of 5 stars, indicating a strong reputation among its clientele. While specific details on instructor-to-student ratios or vessel types are not provided, the focus remains on delivering a thorough and safe learning experience. This specialty is an excellent progression for divers looking to expand their capabilities beyond standard recreational diving. It equips you with the confidence and skills to responsibly explore the captivating underwater world of shipwrecks, unlocking access to sites rich in history and marine life. The knowledge gained here can be applied to numerous wreck sites worldwide, enhancing your diving adventures.
Discover Scuba Diving
**Discover Scuba Diving** at **Cidade Velha Diving** offers an unparalleled introduction to the underwater realm for those curious about marine life but not yet ready for full certification. This program is meticulously designed for absolute beginners, requiring no prior experience, ensuring a safe, supervised, and enjoyable first encounter with scuba diving. You will learn the fundamental diving signals, master the use of essential equipment, and understand what to expect during your dive through a brief yet comprehensive theory session. This initial preparation guarantees comfort and a solid grasp of the basics before you even enter the water. Following the theory, you'll practice crucial skills like breathing and buoyancy control in a shallow, controlled environment, allowing you to become accustomed to the gear and the sensation of breathing underwater. The pinnacle of the Discover Scuba Diving experience is the actual ocean dive, conducted under the direct and constant supervision of a certified PADI instructor. Dives are typically limited to a maximum depth of 10 meters, adjusted according to your comfort level and prevailing conditions, ensuring a secure and confidence-building exploration. The instructors provide unwavering support, staying close by to guide you and allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the underwater world. Cidade Velha Diving addresses common concerns, such as apprehension about marine life or feeling overwhelmed, with exceptional patience and reassurance. Their instructors are adept at making participants feel at ease, even offering a guiding hand if needed. Dives are consistently performed in calm, protected waters close to shore, making this experience accessible and enjoyable even for individuals who are not strong swimmers. This recreational dive is a fantastic opportunity to witness the vibrant marine life and unique underwater landscapes of Cape Verde firsthand, offering an unforgettable way to step outside your comfort zone and discover a new world without the commitment of a full certification course. The entire Discover Scuba Diving experience at Cidade Velha Diving lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. This short duration belies the profound impact it can have, serving as a perfect stepping stone for those considering further PADI courses. The center prides itself on its high standards, evidenced by its PADI certification and the languages offered, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, catering to a diverse range of international visitors. While specific details on instructor-to-student ratios are not provided, the emphasis on direct supervision and personalized attention suggests a commitment to safety and individual progress, ensuring each participant receives the necessary support to enjoy their first underwater adventure.
Rescue Diver
The PADI Rescue Diver course at Cidade Velha Diving is designed to significantly enhance your capabilities and confidence as a diver. This program focuses on accident prevention and management, equipping you with the essential skills to assist other divers in distress. You will learn to identify potential problems before they escalate, practice self-rescue techniques, and master methods for assisting panicked or unresponsive divers. The course emphasizes recognizing signs of stress in fellow divers and responding effectively to emergencies. Cidade Velha Diving, a PADI-certified center, offers this challenging yet highly rewarding training to transform you into a more aware and competent diver. This comprehensive program involves both theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing you for a variety of underwater scenarios. You will study critical topics such as diver stress, equipment issues, emergency management, and first aid for dive-related injuries. Practical sessions are conducted in realistic open-water scenarios, simulating rescue situations under the guidance of experienced instructors. This course is a pivotal step in a diver's training, boosting your confidence and competence, and making you a more responsible member of any dive group. Completing the Rescue Diver course at Cidade Velha Diving means becoming a safer diver yourself, with a deep understanding of safety protocols and emergency procedures. It fosters a strong sense of responsibility within the diving community, emphasizing preparedness and the importance of looking out for others. The skills learned are invaluable, ensuring you are well-prepared for diverse situations that might arise underwater. This is a critical course for anyone serious about their diving journey and advancing their skills beyond basic recreational diving. Cidade Velha Diving offers this course in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of divers. While specific details on dive site locations for practical sessions are not provided, PADI Rescue Diver training typically involves open water dives to practice these life-saving skills. The center's commitment to high standards is reflected in its PADI certification, assuring quality instruction. This course is a prerequisite for further professional development within the PADI system, such as Divemaster.
Deep Diver
The PADI Deep Diver Specialty course at Cidade Velha Diving is designed to equip certified divers with the essential knowledge and skills for safe exploration beyond the standard recreational depth limits. This specialty focuses on dives typically ranging from 18 to 40 meters (60 to 130 feet), providing a structured approach to understanding the physiological and psychological effects of increased pressure. You will learn to manage risks associated with nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness, crucial for planning and executing deeper dives responsibly. The curriculum emphasizes proper gas management techniques and the importance of safety stops, ensuring you are well-prepared for the challenges of deeper environments. This course is a vital step for divers looking to expand their capabilities and explore more complex dive sites. At Cidade Velha Diving, your training will cover critical aspects such as dive planning for greater depths, recognizing potential hazards, and implementing emergency procedures specific to deep diving. The course includes both theoretical knowledge development and practical application through open water dives. You will practice essential skills like controlled descents and ascents, efficient air consumption, and identifying early signs of decompression illness. Our experienced instructors will guide you through these dives, building your confidence and competence in deeper water. This specialty is particularly beneficial for those interested in exploring deeper shipwrecks, dramatic walls, or unique marine life found at greater depths. This specialty certification unlocks access to a wider array of dive sites and underwater experiences, making it a valuable addition to any diver's training portfolio. It serves as a logical progression for those who have completed their Advanced Open Water Diver certification and wish to push their boundaries safely. By mastering deep diving techniques, you enhance your ability to appreciate the full spectrum of the underwater world and engage with more challenging dive locations. This course is a key component for any diver seeking to deepen their understanding and practical application of advanced diving principles. Cidade Velha Diving offers this PADI specialty with a commitment to diver education and safety. The center provides instruction in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, ensuring a comfortable learning experience for a diverse range of students. With a perfect 5-star Google rating, the center is recognized for its high standards of service and instruction. This focus on quality ensures that you receive the best possible training to safely enjoy the deeper aspects of recreational diving and explore new underwater frontiers.
Night Diver
Embark on an extraordinary underwater adventure with the PADI Night Diver Specialty course at Cidade Velha Diving. This course is designed to introduce certified divers to the captivating world that emerges after sunset. Many marine species are nocturnal, and diving in low-light conditions reveals a completely different side of the reef and its inhabitants. Cidade Velha Diving provides the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to safely explore this unique environment. The curriculum covers specialized equipment, including primary and backup dive lights, signaling devices, and navigation techniques adapted for darkness. You will learn crucial planning strategies for night dives, risk management specific to these conditions, and effective underwater communication in the absence of daylight. The training emphasizes understanding the behavior of nocturnal marine life and how to observe it responsibly without disturbance. Practical training involves conducting several supervised night dives. Under the guidance of your instructor, you will hone your navigation skills using compass and natural references in the dark. You'll practice locating marine creatures that become active at night and gain confidence in managing your buoyancy and orientation in low-visibility settings. Instructors will teach you how to use your lights effectively to illuminate and appreciate the underwater world without negatively impacting it. Night diving offers a profoundly different perspective on familiar dive sites, showcasing the hidden activities of fish and invertebrates. Participants often encounter parrotfish settling in for the night, moray eels on the hunt, or the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescent organisms. It's an exciting and rewarding way to expand your diving repertoire and experience the ocean in a new, captivating light. This specialty is offered by Cidade Velha Diving, a center with a Google rating of 5.0, ensuring a high standard of training and safety.
Drift Diver
Master the art of effortless underwater travel with the PADI Drift Diver Specialty course at Cidade Velha Diving. This course is designed to teach you the essential techniques, procedures, risks, and considerations for drift diving, a dynamic way to explore more of the underwater world with less effort. You will learn how to plan and execute drift dives safely, including proper entry and exit procedures, signaling to your buddy and the support boat, and maintaining group cohesion while being carried by the current. The curriculum emphasizes understanding current patterns and utilizing them to your advantage. Practical training involves several open water drift dives where you will experience varying current conditions. Instructors at Cidade Velha Diving will guide you on how to position yourself effectively within the current and how to signal your exit point to the support boat, ensuring a smooth and controlled experience. Safety protocols, such as maintaining constant awareness of your surroundings and your buddy, are a core focus throughout these dives. This specialty is particularly beneficial in locations with consistent currents, allowing for more extensive exploration of reef systems, walls, or channels. Cidade Velha Diving offers this specialty certification through PADI, a globally recognized leader in diver training. The center is highly regarded, boasting a perfect 5-star Google rating, reflecting a commitment to quality instruction and customer satisfaction. While specific details on the number of dives or maximum depth for this specialty are not provided, the focus is on mastering drift diving techniques in real-world conditions. The center provides instruction in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, catering to a diverse range of international divers. Upon successful completion of the PADI Drift Diver Specialty course, you will be certified to participate in drift dives worldwide. This skill enhances your ability to explore diverse dive sites more effectively, transforming what could be a strenuous activity into a flowing, unique perspective on the underwater environment. It's a valuable addition to any diver's skillset, opening up new possibilities for exploration and enjoyment in various aquatic settings.
Curso Open Water Diver
The PADI Open Water Diver certification is your official entry into the underwater world, and Cidade Velha Diving in Cape Verde provides a structured and confidence-building pathway. This course is designed to impart the essential skills and knowledge for independent exploration up to 18 meters. You will learn crucial techniques such as mask clearing, regulator recovery, and buoyancy control through a combination of theory, confined water practice, and open water dives. Cidade Velha Diving adheres strictly to PADI standards, ensuring a safe and thorough learning experience that builds a solid foundation for a lifetime of diving. Your practical training will begin in a controlled environment, simulating open water conditions, allowing you to master fundamental skills under direct instructor supervision. This phase is critical for developing comfort and competence before progressing to the open ocean. The course culminates in four exciting open water dives conducted in the vibrant marine environments of Cape Verde. Here, you'll apply your newly acquired skills while exploring volcanic formations and reefs teeming with marine life, guided by experienced PADI professionals. Cidade Velha Diving offers flexibility to accommodate your travel plans, with standard courses typically running over 3 to 4 intensive days. Personalized options are also available for individuals or small groups seeking a more tailored schedule. This adaptability ensures that achieving your PADI Open Water Diver certification can be a seamless part of your vacation. The center's instructors are fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, with some French proficiency, facilitating clear communication during your training. The PADI eLearning component is available in multiple languages, allowing you to complete the theoretical portion at your own pace and in your preferred language. This certification unlocks access to dive sites worldwide, allowing you to explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, and diverse marine ecosystems. As a certified Open Water Diver, you can rent or purchase scuba equipment, plan dives with a buddy, and continue your education with advanced courses. The marine life in Cape Verde offers a fantastic introduction, with opportunities to see various fish species and unique underwater topography. The PADI Open Water Diver course from Cidade Velha Diving is more than just a certification; it's your passport to a new dimension of adventure and discovery beneath the waves.
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Frequently asked
What people ask before booking
The PADI Open Water Diver course at Cidade Velha Diving includes full diving equipment, theory sessions, practical water sessions, and the official PADI certification. There are no hidden fees or surprise extras.
Cape Verde offers ideal conditions with water temperatures between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius year-round, and air temperatures between 20 and 31 degrees Celsius. The environment is calm and uncrowded, with dozens of dive sites suitable for courses.
The Discover Scuba Diving experience is for absolute beginners. It includes a theory session, shallow water practice, and a supervised dive up to 10 meters deep. The total duration is 2 to 3 hours, and it's conducted with a certified instructor.
The lead instructor, Tony, speaks Spanish, English, Portuguese, and a bit of French. The PADI eLearning theory and exam are available in dozens of languages.
For groups of up to 5 people, cancellations made at least 48 hours before the activity receive a full refund. For groups of more than 5 people, cancellations made at least 10 days before receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than these timeframes will not be refunded.
Yes, Cidade Velha Diving can help you design custom packages that include handpicked local accommodation and airport transfers, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
How to get there
R. Direita de São Sebastião 13, Cidade Velha 7629, Cabo Verde, Cidade Velha, Santíssimo Nome de Jesus, PRT



