The Cape Verde Islands are one of the few known breeding and nursery grounds for humpback whales in the North Atlantic – above all around Boa Vista and Maio. Scientific studies and long-term photo-identification show that humpback whales use Cape Verdean waters during the mating and calving season, and that there are links to northern feeding grounds (including Iceland and Norway).
Which whales can you see?
1) The main attraction in season: humpback whales
Humpback whales are the species that most tours are specifically geared towards. The Cape Verde Islands – and Boa Vista in particular – are described in specialist publications as a breeding and nursery ground; adults and calves have been documented in inshore waters in studies and expedition reports.
2) Other species: possible, but far less predictable
Besides humpback whales, travel guides and nature guides list pilot whales and sperm whales as occasional sightings, and in some cases fin whales as well.
There is also documented evidence that expeditions in the waters around Cape Verde have recorded several dolphin species as well as short-finned pilot whales and melon-headed whales and beaked whales (the chances of a sighting depend very much on the area and the day).
Tip: On Boa Vista Island you can take very popular whale watching trips with Boa Vista Tours
Best time of year for whale watching
For watching humpback whales, the period from February to May is the one to go for, with a clear emphasis on the spring.
In practice that means anyone travelling specifically to see humpback whales should ideally plan their trip for March or April. A sighting can never be guaranteed, but in these months the tour descriptions typically present the chances as particularly good.
Where is whale watching best?
Boa Vista: the island named most often as the hotspot; many tours start from Sal Rei.
Sal: also frequently named as a suitable island for whale and dolphin watching (the trips on offer and the sailings vary from season to season)
In general, though, whales can be watched right across the archipelago.
Watching from the shore
On all of the islands you can often watch whales from the shore. The south sides of the islands are particularly good for this, as the sea there is much calmer overall.
On Santo Antão, for example, you can watch whales from the bay at Tarrafal de Monte Trigo.
Types of boat: which one suits whom?
The trips on offer typically use:
Motor yacht / motorboat (usually steadier, described as “more comfortable”)
Catamaran / sailing boat (more space, often more relaxed; sometimes combined with a trip along the coast and into the bays)
Anyone who is sensitive to swell is usually better off on a larger boat. If you would rather be closer to the water and travel more dynamically, the faster, smaller boats are the better choice – and here it helps to look at the particular tour description.
Watching responsibly
Reputable operators usually stress that this is about respectful observation. As a guest it is worth checking whether the operator communicates clear rules (for example not crowding the animals, keeping your distance, no “chasing” of wildlife). If you are booking, it pays to check exactly these points in the tour’s FAQ and information.
Tips
- Check the season: for humpback whales on Boa Vista, go for February to May.
- Choice of island: if you want the best chances in season, look first and foremost at Boa Vista; Sal is a frequently named alternative.
- Length of tour & boat: the duration (e.g. 3-5 hours) and the type of boat (catamaran vs. motor yacht) determine how comfortable you will be in the swell.
- Managing expectations: operators point out explicitly that there is no guarantee of a sighting.