NBM Dive Site Resource
Sal Island Reefs
Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde
Broad Sal Island reef profile retained as the parent destination context for the island’s exact named reefs, walls, caverns and wrecks.
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Historic Picture Placeholder
Aquatic life at this dive site
What divers may encounter
Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Site media
Photographs
Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Contributor media
Dive videos
Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.Published reference location
Location map
The marker shows the public coordinates associated with this profile. Confirm current access, moorings, and departure details before the dive.Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recent field observations
Diver-reported temperatures
Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.
Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.
Why divers know this place
Highlights
Volcanic reefs, walls, caverns, wrecks, turtles, rays and endemic Cape Verde marine life.
Dive-area module
Area coverage
This profile represents a preserve, sanctuary, park, or regional dive area rather than one underwater site. The sourced inventory below links to the named sites documented within its boundaries.
Before you arrive
Access notes
Broad destination profile only. Use the exact named Sal profiles for site-level planning. Existing coordinate is approximate and display-only; it is not an entry point, descent point, mooring, wreck position, reef waypoint or navigation aid.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Atlantic swell, surge, current, depth, overhead environments and wreck hazards vary by exact site; use a current local guide.
At the site
Facilities and support
Multiple current Santa Maria PADI/SSI centers with equipment, boats, instruction and booking support; confirm gases, oxygen, chamber and evacuation arrangements.
Independent resource notice
This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.