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Introduction
Dreaming of a journey where adventure meets wildlife?
Cabo Verde, an extraordinary volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic, is a haven for nature lovers. Pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and thriving biodiversity make these islands one of the top marine and coastal hotspots in the world. From nesting sea turtles to rare seabirds, Cabo Verde’s wildlife tells a story of resilience.
Explore consciously
Visiting Cabo Verde’s wild areas means entering a living ecosystem that depends on our care. Stay on marked paths, keep a safe distance from wildlife and nesting sites, and avoid disturbing plants or animals. These small acts help preserve the habitats that make the islands special.
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Important habitats and Marine Protected Areas
Cabo Verde lies approximately 570 km west of continental Africa. Its isolation and volcanic origins created a network of ten volcanic islands and thirteen islets with diverse habitats that support numerous endemic and rare species.
At the same time, beneath the surface, its rare submarine geomorphology shapes a network of ridges, valleys, and plateaus that drive nutrient circulation and marine productivity. This intricate seascape is what makes Cabo Verde a crown jewel. It becomes a vital migration corridor for birds and marine megafauna, and a refuge for endemic species. Much of the marine environment remains unexplored, yet what is known already reveals extraordinary biodiversity. Among its most iconic residents are the loggerhead sea turtles, whose vast nesting colonies highlight the archipelago’s global ecological importance.
The islands have attracted scientific interest since Charles Darwin documented Santiago’s geology and ecology aboard the HMS Beagle in Santiago Island. Today, Cabo Verde remains a natural laboratory for studying oceanography, island ecosystems, and climate change.
Cabo Verde’s sea turtles
Cabo Verde is home to the world's largest nesting populations of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). During nesting season, females return to the beaches where they were born and lay their eggs in warm sand that provides natural incubation. Sal, Boa Vista and Maio are key nesting islands, with activities taking place mostly between June and October.
Although loggerheads are the most common species, other sea turtle species found in Cabo Verde’s ocean include Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Each has a unique life cycle and history in this country, where some nest occasionally on beaches, while others prefer the archipelago as a feeding ground.
Although resilient, sea turtles face threats such as coastal development, poaching, light pollution, entanglement in fishing gear and much more. Protecting nests and hatchlings is crucial, as only a tiny percentage survive to adulthood. National laws criminalise any disturbance of sea turtles or their nests and outline strict guidelines for their observations.
Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem. By feeding on sponges and controlling other marine populations such as jellyfish, they help coral reefs flourish. Their conservation is thus critical not just for the species itself but for the broader ocean environment.
Seabirds of Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde is home to a rich diversity of seabirds, many of which rely on the islands’ nesting grounds for survival. Its 15 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) provide critical habitats for breeding and resting, supporting both resident and migratory populations.
Endemic species such as the Cabo Verde shearwater (Calonectris edwardsii), Cabo Verde storm-petrel (Hydrobates jabejabe), Cabo Verde petrel (Pterodroma feae) and the endemic subspecies Boyd's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri boydi), White-faced storm petrel (Pelagodroma marina eadesorum) make the archipelago globally significant for seabird conservation.
The islands are also major nesting grounds for native sea birds such as the iconic Red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus), where he largest recorded colony is found on Sal Island. Other birds, such as Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) and petrels, are also resident breeders.
Resident and migratory birds
Each year, thousands of migratory birds stop in Cabo Verde while travelling along the East Atlantic Flyway, a key route between the Arctic, Europe, and Africa. Among the key bird species observed in Cabo Verde related to this flyway are shorebirds and waterbirds, such as:
Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope), Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula), Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica), Eurasian Spoonbill, sandpipers, terns, and swallows use the archipelago as a stopover.
Permanent residents have adapted to the islands’ varied habitats, from arid plains to coastal cliffs. These include the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Cape Verde purple heron (Ardea bournei), greater hoopoe-lark (Alaemon alaudipes), cream-coloured courser (Cursorius cursor), bar-tailed lark (Ammomanes cinctura), Cape Verde buzzard (Buteo bannermani), grey-headed kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala), black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus), Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) and many more stilts.
The mix of endemic, resident, and migratory species makes Cabo Verde an exceptional location for bird enthusiasts.
Cabo Verde’s seabirds, resident birds, and migratory species face severe pressures from introduced predators, habitat loss, coastal development and human disturbance. Learn more about the specific threats facing seabird populations here.
Birdwatching tips
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Use binoculars to enhance your experience
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Birdlife is most active at sunrise and sunset
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Hiring a local guide who is familiar with the islands’ birds is recommended for first-time visitors.
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Maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing nests, particularly on cliffs and in protected areas.
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Stay on marked paths, especially in desert and dune habitats, where many nests are on the ground and camouflage well.
You can be part of our effort to protect Cabo Verde’s birds by supporting our work, volunteering, or raising awareness. Together, we can keep these skies filled with wings.