The rainy season runs from mid-August to mid-October, with torrential rain, floods and landslides on some islands. Cabo Verde lies in the Atlantic hurricane basin, where the season runs 1 June – 30 November.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · NOAA National Hurricane Center ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The rainy season in Cape Verde is from mid-August to mid-October. Torrential rains on some of the islands can cause floodings and landslides.”
nhc.noaa.gov (2026-10-14, intl): “The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
Under Decree-Law 37/2015 on recreational boating, the Maritime Administration may recognise foreign recreational skipper licences for skippering Cabo Verde-registered boats if they need similar requirements, or automatically where reciprocity applies.
Boletim Oficial de Cabo Verde – Decreto-lei n.º 37/2015 (copy hosted by FAO FAOLEX) · Boletim Oficial de Cabo Verde – Decreto-lei n.º 37/2015 (copy hosted by FAO FAOLEX) ▾
faolex.fao.org (2026-10-14, intl): “As cartas de navegador de recreio ou os documentos equivalentes emitidos por entidades estrangeiras podem ser reconhecidos pela Administração Marítima para o governo de ER nacionais”
faolex.fao.org (2026-10-14, intl): “ou automaticamente quando vigore o princípio da reciprocidade.”
Official warnings
Sea conditions around the islands can be dangerous, and sea travel to the southern islands of Brava and Fogo is often disrupted.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Sea conditions around Cape Verde can be dangerous. Follow local advice before travelling by sea. Travel by sea to the southern islands of Brava and Fogo in particular can often be disrupted.”
Tides and currents around the islands are very strong, and waves can be unpredictable with a strong undertow. Swim only at beaches with a lifeguard.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Tides and currents around the islands are very strong.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Waves can be unpredictable and have a strong undertow.”
Arriving by boat
Foreign yachts and their crews are cleared in Cabo Verde ports by the Maritime Administration, customs, health and border authorities. On first entry the skipper receives a transit booklet ('livrete de trânsito'). Before leaving a Cabo Verde port, the skipper must request departure clearance from the Maritime Administration. Foreign yachts may stay up to 6 months in any one year under temporary import.
Boletim Oficial de Cabo Verde – Decreto-lei n.º 37/2015, art. 38 (copy hosted by FAO FAOLEX) · Boletim Oficial de Cabo Verde – Decreto-lei n.º 37/2015, art. 38 (copy hosted by FAO FAOLEX) · Boletim Oficial de Cabo Verde – Decreto-lei n.º 37/2015, art. 38 (copy hosted by FAO FAOLEX) · Boletim Oficial de Cabo Verde – Decreto-lei n.º 37/2015, art. 28 (copy hosted by FAO FAOLEX) ▾
faolex.fao.org (2026-10-14, intl): “As ER estrangeiras e os navegadores de recreio estão sujeitos, em portos nacionais, ao controlo efectuado pela Administração Marítima e pelas autoridades aduaneiras, sanitárias e de fronteira, nos termos da legislação aplicável.”
faolex.fao.org (2026-10-14, intl): “Na primeira entrada de uma embarcação de recreio em portos nacionais, o agente da autoridade responsável deve entregar ao comandante da embarcação um exemplar do livrete de trânsito”
faolex.fao.org (2026-10-14, intl): “o comandante deve obrigatoriamente requerer a saída de um porto nacional à Administração Marítima.”
faolex.fao.org (2026-10-14, intl): “As ER estrangeiras podem permanecer em águas nacionais, sob o regime de importação temporária, pelo prazo máximo de 6 (seis) meses, ininterruptos ou não, no período de 1 (um) ano.”
What number do I call for help at sea in Cabo Verde?+
In Cabo Verde, call JRCC Cabo Verde on +238 232 5555. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Cabo Verde?+
The general emergency number in Cabo Verde is 132. Many mobile phones also pass 112 on to the local emergency service, but we found no official confirmation for Cabo Verde. In a sea emergency, call +238 232 5555.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
Do I need a licence to skipper a boat in Cabo Verde?+
Under Decree-Law 37/2015 on recreational boating, the Maritime Administration may recognise foreign recreational skipper licences for skippering Cabo Verde-registered boats if they need similar requirements, or automatically where reciprocity applies.
When is the storm season in Cabo Verde?+
The rainy season runs from mid-August to mid-October, with torrential rain, floods and landslides on some islands. Cabo Verde lies in the Atlantic hurricane basin, where the season runs 1 June – 30 November.
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