Animals in Cape Verde

Cape Verde holidays are such a popular year round treat because of many reasons – the glorious sunshine, picturesque beaches and the fascinating mixture of wildlife occupying its volcanic landscape.

Throughout the seasons you’ll see a wide range of animals in Cape Verde, from rare species of reptile to mesmerising marine life and aross the islands there’s a big push and effort into conservation to maintain and encourage the wildlife.

Loggerhead turtles in Cape Verde

Cape Verde is one of the best destinations in the world for seeing loggerhead turtles – and specifically nesting and hatching which can make for a memorable experience for all the family.

When can you see the turtles in Cape Verde?

• The nesting season typically runs between June and September – you’ll often be able to see the loggerhead turtles come ashore to bury their eggs in the sand
• The hatching season typically follows in August and September – it’s a heartwarming sight to see the tiny turtles hatch and make their way into the water

Whales and dolphins in Cape Verde

Whale and dolphin watching are extremely popular activities in Cape Verde for families, marine enthusiasts or those looking for a great photo op!

What species of dolphin are in Cape Verde?

• There’s a variety of dolphins in the waters around Cape Verde, including bottlenose, spinner and Atlantic spotted dolphins

What’s so good about the whales in Cape Verde?

• Humpback whales are the most common whale in Cape Verde and between February to May you might get the chance to see them breeding and calving in the shallow waters.

The Cape Verde Gecko

Cape Verde has its own endemic species of Gecko – meaning they only live here – which thrive off the dry environment across the islands and even help to keep the insect population under control.

Where can you see the Cape Verde Gecko?

• The Cape Verde Gecko can be found mostly at night as they are nocturnal, in rocky areas and on walls – you might even spot them around lights where insects tend to gather.
• You might hvae to look hard for the Cape Verde Gecko as they can change colour to blend into their surroundings.

Birds in Cape Verde

Some of the most common animals in Cape Verde will actually be above you – in fact, Cape Verde is a hotspot for bird watching!

What birds are in Cape Verde?

• The Grey Long-Eared Bat comes out at night so you’ll often see them fluttering around street lights or in gardens. As you might expect from their name, they have impressively large ears so are an amusing sight to see.
• The rare and endangered Raso Lark can be found in the Cape Verde Islands – despite being one of the rarest birds in the world! There’s huge conservation offer put into the Raso Lark to encourage and protect the population.
• The Grey-headed Kingfisher can often be found in woodland areas and close to water and they’re typically easy to spot with their orange belly and bright colours.
• Flamingos are a breathtaking sight to see in Cape Verde providing the perfect photo opportunity- you’ll find them most commonly in Sal’s salt waters (Pedra de Lume).

The animals in Cape Verde just add to the islands fascinating and beautiful reputation whether you’re a wildlife fanatic or not. Spotting these can make for a truly memorable experience for everyone so if you’re headed on holiday to Cape Verde be sure to keep your eyes peeled!

Head straight to our Cape Verde deals and get your next trip booked.