Scuba Team Cabo Verde is a calm, well-organised dive school, great for try-dives and certified divers. Small groups, patient instructors and strong marine life stand out. It works best if you accept that weather and the sea’s pace shape the whole experience.
When the first contact already feels reassuring
In Santa Maria, not every dive centre gives you the same feeling the moment you walk in. Some feel rushed; others feel oddly slow. Scuba Team Cabo Verde usually sits in the middle: a relaxed atmosphere, approachable people, and the sense that the goal here is to make the dive go well — not to make it go fast.
There’s no hotel pool and no warm-up theatre. The ocean is the classroom from the start.
What it really is
More than a “club” in the traditional sense, it runs like a well-organised dive school, built for both try-dives and certified divers who want several dives over a few days.
Who it works for:
– If you value small groups and a personal approach.
– If you’re a beginner and need clear explanations and a calm pace.
– If you’re an advanced diver looking for marine life without drama.
Who it may not suit as well:
– If you want a rigid, minute-by-minute experience.
– If you get frustrated when the weather reshapes the plan.
– If you expect resort-style infrastructure.
They dive when the sea allows it. And that’s part of the deal.
What usually happens underwater
Reviews repeat a clear pattern: lots of marine life and rewarding dive sites. Nurse sharks, turtles, rays, schools of fish… and a wreck that comes up again and again as one of the highlights.
Instructors — Ossa, Pablo, Kush, Hercule — are often described as calm and genuinely educational. For try-dives, training usually starts right at the shoreline with basic exercises in shallow water before heading out by boat. For many people, that makes all the difference.
Divers who come for several days often mention that they adapt dives to weather and availability, and when conditions cooperate it can be possible to fit multiple dives into a short time window.
They don’t push you into diving. They stay with you until you’re ready.
Pace, service and atmosphere
The vibe is calm and familiar. You get the sense of a tight, experienced team: gear prepared, explanations clear, and a steady attitude even when something isn’t perfect.
Prices are often seen as reasonable — sometimes even very good compared to other options — though not always the cheapest. In return, many people describe a feeling of constant attention and safety, especially for families or mixed-level groups.
WhatsApp communication beforehand and clear on-site briefings are mentioned as strong positives.
When it doesn’t work
The weak point isn’t usually the diving itself. It’s misaligned expectations.
Some people mention seasickness, fainting, or bad weather that ruined the day. Others note it can feel pricier than some competitors. There’s also a harsh review about boat safety — which the centre publicly rejects, saying the reviewer wasn’t a client and the activity described isn’t one they offer.
There’s no repeated pattern suggesting negligence, but it’s clear that weather, your physical condition, and upfront communication strongly shape the experience.
Practical tips so you don’t book the wrong expectation
– If you haven’t dived in a while, ask about a refresher — they organise it smoothly.
– If you’re a beginner, appreciate that your first steps happen in the sea, not in a pool.
– Respect the weather and your own condition: nothing is forced here.
– Clarify exactly what your dive includes to avoid misunderstandings.
When diving is done without pressure
Scuba Team Cabo Verde doesn’t promise epic stories. It promises to do things properly within whatever the sea allows that day. For many people, that’s exactly the point: calm diving, good guidance, and no pressure.
If you need total control, it may not be your place.
If you value calm, proximity, and strong marine life, it probably is.
