Can You Drink Tap Water in Cape Verde?

Tap water in Cape Verde is not safe to drink for visitors. The archipelago is a dry, volcanic island chain with no natural freshwater rivers and relies almost entirely on desalination plants for its water supply. While the desalination infrastructure has improved significantly, distribution pipes on many islands are aging and water quality at the tap is inconsistent. Most residents and all hotels use bottled water as standard.

Sal and Boavista, the two most popular beach resort islands, have large all-inclusive resort complexes that provide bottled or filtered water for all guests. Tap water in resort rooms is generally used for bathing only — drink the bottled water provided. In Santa Maria on Sal and Sal Rei on Boavista, restaurants and bars use bottled water for cooking and drinking.

Santiago, home to the capital Praia and the largest island, has the most developed water infrastructure in the archipelago. Praia's water is treated but distribution pipes in older parts of the city mean tap water quality varies by location. Bottled water is universally available in Praia and is the recommended choice throughout your stay.

São Vicente, home to the lively city of Mindelo and a growing cultural tourism scene, has a treated water supply but similar distribution challenges. The smaller islands — Santo Antão, Fogo, Brava, and São Nicolau — have less reliable water infrastructure and bottled water availability can be limited on the more remote islands.

Use bottled water throughout Cape Verde for drinking and brushing teeth. On resort islands, your accommodation provides safe water. On smaller or more remote islands, stock up on bottled water before leaving main towns as availability becomes increasingly limited.