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Volunteering in Cape Verde: Get ready to go
Volunteering in Cape Verde can be an enriching experience, but also challenging. We tell you everything you need to know about it.
Lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, around 600 km off the coast of Senegal, we find an archipelago of ten volcanic islands that make up Cape Verde, one of the most democratic countries in Africa. With a rich African, European, and Brazilian heritage, this paradise of volcanic beaches and Creole culture also faces challenges affecting the well-being of its population. This is why volunteering in Cape Verde becomes a unique opportunity to discover an exceptional African country, while also contributing your own bit of help.
Although Cape Verde is known for its political stability, about 30% of its population lives below the poverty line, especially in more remote islands like Santo Antão or Maio, where the figures are more pronounced. The lack of formal employment, scarcity of drinking water, limited access to healthcare services, and educational gaps are some of the most urgent challenges. Behind Cape Verde’s postcard-like landscapes lies a reality marked by geographical isolation, structural unemployment, and an economy heavily reliant on tourism.
In this context, volunteering takes on a deep meaning. It isn’t just providing assistance; it’s about sharing. It’s about contributing through education, community health, supporting children, promoting female empowerment, or environmental development. It’s about immersing yourself in communities that face real obstacles every day yet continue to embrace the world with hospitality, dignity, and joy.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about volunteering in Cape Verde and what to consider to make the most of this experience. If you’re looking to explore the country in a way that goes beyond superficial tourism and want to engage in its reality, this article is for you.
What are the benefits of volunteering in Cape Verde?
Volunteering in Cape Verde is about discovering the true meaning of exchange. In this corner of the Atlantic, where time seems to slow down and life is lived barefoot, you don’t come to teach: you come to learn and discover a fascinating culture.
Indeed, one of the greatest benefits of this experience is the encounter with an island culture deeply marked by resilience. Cape Verdean communities have learned to live with the scarcity of water, resources, and connectivity. Yet none of that stops the locals from sharing what they have or inviting you for a coffee on the street, even if they don’t speak your language. In this context, the volunteer stops being a foreigner and becomes a bridge.
Additionally, Cape Verde offers a unique linguistic and cultural immersion. Although Portuguese is the official language, Criolu (a Creole language born from African and European mixing) is spoken in homes, markets, and on the streets. Learning to understand it, even without speaking it, is part of the journey. So is discovering traditional music rhythms, oral stories passed down from generation to generation, or cuisine made from the little the land offers, with plenty of creativity.
On a personal level, the experience in Cape Verde often becomes a turning point emotionally and spiritually. Not just because you learn to value what is essential, but because you encounter a more communal lifestyle, less individualistic, and more connected to nature’s cycles.
There’s also a professional growth aspect that shouldn’t be underestimated. Whether you participate in educational, health, social, or environmental programs, you’ll develop skills like problem-solving in resource-limited settings, intercultural empathy, constant adaptability, and collaboration with diverse teams. All of that adds up. A lot.
But perhaps the greatest benefit is one that can’t be measured: the feeling of having been part of something. Not a project, not an NGO, not an agenda. Part of a community that welcomes you in and transforms you without warning.
What are the requirements for volunteering in Cape Verde?
Travelling to Cape Verde as a volunteer isn’t complicated, but it does require organisation and commitment. It’s not just about booking a flight; it’s important to understand the country’s context, its immigration rules, and the living conditions of the place where you’ll be working. The clearer you are about everything before you leave, the better you can enjoy the experience and focus on what really matters.
That’s why, before exploring the volunteering programs and projects in Cape Verde, we’ll detail one by one the requirements you need to meet to travel to the country. The idea is that you can start gathering the necessary documents a few months before and arrive at your destination with a clear idea of what to expect.
1- Visa and Passport for Cape Verde
The first thing you need to know is that, for short stays (up to 30 days), most Latin American and European countries do not require a visa to enter Cape Verde. However, it is mandatory to register online before your trip via a system called EASE, pay an airport tax, and present a passport with at least six months of validity.
If your program lasts more than a month, the NGO will likely help you apply for an extension or a special long-term stay visa. In any case, make sure to check this in advance to avoid being rushed before your trip.
2- EASE (Entry Form for Cape Verde)
The Entry Form for Cape Verde is a mandatory document that you must complete before travelling to the country. As we mentioned earlier, together with your passport and visa (if applicable), it is a migratory requirement, so don’t forget to keep it in mind.
The form is simple and can be completed 100% online in a few minutes, ideally about five days before travelling. It’s valid exclusively for travellers entering by air and helps speed up the airport procedures, so it’s important to complete it before travelling. It applies to all people coming from visa-exempt countries (such as Argentina, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, among many others) and requires payment of an airport security fee (TSA), which costs around €34 ($37).
3- Minimum Age
There are also age requirements for volunteering. In Cape Verde (and many other destinations), most organisations require volunteers to be at least 18 years old. Some programs accept volunteers aged 16 or 17, but only if they travel in a group or with express parental consent. As for the maximum age, there’s no limit, although good health is valued. What really matters is motivation, cultural openness, and the ability to adapt to different environments.
4- Health Requirements for Volunteering in Cape Verde
Regarding health, there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entering the country if you’re coming from areas without yellow fever. However, travel medicine centres typically recommend keeping vaccinations up to date for hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and, in some cases, hepatitis B.
Regarding malaria, while it’s not a high-risk area, it can be present in some rural islands, so it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals and, if necessary, bring repellent or preventive medication.
5- International Medical Insurance
Like most volunteering programs in Africa, another key requirement to travel to Cape Verde is having international medical insurance that includes hospitalisation, accident assistance, medical transfers, and repatriation. In main islands like Santiago, São Vicente, or Sal, there are good-quality private clinics, but public services are limited, and inter-island transfers can take time if you don’t have logistical support. This is where insurance comes in to facilitate your medical care.
Additionally, bear in mind that many NGOs require you to present your insurance policy before starting your volunteering, and some even include it in the program fee.
6- Language in Cape Verde
Portuguese is the official language of Cape Verde, but the language you’ll hear daily is Criolu, a mix of Portuguese with African languages. It’s not mandatory to speak either of the two to volunteer, although having a basic level of Portuguese (A2 or higher) will greatly facilitate your integration with local families and children. Some organisations offer introductory workshops to help you in this regard.
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What are the best volunteering programs in Cape Verde?
Although Cape Verde is not (yet) one of the most popular destinations for international volunteering, the number of programs is growing rapidly, especially on islands like Santiago, São Vicente, and Sal. The interesting thing is that, since it’s not as saturated as other countries, volunteering here retains its most authentic essence: it’s based on direct contact with the community, creative improvisation in the face of scarcity, and mutual learning.
Below, we share two options for volunteering programs in Cape Verde. These are real, active projects with solid structures that ensure local support and safety.
1- Cooperatour – Sea Turtle Protection in Cape Verde
Did you know that the beaches of Cape Verde’s islands are nesting sites for the loggerhead turtle? The nesting habitat of this valuable species is constantly threatened by coastal developments and nest predation, causing disorientation during the hatchling’s birth. Additionally, incidental capture in longline fishing, shrimp trawling, and pollution have significantly reduced the loggerhead turtle population.
Cooperatour has a volunteering program specifically designed for animal lovers who want to commit to the survival of this species. You’ll work alongside local community members to ensure the protection of female sea turtles through various activities, such as patrolling beaches at night to deter hunters, collaborating on fieldwork (such as marking and measuring turtles), relocating and excavating nests, and more. You can also join educational initiatives in local schools to raise awareness among children about the importance of sea turtle conservation.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Requirements | None specified, but generally, volunteers should be over 18, have a basic level of Portuguese or English, and be willing to work with animals. |
| Duration | At least two weeks. |
| Includes | Pickup and transfer from Praia International Airport Introductory briefings about Cape Verde Accommodation near the project Three meals per day Permanent on-site assistance Local coordination Online course in international cooperation. Participation certificate (optional) |
| Price | €390 ($425) per week + €210 ($229) registration fee |
| Tasks | Caring for turtles living in the centre Transferring eggs to a safe hatchery Maintaining the beach and project areas Feeding turtles Collecting eggs from nests on the beach Night patrols to collect eggs Releasing baby turtles into the sea Guiding tourists and providing orientation |
Cooperatour’s volunteering program in Cape Verde
2- Adventure Volunteer – Teaching Program in Tarrafal
If you love working with children, this educational project in Tarrafal might be exactly what you’re looking for. In a context where resources are limited, Adventure Volunteer offers a program aimed at ensuring access to quality basic education for vulnerable children. Your mission will be to support teachers while fostering learning, personal development, and social inclusion for the children.
If you wish, you can also include the sports program, which is designed to promote physical activity, teamwork, and personal development through football and basketball for children of all ages and skill levels.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Must be over 18, have travel insurance, no criminal record, respect local cultures and customs, basic Portuguese or fluent Spanish. |
| Duration | At least two weeks. |
| Includes | Pickup and transfer from Praia International Airport Guide with important information about the programme 24/7 assistance from the local team Accommodation in a volunteer house in Tarrafal, close to the project Three meals per day Certificate of the weeks completed during your volunteer placement |
| Price | €885 ($965) for two weeks €315 ($343) per additional week + €150 ($164) initial donation |
| Tasks | Teaching English, Mathematics and History Art and music activities Hygiene and health classes Crafts and outdoor games Meal preparation for children Activity organisation Administrative tasks |
Adventure Volunteer’s volunteering program in Cape Verde
What types of volunteering projects exist in Cape Verde?
In Cape Verde, volunteers support a variety of causes. Each island presents different challenges, which is why the available projects adapt to the resources and peculiarities of each place. The opportunities are varied, but they all have one thing in common: they take place in communities with limited access to basic services, where close support can make a significant difference.
Regardless of the type of project you choose, what matters most is arriving with an open attitude, ready to adapt, to observe before acting, and to build from a place of respect. That said, let’s take a look at the most common volunteering projects in Cape Verde:
1- Early Childhood Education and School Support
One of the most frequent areas for volunteering is early childhood education and school support, especially in the peripheral areas of Praia (the capital of Santiago island) or Mindelo (in São Vicente). There, volunteers join local community centres or libraries where remedial classes are held for children and teenagers who struggle to keep up with the formal education system.
Sometimes the work consists of teaching English or mathematics. Other times, it’s just about being there, listening, and encouraging children who need more support than theory. In many cases, just the fact that someone from outside shows interest in them is, in itself, a boost for their learning.
2- Health Projects
There is also a strong demand for health and community awareness projects, especially in rural areas or those with limited access to medical centres. While non-medical volunteers don’t perform clinical tasks, they can assist in disease prevention campaigns, promote personal hygiene, sexual health, and run workshops on nutrition or water care.
The activities are usually simple but essential: Distributing materials, translating explanations, accompanying families, or simply sharing information warmly and clearly.
3- Environmental Protection
Another very active field is environmental protection, especially on islands with high tourist pressure such as Sal or Boa Vista. Local NGOs promote recycling projects, waste collection, environmental education in schools, and campaigns to reduce plastic use.
As a volunteer, you’ll not only participate in activities but also help design them and engage the community creatively. In a country where climate change is already visible (less rain, more erosion, droughts), this work has a direct and urgent impact.
4- Empowerment and Support for Women
Supporting women and families in vulnerable situations is also a central focus. In many communities, especially rural ones, women lack access to professional training and have multiple children to care for.
Empowerment projects include everything from sewing or cooking workshops to literacy activities, rights education, or small-scale entrepreneurial initiatives. Volunteers act as facilitators, but also as references who listen, motivate, and share tools. These spaces often foster very intimate and transformative bonds for both sides.
5- Combined Projects
Finally, there are projects that combine various areas, such as day centres where educational, recreational, food-related, and emotional support tasks are mixed. These spaces, mainly in Santiago and São Nicolau, allow for deeper involvement and offer insight into the community’s daily life.
How much does it cost to volunteer in Cape Verde?
Unlike a traditional trip, where you choose a destination, book accommodation, and organise excursions on your own, volunteering involves a pre-established structure that covers much of the daily logistics. However, while it’s a charitable trip, it’s not free. Participating in a well-managed, safe program requires an investment. The good news is, you gain a profound cultural experience, build real community connections, and enjoy a daily life where everything is taken care of.
Below, we’ll share the main costs you should consider when volunteering in Cape Verde, so you can plan your budget without surprises.
1- Mandatory Program Costs
Most organisations operating in Cape Verde set a weekly or monthly fee, which covers accommodation, meals, local support, materials for activities, and, in some cases, internal transfers or an initial orientation. Prices vary depending on the project, the island, and the duration, but as a general reference, you can expect something like this:
- Two weeks: €470–570 ($512–621)
- One month: €780–960 ($850–1,046)
- Two months: From €1,300 ($1,417)
International round-trip flights usually cost €700–1,050 ($763–1,145), depending on your country of origin and the time of year. Keep in mind that there are no direct flights from Latin America, so you will need at least one stopover in Europe (Lisbon and Madrid are the most common).
Additionally, you’ll need to pay for the EASE fee, an electronic registration required instead of a visa for short stays. This is processed online and costs around €34 ($37). If your program lasts longer than 30 days, the NGO will tell you how to renew your immigration status.
Finally, it’s essential to have an international medical insurance, covering hospital care, emergency transfers, and repatriation. Many NGOs require this as a condition for participation. The approximate cost is €35–50 ($38–55) per month, depending on coverage.
2- Variable Costs
Once you’re there, your expenses depend on your accommodation, mobility, and lifestyle.
For example, in a tourist island like Sal, you may explore, eat out, or take excursions. In a rural village in Santiago, personal expenses will be minimal, as everything is covered and consumerism is limited.
A reasonable estimate to cover local transport, mobile top-ups, personal purchases or the occasional outing is around €70–130 ($76–142) per month.
3- What you’ll save by volunteering in Cape Verde
One of the big benefits of volunteering is that it saves you many of the typical costs of traditional tourism. You won’t have to pay for accommodation per night, search for food every day, or spend on organised tours. In most programmes, accommodation and two to three meals per day are included, representing a monthly saving of €260–430 ($283–469) depending on the destination.
Additionally, by being part of a local community, you’ll access free or low-cost cultural experiences: dance classes, community gatherings, group excursions, walks around the islands, or beach days with children and neighbours. You also save on unnecessary transfers since you’ll be living near where you’re volunteering.
And perhaps most importantly: By avoiding the tourist circuit, you get a meaningful trip, where the impact is reciprocal and real. The money you invest translates into a much richer and more authentic experience.
Volunteering in Cape Verde: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, although having a basic level will make your experience flow more smoothly. Portuguese is the official language, but people commonly speak Criolu, a Creole language, which may be challenging at first. Many NGOs accept English or Spanish speakers, but communicating with the community enriches the experience. Some organisations offer introductory language classes upon arrival.
Absolutely. Most programs offer free days or half-days, letting volunteers explore the islands, go for walks, visit beaches, or discover other villages. You can also plan a holiday at the end of the program, with a deeper understanding of the country. Many volunteers stay a few extra days to explore islands like Sal or Fogo.
Comfortable, breathable, and modest clothing. In rural areas, especially in Santiago, people expect respectful attire, avoiding excessively short or low-cut garments. If you’re collaborating in educational centres or with children, avoid t-shirts with controversial phrases or images. It’s also advisable to bring sturdy sandals, a cap, sunscreen, and a light waterproof jacket for rainy days.
In some islands or small villages, power cuts and water interruptions are common. They aren’t constant but can happen. Having a flexible attitude and bringing essentials is important. A flashlight, phone charger, water bottle, and wet wipes help.
Its island identity, Afro-Portuguese mix, milder climate, and political stability make it ideal for an offbeat African experience. No safaris or large cities here, but volcanic landscapes, small communities, and unforgettable hospitality await.
