Baia das Gatas
A sheltered bay on Sao Vicente enclosed by a lava reef, host of a long-running August music festival.
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Baía das Gatas is a bay on São Vicente's northeastern coast enclosed by a natural lava reef that breaks the swell and leaves a calm lagoon inside, which makes it one of the safer swimming places on the island. It is best known for its music festival, held around the August full moon since 1984, when tens of thousands of people camp on the shore for several nights of Cape Verdean and international music.
What you actually see
- The lava reef - the natural barrier that shelters the bay.
- The lagoon - calm water inside the reef, safe for swimming.
- The August festival - the full-moon music festival running since 1984.
- The camping shore - the ground behind the beach used during the festival.
When to go
November to June is the dry season for quiet swimming. The festival falls around the August full moon and transforms the place. Outside the festival the bay is largely empty.
Honest expectations
Facilities are minimal outside festival time. During the festival the site is crowded, loud and the infrastructure is stretched. Swimming outside the reef is dangerous.
Nearby
Calhau is southeast, and Mindelo is southwest.
What to pack for Baia das Gatas
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.