Ilhéus Secos, Protected island group in Cape Verde.
Ilhéus Secos is an island group consisting of several small formations including Islote Grande, positioned north of Brava Island as part of the Cape Verde archipelago. The islands emerge from the Atlantic as rocky outcrops with minimal vegetation, accessible only by boat from nearby Brava.
Portuguese navigators documented these islands in the 15th century during their Atlantic expeditions and mapping of the Cape Verde archipelago. The islands became known reference points for sailors navigating the central Atlantic waters.
The island names reflect how different seafaring cultures encountered and labeled these places during centuries of Atlantic exploration. Local guides share stories about the maritime importance these small islands held for navigation and fishing communities.
Visits require boat transport from Brava Island, with trips heavily dependent on ocean weather conditions and sea state. Travelers should plan for calm days and coordinate with local boat operators who know when conditions are suitable for crossing.
The islands serve as one of the few uninhabited refuges in the Cape Verde archipelago where seabirds and migratory species nest away from human interference. This isolation makes them valuable for observing Atlantic bird populations in their natural breeding areas.
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