Top Santa Maria Full-day Tours

See the highlights of Sal Island in the company of a certified tour guide that will introduce you to the island, its locals and sights, and Cape Verde in general. There's a lot to see here and figuring out a tour plan on your own is challenging. This family-friendly excursion takes the guesswork out of the equation. You'll visit Ponta Preta, Murdeira, Espargos, the fishing village of Palmeira, the natural pools of Buracona, and more.

It will be a unique experience, with local guides, we know our island better than anyone. With us, it's a stress-free ride and you'll be directly helping the local economy.

Our tour is done with 100% certified local guides with a small group on a pickup or a minivan where you will have time to dive into the natural pools to see the sharks in their natural environment, float in a saltwater volcanic boiler.

Sal Island is one of the highlights of Cape Verde, but with no public transport, it’s tricky to get around without your own wheels. On this tour, skip the hassle of renting a car and let a local guide drive you to all the top attractions—and some lesser-known viewpoints. Marvel at natural wonders, including Shark Bay and Buracona Blue Eye, visit Kite Beach and Murdeira Bay, and float in the Pedra de Lume Salt Lake.

It will be a unique experience, with local guides, we know our island better than anyone. With us, it's a stress-free ride and you'll be directly helping the local economy.

Discover the highlights, history and day-to-day life of Sal and Cape Verdeans with this multi-stop, guided off-road day tour. The route starts in Ponta Preta, the most beautiful beach on the island where the windsurfing championships are held in February, Murdeira – the island's natural harbor, which is also the turtle mating place cabeçudas from June to October, Monte Leão – a lion-shaped mountain, the oasis of Fontona, Palmeira – the main port of the island with all its colorful houses, Buracona – with its two natural pools and the teapot's eye, Terra Boa – where you can see the mirage and stop for a bottled drink, the salt flats of the volcano in Pedra de Lume from the top for amazing photos, and possible entry to float in the second saltiest water in the world, Shark watching and return to Santa Maria was on a normal road..

Explore Sal Island on a private tour designed specifically for families with children! Discover the magic DA Sal Island with your family on a private 4x4 ride designed to ensure fun, safety and unforgettable moments for all ages! This tour was designed to be interactive and relaxing, with exciting stops, fascinating stories and enough time to enjoy each place at its own pace. ✨ Why choose this tour? Perfect for families - Personalised and flexible itinerary, tailored for children and adults. Major highlights DA island - Explore Salinas DE Pedra DE Lume, the Shark Bay, the Conchas Beach and more. Comfort and safety - Travel in a 4x4 vehicle with comfortable boarding and panoramic views. Educational fun - Get to know nature, marine life and Cape Verdean culture DE engaging way. Designed for children - Interactive activities and stops suitable for the youngest.

This full day adventure dishes up Sal's highlights by land and sea. You'll start the morning with an off-road drive, ticking off places like Palmeira and the salt lake at Pedra de Lume. Then after lunch, you'll swap the 4x4 for a catamaran to cruise the shores in style.

Explore the captivating island of Sal on a guided full-day journey, immersing yourself in Cape Verdean culture and natural wonders. Begin at Murdeira Bay for breathtaking ocean views before venturing to Palmeira, a quaint fishing village. Marvel at Buracona's "Blue Eye," a stunning natural pool, and discover Espargos, the bustling capital, where local markets and culture await. Visit the Miragem for optical illusions and explore Terra Boa's picturesque desert landscapes. Experience the excitement of Shark Bay, where you can observe baby lemon sharks up close. Unwind at the therapeutic Salt Lakes of Pedra de Lume before cruising through Kite Beach, famous for kite surfing. End your day at Santa Maria, the vibrant tourist hub with its beautiful beach and lively atmosphere. Enjoy seamless hotel transfers for a hassle-free exploration of Sal Island's diverse highlights.

For a small island, Sal boasts a wealth of sights. This tour covers nearly every inch of it, taking in Kite Beach, Murdeira Bay, Buracona lagoon, Pedra de Lume salt flats and the towns of Palmeira and Espargos. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The salt pans at Pedra de Lume are the result of a natural accident. The evaporation ponds occupy the crater of an extinct volcano that's always had a supply of seawater because the base of the crater sits below sea level.' A great excursion that combines scenery, flora and fauna, villages and gastronomy.

Discover the hidden treasures of Sal Island on an exhilarating full-day off-road adventure. Journey through breathtaking landscapes and uncover secret locales with a dedicated guide in a robust 4x4 vehicle. This tour offers an immersive cultural experience, providing insider knowledge and unforgettable encounters with local traditions and communities. Perfect for adventure seekers and families alike, the customizable itinerary ensures a unique and personalized journey, making it an exceptional way to experience the island's true essence. Indulge in the freedom to explore at your own pace and create lasting memories on this unparalleled expedition.

With long stretches of unspoilt beach and a rich cultural heritage – Sal has all the ingredients for a perfect day trip. This tour packs in the best sights, including Buracona lagoon and Pedra de Lume salt flats. To top it off, there's a traditional Cape Verdean lunch, and you'll get a glimpse of laidback, local life in Espargos and Palmeira. Rodrigo, one of our local guides, says, ‘Pedra de Lume is in the middle of a volcanic crater, and you reach it via a tunnel. You can sometimes pick up compressed salt crystals the size of a golf ball, while at other times the salt is so hard that you walk on the pans.'

Experience an exclusive adventure on our catamaran with a BBQ onboard, freshly grilled fish, fishing, diving and more – multilingual crew included!

Adventure seekers need look no further than this action-packed 4WD island tour from Santa Maria. A guide will help you see more than you ever could on your own, including Murdeira, Espargos, and Palmeira. You'll also have an opportunity to swim in Salt Lake with your group. Then, before heading to the sea to encounter lemon sharks in their natural habitat, you'll refuel at a local restaurant (own expense) at lunchtime.

Explore the charms of Sal Island with our Pick-Up Tour, an experience that combines comfort and adventure. This tour takes you to the island’s most iconic sites, allowing you to discover stunning landscapes, unique natural phenomena and the authentic culture of Cape Verde. Always accompanied by an experienced local guide, guarantees a journey full of fascinating stories and unforgettable moments.

Discover Sal Island on a fully customizable private tour led by a native certified guide. Explore the island at your own pace, with the freedom to personalise the itinerary, spend more time at your favourite locations or skip stops according to your interests. Visit Sal Island's most iconic attractions, including Buracona's Blue Eye, Shark Bay, Pedra de Lume Salt Lake, Espargos, Palmeira, Murdeira Bay, Terra Boa Mirage, Kite Beach and Santa Maria, while discovering the island's history, culture, traditions and hidden gems through the eyes of a local. Upon request, your tour can also include the Viveiro Botanical Garden (optional entrance fee), Santa Maria's historic centre, hidden natural pools and other off-the-beaten-path locations, creating a truly exclusive experience tailored to you.