Top Santa Maria How to Get Around in 2026

Sal Island has a world of discoveries waiting for you! Enjoy the beauty, the contact with the local people, the gastronomy and all the unforgettable places that the island has to offer! Our visit is done in a group. For private visits, please contact us.

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.

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..

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.

Enjoy an unforgettable day on the island of Sal with our half-day tour to the Bay of the Shark and the Salines of Pedra de Lume, where you can observe the lemon sharks in their natural habitat and marvel at the unique beauty of the salines. Accompanied by our expert guides, you will have the opportunity to enter the water and experience an exciting interaction with these beautiful creatures of nature. This species of lemon shark is not aggressive, although it is necessary to follow carefully all the recommendations of your Guide. To conclude our trip, we head to the salines of Pedra de Lume, where you can contemplate the stunning landscape of the salines, float in the natural saltwater pool and learn about the interesting history of the place and the island in general.

Cape Verde is a one-of-a-kind tourist destination, with plenty of tourist attractions, restaurants and fascinating history. See a different side to the island than your other tourist activities offer with this off-the-beaten track tour. Your guide is on hand to tell you all about Santa Maria and Cape Verde's history, and help you find attractions that most visitors to Cape Verde have no idea about. This tour also includes a visit to Shark Bay, where you'll be able to see sharks in their natural habitat.

Cruise through the scenic streets of Santa Maria on two wheels with this fun-filled Segway tour that's perfect for the whole family. Discover the desert, the beaches and the hidden treasures of this popular destination as you follow your guide through all of Santa Maria's top attractions.

Book a trip with 100% security, and explore the best of Sal island in 1 day. Improves your health and rejuvenate yourself in the salty waters of the saline. Discover one of the best kite beaches in the world and taste the best of local cuisine all that with the best professionals on this island.

After picking up customers from their hotels at 8:00 PM, our group heads towards the beach. Upon arrival, you'll witness a fascinating sight as the guide introduces you to the turtles, explaining what to expect and how the process unfolds. Patience is key, as the turtles are cautious creatures—if they don't feel secure, they won't come ashore. You'll observe as the turtle carefully selects a spot on the beach, prepares the ground, and begins digging. If the sand isn't suitable, the turtle will search for a better location. Once satisfied, it will lay between 65 to 100 eggs. After completing this delicate process, the turtle covers the nest and camouflages it before returning to the sea. This extraordinary experience concludes with a return trip to your hotel, ensuring you have a memorable and educational evening witnessing the wonders of nature on Sal Island.

At the tour we will do everything so that the customer have a good experience with the animal only ask for patience because it is a nature tour.

Pink Pick-up car, top Sal's attractions plus off-road gems spiced up with funny pictures and more - that is Franek Foto Tour in a nutshell. I will take you to the most popular spots on Sal Island such as Kite Beach, Buracona, Murdeira, Salinas (both those close to Santa Maria, as well as in Pedra de Lume – the latter we will see however from out-of-the-box view). But what I want to show you is less known, yet stunning sights of the island. My tour goes partly off-road – we will go to the places where ony quads or 4x4 vehicles can go. It will be also a trip in time - I will show you some medical plants and places that have traces of how Sal used to look like. If ocean conditions are favourable, we will also swim in natural swimming pools. Every tour us different and tailored according to the needs of my guests and we stop in every place as long as you wish. So you can leave your watch at the hotel, but please do not forget to bring your swimming suit, sun cream and camera!

Explore Sal Island at your own pace on a private half-day 4×4 tour! Visit top highlights like the Blue Eye, Pedra de Lume Salt Lake, and Shark Bay with the comfort of hotel pickup and a knowledgeable local guide. Travel in a private vehicle (4×4 or mini-bus), enjoy flexible itineraries, and discover Cape Verde’s culture and history along the way. Perfect for families, couples, and small groups looking for a fun, personalized adventure.

Make the most of your time at Sal Island by booking this hassle-free tour that takes you to all of the island’s hot spots, and some secret ones you wouldn’t find on your own. The tour starts with hotel pickup to keep things simple, and then you’re on your way. Check out the kite surfing scene, views of Lion Mountain, fishing villages, the Blue Eye, and much more. Enjoy provided lunch, too, to keep you fueled up.

Our tours is the best on the Sal Island. We come with a full total package for your full satisfaction. This includes Catamaran Buggy Quad, Jet Ski and horse riding.

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.'

Explore the wildlife of Sal Island with this turtle-watching excursion. Home to a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, witness these majestic natural animals in their habitats. Listen to a briefing on appropriate turtle conduct, then walk along the beach under the evening sky, waiting for an opportunity to approach and watch as the turtles lay their eggs.

Escape to the tranquil beaches of Sal, Cabo Verde, for an unforgettable Romantic Sunset Escape. Whether you're celebrating love, friendship, or a special milestone, this private experience is perfect for couples and groups of up to 10 people. Your journey begins with private round-trip transportation from your hotel to our secluded beach location. Relax and enjoy the ride, knowing every detail has been taken care of. Upon arrival, you'll find a dreamy boho-chic setup featuring soft pareos, plush cushions, glowing torches, and flickering candles. The stage is set for you to sit back, unwind, and soak in the golden hues of the sunset over the Atlantic. Adding to this unforgettable evening is a bottle of premium Cape Verdean wine from the volcanic island of Fogo. Raise a glass to life's special moments as you relax with the soothing sounds of the ocean in the background. This intimate setup is perfect for anniversaries, proposals, birthdays, or a unique bonding experience.

Discover the island of Sal, along with the history and culture of Cape Verde, on this full-day tour. Alongside a private guide, see several attractions including Lion Mountain, the Blue Eye natural swimming pool, and the Salinas, where you can float in the salty water. You also visit small villages to learn about local life, refresh with a swim at beautiful beaches, and get close to lemon sharks in Shark Bay.

Escape the crowds and enjoy a private wellness experience at the spectacular Pedra de Lume Salt Lake with a native certified guide. Located inside the crater of an extinct volcano, this unique salt lagoon is one of Sal Island's most iconic natural attractions. Float effortlessly in its warm, mineral-rich waters, admire the extraordinary volcanic scenery and discover the fascinating history of Cape Verde's salt industry. With private transportation and a personalized itinerary, you'll have the freedom to relax, explore and enjoy this remarkable place at your own pace, making it the perfect experience for couples, families and anyone seeking tranquility, nature and authenticity.

Mother Nature might as well have designed the beaches and dunes of Sal for quad biking – because they're ideal for this adrenaline-pumping activity. We'll take you to the world-famous Kite Beach in the southeast of the island for an experience that'll get your races pulsing. You can choose either a two or four-hour quad ride. You'll be picked up from your hotel and we'll soon be making a beeline for the island's famous salt plains. Once you've trundled past Serra Negra mountains and the white salt flats, you won't be far from Kite Beach. This beach gets its name from the legions of kitesurfers who come here for the huge swells and high winds. This excursion is almost a whistle-stop tour of the island – with a rip-roaring bit of fun in a quad being the icing on the cake.

With RENT & DRIVE, we offer customers the opportunity to discover the island of Sal, Cape Verde, in a different way: driving your own quad and enjoying the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Unlike organized tours, customers do not have to follow a guide, travel in a group, or adhere to set schedules during their trip. You can discover the island's spectacular volcanic and desert landscapes, its dirt roads, traditional villages, and numerous tourist attractions, always respecting the authorized areas for circulation. We offer two rental options: 4 hours: ideal for those who want to enjoy a quad adventure and discover some of the most interesting places on the island. 8 hours: perfect for those who prefer to dedicate the day to exploring Sal with greater tranquility, making different stops, and enjoying a more complete experience.

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.

Discover a side of Sal Island that most visitors never experience on this private tour of Espargos. Explore the island's capital at your own pace with a certified local guide, meeting local residents and experiencing the famous Cape Verdean morabeza. Admire colorful street art, learn about the island's history and development, enjoy traditional Cape Verdean tapas with a local drink, and take in panoramic views over much of Sal Island. With a private guide, you'll enjoy a personalized experience tailored to your interests and pace.

We will pick you up from your hotel by minibus at 9:00 AM. We will begin the tour traveling south on Sal Island, where we will see the Santa Maria pier and the salt flats. We will continue our tour through the Terra Boa desert, whose landscapes will surprise us with a curious mirage. Our next stop will be in the island's administrative capital, Espargos, where you will have an hour of free time to enjoy lunch on your own. With our energies recharged, we will climb to a famous viewpoint to admire the views of the island. The tour continues towards the shores of Parda Bay, famous for being the natural habitat of lemon sharks. Nearby are the Pedra de Luma salt flats. In the vicinity, there are a series of lagoons where, like in the Dead Sea, you can float in the waters. A perfect opportunity to tone your skin naturally!