Top Santa Maria Nature and Wildlife Tours

Experienced riders and beginners alike will find their match on this Sal Island horseback riding tour. Choose between a 1-, 1.5-, or 2-hour ride and set off in a small group with a maximum of eight participants. You’ll ride along white-sand beaches and through the salt flats of Sal, with the opportunity to continue to Kite Beach and beyond. Helmets, round-trip hotel transport, and safety briefing all included.

Embark on an adventure through Sal Island with a small group and certified local guide. Discover the island's hidden gems, delve into its rich history, and immerse yourself in its unique culture. Swim in the super salty water at Salt Lake Salinas, admire the natural pools of the Blue Eye, encounter lemon sharks in their natural habitat at Shark Bay, and much more.

Enjoy an authentic and safe experience at one of Sal Island’s most famous natural attractions. Accompanied by an experienced local Guide, you will have the opportunity to observe juvenile lemon sharks in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior, ecology and importance for the island’s marine ecosystem. This experience includes transportation, specialist escort and water shoes suitable for walking safely on the rocky surfaces of the bay. With small groups and personalized attention, you can enjoy close contact with nature in a comfortable, educational and memorable way.

Sal Island has beautiful beaches and towns waiting to be explored but going on your own takes a lot of planning and researching. Instead, book this Sal Island Full-Day Tour from Santa Maria and go with a guide who knows the best places to stop and see. Fit in Palmeira, Espargos, and Pedra Lume in just a couple of hours and return to Santa Maria when this tour is over.

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..

It will be an experience you have never had before and that you will remember for the rest of your life. It's the best nature excursion we have on the island, our natural Discovery Channel in Sal.

Day or half day tour accompanied DE a local Guide, qualified and certified by the beaches, villas and cities OF the island accompanied by information on history and culture

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.

Explore the wildlife of Sal Island with this turtle watching excursion. Home to nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, witness these majestic natural animals in their habitats. Relax in a glamping tent and enjoy drinks and snacks while listening to a briefing on appropriate turtle conduct. Walk along the beach under the evening sky waiting for an opportunity to approach and watch as the turtles lay their eggs.

Join an exclusive experience for small groups to live a unique moment with the best atmosphere and respecting the guidelines of the Biodiversity Project biologists. Professional guides with knowledge and extensive experience, and volunteers in the turtle protection and preservation project. Enjoy the knowledge of a guide specialized in nature tours who will tell you everything about their evolution, characteristics, the historical relationship with turtles and interesting facts about turtles. The guides will ensure an ecological and environmentally conscious experience for the turtles and visitors. Sea turtle watching is a unique experience for all nature and wildlife lovers while visiting Cape Verde. By choosing Sal Experience, a local sustainable company, you will support our beach cleaning program and sea turtle preservation and protection efforts.

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.

Discover Sal Island on a fully personalized private tour accompanied by an officially certified native Guide. Explore the island at your own pace, with total flexibility to adapt the itinerary, time at each stop and experiences to your interests and preferences. Visit emblematic sites such as the Blue Eye of Buracona, the Bay of Lime Shark, the Salinas de Pedra de Fuego, Espargos, Palmeira, Murdeira, Terra Boa, Kite Beach and Santa Maria, as you discover stories, local secrets, culture and traditions through who was born and lives on the island. On request, the tour can also include the Viveiro Botanical Garden (optional entry), the historic center of Santa Maria, less-known natural pools and other places outside the usual tourist routes, making your experience truly unique.

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.

Heighten your chances of spotting lemon sharks on a half-day tour that showcases the marine creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll learn much more about the fish than you would alone, with the help of a marine biologist, as you venture out to Shark Bay and watch them in the wild.

While in Santa Maria, carve out time to explore the area by water without having the hassle of renting a boat. This Santa Maria Full-Day Sailing Experience takes you with a small-group and guide on the water in a sailing boat. Along with great views and the opportunity to snorkel, you’ll also enjoy an onboard open bar and lunch.

Set out on an unforgettable clear kayak experience along the sparkling coastline of Santa Maria Bay or Bikini Beach! Glide across turquoise waters and enjoy an amazing view of the vibrant marine world just below you. Guided by our friendly and professional local team, this one-hour adventure is designed for pure fun, discovery, and relaxation. We use two types of clear kayaks to ensure every guest enjoys the best experience possible: * Fully transparent kayaks: that offer a complete 360° view of the water below and around you * Dual-window kayaks: featuring two large crystal-clear panels beneath each seat, perfect for comfort and stability Your guide will choose the most suitable kayak for you based on sea conditions, weight balance, and experience level, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone. Get ready for a magical ocean adventure that’s all about fun, connection and discovery!

Spend your day sailing along the southwest coast of Sal when you book this fun sailing tour. Climb aboard your vessel with a small group and spend your day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The waters are rich with marine life, so keep your eyes peeled for species like sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and flying fish.

The desolate beauty of inland Sal is in stark contrast to the white sands of its coast. On this off-road safari, you'll explore Murdeira Bay, the Buracona lagoon, the ocean-like sands of Terra Boa and Pedra de Lume. Beyond the most popular sights, you'll also get a glimpse of local life in Palmeira and Espargos. Rodrigo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘I've lived on Sal all my life, and I'm still fascinated by my island's colourful street art. It's a vivid reflection of our culture and our daily lives.'

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.

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!

Discover two of Sal Island's most iconic experiences in just one relaxing half-day tour. Accompanied by a native certified guide, visit the historic village of Pedra de Lume, the island's first settlement, and learn how salt production shaped the history and development of Sal Island. Float effortlessly in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Pedra de Lume Salt Lake, the world's only salt lagoon inside the crater of an extinct volcano. Known as a natural spa, its highly saline waters leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed while offering a unique and deeply relaxing experience. Complete your adventure at Shark Bay, where you'll safely observe juvenile lemon sharks in their natural habitat. This tour is perfect for travelers looking to combine history, local culture, nature, wellness and wildlife in one unforgettable experience.

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.