Top Santa Maria Outdoor Activities

Há muitas jóias escondidas para experimentar na ilha de Sal, mas a maioria dos viajantes nunca tem a chance de explorá-las. Nesta excursão de dia inteiro para pequenos grupos, aproveite uma combinação de pontos turísticos naturais e urbanos enquanto descobre desertos salinos, arte de rua e piscinas vulcânicas. Você até terá a chance de ver tubarões limões nativos em seu habitat natural.

This tour is the perfect combination of adrenaline, nature and culture, providing unforgettable moments at each stop. Reservation your off-road adventure and discover the best of Sal Island like you never imagined! You won't regret it! Quad for 2 people; only one conductor, with a valid card, can alternate. Reservation is per person and the vehicle is shared.

Explore the beautiful waters off the coast of Sal when you board this catamaran adventure from Santa Maria. Join a small group and sail along the southwest coast of the island to observe the beautiful scenery. This tour is a great opportunity to observe local wildlife, like turtles, dolphins, and even whales, onboard and with provided snorkel gear.

Zip along the coast of Cape Verde’s Sal Island when you book this thrilling Jet Ski tour from Santa Maria. Meet your guide and get a safety briefing before taking off across the waters for your exciting adventure. Choose to ride solo or tandem and spend your time exploring the area as you desire.

Discover two of Sal Island's most iconic experiences in one relaxing half-day tour. Accompanied by a native certified guide, explore the historic village of Pedra de Lume and discover how salt production shaped the island's past while admiring its extraordinary volcanic landscapes. 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 offer a unique and deeply relaxing experience while leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Complete your adventure at Shark Bay, where you'll safely observe juvenile lemon sharks in their natural habitat. Perfect for travelers seeking relaxation, nature and unforgettable experiences, this tour combines wellness, wildlife and breathtaking scenery in one memorable half-day adventure.

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.

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!

Experience an unforgettable day on Sal Island with our half-day tour to Shark Bay and the Salt Lakes of Pedra de Lume. Get up close and personal with baby lemon sharks in their natural habitat and witness the unique beauty of the salt mines. Accompanied by our expert guides, you will have the opportunity to enter the water and experience an exhilarating interaction with these majestic creatures. Afterwards, visit the nearby Salt Lakes of Pedra de Lume, where you can float in the salty natural pool, take in the stunning scenery, and learn about the history and significance of the salt mines. Our knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the behavior and biology of the lemon sharks, as well as the history of the salt mines, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Join us for a day of adventure and discovery on Sal Island!

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.

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.

Enjoy a 3-hour tour on your beautiful Catamaran Makaira. Meet us at Porto de Palmeira, where your team will greet you. We offer hotel transfers to the departure point. After a quick check-in, we’ll transport you to the Catamaran Makaira using a dinghy. Onboard, find your perfect spot to relax in comfort. Your team will start with a safety briefing at the Porto de Palmeira. Sail along the west coast towards Monte Leão. Look out for sea turtles and, with luck, dolphins. We’ll stop for a swim in crystal-clear waters and snorkeling to explore marine life. Dolphins may also be spotted along the way. Enjoy good music, snacks, and drinks throughout the trip. We return to Porto de Palmeira at the end of the tour.

As águas que rodeiam a ilha de Sal são o lar de algumas espécies majestosas de tartarugas, mas é difícil saber como capturá-las. Adicione esta experiência de tartaruga do mar em pequenos grupos às suas férias em Santa Maria e participe de uma aventura de observação da vida selvagem. Você também aprenderá sobre os projetos de biodiversidade e proteção ecológica em andamento na região.

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.

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.'

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.

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!

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.

Known for its long stretches of white-sand beaches and year-round sunshine, the island of Sal in Cape Verde is best explored off the main roads. Get out for an adventurous sightseeing tour on this 4-hour off-roading trip from Santa Maria, which lets you access beaches, salt flats, and more wilderness inaccessible by cars.

Enjoy Sal Island's most authentic Lemon Shark Experience led by a native certified nature guide. Unlike simply watching sharks from a distance, you'll safely enter the shallow waters of Shark Bay, where juvenile lemon sharks swim naturally around you in their protected nursery. Spend around 40 minutes in the water learning about the behaviour, biology and conservation of these remarkable animals while enjoying a safe and respectful wildlife encounter. Water shoes are included free of charge for your comfort and safety, and small groups ensure a more personal experience with plenty of time to observe, ask questions and take unforgettable photos. This is a unique opportunity to connect with Cape Verde's marine life while supporting responsible and sustainable wildlife tourism.

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.

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!

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.

Try kitesurfing for the first time or improve your skills with private and group lessons on Sal Island in Cape Verde. Available for all levels and conducted by experienced instructors, the lessons include a mandatory land session for beginners and participant assessment to ensure safety. Experience this kitesurfing hotspot known for its ideal winds, making Cape Verde, especially Sal Island, popular among kitesurfers.