Top Santa Maria Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

Discover Sal Island with an officially certified native Guide, passionate about sharing Cape Verde’s history, culture and traditions. More than just a tour, this is an authentic, safe and enriching experience, conducted by those who truly know the island. Visit the main points of interest, including the Blue Eye of Buracona, the Bay of the Lime Shark, the Salinas de Pedra de Lume, Palmeira, Espargos, Murdeira, Terra Boa, Kite Beach and Santa Maria, as you discover stories, local secrets and unique landscapes. With total freedom, you can choose the attractions you want to visit and decide if you want to have lunch at a local restaurant. Travel with comfort and discover the true essence of Sal Island through the eyes of those who were born and live on this island.

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.

Escape the crowded beaches and admire Sal’s coastline from a fresh perspective during an adults-only catamaran cruise that promises a more peaceful experience than standard sails. Swim at spots between Palmeira and Monte Leão that are difficult to reach by land, and enjoy all-inclusive drinks, so you don’t have to worry about hidden costs.

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.

Avoid the stress of looking for taxis after your arrival in Sal. Book a comfortable and reliable private transfer between Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) and your Santa Maria accommodation. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting for you right after the exit door of the arrival area, holding a yellow sign with "Sal Experiences". You will be assisted with your luggage and escorted to your private vehicle. Travel directly to your hotel, apartment, villa, guesthouse or Airbnb without unnecessary waiting or stops. All transfers include real-time Flights monitoring, allowing you to automatically adjust the pickup time in case of delay. For departure transfers, the driver will pick you up directly to your accommodation and ensure a comfortable and punctual ride to the airport. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this door-to-door service offers a safe and comfortable way to start or end your stay on Sal Island.

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

Set sail on a relaxing catamaran cruise along the stunning western coast of Sal. Departing from Palmeira, the journey takes you to the picturesque Murdeira Bay, where you can swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales, especially from February to May, as you enjoy onboard refreshments, snacks, and lively music. This tour is perfect for those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure in a marine reserve rich in wildlife, including sea turtles and seabirds. - Enjoy a scenic catamaran cruise along Sal's coastline - Swim and snorkel in the beautiful Murdeira Bay - Spot dolphins and whales on your return journey (February to May) - Relax with snacks and drinks while enjoying onboard entertainment

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.

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.

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!

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.

With a unique combination of quality and affordability, this experience offers an incredible opportunity to explore the stunning Island of Sal for less. In addition, you will have the chance to meet and interact with other people who are also participating in the tour, creating new friendships and sharing experiences. Our expert team will ensure you receive exceptional service throughout your journey. Take advantage of this unmissable opportunity to discover the wonders of Sal Island, meet new people and create unforgettable memories. Book now and embark on this extraordinary adventure!

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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!

On this excursion to Espargos from Santa Maria we'll discover the relaxed and carefree way of life of the capital of the island of Sal. We'll also explore its streets in the hunt for fascinating street art! Meet the locals and experience the morabeza of Sal island. Learn more about this island with your expert local guide and taste typical local flavours.

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.'

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.