Top Santa Maria Nature and Wildlife

Enjoy an exclusive Lemon Shark Experience with a native certified nature guide, away from the crowds and at your own pace. Walk safely into 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, life cycle and ecological importance of these fascinating animals while enjoying a safe and respectful wildlife encounter. Water shoes are included free of charge for your comfort and safety. With private transportation, flexible departure times, personalised attention and complimentary photos and videos, this tour offers the most comfortable and immersive way to experience Sal Island's famous lemon sharks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

Experience one of Sal Island's most extraordinary natural wonders on a guided turtle-watching tour. During nesting season, loggerhead sea turtles emerge from the ocean under the cover of darkness to lay their eggs on the island's sandy beaches, creating a truly unforgettable wildlife experience. After pickup from your accommodation, travel to a protected nesting beach accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Learn about the life cycle of loggerhead turtles, their nesting behavior, and the conservation efforts that help protect this endangered species in Cape Verde. Highlights Witness loggerhead sea turtles nesting on a Cape Verde beach Learn about the life cycle of loggerhead turtles from your guide Discover local conservation efforts to protect this endangered species

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!

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.

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!

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.

Discover the stunning Salt Island on a private tour tailored for your group or family. Enjoy a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned vehicle while exploring the main sights, guided by a certified Expert fluent in Portuguese, English, Italian, Spanish and French. The tour includes a convenient search and delivery service at your hotel, providing a stress-free experience. Optional entrance fees for attractions such as the salines and the Blue Eye add flexibility to your adventure. Perfect for families and small groups seeking a unique and personalized exploration of this beautiful island. - Private tour exclusively for your group or family, ensuring a personalized experience - Comfortable vehicle with air conditioning for your trip through the Island of Salt - Certificate Guide available in several languages for your convenience - Optional entrance fees for attractions, allowing you to personalize your visit

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.

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.

This is a unique opportunity to see loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitat, wild and free, laying eggs. You will be guided by expert local and international guides in a respectful way that will not disturb the turtles. An added benefit of this experience is that some of your ticket price goes towards beach cleanups on Sal Island to keep it clean, protecting the turtles and other ocean life.

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.