Top Santa Maria Adventure Tours in 2026

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

As the afternoon sun begins its gentle descent over the Atlantic, you step aboard our boat, welcomed by the warm Cape Verdean breeze. This is the start of a journey designed entirely for your senses. What You'll Do: Sailing Into the Glow The Departure: You glide smoothly over turquoise waters, leaving the rugged shores of Sal Island behind. The Atmosphere: You feel the soft music blend with the rhythm of the waves, wrapping you in total serenity. The Spectacle: You watch the horizon transform into a living canvas of deep orange, violet, and crimson hues. The Toast: You hold a chilled glass of sparkling cava, watching the fading sunlight dance in the bubbles. A Moment of Pure Magic. Feeling the salt on your skin as the sun dips below the horizon, you touch the true magic of the ocean. For you, time stands still in this fleeting moment where the sky and sea embrace in a golden toast. It is the final sigh of the day, leaving you with the promise of a starry African night.

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!

We'll pick you up at your hotel by minibus at 9:00 AM. We'll begin the tour by traveling south of Sal Island, where we'll see the Santa Maria pier and salt flats. Then, we'll head towards Murdeira Bay. After swimming in its refreshing waters, we'll head to the fishing village of Palmeira. From there, we'll head to Buracona Lagoon, a beautiful natural pool. We'll 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'll have an hour of free time to enjoy lunch on your own. With our energy recharged, we'll climb to a famous viewpoint to admire the island's views. The tour continues towards the shores of Parda Bay, famous for being the natural habitat of lemon sharks. Very close by are the Pedra de Luma salt flats. Nearby are a series of lagoons where, like the Dead Sea, you can float in their waters. A perfect opportunity to tone your skin naturally!

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.

Go off road in a rugged island buggy to explore Santa Maria on this half-day adventure. In a 500cc automatic buggy (two passengers per buggy), get to know the island's highlights, including the nature reserve of Serra Negra and the mirage at Terra Boa. Round-trip hotel transportation included.

Explore Sal Island on a private tour designed specifically for families with children! Discover the magic DA Sal Island with your family on a private 4x4 ride designed to ensure fun, safety and unforgettable moments for all ages! This tour was designed to be interactive and relaxing, with exciting stops, fascinating stories and enough time to enjoy each place at its own pace. ✨ Why choose this tour? Perfect for families - Personalised and flexible itinerary, tailored for children and adults. Major highlights DA island - Explore Salinas DE Pedra DE Lume, the Shark Bay, the Conchas Beach and more. Comfort and safety - Travel in a 4x4 vehicle with comfortable boarding and panoramic views. Educational fun - Get to know nature, marine life and Cape Verdean culture DE engaging way. Designed for children - Interactive activities and stops suitable for the youngest.

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.

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.

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.

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 the stunning islands of Cape Verde with us. Experience pristine beaches, diverse landscapes, and authentic culture through locally guided tours tailored to your interests. Engage with passionate local guides who share hidden gems and stories not found in guidebooks, ensuring a personalized adventure. Enjoy safe, reliable transportation in small groups for an intimate experience that fosters connections and memories you'll cherish. Whether hiking in Santo Antão or relaxing on Sal Island, each tour promises to deliver unforgettable moments in this beautiful archipelago. - Discover the unique beauty and culture of Cape Verde's islands - Engage with expert local guides for an authentic experience - Enjoy small group sizes for personalized attention - Safe and reliable transportation with modern vehicles

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.

Discover the best of Cape Verde's Sal Island, without the hassle of self-driving on rugged desert roads and unmarked routes, on this half-day excursion. Climb aboard a 4WD with a guide who handles all the driving and route planning, so you can just soak up the sights. Discover quaint fishing villages, the beautiful Buracona Lagoon, the Terra Boa mirage, and float in the salt lake of Pedra de Lume.

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.