Our most recommended things to do in Cape Verde

Sal: Island Experience Tour with a Certified Local Guide

1. Sal: Island Experience Tour with a Certified Local Guide

After being picked up from your accommodation, make your way to Santa Maria. Once there, get to know the history of this city, which has transformed from the extraction of its salt to the biggest tourist city in Cape Verde. Next, make your way to Kite Beach, which is one of the best places in the world to practice kite surfing (from October to April) and is usually chosen to hold the world kite surfing championships.  Then visit Porto Palmeira, which is a simple place where people take their sustenance from fishing and working in the port. See the arrival of the crafts, as well as all the activity around the sale of fish. Take a walk among the colorful colonial houses and check out the beautiful street art. Next up, go to Pedra de Lume Beach, Pedra de Lume, and Ilha do Sal.  There, visit the first village on Sal island, which was founded in 1804, to learn about the history and development of the local economy based on the export of salt. Continue to Miragem, where you will see the effects of Fata Morgana water illusions in the desert. Travel then to Buracona, where you will see the Blue Eye, one of the 7 wonders of the island. Swim in its natural pool if the conditions are ideal for bathing. Following the pool, explore the Pedra Lume Salt Crater, where you will learn all about the nourishing benefits this salt center has for the locals. Make a stop to experience floating in this thermal water which is inside an inactive volcanic caldera. Discover Shark Bay, where you will have the experience to see lemon sharks in their natural environment up close. Travel to the village of Murdeira that lies in a natural reserve in the bay. Finally, visit Espargos, the economic centre of the island, where you can see more of the local life, finish your tour with a transfer back to your hotel or airbnb.

Sal: All-Inclusive Salt Lake, Blue Eye and Shark Bay Tour

2. Sal: All-Inclusive Salt Lake, Blue Eye and Shark Bay Tour

Get out for an adventurous sightseeing tour that is perfect for discovering the desert and, the hidden treasures of this popular and most deserted destination. This trip will take you to Salt Lake Salinas of Pedra de Lume, the second saltiest water in the world after the Dead Sea, an incredible lake where you can lie down and float, even if you can't swim, and you will be left with smooth skin as if you had a natural scrub. Next, you will travel to Buracona, where you will see the "Blue Eye", one of the 7 wonders of the island and its natural pool, where you will have time to swim in its crystal clear waters if the conditions are ideal for bathing. Then you will move on to Miragem, where you will see the fata morgana effect of water illusions in the desert. Admire the natural reserve of Murdeira Bay and enjoy the beautiful view of Lion mountain. At the end, you will visit Shark Bay, where you will experience lemon sharks in their natural habitat up close. Enjoy a half-day island tour and visit places like Blue Eye, Miragem, Salinas Salt lake and Shark Bay. Swim in the salt lake and Buracona natural pool with your group, before heading out to sea to see some lemon sharks.

Santa Maria: Guided Snorkeling Shipwreck and Reef Tour

3. Santa Maria: Guided Snorkeling Shipwreck and Reef Tour

Experience the beautiful underwater world of Sal on this guided snorkeling tour in Santa Maria. Explore the reefs around the Bolama Wreck, and spot aquatic life around Dunas Bikini and Farol with a guide who knows the area well. Keep an eye out for creatures like tropical fish, rays, turtles, and moray eels. Meet the guides at the dive center, be fitted with snorkeling equipment, and fill out all of the necessary paperwork before setting out on tour. Receive a safety and rules briefing and learn some basic snorkeling knowledge and some instruction on how to use the equipment. Be dropped off in the water off the reef by boat, and begin exploring underwater. Immerse yourself in a new and exciting underwater world, and try to spot some of the area's many marine species. Look for fish, eels, rays, and turtles, while exploring the different reefs on this approximately two-hour tour. Explore the Bay of Santa Maria which has great underwater visibility. At the end of the reef, there is a shallow shipwreck, the Bolama. Schools of soldier fish and snappers like to swim around it and are regularly found here in addition to parrot fish, trumpet fish, and many others. Return to the dive center following the tour and enjoy the rest of your day.

Sal: All-Inclusive Half-Day Lounge Catamaran Cruise

4. Sal: All-Inclusive Half-Day Lounge Catamaran Cruise

Hop aboard the luxurious Lounge Catamaran Sodade and be whisked away for half a day to unwind. Cruise down the western coast of Sal on the spacious boat, and enjoy a different view of the island's rocky shores. Take the children with you for a fun day out at sea, or select the adults-only tour option to enjoy a kid-free experience. Sip on unlimited beer and soft drinks throughout your trip. After pickup at your hotel, board the catamaran for your half-day trip. The catamaran has a capacity for 90 people but numbers are limited to 60 people per trip to ensure plenty of space for everyone. On the sunlit deck, relax on the comfortable lounge beds while bobbing along with the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and relish a refreshing cocktail, a nice glass of (sparkling) wine, or a cold beer. Halfway through the trip, freshen up with a cool dive into the ocean to swim and snorkel, try some local fishing with the crew, or simply relax on board while a delicious snack is prepared. A private inflatable pool provides a safe opportunity for the smallest guests to enjoy time in the water too. On the way back to the harbor, the ambiance is awakened with African vibes of local music, drums, and dance. Long story short: With a fresh breeze, a combination of soothing and uplifting music, and all-inclusive food and drinks, this catamaran trip makes the perfect getaway.

Sal: Private Airport Transfer to Santa Maria or Espargos

5. Sal: Private Airport Transfer to Santa Maria or Espargos

Avoid the hassle of navigating a foreign public transportation system or the expense of a taxi and enjoy a clean, safe, and reliable transfer between your hotel in Santa Maria or Espargos city and Amilcar Cabral International Airport. All transfers are available 24/7. Save time by booking your pickup service according to your flight times. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign with Sal Experience written on it. Relax and kick off your holiday in style, knowing that you are traveling in the company of a fully licensed and insured driver who will be happy to help you with your luggage or any other issues. So sit back, relax and let your driver take care of you.

Santa Maria, Sal Island: Sea Turtle Watching Experience

6. Santa Maria, Sal Island: Sea Turtle Watching Experience

Discover the magic of nesting turtles on this adventure tour Santa Maria. Join an evening excursion that takes you to beaches of Sal island where the turtles come up to shore and nest. Travel in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle for this unique tour. Get picked up at 8 PM from your accommodation and reach a beautiful deserted beach in less than an hour. Be welcomed by your professional and trained tour guides who will ensure a unique and environmentally conscious experience for all guests. Your guide will tell you everything about the evolution, characteristics, and curiosities of the turtles. Learn why their welfare is the top priority on the island. Cape Verde is home to 3 species of turtles. The yellow turtle, also known as the common turtle, is the most common species in Cape Verde. The sandy beaches of Cape Verde are one of the most important locations for common turtle nesting. In small groups, you’ll walk along the beach at night and watch out for turtles making their way up onto the sand. If you're lucky spotting the turtles, take a seat and remain as silent as possible in order not to disturb them while nesting. Following a unique experience, return to your accommodation where you'll arrive around 10/11 PM.

From Santa Maria: Two-Hour 4WD Buggy Desert Adventure

7. From Santa Maria: Two-Hour 4WD Buggy Desert Adventure

Begin the tour with pickup from your hotel in Santa Maria. Transfer to the local partner's main office where you will be required to show your driver's license. Get kitted out and board your 4x4 to begin your adventure.  On the two-hour tour, discover the salt flats of Santa Maria, surrounded by beautiful sand dunes. Zip past Kite Beach, the favorite beach of kite surfers, before cruising along to Serra Negra, Sal's natural reserve. Stop at the viewpoint here, where you'll be rewarded with an amazing panorama of the entire south part of the island and out to Boavista Island (weather permitting) Buzz across the desert and then stop at the Palha Verde Oasis. Finally, end the tour with a stop at Ponta Preta, the most beautiful beach on the island. Return to the main office and then to your hotel in Santa Maria.

Sal Island: Shark Bay Experience from Santa Maria

8. Sal Island: Shark Bay Experience from Santa Maria

Visit the east part of the island on the beach with a natural lemon shark rookery, which is a light-brown colored shark, or sand-colored when in its natural environment. Choose to stay on the beach and watch the sharks with binoculars or get in the water and watch them from up close.  The lemon shark is medium to large shark and is not a threat to people, but can be a danger to other ocean animals. Its scientific name is Negaprion Brevirostris. The average length of a lemon shark is about 2.5 to 3 meters. Some of the largest lemon sharks measured about 3.4 meters. These sharks grow about 0.50 centimeters per year. After spending 60 minutes with sharks swimming around you and learning about the sharks you will be taken back to your lodge or hotel where you were picked up.

Sal: 2-Hour 500cc ATV 4x4 Quad Desert Adventure

9. Sal: 2-Hour 500cc ATV 4x4 Quad Desert Adventure

Get your adrenaline pumping with a 2-hour quad bike adventure on Sal with a professional local guide. Begin your tour with pickup at your hotel in Santa Maria, then drive to the local partner's office. Once there, show your driving license and get your gear for your adventure. Then, embark on your 2-hour quad discovery tour. Ride first to the salt flats of Santa Maria and admire the beautiful sand dunes. Head on to Kite Beach, the favorite beach of kite-surfers, then make your way to Serra Negra, Sal's natural reserve. Stop at the Serra Negra viewpoint and enjoy an amazing panorama of all of the south part of the island. If the weather permits, you can also see Boa Vista island. From there, cross the desert to make your next stop at the Palha Verde oasis. Finally, visit Ponta Preta, the most beautiful on Sal, before returning to the local partner's office. You'll then be dropped off at your hotel in Santa Maria to conclude the tour.

Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch

10. Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch

Be ready to be picked up from your accommodation and depart toward the village of Murdeira, where you will have a short visit to its nature reserve and enjoy the views of the Lion Mountain. Then, meet the locals in the fishing village of Palmeira before travelling to Buracona to see "Blue Eye" and, weather permitting, swim in its beautiful natural pool. Move on towards Miragem, grab some pictures of the effects of water illusions in the desert and take a well deserved lunch-break. Enjoy the local cuisine and discover the Cape Verdean gastronomy. Next, drive to Espargos and get to know its street arts that portray the Cape Verdean woman, her Morabeza and history. After that, head to the Shark Bay, a must-see when visiting Sal. Put on your water shoes, enter the ocean, see and get close to the Lemon Sharks in their natural environment. This species poses no threat to humans. Finally it is time for Your last "No Stress Adventure" at Pedra de Lume, in a salt pan located below sea level. Cross its cave, get into its extinct volcano crater and reach the lagoons from which the salt is extracted. Bring your book and enjoy reading while floating in the world's second saltiest thermal water, an unforgettable experience. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation.

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What people are saying about Cape Verde

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 1,679 reviews

What an incredible day! Paolo picked us up at the port and our first stop was the downtown area. We saw fisherman coming in with their catch, the market where they were sold. To amazing highlights such as the fresh market, town church, and walked the streets getting a feel for the island life on a Saturday. From there we drove to the highest point of the island and stopped at a tea house. Lunch on the beach with the locals and more fresh fish. We saw volcanic beaches to Sandy white. He was so knowledgeable of the history and was both entertaining and like having an old friend show us around! We ended our day with a stop for souvenirs and hugged goodbye- knowing we would be to this incredible island again. If you’re looking for the best guide in Cape Verde- find Paolo!!!!!!

Lovely half day out with great guide Nanni. Sal hasn’t much to do but we went to paddle with lemon sharks (a bit stony walking out in shoes supplied so be careful) then once we saw them we moved to the salt lake and floated about for a while. All good fun. Quite warm water once in. Small snack joint there for a beer and changing area. Had a great time and guide was fun and knowledgeable about the history and the village nearby. Recommend it… great value too.

Great day out especially for the price ( there were some added extra’s during the trip but all of these were mentioned during the booking process) A great way to see the island and the sights it offers Tour guides were exceptional, very friendly , funny and nothing was rushed Highly recommended

Fantastic experience, the chance to see the island, culture and local people! Sand dunes were amazing

It was amazing. Nice guide, good driver, fantastic views around