Our most recommended things to do in Mindelo

São Vicente: Snorkel with Sea Turtles Adventure

1. São Vicente: Snorkel with Sea Turtles Adventure

Get up close with sea turtles at São Pedro, home to an abundance of sea turtles. Great for beginners, this is the perfect adventure for all the family. Start the tour with pickup from your accommodation then head to São Pedro. Upon arrival, your guide will hand out the snorkeling gear, give you a quick safety briefing and teach you how to snorkel. Next, take a short boat ride and travel to a designated bay to admire sea turtles in their natural environment. Here, spend approximately 1-hour swimming and snorkeling. Get up close to these spectacular creatures with sightings guaranteed and enjoy an adventure that you won’t forget, swimming with one of the planet's oldest living species. Finally, get dropped off back at your accommodation where your memorable experience concludes.

From São Vicente: Santo Antão Day Trip with Local Guide

2. From São Vicente: Santo Antão Day Trip with Local Guide

Start your adventure with a pick-up from your accommodation in São Vicente followed by a transfer to the port for a 1-hour ferry ride to Santo Antão. Upon arrival, meet your local expert and drive through the mountains to Cape Verde's largest volcanic crater, Cova de Paúl, an extinct volcano used for the cultivation of potatoes, carrots, onions and more. After visiting the Cova Natural Park, take the Corda Road and traverse the island' smost spectacular landscapes. Enjoy a photo stop at the Delgadinho mountain viewpoint and be amazed by stunning views of sharp cliffs and beautiful valleys. Proceed to the fishing village of Ponta de Sol, meet the locals before a scenic drive to Ribeira Grande. Next, take a break for lunch before arriving in Vale de Paúl, surrounded by greenery, thatched-roof houses and stunning scenery. After discovering one of Cape Verde's most beautiful islands, be transferred to Porto Novo and catch your ferry back to São Vicente. The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel in Mindelo.

São Vicente Island: Full-Day Tour

3. São Vicente Island: Full-Day Tour

Starting from Mindelo, this full day trip includes most highlights of São Vicente Island. Explore Mindelo, the capital of the island, known as the most welcoming and attractive city in the country. Walk through the colonial buildings, visit its church, municipal and Afrikan markets, and enjoy a panoramic view of the capital from the top of Fortin.  Drive to the eastern part of the island where animals, endemic plants and farmland can be seen along the Calhau Valley. Here, take time for a delicious lunch in a local atmosphere, and enjoy the local cuisine. Next, visit the fishing village of Salamansa, Baía das Gatas, and pause for a swim at its beautiful beach before heading to the sand dunes brought by the wind from the Sahara Desert. Finally, drive to Monte Verde Natural Park and admire the stunning scenery of the entire island and, weather permitting, take stunning photos of other Cape Verde islands.

São Vicente: Private Highlights Tour from Mindelo Port

4. São Vicente: Private Highlights Tour from Mindelo Port

Enjoy a pickup from the Port of Mindelo and begin an exciting private tour to discover the highlights of São Vicente Island with a local guide. Start your discovery from Mindelo, the country's cultural capital, famous for the hospitality of its people and the architecture of its beautiful colonial buildings. Visit the main square, the local church, the municipal market and learn about the daily lives of the locals, before enjoying a superb panoramic view of the city and its bay, the most beautiful in the country. Continue on a scenic drive to the eastern side of the island and capture beautiful views of extinct volcanoes, farmlands, and learn local history from your guide. Arrive in Calhau, take a lunch break and enjoy the local cuisine. Next, swim at the beautiful Baía das Gatas beach or simply dip your feet in the warm water before heading to the island's highest point, Monte Verde Natural Park. Here admire the stunning landscape, see endemic plants and, weather permitting, see other Cape Verde islands. The tour ends with a drop-off at the Port of Mindelo.

From Mindelo: São Vicente's Enchanting Sea Turtle Snorkeling

5. From Mindelo: São Vicente's Enchanting Sea Turtle Snorkeling

Celebrate an exhilarating and exclusive sea turtle encounter in São Pedro, meticulously tailored for the delight of travelers. Your journey kicks off with the thrill of a pickup, whether at the Port of Mindelo or your accommodation in Mindelo, laying the foundation for a day etched in your memory. As you step into São Pedro, your seasoned guide warmly welcomes you, equipping you with premium snorkeling gear, sharing essential safety insights, and imparting snorkeling expertise. Next, embark on a brief boat voyage to a concealed, unspoiled sanctuary where sea turtles hold court. Submerging into the azure depths reveals a surreal world unfolding before your eyes. Glide in harmony with these splendid creatures in their natural habitat, engaging in a heart-pounding, hour-long aquatic ballet. With guaranteed turtle sightings, your senses ignite with the profound connection to one of Earth's most ancient residents. As your heart fills with wonder and your pulse steadies, your extraordinary journey concludes with a return to either the Port of Mindelo or your Mindelo accommodation. This cherished memory transcends time and place, a testament to the beauty of São Pedro that you carry with you.

Mindelo: Sea Turtles experience

6. Mindelo: Sea Turtles experience

Every of our customers are impressed with this experience never seen before in Cape Verde, not long ago young sea turtles started to appear in the bay of São Pedro, a small fishing village located 15 minutes from the center of Mindelo, this is now attracting hundreds of nationals and visitors to have a look and to swim with the turtles and learn about the behavior of one of the sweetest creatures on the planet. After picking you up from your hotel or Porto Grande pier in Mindelo, we'll drive to Sao Pedro beach and there your highly qualified tour guide will be waiting for you, ready with a greeting and a short safety briefing. then you will enter the fishing boat slowly and drive away from the beach where the turtles are, after throwing food into the water the turtles start to approach the boat, wauuu!! what a magical moment worth the whole journey. you will go down in the water and swim with the turtles. Due to security measures, touching the turtles is not allowed. some security measures are taken for the protection of the turtles and also for your safety. at the end of the experience we will take you back to your hotel safely. In case you want to stay longer on the beach just let us know!!

Half-day trip in São Vicente

7. Half-day trip in São Vicente

Your local tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate of Porto Grande, afterwards you will head to the capital city in Mindelo, here you will visit the cultural center of the city and the vegetable market of Mindelo. Then you drive to the summit of Monte Verde, the highest point of the island to enjoy one of the most beautiful panorama view of the island. Then you will visit a small fishing village of Salamansa, it is time to walk Barefoot on its hidden white sandy beach. Afterwards you will head to Baia Das Gatas Beach, where the biggest music festival of Cape Verde takes place.

Day trip Mindelo tour & highlights of S. Vicente

8. Day trip Mindelo tour & highlights of S. Vicente

Enjoy every second and have fun in this unforgettable experience on this magnificent island. We will meet you at the exit gate of the harbor in Mindelo and head for a Guided visit into the the city center, here you will visit the main vegetable market, and the cultural center of arts, and walk trough the main square on Mindelo. After visiting Mindelo we will drive to the highest point of the island to enjoy a memorable panorama at the top of the natural park Monte Verde. Enjoy the volcanic landscape and learn about the vocanic origin of Sao Vicente. Than we will drive to Salamança beach and walk Barefoot on the peacefull white sand beach on the north of the island. Than we will head to the Baia das Gatas, wich a fishing village which has one of the most visited beach on the island. Lets walk here a litle bit on the surrounding areas and get to know better this village with your guide. At the end we will head back to Mindelo.

São Vicente: Markets, Beaches and Natural Park Tour

9. São Vicente: Markets, Beaches and Natural Park Tour

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation or Port of Mindelo for Cruise Ship passengers and drive towards the city center. Upon arrival, explore the island’s capital, Mindelo, a historically and culturally rich city full of character. Take a guided walking tour through the city center to the island's popular African Market, stroll through the colorful stalls, soak in the variety of sights and scents, and mingle with the locals. Continue on a scenic drive to Monte Verde Natural Park and admire breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys from the highest point in São Vicente. See endemic plants and learn about the local history, fauna and flora from your guide. Move on to Salamansa, a small fishing village of simple and hospitable people, followed by a drive to Baía das Gatas, where you will take a dip into its natural pools or simply relax on the shore. The tour ends with a drop-off at the Port or at your accommodation in Mindelo.

Shore Excursion: São Vicente, Full Day, 6h

10. Shore Excursion: São Vicente, Full Day, 6h

Get picked up from Porto Grande, we will be waiting for you at the exit/entry gate (about a 5+ minute walk from ship). Meet your local guide and depart to our Islands Old Fort, Fortim del Rei where you will have a phenomenal view of the Bay City of Mindelo and Laginha Beach. Take a stroll through the city where you will see and hear about the Islands history and culture. Visit the Cultural Center to see the current talent on display and the bustling markets* of Mindelo (Closed on Sundays). Take a scenic drive to Monte Verde, 774m or 2,539ft, the highest peak in Sao Vicente, here you will observe the greenest and most fertile place on the island, as most of it is claylike, you will have the opportunity to take wonderful pictures of the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beaches that outline the outskirts of the island. Head to the town of Salamansa, this is a charming fishing town, which we feel many have forgotten, the people are always happy to welcome guests, there is also a beautiful church nestled on a small hill right on the beach, picture perfect! Really, there is no bad place to take a picture and make memories here! Visit the beach of Baia das Gatas Here you may take a swim in the clear blue lagoon. Drive on the most beautiful coastal road of North Baia, a small community, the beach here is sweeping of majestic white sand dunes. Calhau is a small farming and fishing village also home of Vulcao Viana, an extinct volcano. Head to Valley of Calhau where we will see vegetation, animals, waterwells, windmills, and traditional farming. and old iron windmills. At the end of our excursion, we will return to Porto Grande.

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What people are saying about Mindelo

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 26 reviews

First, I have to make a reprimand. Somehow there were communication problems between GetYourGuide and the local provider, since the tour of Mindelo was in the description according to GetYourGuide, but the local provider knew nothing about it. In addition, we only had an English-speaking driver and no guide in the true sense. Nevertheless, he mastered his job more than excellently and at the end of the tour also made the tour of Mindelo and also visited additional sights with us. The GetYourGuide description didn't say anything about bathing suits either, but according to the driver, a one-hour stop at the beach in Salamansa is part of the program. Somehow there is a worm in there, so a correction of the description or a clarification from the local provider is necessary. All in all, it was a successful excursion thanks to the efforts of our driver. I cannot give GetYourGuide any praise

As part of our cruise, we spent a day in the port of Mindelo, São Vicente. We were the only two participants. Our guide Freddy picked us up punctually at the agreed meeting point. Freddy speaks good English and explains very well. Monte Verde has a great view but you should bring a jacket or sweater as the strong winds are quite chilly. A bit of freezing is worth it for the view of Mindelo and the neighboring island of Santo Antao! During the tour, Freddy told us a lot about the way of life on São Vicente and the problems caused by climate change and Covid. In Porto Calhau we went for lunch on Freddy's recommendation. There was fresh fish typical of the country with various side dishes. We found the most impressive dune landscape south of Praia das Gatas with its unique play of colors. The times were strictly adhered to and we were back in port on time. Freddy, thanks for the nice day!

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!!!!!!

Since we had done a jeep tour on the island before, this time we wanted to get an impression of the entire island. This worked wonderfully. Our guide gave us an incredible amount of information. All in all we were very satisfied.

Carlos and Hernani were fantastic guides - highly recommend this tour!