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    Explore Santa Maria, Cape Verde

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    Santa Maria Beach, Cape Verde

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    Explore more things to do in Santa Maria, Cape Verde

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  • Explore Santa Maria, Cape Verde
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Top sights
  • Attraction types

Kite Beach

Santa Maria Beach, Cape Verde

Ponta Preta

Santa Maria Pier

Island tours

Day trips

Neighborhood tours

  • Top experiences
  • Interests

Snorkeling

Diving

Sailing trips & boat tours

Bus & minivan tours

Volcano tours

Quad & ATV tours

Desert safaris

Swimming with turtles

Dolphin & whale watching

Photography tours

Fishing tours

Hiking

Explore more things to do in Santa Maria, Cape Verde

Water sports

Outdoor sports

Extreme sports & adrenaline

Explore more things to do in Santa Maria, Cape Verde

Santa Maria: Sea Turtle Watching Experience on Sal Island

Top rated
4.737255 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.737255 out of 5 stars
255 reviews
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Santa Maria: Sea Turtle Watching Experience on Sal Island
Top rated
4.737255 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.737255 out of 5 stars
255 reviews

Embark on a unique tour for eco-life lovers and watch the common turtle nesting at one of the beautiful beaches of the island. Enjoy the silence under the moonlight while learning everything about Cape Verde's sea turtles from your expert guide.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2 - 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
Portuguese, German, French, Spanish, English
Pickup included
You will be picked up at your hotel lobby or designated pickup address. The guide will have a yellow sign saying "Sal Experiences". If you do not find your hotel in the list, please note that the system may have an error, contact us on Whatsapp on the number you have on voucher or by email we provide the transfer. If you will be more than 5 minutes late to the pickup location, please contact the check-in person via call or WhatsApp using the contact number provided on your confirmation voucher.
Private or small groups available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

H
Helena – Germany

It was very stunning. We saw the big sea turtle laying eggs and a lot of baby turtles. It was such an amazing experience!

J
Julie – United Kingdom

Such a fantastic experience, the guides were so knowledgeable and respectful to the turtles. It was so good to see and hear about the valuable conservation efforts that they are doing. The guides were cheerful and enthusiastic (sorry I forget their names). We saw two turtles laying eggs and some lost baby turtles which were helped back to sea. This is definitely a trip to remember and should be on anyone's bucket list when visiting Sal. So worth the money. Thank you so much 😊

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    6 pickup location options:

    J34H+5C Santa Maria, P399+33 Espargos, Santa Maria, Sal, Espargos, Murdeira

  • Jeep / SUV

    (30 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Sal

    Guided tour, Walk, Marine life viewing, Safety briefing, Wildlife viewing

  • Jeep / SUV

    (30 minutes)

  • 6 drop-off locations:

    Sal, P399+33 Espargos, Espargos, J34H+5C Santa Maria, Murdeira, Santa Maria

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Get the opportunity to talk to biologists and expert guides
  • Watch the fascinating creatures in their natural habitat
  • Learn about the spawning process of the sea turtles from the beginning to the end

Full description

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.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Tour
  • Guide
  • Transportation
  • Infrared lighting

Not suitable for

  • Children under 3 years
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Flash photography
  • Video recording
  • Flashlight

Know before you go

  • Specialised guides will offer you a unique and environmentally conscious experience for turtles and visitors.
  • The nesting observation depends on environmental factors and is not guaranteed. However, there has been a success rate of 100% over the last 5 years.
  • Please wear dark-colored clothes and comfortable shoes to walk on sand.
  • People under the influence of alcohol cannot take part.
  • The turtle experience is not recommended for people with reduced mobility and children under 3 years old.
  • Not suitable for people with nichophobia.
Save up to 14%

From $40 $35 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 255 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

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H
Helena – GermanyOctober 20, 2024 – Verified booking
It was very stunning. We saw the big sea turtle laying eggs and a lot of baby turtles. It was such an amazing experience!
J
Julie – United KingdomSeptember 23, 2024 – Verified booking
Such a fantastic experience, the guides were so knowledgeable and respectful to the turtles. It was so good to see and hear about the valuable conservation efforts that they are doing. The guides were cheerful and enthusiastic (sorry I forget their names). We saw two turtles laying eggs and some lost baby turtles which were helped back to sea. This is definitely a trip to remember and should be on anyone's bucket list when visiting Sal. So worth the money. Thank you so much 😊
P
Petra – SlovakiaSeptember 22, 2024 – Verified booking
The trip was great, Nany and Dani provided us with a lot of information and we were able to take nice photos. We were lucky to see not only nesting, but also hatching of small ones. thanks again

Product ID: 283387

Activity provider:Sal Experiences
  • Cape Verde
  • Sal
  • Things to do in Santa Maria, Cape Verde
  • Tours in Santa Maria, Cape Verde

Top Attractions in Santa Maria, Cape Verde

  • 1Kite Beach
  • 2Santa Maria Beach, Cape Verde
  • 3Ponta Sino, Kite Beach
  • 4Ponta Preta
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Experiences in Santa Maria, Cape Verde

  • 1Santa Maria, Cape Verde Food & drinks
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