BEST VALUE small group island tour w/SHARK experience & salt lake
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About This Tour in Santa Maria
Why Visit Santa Maria?
Santa Maria, Cape Verde offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Santa Maria provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Santa Maria
You can reach Santa Maria, Cape Verde by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- Hotel pick up and Drop off
- Native and certified Guide
- Baby and toddler Seat
- Liability insurance
- Observe sharks in their natural environment; float in the salt pans and swim at natural pool
What's Not Included
- Tips (optional)
- Lunch
- Pictures (optional)
- Entrance to Buracona (3€) and Salinas (6€)
- Buracona - Olho Azul
- Salinas
- Snacks and Drinks are not included
- Water shoe at shark bay if you do not have (optional)
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, swimsuit, water shoes (if you have one) and towels
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Customer Reviews
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Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Pickup Time: 15 minutes before departure
Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
Sal (Portuguese for "salt") is an island in Cape Verde
Sal (Portuguese for "salt") is an island in Cape Verde. Sal is a tourist destination with white sandy beaches and over 350 days of sunshine a year. It is one of the three sandy eastern islands of the 10 island Republic of Cabo Verde in the central Atlantic Ocean, 350 miles off the west coast of Africa. Cabo Verde is known for excellent year-round kiteboarding, for the large reserve of Caretta Turtles which hatch July - September, and for its multi-cultural heritage and beautiful music.
We will drive you through the back streets...
We will drive you through the back streets of Santa Maria whilste sharing the history of this city that has transformed from a village which exploited salt to the biggest tourist city in Cape Verd. You will have a perception of town and local living outside of the main commercial streets and coastal area of the city.
Natural reserve of the bay of the murdeira,... 30 minutes
Natural reserve of the bay of the murdeira, which has great diversity of corals and fish, and we can enjoy the beautiful view of the lion mountain.
Palmeira one of twhere the commercial port of... 30 minutes
Palmeira one of twhere the commercial port of the island is located is the most pituresque fishing village of the island where you can stroll around the narrow and colourful streets full of colonial houses and observe the simple pace of living. We willsee the arrivals of the craft boats and see all the activity around the preparation and sale of fish.
The blue eye coral and Buracona landscape is... 1 hour
The blue eye coral and Buracona landscape is one of the seven wonders of Cape Verde. Not only you will be able to observe the spetacular blue of the coral when the sun shines above the cave but also enjoy the natural pool where you can swim in a spetacular setting surrounded by vulcanic formations. If the ocean allows we will show you the hidden lovers cave , a hidden gem that not many tourists know. You will also have the time to explore the area, namely observing the interesting Sal Island 3d map made of sand, observe the display of the archipelague made with broken shells and stroll around the geological museum.
From Buracona, you will marvel with the mirage... 30 minutes
From Buracona, you will marvel with the mirage on your way to the population of Terra Boa. The mirage an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of a sheet of water in this desertic part of the island, is one of the most interesting experiences of the tour. Our guide will help you to take criative pictures, show you the little souvenir shop where you can see and buy souvenirs made in the spot by the local artisan, whilste tasting local liquers. Further on our way to Espargos we will drive through Terra Boa, a population with less then 200 people which is one of the less developed of Sal. We will give you the option to speak to the ONGs that work with the families in need and also dispose of any donations you may have.
Located near both the airport and the ferry... 20 minutes
Located near both the airport and the ferry dock, Espargos – the island's capital – is a small, dusty workaday town that feels more like the real Cabo Verde than touristy Santa Maria. Its shady main square, the new market, low-key bars and laidback street life give Espargos some charme and make the city the best place to try some Creole Cooking or catch some genuine traditional music as well as understanding the cape verdean life style . Further to lunch we will also get to Monte Curral the highest point in town (109 meters) where you will have an amazing aerial view of the town, airport and coastal areas close by.
See lemmon sharks in their natural environment 30 minutes
Pedra de Lume is the birth place of... 1 hour
Pedra de Lume is the birth place of the island and the doorway to Salinas ( salt evaporation ponds). You will stroll around the small pier and the old factory and ship recks before heading to the lake situated in the crater of an extinct volcano, where the waters rise from deep in the earth rather than from lateral infiltration from the ocean. In Salinas you will have time to float in medicinal thermal waters and take a mud bath as well as enjoy the quiteness and imponence of this piece of nature that marvels everyone that visits it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.