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Water & beach · Santa Maria

Top 10 water & beach things to do in Santa Maria

Boats, beaches, and the parts of Santa Maria you only see from the water. Ferry rides, sunset cruises, snorkel runs, and the occasional sailing day for travellers who measure good cities by their coastline.

  1. Sal Island: 2H Buggy Desert Adventure - 1000cc, Santa Maria1

    1. Sal Island: 2H Buggy Desert Adventure - 1000cc

    4.9· 461 reviews· 2 hours

    Venture into the desert for 2 hours on a guided off-road adventure to discover the hidden beauties of the south. Explore beautiful beaches, deserts, and the natural reserve of Sal from the driver seat of an automatic dune buggy. Venture through the salt flats of Santa Maria, surrounded by beautiful sand dunes, kite bech and much more. Group tour can include up to 16 people, with a maximum of two passengers per buggy.

  2. Clear Kayak Santa Maria Sal Island 1 Hour Tour, Santa Maria2

    2. Clear Kayak Santa Maria Sal Island 1 Hour Tour

    4.9· 11 reviews· 1.5 hours

    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!

  3. Experience on Sal Island with native and certified guide (including sharks), Santa Maria3

    3. Experience on Sal Island with native and certified guide (including sharks)

    4.9· 1340 reviews· 7 hours

    Certified company and guides, guarantee of quality, comfort and best price, local guide, knows the island, its history and culture well. Discover the beautiful island of Sal, as well as the island's highlights, local places, street arts and more with your expert local guide. Discover volcanic pools, salt deserts, see lemon sharks in their natural environment, relax and float in the Salinas, the second saltiest water in the world after the Dead Sea. Have lunch at a local restaurant and visit places such as the city of Espargos, the kite beach, Santa Maria, Miragem, the fishing village of Palmeira and the natural bay of Murdeira and enjoy the view of the Leão Mountain. Whether you want to emphasize culture, education, history or sport, our specialist will combine these elements with adventure activities to create exciting travel opportunities for you. Have an authentic experience, get to know the island with a native and professional guide, with all the comfort and safety.

  1. Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde, Santa Maria4

    4. Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde

    4.9· 538 reviews

    Uncover Sal Island on horseback with a savvy guide. Whether you are an experienced rider seeking a high-level experience, or a complete beginner, you will feel at ease with our gentle, well-trained horses. Ride along the white sandy beaches of Sal Island, wander through the Salt Mines, and leave your tracks across the desert landscape. The 1-hour trail is best suited for beginner riders, as the entire experience is conducted at a relaxed walking pace, ensuring comfort and safety. The 1.5-hour and 2-hour trails are also suitable for beginners; however, more experienced riders will have the opportunity to canter along the beach segments. All rides start and finish at our stables, where you’ll have time to meet your horse and get comfortable before setting off. Our small-group format, with multiple guides on horseback, ensures a safe and personalized experience tailored to different riding levels. Hotel transfer service, helmets, and insurance are all included in the price.

  2. Turtle Watching Adventure, Santa Maria5

    5. Turtle Watching Adventure

    4.8· 129 reviews· 3 hours

    Our turtle-watching experience invites you to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary rituals, as Loggerhead sea turtles emerge from the ocean and make their ancient journey onto the shore to lay their eggs. After a 15 minuts drive through the quiet island night, you’ll arrive at one of Cape Verde’s most important nesting beaches, the Natural Reserve of Costa Fragata. This is an intimate, small-group experience, designed to respect both the wildlife and the moment. On the beach, accompanied by the sound of the waves and the ocean breeze, our expert local and international guides will introduce you to the fascinating world of sea turtles. You’ll learn about their life cycle, behavior, and the vital conservation efforts protecting them across the islands. Then, under the light of the stars and moon, your guided walk begins. Moving quietly and respectfully, you’ll observe these incredible creatures up close as they nest in their natural habitat.

  3. Lounge Catamaran SODADE Half-Day, Santa Maria6

    6. Lounge Catamaran SODADE Half-Day

    4.8· 322 reviews· 4 hours

    Our catamaran has a capacity of 90 people, but for the comfort of all guests on baord a maximum of 75 people is allowed per tour. It is very spacious and comfortable with open sitting areas with sofas, some lounge beds on the deck, nets with bean bags and private inflatable pool that can be set up when the boat is stopped halfway through the trip. USB dockets available on board to charge your small devices. Unlimited drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic are included as well as a freshly prepared snack. From June to October you have the possibility to see turtles as the Murdeira bay is their mating place. From February to March you have the possibility to see whales. Please note that there is no guarantee to see turtles or whales.

  4. Catamaran Half Day - Beautiful day on the Atlantic Ocean, Santa Maria7

    7. Catamaran Half Day - Beautiful day on the Atlantic Ocean

    4.8· 360 reviews· 3 hours

    Half-Day Catamaran Cruise – Sail, Relax & Enjoy Cape Verde Set sail on a relaxing half-day cruise along the southwest coast of Sal Island. Enjoy the breeze, sunshine, and ocean views aboard one of our spacious catamarans - with limited group sizes for a comfortable, personal experience. Whether you sunbathe, sip a drink, or simply take in the views, this trip is all about slowing down and enjoying life at sea. Please note: Due to the damaged pier in Santa Maria, boarding takes place from the beach via dinghy. Your feet may get wet. During the trip, you’ll enjoy: - Relaxed sailing along Sal’s beautiful coast - Light snacks and drinks on board (note: not a full meal) - A friendly, local crew and chill atmosphere - A quick stop for swimming or snorkeling at the end (equipment provided), location depending on conditions This is not a party cruise — it’s a calm, joyful experience. Wildlife sightings are possible, but NOT guaranteed. The focus is on sailing and small-group comfort.

  5. Sal Island: Shark Bay Shark Watching Experience from Santa Maria, Santa Maria8

    8. Sal Island: Shark Bay Shark Watching Experience from Santa Maria

    4.6· 107 reviews· 2 hours

    A native and professional tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and after an informative transfer trip of approximately 25 minutes you will arrive at the eastern part of the island, on the beach with the natural nursery rife of the lemon sharks, which is a brown shark. clear, sand-colored, in its natural environment. These sharks pose no threat to humans. To enter the water you must wear water shoes or crocs for walking on rocky surfaces. The Lemon Shark is medium to large in size and its scientific name is Negaprion Brevirostris. After spending 40 minutes learning all about sharks, you will be taken back to your accommodation or hotel where you were picked up. Water shoes suitable for the surface of the place included for your safety and comfort.

  6. Sal Island All-inclusive Adults-only Catamaran Cruise, Santa Maria9

    9. Sal Island All-inclusive Adults-only Catamaran Cruise

    4.5· 10 reviews· 4 hours

    The Sal coastline is a perfect backdrop for a cruise – and this adults-only catamaran trip makes the very best use of it. Sailing leisurely through the azure seas between Palmeira and Monte Leão, you'll sunbathe, sip on cocktails and enjoy a stop for swimming too. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The crew on board really make this experience stand out. Super professional yet always ready for fun, and talented at creating a stylish, celebratory and relaxed atmosphere for the cruise.'

  7. Snorkeling Experience in Santa Maria Bay by boat, Santa Maria10

    10. Snorkeling Experience in Santa Maria Bay by boat

    4.4· 48 reviews· 40 min

    -Largely unexplored, the ocean, especially around the coastal areas, is full of life. The abundance and variety of color and creatures is simply staggering. Snorkeling allows people to admire wildlife, in its natural habitat. -Our snorkelling adventures are suitable for everyone, whether young or adult, experienced or inexperienced. -Learn how to prepare and use your snorkelling equipment correctly and be safe into the water.

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