Island tour of Sal
Setting off early morning, we will be driving to the north of the island towards the village of Pedra Lume and the salt mines. Here you will have the opportunity to take a swim and “float” in water that is 26 times saltier than seawater - something that must be experienced!
From the salt mines we move on to Espargos, the administrative centre of Sal. Here, guests will stop for approximately 15/20 minutes at a typical café. From Espargos, we head on to the fertile zone of Terra Boa and the “mirages”, before the short drive to Buracona and its natural swimming pool, where you will be able to freshen up with a swim and appreciate the “magic eye” if the weather permits it.
In Palmeira we will stop for a typical Cape Verdean lunch at a local restaurant, and before the return journey we shall visit the local harbour. After that we will start to make our way back to Santa Maria and visit the only local Cape Verdean handcraft shop in town.
This is a full day excursion and includes lunch.
Price guide: £30 per person
Half and full day’s sailing around Sal
Sail along the coast of Sal with the opportunity to swim. A whole day on board a sailing boat or just a half-day sailing trip along this island’s southwest coastline is a fantastic experience.
Leaving from the port in Palmeira along the northwest side coast gives you the chance to see the oasis of Fontona, the Lion Mountain and much more till you reach the beautiful bay of Murdeira.
A swim or even fishing or snorkeling with a delicious grilled fish on board for lunch is a perfect way to spend part of your holiday!
Price guide: Half-day trips £32 per person
Full day trips £50 per person
Fun Quad Tours
If you have ever thought of driving across white sand beaches, here you have it! Drive along all the natural beauties hidden on this island by quad bike, on a 2.5 hour trip including the old Santa Maria salt flag, the turtle’s cemetery, Shark Bay’s beach, the oasis from Baia do Algodoeiro and the fantastic beach of Ponta Preta – and that’s just half of what you will see!
Price guide: From 0945 till 1245 or from 1445 till 1745
£52 per quad with two passengers or £45 for a quad with only one occupant
(No discount for children – price is for the quad)
Yellow Submarine Tour
See the magnificent things this island has to offer you under water! Shipwrecks sunk since 1920, shoals of colourful tropical fish or even big turtles or sharks, all make this one-hour trip unforgettable. Departs mornings.
Price guide: £25 per person
Inter-Island Day Trips from Sal
These full day excursions include a transfer from the hotel to Sal airport, return charter flight, island tour with lunch and transfer to customer’s hotel on return to Sal. A minimum number of bookings is required for these excursions to take place.
Boa Vista (Tuesday)
A photographer's dream, an island of coconut and date palms with mile after mile of beautiful beaches. You visit: Praia da Chave to see the old ceramic factory, still intact but now covered by dunes with the machines still in situ, Deserto da Viana an area of dunes providing a bizarre landscape, Sal Rei the main town of the island and the deserted beach of Santa Monica, over 40kms in length and where you stop to enjoy the silky white sands.
Price guide: £128 per person
Santiago (Wednesday)
The largest and most densely populated of the Cape Verde Islands. On the way to Picos you visit Sao Jorge dos Orgaos; and begin to gather first impressions of the island; small market places, the fascinating landscape of hills and valleys before arriving at Cidade Velha, the first capital of the Islands, followed by a visit to Forte Real de São Filipe, the main slave trading point between Africa and the New World. Finish the day with a visit to the capital Praia.
Price guide: £152 per person
Fogo (Saturday)
After a visit to São Filipe, candidate to become a World Heritage site, take the coast road that climbs the volcano and experience breath-taking scenery.
The arrival at Chã das Caldeiras is unforgettable, with the black volcanic scenery contrasting dramatically with the vineyards that provide the grapes for the famous Fogo Wine, fruit orchards and other exotic plantations.
Price guide: £165 per person
São Vicente (advised in resort)
The day starts with a tour of Mindelo, the most cosmopolitan of all Cape Verdean towns, famous for its artists and writers.
Visit the market and port area and see the replica from Lisbon of the Torre de Belom. Continue to the interior of the island to Calhau, Praia Grande and Baia da Gata, where an important West African music festival is held every August.
Price guide: £152 per person
Please note that days that these inter-island day trips operate on are subject to change, customers are advised in resort when they make a confirmed booking.
