Santa Maria’s guided tours pack real value, offering intimate small-group experiences that won’t break the bank. The standout options include half-day cultural walks and full-day island circuits – both providing excellent local insights without overwhelming visitors. I’m particularly fond of the snorkeling tours along the southern coast, where guides bring Cape Verde’s marine world to life with expert commentary.
Most tours include hotel pickup, certified guides, and entry fees, though you’ll need to budget extra for lunch and optional activities. The cultural walking tours really shine, combining fascinating history with modern island life in an easy-to-digest format.
Let’s explore your best options for experiencing Santa Maria’s highlights.
Good To Know
- The “Guided Cape Verde Island Tour – Santa Maria” offers a comprehensive small-group experience with a certified multilingual guide and private transportation.
- The “Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour With Lunch” provides an intimate exploration of Santa Maria, Kite Beach, Murdeira Bay, and Shark Bay.
- The “Guided Snorkeling & Shipwreck Experience in Santa Maria” offers an intimate snorkeling adventure with air-conditioned transportation and professional guidance.
- The “3-Hour Shark Bay and Salt Lakes in Sal Island Guided Tour” focuses on lemon sharks and salt-rich lakes, with an average 4.3-star rating.
- The “Sal Island Experience Tour With a Native and Certified Guide” offers an immersive exploration with a knowledgeable local guide, private transportation, and a high traveler recommendation rate.
Guided Cape Verde Island Tour – Santa Maria
The Guided Cape Verde Island Tour – Santa Maria offers a best value small group experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the unique Cape Verdean destination.
The tour includes a visit to Shark Bay to observe sharks in their natural habitat and allows participants to experience the local history, culture, and attractions.
Travelers can expect a leisurely morning start at 9:00 AM, with a maximum of 15 people for a more personalized experience.
The tour includes private transportation, a certified multilingual guide, and entrance fees, while lunch and optional activities incur additional costs.
Though the tour has received mixed reviews, it remains a popular option for those seeking a comprehensive Cape Verde island experience.
Read our full review: Guided Cape Verde Island Tour – Santa Maria Review
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Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour With Lunch
A guided full-day tour of Sal Island, Cape Verde offers visitors the opportunity to explore the island’s highlights, seeing the local culture and history.
The tour takes travelers to Santa Maria, Kite Beach, Murdeira Bay, and Shark Bay, with a maximum of 8 participants.
Inclusions feature private transportation, lunch, a professional guide, and entrance fees.
The schedule starts at 9:30 am, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Guests are advised to bring swimwear, towels, comfortable clothing, and sun protection.
With positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guides, this tour is recommended for families and diverse age groups.
Read our full review: Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour With Lunch Review
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Guided Snorkeling & Shipwreck Experience in Santa Maria
For those seeking a thrilling underwater adventure, the Guided Snorkeling & Shipwreck Experience in Santa Maria, Cape Verde offers an unforgettable opportunity.
This tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Included are air-conditioned transportation, snorkeling equipment, and a professional guide.
Not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the tour is accessible for most travelers. Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
Pickup from your hotel 10 minutes before the 9:30 am start time ensures a seamless experience.
Read our full review: Guided Snorkeling & Shipwreck Experience in Santa Maria Review
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3-Hour Shark Bay and Salt Lakes in Sal Island Guided Tour
This 3-Hour Shark Bay and Salt Lakes Guided Tour in Santa Maria, Cape Verde offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness lemon sharks in their natural habitat and experience the unique sensation of floating in the region’s salt-rich lakes.
Priced from $33.68 per person, the tour accommodates up to 14 travelers and includes round-trip hotel/port pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a knowledgeable local guide.
While entrance fees and protective footwear are an additional cost, the tour’s highlights, such as the chance to see lemon sharks and swim in the salt lakes, have earned it an impressive 4.3-star average rating from 12 reviews.
Read our full review: 3-Hour Shark Bay and Salt Lakes in Sal Island Guided Tour Review
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Sal Island Experience Tour With a Native and Certified Guide (Including Shark Experience)
Embarking on the Sal Island Experience Tour with a native and certified guide promises an immersive exploration of the island’s captivating natural wonders, including an up-close encounter with the resident lemon sharks.
Priced at just $39.92 per person, the tour includes private transportation, lunch, and liability insurance, along with photos and videos captured by the guide.
With a 98% traveler recommendation rate based on over 1,000 reviews, this tour offers an exceptional value.
While some feedback noted the open truck’s exposure to wind and dust, the knowledgeable and engaging guides consistently receive high praise, ensuring an informative and enjoyable experience.
Read our full review: Sal Island Experience Tour With a Native and Certified Guide (Including Shark Experience) Review
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Experience on Sal Island With Native and Certified Guide (Including Sharks)
Travelers seeking an immersive exploration of Sal Island’s captivating natural wonders can embark on the “Experience on Sal Island With Native and Certified Guide (Including Sharks)” tour.
This 9 AM excursion offers private transportation, liability insurance, and photo/video capture by a knowledgeable guide. With a 98% traveler recommendation rate from over 1,000 reviews, this $39.92 per person tour includes lunch and visits to Shark Bay and a natural pool.
Pickup times vary by location, and the tour is stroller-accessible but not wheelchair-friendly. Travelers should bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and swimwear for this small-group adventure.
Read our full review: Experience on Sal Island With Native and Certified Guide (Including Sharks) Review
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Island Tour With a Local Guide
A captivating Island Tour with a Local Guide offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of this destination.
This highly-rated 4.9-star tour boasts a wealth of inclusions, from an air-conditioned vehicle and professional guide to a delectable lunch.
With a maximum of 20 participants, the tour provides personalized attention and unique cultural insights.
Travelers rave about the friendly guides, comprehensive experience, and excellent value.
Optional visits to Buracona and Salinas Pedra Lume enhance the adventure.
This is a stress-free, must-do excursion for those seeking an authentic island experience.
Read our full review: Island Tour With a Local Guide Review
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Sal Island: Secrets of Native Guide All-Inclusive Tour With Lunch
Though nestled in the vibrant coastal town of Santa Maria, the Sal Island: Secrets of Native Guide All-Inclusive Tour with Lunch immerses travelers in the island’s captivating cultural and natural wonders.
This highly-rated tour features hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a delectable lunch showcasing local cuisine. Guests can swim in saline thermal waters, explore Shark Bay, and visit other notable sites with a maximum of 15 travelers for a personalized experience.
Knowledgeable guides, like Nany and Chan, enhance the journey with their passion and informative commentary, making this tour a must-do for those seeking an authentic Sal Island adventure.
Read our full review: Sal Island: Secrets of Native Guide All-Inclusive Tour With Lunch Review
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Half Day Buggy Tour in Sal Island With Guide
Embarking on a thrilling half-day buggy tour in Sal Island, Cape Verde, allows adventurous travelers to explore the island’s diverse landscapes.
The guided tour departs from Santa Maria, with a maximum of 20 participants per group. Overalls and a bottle of water are provided, and a transfer service is included.
Participants must be at least 6 years old and hold a valid driving license. Those with medical conditions or physical limitations may be unable to join.
While one review reported booking issues and no pickup service, the customer service team has acknowledged the feedback and committed to improving service quality.
Read our full review: Half Day Buggy Tour in Sal Island With Guide Review
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Santa Maria – Walking Tour Guide
Exploring the charming town of Santa Maria through a guided walking tour provides visitors with an immersive experience to discover its rich history and vibrant culture.
Available from February 27, 2020, to June 28, 2025, this tour offers an opportunity to explore the local sights within operating hours of Monday through Sunday, 9 AM to 6:30 PM.
Catering to a maximum group size of 16 travelers, the tour is priced from $60.94 per person and includes all fees, taxes, air-conditioned transportation, and essential equipment.
Advance booking is recommended, as the tour has received 5-star reviews from previous participants.
Read our full review: Santa Maria – Walking Tour Guide Review
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The Sum Up
Santa Maria offers a variety of guided tours that allow visitors to explore the island’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. From snorkeling and shipwreck experiences to island tours with local guides, there’s something for all. Travelers can choose from full-day highlights tours, buggy adventures, and walking tours, ensuring they get the most out of their time in this picturesque Cape Verde destination.