Santa Maria’s top full-day excursions pack real value for curious travelers. The Island Tour stands out as our favorite, offering a well-organized look at Cape Verde’s highlights, from salt pans to local villages. We’re big fans of the Small Group Island Tour (max 8 people), which includes that unforgettable shark watching experience. For off-the-beaten-path exploring, the Jeep Safari proves perfect, bouncing through dramatic landscapes and hidden beaches. Both private and group options work well – choose private for flexibility, group for better prices. Let’s explore the best tours available right now.
Good To Know
- The “Santa Maria Island Jeep Safari” offers a thrilling adventure with a maximum of 8 participants, including a picnic lunch and local biscuits.
- The “Full Day Private Tour” provides a tailored experience with visits to Tubarões Bay and Salinas, a private guide, and air-conditioned transport.
- The “Full Day Group Tour” is an affordable option at €14 per person, including Shark Bay, Salinas, and air-conditioned transport.
- The “Small Group Full Day Island Tour” features a paddle with sharks, a visit to Blue Eye, and a maximum of 15 participants.
- The “Island Tour – Full Day” offers a comprehensive exploration of Kite Beach, Murdeira Village, Port of Palmeira, and the shark nursery.
Island Tour – Full Day
The Island Tour – Full Day offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of Santa Maria’s captivating landscapes and attractions.
This full-day group tour takes visitors to popular sites like Kite Beach, Murdeira Village, Port of Palmeira, and a shark nursery.
With a maximum group size of 50, the tour provides a comfortable and convenient experience, including air-conditioned vehicle transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off.
While lunch is at one’s own expense, the tour includes the Goods and Services Tax.
However, the tour has received mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 1.5 stars based on 3 reviews, highlighting the need for improvement in the tour’s quality and execution.
Read our full review: Island Tour – Full Day Review
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Small Group Full Day Island Tour in Sal
Offering a more intimate and personalized experience compared to the previous Island Tour – Full Day, the Small Group Full Day Island Tour in Sal provides travelers with a comprehensive exploration of Santa Maria’s captivating landscapes and attractions.
With a maximum of 15 participants, this small-group excursion offers a chance to paddle with sharks and visit the stunning Blue Eye. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable local guides and attentive service, though some note discrepancies regarding included fees and vehicle comfort.
Priced from $42.01 per person with free cancellation and rescheduling, this tour includes hotel/port pickup, a provided lunch, and a photographer for purchasing souvenirs.
While moderate fitness is required, the tour caters to travelers of various abilities, including infants.
Read our full review: Small Group Full Day Island Tour in Sal Review
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Santa Maria Island Jeep Safari Full Day Tour
Embarking on a Santa Maria Island Jeep Safari Full Day Tour provides travelers with a thrilling and comprehensive exploration of the island’s captivating landscapes.
Priced from $140.02 per person, this full-day adventure offers a maximum of 8 participants the opportunity to discover Santa Maria’s natural wonders.
Highlights include a picnic lunch with a scenic view, traditional local biscuits, and refreshments.
Pickup locations are available, with additional charges for pickups outside designated areas.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers, except those with back problems.
With an impressive 5-star rating based on 7 reviews, this tour promises an outstanding experience guided by the knowledgeable Henrique.
Read our full review: Santa Maria Island Jeep Safari Full Day Tour Review
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Full Day Private Tour – Includes Tubarões Bay & Salinas
For an exclusive exploration of Sal Island in Cape Verde, the Full Day Private Tour – Includes Tubarões Bay & Salinas promises an immersive experience tailored to your group’s preferences.
Priced from €204.65 per group (up to 2 people), this private tour provides air-conditioned transportation, a private guide, and lunch.
Highlights include swimming with baby sharks at Tubarões Bay and visiting the impressive salt pans of Salinas Pedra de Lume.
While the tour guide’s English skills may pose a challenge, the overall 5-star rating from 9 reviews suggests a highly satisfactory experience.
Wheelchair accessibility, stroller access, and infant seating make this tour suitable for most travelers.
Read our full review: Full Day Private Tour – Includes Tubarões Bay & Salinas Review
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Full Day Group Tour – Includes Shark Bay & Salinas
This Full Day Group Tour – Includes Shark Bay & Salinas provides a comprehensive exploration of Sal Island’s iconic sights for just €14 per person.
Travelers will enjoy air-conditioned transportation, a tasty provided lunch, and entry to top attractions like the Blue Eye, Salinas Pedra de Lume, and Shark Bay.
The tour accommodates up to 14 guests and departs at 9:00 am from designated pickup points, with a driver/guide holding a Logan Tours logo board.
Wheelchair users and families with strollers or infants are welcome.
Reviewers rave about the friendly, Ronaldo-resembling guide, and the overall 5-star rating confirms this is an exceptional value for a full-day adventure on Sal Island.
Read our full review: Full Day Group Tour – Includes Shark Bay & Salinas Review
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Private Creative Pictures Full Day Island Tour (Off Road Inc.)
Travelers seeking a comprehensive and captivating exploration of Sal Island’s natural wonders will find the Private Creative Pictures Full Day Island Tour (Off Road Inc.) an exceptional choice. Priced from €80 per person, this full-day excursion promises a well-rounded experience, including visits to the Salinas, Buracona, and Shark Bay.
The tour’s highlights are the stunning, creative pictures captured by the knowledgeable guide and the off-road adventure. With a 5.0-star rating and 100% positive reviews, this tour offers a stress-free day filled with fun, flexibility, and unique wildlife encounters.
Wheelchair accessibility, infant seats, and proximity to public transportation make this tour an accessible option for various travelers.
Read our full review: Private Creative Pictures Full Day Island Tour (Off Road Inc.) Review
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Full Day Adults Only Tour of Sal With Lobster Lunch and Salt Lake
Embarking on the Full Day Adults Only Tour of Sal offers travelers a chance to enjoy the island’s captivating landscapes and local cuisine. Priced at $123.87 per person, this guided tour accommodates up to 50 adults and provides round-trip transportation, a Cape Verdean lobster or standard lunch, and a drop-off at a family-run restaurant.
Guests should come prepared with bathing gear, sunblock, and towels, as the tour may not be suitable for those with back problems. With a 5.0 rating based on 5 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable day, from exploring the salt lakes to savoring the flavors of the island.
The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior adds flexibility for travelers.
Read our full review: Full Day Adults Only Tour of Sal With Lobster Lunch and Salt Lake Review
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Full Day Postcards of Sal Tour With Kite Beach and Local Lunch
For those seeking a deeper dive into the picturesque landscapes of Sal, the Full Day Postcards of Sal Tour offers an immersive exploration of the island’s stunning natural wonders.
Priced from $85.09 per person, the full-day tour provides transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and all entrance fees. Highlights include the breathtaking Buracona ‘blue eye’ and the mesmerizing Terra Boa ‘mirage’, though viewing isn’t guaranteed.
Guests will also enjoy a three-course local lunch and a refreshing drink at the final stop. While not wheelchair accessible or recommended for those with back problems, most travelers can participate in this tour.
With a pickup time and location dependent on hotel location, this tour is an excellent way to discover the natural beauty of Sal.
Read our full review: Full Day Postcards of Sal Tour With Kite Beach and Local Lunch Review
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Full Day Highlights of Sal Tour by 4×4 and Catamaran With Lunch
What better way to explore the diverse landscapes of Sal than through the Full Day Highlights of Sal Tour by 4×4 and Catamaran?
This full-day excursion takes you on an adventure, starting with a 4×4 ride to the stunning salt lake.
After snorkeling, you’ll board a catamaran for an open-bar cruise, enjoying lunch and taking in the island’s picturesque coastline.
The tour is priced at $113.10 per person and accommodates up to 30 travelers, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues or young children, it’s an ideal way to experience the best of Sal’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Full Day Highlights of Sal Tour by 4×4 and Catamaran With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Tourists visiting Santa Maria have a wide range of full-day tour options to choose from, including island tours, jeep safaris, and private customized experiences. These tours offer the opportunity to explore the natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and unique attractions of the island. Visitors can expect a mix of adventure, sightseeing, and local cuisine, providing a well-rounded and memorable experience during their time in Santa Maria.