Cape Verde · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Cape Verde

180 tours  ·  from $25 a head

A week on one island or a fortnight island-hopping, the problem is the same: ten islands and one set of flight dates. The 15 below are the days that earn their place, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath.

Sal: Island Experience Tour with a Certified Local Guide - Santa Maria, where salt made a resort town
Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sal

Sal: Island Experience Tour with a Certified Local Guide

1.Island Experience Tour with a Certified Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,249 reviews · 7 hours · from $41Our pick

Spend seven hours touring Sal with a local guide such as Tony, Christian, Nany, or Kiki. You will visit Shark Bay, float in Pedra de Lume’s salt crater, see Buracona’s Blue Eye, and pass through Santa Maria, Palmeira, Espargos, and Murdeira. Transport, hotel pickup, guide photos, and a natural pool swim are included. Lunch and entry fees cost extra.

“Our guide, he was funny, informative, clear, lovely lovely man❤️ We loved all the experiences especially the floating in salt water and in the sea with lemon sharks, thank you”

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Sal: All-Inclusive Salt Lake, Blue Eye and Shark Bay Tour - Pedra de Lume: floating in an old salt crater
Blue Eye & Buracona, Salt Lake & Pedra de Lume, Shark Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sal

Sal: All-Inclusive Salt Lake, Blue Eye and Shark Bay Tour

2.All-Inclusive Salt Lake, Blue Eye and Shark Bay Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,033 reviews · 4 hours · from $53

Explore Sal with a local guide such as Kiki, Vanessa, Tony or Nani. Float in Pedra de Lume’s salt lake, watch lemon sharks at Shark Bay, see Buracona’s Blue Eye and stop at a desert mirage. Air-conditioned minibus transport, entry fees, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

“We liked most: - our guide Tony. He was just excellent! - the itinerary. The pace was right and we saw and experienced everything! - ac bus. It was the biggest asset since we didn’t have to burn ourselves in the sun and swallow dust on the road! We were lucky to choose the Sal Experience!”

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Experience on Sal Island with native and certified guide (including sharks) - Pedra de Lume: floating inside an old salt crater
Guided, Shark Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sal

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,166 reviews · from $36Top rated

Spend about seven hours touring Sal with a certified local guide such as Nany or Christian. See lemon sharks at Shark Bay, float in Pedra de Lume’s salt crater, visit Buracona’s Blue Eye, and explore Palmeira, Espargos, Santa Maria, Murdeira, and Kite Beach. Hotel pickup, transport, insurance, and guide photos are included.

“Excellent value for money. Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The roads are pretty bad and you get bumped around in the minibus but not enough to spoil the day.”

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From Sal Island: Blu eye, Salt lake, Lemon Sharks & Palmeira - Santa Maria and Murdeira Bay: start with sea and local life
Salt Lake & Pedra de Lume, Shark Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sal

From Sal Island: Blu eye, Salt lake, Lemon Sharks & Palmeira

4.Blu eye, Salt lake, Lemon Sharks & Palmeira

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,003 reviews · 6 hours · from $35

See Sal’s best-known sights by minibus, from Buracona’s Blue Eye and the Pedra de Lume salt lake to lemon sharks at Parda Bay. Guides such as Yannick, Yuri, Nelson, and Ismael share local stories in several languages. Bring cash for entry fees, water, sun protection, and shoes that can handle rocks and salt.

“I had the most incredible day on a tour in Sal today. The team of three, our driver, photographer, and guide, made everything run so smoothly and created such a relaxed, fun atmosphere. A special thank you to Yannick, our guide. He was truly exceptional, calm, kind, and always attentive. He explained everything so clearly, shared so much about Cabo Verde’s history and culture, and constantly checked in to make sure everyone was comfortable and having a great time. What touched me most was his genuine love for Cabo Verde, you can see it in the way he speaks, the care he shows, and the pride he takes in sharing…”

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Santa Maria: Guided Snorkeling and Reef Tour - The low-sided Zodiac ride to the reef
Guided, Snorkeling, Snorkelling in Sal, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sal

Santa Maria: Guided Snorkeling and Reef Tour

5.Guided Snorkeling and Reef Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 809 reviews · 2 hours · from $44

You’ll leave Santa Maria by low-sided Zodiac, fit a wetsuit and mask, then snorkel reefs near Farol, Bolama wreck or the bay, depending on sea conditions. Guides such as Adi, Ade and Addy have helped nervous beginners, while the crew keeps watch for turtles, rays, moray eels, reef fish and the shallow wreck.

“What a fantastic experience. I swam above two separate turtles and is the highlight of my trip now. Truly wonderful and unforgettable experience. We also visited a shipwreck. The water is choppy and I loved it being out on the open waters. Would definitely recommend as long as you don't mind a few waves.”

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Complete Excursion and Flight on the Zipline Cabo Verde - Registration, weighing, and the safety briefing
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sal, Zip Lines

Complete Excursion and Flight on the Zipline Cabo Verde

6.Complete Excursion and Flight on the Zipline Cabo Verde

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 591 reviews · from $56

You’ll ride a 4x4 from Santa Maria to Sal’s Serra Negra area, walk up a steep path, and fly a long zipline above the coast. The package includes transport, safety gear, a local aperitif, soda, music, and live Cape Verdean entertainment. Expect a festive outing as much as an adrenaline ride. The weight limit is 130 kilograms.

“The operators are excellent, clearly explain what will happen but are full of fun and incredibly supportive. If you’re anxious about being weighed in front of others, just wait til everyone else has gone out. The walk to the top is very steep and if yoRead more”

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Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde - How the guides match you with a horse
Horses, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sal

Horse Riding in Sal Island – Cabo Verde

7.Horse Riding in Sal Island – Cabo Verde

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 500 reviews · from $60

Ride from Santa Maria’s Viveiro Botanical Gardens to the Big Salt Mines, with longer routes continuing to Kite Beach. Choose one, 1.5, or two hours. Guides such as Ziggy and Matteus match horses to riding ability, and groups are limited to eight. Helmets, lockers, insurance, and hotel transfers are included.

“I took the longest ride which allowed me to enjoy the beautiful view at the desert, the Salinas and the beach. It was my first time to ride a horse but I felt very safe, as the horses were friendly and they sent a staff to accompany me all the way. If you are experienced in riding, yRead more”

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Sal: All-Inclusive Half-Day Lounge Catamaran Cruise - Swimming near Lion Mountain
Catamaran & Sailing Trips, Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sal

Sal: All-Inclusive Half-Day Lounge Catamaran Cruise

8.All-Inclusive Half-Day Lounge Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 486 reviews · 4 hours · from $81

Sail Sal’s west coast aboard the Lounge Catamaran Sodade for four hours of swimming, snorkeling, fishing, snacks, unlimited beer and soft drinks, and live Cape Verdean music. Guides including Alina, Rony, Kenni, Keila, Bellany, and Willy help create a friendly, lively trip. Choose a family sailing or adults-only departure.

“It was fun, friendly, comfortable & interesting, had a GREAT day! Thank you”

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Santa Maria: Sea Turtle Watching Experience on Sal Island - Leaving Santa Maria after sunset
Sea Turtle Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sal, Turtle Watching in Sal

Santa Maria: Sea Turtle Watching Experience on Sal Island

9.Sea Turtle Watching Experience on Sal Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 446 reviews · from $41

Leave Santa Maria after dark for Sal’s nesting beaches, usually between 7:30 and 10:30 PM. Guides such as Nany and Chan explain turtle behavior, then lead small groups to watch egg-laying by infrared light. Wear dark clothes and comfortable shoes. Sightings are highly likely but never guaranteed.

“absolutly amazing experience! Guides was very kind And they know a lots of infomation about turtles. We can recomemnd to everybody!”

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Praia: Santiago Island Tour with Tastings and Tarrafal Beach - The morning starts with cuscuz, fidjós, and a family welcome
Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Santiago, Tarrafal Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Santiago

Praia: Santiago Island Tour with Tastings and Tarrafal Beach

10.Santiago Island Tour with Tastings and Tarrafal Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 416 reviews · 7 - 8 hours · from $76

Travel from Praia across Santiago with Bu Country Tours, meeting a local family for cuscuz and fidjós, visiting Assomada Market on Wednesdays or Saturdays, crossing Serra Malagueta, and swimming at Tarrafal Beach. Guides such as Ricardo, Elton, Ivana, and Bamba may lead the day. Lunch is extra, and the route suits active visitors without mobility limitations.

“It was amazing, we have seen the countryside, villages, the mountains, the beach, tasted delicious local food. The island Santiago is so beautiful, and the guides are great, speak several languages, and have a lot of information to share.”

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Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch - Palmeira shows you Sal’s working side
Full-Day, Guided, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sal

Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch

11.Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 414 reviews · 6 hours · from $69

Travel Sal in a small group of up to 10 with a guide such as Alejandro or Miguel. Visit Santa Maria, Murdeira, Palmeira, Buracona, Espargos, Shark Bay, and Pedra de Lume, with lunch in a local home, hotel transfers, and a clean minibus included.

“Excellent. Well worth the money payed. Our toy guide was fun and had great knowledge of the island”

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4h SSV Buggy Island Adventure - 1000cc or 500cc - Palmeira gives the route a human face
Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Sal, Quad & Buggy Tours, Quad and Buggy Tours in Sal, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sal

4h SSV Buggy Island Adventure – 1000cc or 500cc

12.4h SSV Buggy Island Adventure – 1000cc or 500cc

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 363 reviews

Drive a 500cc or 1000cc automatic buggy across Sal with a local guide such as Chips, Zé, Valdir, Freddy, or Joseph. In four hours, you’ll visit Murdeira, Palmeira, Regona’s natural pool, Terra Boa, Pedra de Lume, Feijoal’s lemon sharks, and Serra Negra. Hotel pickup, safety gear, and water are included.

“Tour sur l’île de Sal en buggy au top. Nous avons pu voir les différents endroits de l’île à ne pas loupé. Expérience à faire absolument si vous venez à Sal .”

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2h SSV Buggy Desert Adventure - 1000cc or 500cc - The choice between the 500cc and 1000cc buggies
2-Hour Experiences, Quad & Buggy Tours, Quad and Buggy Tours in Sal, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sal, Viana Desert & Dunes

2h SSV Buggy Desert Adventure – 1000cc or 500cc

13.2h SSV Buggy Desert Adventure – 1000cc or 500cc

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews

Drive a two-seat 500cc or 1000cc buggy from Santa Maria across Sal’s sand dunes, beaches, salt flats, and volcanic coast. You’ll receive a helmet, goggles, belt, water, and protective suit, with guides such as Jason, Edy, or Jota leading the route. Bring your original driver’s license and closed-toe shoes.

“Great experience Amazing views Very professional Bit hot for the all in one suits and didn’t feel they was needed”

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3-hour Catamaran Adventure on the waters of Sal Island - Getting From Your Hotel to the Water
3-Hour Experiences, Catamaran & Sailing Trips, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sal

3-hour Catamaran Adventure on the waters of Sal Island

14.3-hour Catamaran Adventure on the waters of Sal Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 349 reviews · 3 hours · from $69

Join Cape Verde Sailing for a calm three-hour catamaran cruise from Santa Maria or Bikini Beach. You’ll sail with a small group, enjoy snacks and drinks, and stop once for swimming or snorkeling. Crew members such as Daisy, Wesley, Marcio, Jair, and Anna are known for friendly service, with dolphins, turtles, and flying fish possible but never promised.

“Loved the relaxed atmosphere, snorkelling could be better, could have dropped us where Jesus was to see that as no fish. Apart from that, so relaxing and amazing. Thank you :)”

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Electric Beach Bike - Guided Tour in Sal Island - Starting at Pier Street in Santa Maria
Cycling Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sal

Electric Beach Bike – Guided Tour in Sal Island

15.Electric Beach Bike – Guided Tour in Sal Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 349 reviews · from $34Best value

Ride from Santa Maria across Sal’s southern coast on a powerful electric bike. Guides such as Mo, Fort, Forza, and Jack lead small to medium groups past beaches, dunes, salt mines, nature areas, and local neighborhoods, with time for a swim and a beach-bar stop. The 4-hour route suits riders who want sightseeing without a hard workout.

“Great fun, got to see more of the island with a knowledgeable guide who told us a bit more about their history.”

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Shark Watching21Sea Turtle Watching17Quad & Buggy Tours32Island Day Trips26Snorkeling18City Tours11
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Out across the archipelago

Pick an island, a crater or a stretch of water.

In the water

Shark BayTurtle NightsSnorkellingCatamaransDiving

On the road

Buggies and QuadsIsland DaysViana DesertSanta MonicaTarrafal

Craters and cliffs

Pico do FogóPedra de LumeThe Blue EyeSanto Antão ValleysWalking Days

Towns

Cidade VelhaTown WalksFood and GrogueWorkshops