Cape Verde Beach Life: Sal Island

Route: Santa Maria→Palmeira

1. 1Day 1Welcome to Cape Verde!

   • Check-in: our adventure kicks off in Santa María

     Round-trip flights aren't included in the trip price, so you can decide where to fly from, at what time, and with which airline. We do this to give you maximum freedom of choice.

     Check-in at the hotel in Santa Maria and gather together for the Welcome Meeting with our first caipirinha. We're immersing ourselves into this natural gem, an untouched island brimming with joy. Over the next few days, our main goal is total relaxation. Let's kick off this holiday by diving straight into Santa Maria's rhythm and local culture.

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2. 2Day 2Exploring the island's treasures

   • Murdeira Bay, Palmeira Port, and Blue Eye

     Our first excursion will take us to the majestic Baía da Murdeira, a perfect spot to capture the natural beauty of Monte Leão through our cameras. Then, we'll continue to the picturesque fishing village and port of Palmeira, where we'll explore the amazing Buracona rock formation, with its natural pool and the famous 'Blue Eye' wonder.

   • Local sharks and salt flats

     After these fascinating stops, we'll head to Terra Boa, where we'll capture fun photos of the mirages created in this unique spot. Our next stop will take us to Espargos, the island's capital, followed by a visit to Baía dos Tubarões, home to the impressive local sharks.

     Finally, we'll cap off our day with a truly unique experience at the Pedra de Lume salt flats, where we'll float in waters that are 26 times saltier than the sea. An unforgettable experience to conclude our day's tour.

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3. 3Day 3The African "Caribbean"

   • Marine life

     Today we have the chance to dive into the gorgeous underwater world of Sal Island. From the spectacular marine life to the vibrant colours of the coral reef, this excursion will give you an unforgettable experience and a deeper connection with the island's nature. Ready to explore and discover Sal Island's underwater treasures? Dive into this exciting snorkeling adventure!

   • Cape Verdean rhythm

     In the afternoon, we'll get the chance to learn some local dance steps: Afrobeat, Kizomba, and Funana. The perfect opportunity for a deep dive into Cape Verdean culture with music and plenty of laughs, because let's be real, keeping up with our instructors will be a challenge.
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4. 4Day 4Exploring the island the fun way!Overnight: Santa Maria

   • We're hitting the road!

     What better way to enjoy the island than with a buggies excursion? We’ll put on our helmets, hop on a quad bike with our trusty travel buddy, and explore Sal Island in a fun and exciting way. From dreamlike beaches to hidden oases and breathtaking landscapes, this excursion promises to be an unforgettable experience for all adventure lovers. Get ready to discover the magic of Sal Island on four wheels!

     The itinerary will include stops at points of interest where you can take photos, learn about the local culture, and enjoy panoramic views.

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   • A touch of nature!

     As evening falls, we can enjoy a sunset horseback ride. We’ll ride along unspoilt beaches and golden dunes as the sun sinks into the Atlantic and the sky turns orange and violet. A moment of calm, sea breeze and unforgettable landscapes.

     And if you’re travelling between late June and late September, you’ll have the unique chance to witness sea turtles nesting. Every summer, loggerhead turtles come ashore on Sal’s beaches to lay their eggs. With expert local guides and always respecting their habitat, we’ll experience up close one of the most moving natural spectacles on the planet.

     Get ready to be amazed by the island at its most authentic!

5. 5Day 5Wind, please!Overnight: Santa Maria

   • Water adventure: surf, kitesurf or windsurf

     Ready to tackle the Atlantic waves on the stunning Sal Island? The wind conditions here are exceptional, making it a top-notch destination to choose between three thrilling water sports: surfing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing. If you've always dreamed of mastering the waves, surfing is the perfect choice. Kitesurfing is another exciting option that will have you gliding over the water powered by the wind. And for those seeking a combo of surf and wind, windsurfing is the way to go! After all that physical exertion, we'll definitely have worked up an appetite, so we'll dive into a delicious lunch with a nice cold beer.

     In the afternoon, a van will pick us up to head to Ponte Preta beach, where we can enjoy a good Caipirinha while watching the sunset on the horizon.

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6. 6Day 6Day of the SeaOvernight: Palmeira

   • Half-day catamaran trip

     We'll head to Palmeira, the island's main port, where we'll hop on our catamaran. Our first stop takes us to the stunning Baía da Murdeira, a place of incredible natural charm. Once there, we'll have the chance to dive into its crystal-clear waters for some snorkeling and explore the marine life hidden beneath the surface. For fishing enthusiasts, the catamaran also offers the opportunity to fish, a pastime that's both relaxing and exciting. If you'd rather stay on board, you can simply chill on the catamaran's deck, soaking up the sea breeze and coastal views.

     A highlight of this experience is the chance to spot turtles (from June to September) or whales (from February to March). While it's never guaranteed, fingers crossed we get lucky!

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7. 7Day 7Chill vibes and local culture

   • Last day at your own pace!

     We wrap up the trip with two options. If you’d like to say goodbye to the island with a meaningful experience, you can book a morning to visit a local NGO dedicated to children. It’s a way to give back to the community that has welcomed us so warmly, for example by bringing school supplies, clothes or toys.

     Would you rather soak up the last hours of sunshine? Then a relaxing day at a beach club awaits: sun loungers facing the turquoise sea, an ice-cold cocktail, good music and one last dip before saying goodbye to Sal Island.

     It’s up to you how to put the finishing touch on this adventure!

   • Local beer tasting

     In the afternoon, we'll get to sample a variety of 2 craft beers produced on the island, each with its own distinctive flavor and character. A local beer expert will guide us through the tasting, explaining the characteristics of each beer and sharing insights into the ingredients and brewing process. The experience also includes 2 natural juices and a couple of tapas. It'll be a fun and educational experience that will immerse us in the beer culture of Cape Verde. Cheers!

     In the evening, we'll organize our final dinner of the trip to say goodbye to our travel buddies.

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8. 8Day 8Goodbye Cape Verde!

   • Check-out and goodbyes

     See you soon Cape Verde and goodbye, travel buddies! See you on our next WeRoad adventure.
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