Off the coast of Senegal, the archipelago of Cape Verde, where the famous singer Cesaria Evora grew up, is made up of some fifteen islands, each of which offers wild and contrasting landscapes made up of dunes, volcanic landscapes, lush valleys and immaculate beaches which are particularly appreciated as they offer perfect conditions for kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving and many other water sports. From a cultural point of view, the destination is steeped in Portuguese traditions reflecting its history, but it is also marked by influences linked to its location at the crossroads of three continents. Cape Verde will fascinate you with its colours, its warm atmosphere and its gentle way of life.
Sal is Cape Verde’s most northern island. It owes its name to the salt mines located in the extinct volcano of Pedra de Lume. It is also the flattest, and home to the most developed infrastructure. With it being so flat inland, the island’s landscapes are mostly desert. The strong trade winds which tumble across the island from November to June mean it is also a mecca known the world over for kitesurfing, sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts.
Santa Maria, located on the southern side of Sal island, is one of Cape Verde’s most popular seaside resorts. Its long, fine sandy beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters are not only an absolute paradise for anyone seeking peace and quiet, but also the perfect place for surfers. There’s never a dull moment in Santa Maria, with the village being home to many souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and 2 discos. The town’s most iconic landmark is a special attraction: the Weigh House. It was here that they used to weigh salt before loading it onto ships in colonial times. Distance from the airport: 15 km.
Excursions will allow you to discover your destination from all perspectives. LuxairTours offers a range of selected tours that will allow you to discover unmissable places, paradisiacal beaches, typical dishes... LuxairTours organises a range of quality excursions for you.
This half-day excursion will take you to the charming little fishing village of Palmeira by way of the village of Murdeira. The route will then follow the east coast towards the natural seawater basins of Buracona. After a short swim you’ll head for Terra Boa to admire the famous ‘Fata Morgana’ optical phenomenon – the only one of its kind in the world. The tour will end at the extinct Pedra de Lume volcano, where the crater is home to a salt mine.
Admire the fantastic views of the Cape Verde Islands from a new perspective and relax on the spacious and comfortable deck of the catamaran as you cruise along the west coast of Sal. Enjoy the sun and relaxed ambience on one of the comfortable lounge beds. Halfway through the trip, you can take a cool dip in the ocean, swim, snorkel, fish with the crew or simply relax on board. Snacks and drinks are also served on board (included).
Transfer from the hotel included.
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Start: 09:30 or 14:00
During this 2-hour tour you will visit the Santa Maria salt lake, the Kite Beach, the favorite beach of kite surfers, the Serra Negra Nature Park with a stop at the viewpoint, the Sal Nature Reserve, passing through the desert with a stop at the Palha Verde Oasis and on towards the island’s prettiest beach, Ponta Preta.
2-person Quad 2 with CFmoto 500cc, 4x4, with beck rest and storage box on the back.
Guests are provided with overalls, helmets, goggles and water. A scarf is not included.
Drivers will need to have their original driver’s license with them and closed shoes.
Drivers must be 18 years or over and hold a valid driving licence. No provisional license will be accepted.
Minimum age for children who are allowed to drive as co-drivers is 12 years.
During this 2-hour tour you will visit the Santa Maria salt lake, Kite Beach and the Serra Negra natural park, passing through the desert and the Palha Verde oasis. We then travel to Baía do Algodoeiro, where you will get to explore the ruins of ancient slave houses, and on towards the island’s prettiest beach, Ponta Preta. (Monday-Saturday)
Drivers must be 18 years or over and hold a valid driving licence. Not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
The PADI diving centre offers a range of different diving programmes and extensive. Particularly popular is the ‘double dive’ which includes a return transfer between the hotel and boat and 2 dives (equipment rental: approx. 20,- per person).
Enjoy one of nature's most beautiful events during this excursion (approx. 3 hours with guide). The turtle season starts in July and ends in mid-October. Depending on the month, you can see Caretta Caretta turtles laying their eggs or even small turtles hatch and find their way into the sea. In order not to disturb this beautiful natural event, nature lovers are requested to wear dark coloured clothing and follow all of the guide's instructions. Use of the camera is allowed upon request, but always without flash.
The Farolinho restaurant, located on the waterfront, is the ideal place for a harmonious end to this incredible day in Sal. With a magnificent sea view and great live music, you can make the most of your trip and the sound of the sea. Included with dinner:
-1/2 tuna carpaccio
-1/2 grilled lobster with side dishes
-1 dessert
-1 glass of wine or beer or soft fizzy drink, plus tea or coffee
An amazing 2h tours in which the clients can see the sharks from close, in their natural environment. The tour starts with the transfer to Pedra de Lume, where they can see and photograph the sharks.
For the Shark watching tour, clients which would like to go into the water are kindly asked to wear proper shoes. It is not possible to enter with flip-flops.
Guide included on the tour!
The excursions on offer, as well as their prices and times, may vary depending on the location of the hotel. Excursion prices are provided for information purposes only and may be subject to change. For more information and to book, please contact your local LuxairTours guide.
Compulsory ecological tax: this tax is applicable will be invoiced directly in the hotels. The following terms and conditions apply:
Total:
Compulsory airport security tax (TSA): this tax of 31.00 euros per person is already included in the price of the package. Excluded are "flight only" or "hotel only" reservation and bookings made at short notice less than 7 days before departure, for which the tax is be paid locally.