Excursions in Cape Verde: a guide to the best experiences
Cape Verde is much more than just a beach destination. This volcanic archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, offers a mosaic of stunning landscapes and activities for all tastes. Excursions in Cape Verde allow you to discover volcanic craters, lush green valleys, golden sand deserts, rich marine life, and villages where time seems to have stood still.
From the thrilling experience of sandboarding on the dunes of Boa Vista to the silent majesty of the Pico do Fogo volcano, from close encounters with lemon sharks in Sal to trekking through the lush vegetation of Santo Antão, each island offers unique and unforgettable experiences.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey to discover the best excursions island by island, with practical tips on how to organize them, when to do them, and what to expect. Whether you are an adventure lover, a nature enthusiast, or a traveler seeking authenticity, you will find the perfect experience for you. Guide to the island of Cape Verde
Excursions in Sal: between salt flats, sharks, and dream beaches
The island of Sal is the ideal starting point for excursions that combine the sea, geological phenomena, and close encounters with marine wildlife.
The Blue Eye of Buracona
One of the most famous excursions in Sal is the visit to Buracona and its natural pool known as the "Blue Eye." It is a natural cavity carved into the lava rock where, due to an optical phenomenon created by sunlight penetrating from above, the water takes on a brilliant deep blue color. The best time to observe this spectacle is between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sun is at its zenith.
The Pedra de Lume Salt Flats
Inside the crater of an extinct volcano lies the famous Pedra de Lume Salt Flats, a breathtaking lunar landscape. Here, it is possible to float in hypersaline waters with high density, a unique experience with therapeutic properties. The contrast between the blinding white of the salt, the blue of the sky, and the black of the volcanic rock creates perfect settings for unforgettable photographs.
Shark Bay and Lemon Sharks
Baía da Parda, better known as Shark Bay, is located on the eastern coast of Sal, about a 25-minute drive from Santa Maria. Here, the warm, shallow waters are populated by small lemon sharks. Wearing special rubber shoes, you can wade into the ankle-deep water accompanied by an experienced guide, observing these beautiful animals swimming around in large schools. The guides are well-acquainted with their behavior and know where to find them, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly experience.
Boat Excursions and Water Sports
Sal also offers excellent opportunities for boat excursions, diving, and water sports. The constant winds, especially along the southeastern coast, make the island a paradise for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with local schools offering courses for every level.
Excursions in Boa Vista: desert, shipwrecks, and sea turtles
Boa Vista is the island of dry emotions and sandy expanses that resemble Saharan landscapes.
The Viana Desert
Northeast of Rabil, near the airport, the Viana Desert stretches 5 km in length and 1.5 km in width. Its dunes, reaching heights of 50 meters, reflect sunlight showcasing a myriad of shades of coffee, gold, and khaki. Crossing the Viana Desert is a magical experience during which it feels like you have left the world behind.
For adventure lovers, many tour operators organize quad or 4x4 excursions with the possibility of sandboarding, sliding down the highest dunes at full speed on special boards. In the evening, thanks to the almost total absence of light pollution, the desert transforms into a natural astronomical observatory for astrotourism excursions.
The wreck of the Cabo Santa Maria
On Atalanta Beach, on the northwestern coast, lies the wreck of the Cabo Santa Maria, a Spanish merchant ship that sank during a storm in 1968. The crew was rescued, but the cargo was recovered on muleback over the course of a year. Today, the rusted and ghostly wreck has become one of the most photographed attractions on the island, set against a backdrop of white sand and turquoise waters.
Sea turtle sightings
Cape Verde is home to the third largest population of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the world, with a significant number of individuals concentrated in Boa Vista. The nesting season runs from June to October, with a peak of over 62,000 nests recorded in 2025 in areas monitored by local NGOs.
Local tour operators organize night excursions to observe the turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs. These excursions, which last about 5-6 hours and start between 7 and 8 PM, represent an exciting and deeply respectful experience of nature. It is essential to choose certified operators like BIOS Cabo Verde and strictly follow the rules: no flash photography, no artificial lights, and complete silence to avoid disturbing the turtles.
West Coast Tour
Another must-do excursion is the 4x4 tour of the west coast, which includes stops at Morro de Areia for sandboarding, at Turtle Bay for turtle watching, and at the village of Povoação Velha, one of the oldest settlements on the island, where you can participate in a tasting of grogue, the local rum, and ponche.
Excursions in Santo Antão: trekking through green valleys and mountains
Santo Antão is considered the ultimate trekking island, a paradise for nature lovers and hikers immersed in spectacular landscapes.
The Paul Valley
The most famous hike in Cape Verde stretches for about 7 km in the Paul Valley (Vale do Paúl), a deep gorge cloaked in lush terraced fields that extends from Pombas on the eastern coast to Chã de Padre at an altitude of 600 meters.
The trail, suitable for everyone, winds through banana plantations, sugarcane fields, and papaya and mango trees, offering breathtaking views and the opportunity to visit small distilleries where grogue, the local spirit, is produced. Along the way, you will encounter traditional villages and can breathe in the authentic atmosphere of Cape Verdean rural life.
Cova do Paúl and the crater
At the end of the valley, a steep path rises to Cova do Paúl, the fertile caldera of an extinct volcano covered in cultivated fields. This last stretch is more challenging, but it offers unforgettable views of the entire valley and the surrounding mountains.
Fontainhas and Ponta do Sol
Moving north, you encounter Fontainhas, a small village nestled among the cliffs overlooking the sea, famous for its colorful houses and spectacular views of the ocean. Not far away is Ponta do Sol, a picturesque fishing village that offers great bases for hiking in the northern part of the island.
Hiking in Fogo: conquering the volcano
The island of Fogo is dominated by the imposing Pico do Fogo, at 2,829 meters the highest peak in Cape Verde. The main activity on the island is climbing this active volcano, an extreme and unforgettable experience.
Ascent to Pico do Fogo
The hike starts from Chã das Caldeiras, a village located inside the main crater at about 1,700 meters above sea level. Here, incredibly, families have rebuilt their homes after the last eruption in 2014, living among the fields of black lava and the vineyards that produce Fogo's exclusive volcanic wine.
The ascent begins early in the morning (around 6:00-6:30) to enjoy the cooler temperatures and the best views. Dramatic fields of lava are crossed, and as you climb, the path becomes steeper among jagged volcanic rocks and soft ash. At about 2,300 meters, a spectacular viewpoint opens up over the entire crater.
Reaching the summit (2,826 m) is the highlight: from the top, breathtaking views open up over the crater, the contrasts between the black lava and the green valleys, and the endless Atlantic Ocean. The descent is an exciting finale: you slide and run down the slopes of soft volcanic ash until you return to the villages.
Important: the ascent requires a mandatory guide, both for safety reasons and to protect the Natural Park. It is necessary to bring at least 1.5 liters of water, sturdy hiking shoes, a windbreaker, and energy snacks.
Chã das Caldeiras and wine tasting
Before or after the hike, the village of Chã das Caldeiras is worth a visit, with its houses rebuilt on lava and the cellars where you can taste the wine produced from the vineyards grown on the volcanic slopes.
Hiking in Santiago: history, nature, and sea
The island of Santiago offers a fascinating mix of cultural and natural hikes.
Cidade Velha
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cidade Velha is the first European colony in the tropics. A hike here allows you to visit the Fortress of São Filipe, perched on the hill with spectacular views, and to stroll along Rua Banana, one of the oldest streets in sub-Saharan Africa.
Parque Natural da Serra da Malagueta
In the north of the island, this park extends over a rugged mountain range cloaked in virgin forest. A network of marked trails allows you to explore the peaks, which reach 1,064 meters, and to spot some endemic species at risk of extinction.
Boat trips in Ribeira da Barca
From the bay of Ribeira da Barca, full-day boat trips depart that lead to the rock formations of Pilon de Achada Leite and the caves of Aguas Belas, where you can stop to swim and snorkel to discover the local marine life.
Tarrafal
On the northern coast, Tarrafal offers a beautiful white sand beach surrounded by palm trees. Nearby is the Chão Bom Concentration Camp, now a museum of resistance, a place rich in historical memory.
Excursions to São Vicente: culture and views
The island of São Vicente, with its cultural capital Mindelo, offers excursions that combine art, music, and nature.
Monte Verde
Climb to Monte Verde, the highest point on the island (750 meters). From here, you can overlook the entire island and admire, on clear days, the profile of Santo Antão across the channel.
Baía das Gatas
Just a few kilometers from Mindelo, this bay protected by a natural barrier offers calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. In August, it hosts a famous music festival.
Mindelo by night
An evening cultural excursion may include a tour of live music venues, where you can listen to morna and coladeira, perhaps participating in a "cultural pub crawl" to discover the bars frequented by locals.
Excursions to Brava: the quiet island
Brava is the smallest of the inhabited islands, a refuge for those seeking peace and tranquility away from mass tourism. Its lush nature, steep cliffs by the sea, and picturesque villages like Nova Sintra create a relaxing and authentic environment. The hikes here are easy walks discovering unspoiled landscapes and the simple life of the local community.
Practical tips for hiking
When to hike
The dry season, from November to July, ensures pleasant temperatures and clear skies, making both sea activities and inland hikes ideal. For turtle watching, the period is from June to October. For sailing, the best months are from November to June due to the constant trade winds.
Booking and guides
For many hikes, especially those in protected areas like the Fogo volcano or turtle watching, it is mandatory or highly recommended to rely on certified local guides. You can book directly online on platforms like Civitatis, GetYourGuide, or Viator, or contact local operators present on the islands.
What to bring
Comfortable or hiking shoesdepending on the hike
Plenty of water(at least 1.5 liters for challenging hikes)
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Windbreakerfor higher altitudes or boat trips
Energy snacksto keep your energy up
Headlampfor night hikes (turtles)
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Excursions in Cape Verde
What is the best excursion in Cape Verde?
It depends on your preferences: for trekking enthusiasts, the ascent of the Fogo volcano is a must; for those seeking unique experiences, turtle watching in Boa Vista; for landscape lovers, trekking in the Paul Valley in Santo Antão.
How much does a guided excursion cost?
Prices vary: a half-day 4x4 tour costs about 40-50 euros, a full-day excursion can reach 70-100 euros. The guided ascent to Pico do Fogo is around 60-80 euros per person.
Is it necessary to book in advance?
In high season (December-April), it is advisable to book a few days in advance, especially for the most requested excursions like turtle watching or the ascent of the volcano.
Are the excursions suitable for children?
Yes, many excursions are family-friendly. In Sal, Shark Bay and the salt flats are experiences that children really enjoy. The 4x4 tours in Boa Vista are adventurous but safe. For challenging treks like the Fogo volcano, however, good physical preparation is required.
Are guides mandatory?
For the ascent to Pico do Fogo, yes, it is mandatory to be accompanied by a local guide. For turtle watching, it is highly recommended to rely on certified tour operators who follow conservation rules. For trekking in Santo Antão, you can proceed independently, but a guide enriches the experience.
What is the best time to see turtles?
The nesting season runs from June to October, peaking in August-September.
Can you go sandboarding in Cape Verde?
Yes, in the Viana Desert in Boa Vista, many tour operators include sandboarding equipment in their excursions.
Which islands are best for trekking?
Santo Antão offers the most extensive network of trails and spectacular green landscapes. Fogo is a must for volcanic climbing. Santiago has interesting routes in the Serra da Malagueta park.
Is it possible to organize boat excursions?
Yes, in Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago, numerous boat excursions for snorkeling, cave visits, and day trips are available.
How long does an excursion usually last?
Half-day excursions last 3-4 hours, while full-day excursions last 6-8 hours. Climbing Pico do Fogo takes a full day (about 6-8 hours for the ascent and descent).
Excursions in Cape Verde
Excursions in Cape Verde offer such a wide range of experiences that they satisfy every type of traveler. From the marine depths of Shark Bay to the volcanic peaks of Fogo, from the sandy expanses of the Viana Desert to the green valleys of Santo Antão, each island tells a different story and offers unique emotions.
Organizing excursions in this archipelago means fully immersing yourself in its essence: discovering the geological phenomena that have shaped these lands, respectfully encountering the wildlife that inhabits them, walking the paths traveled by generations of farmers, and being surprised by the variety of landscapes that coexist within just a few dozen kilometers.
Whether you choose extreme adventure or silent contemplation, the important thing is to experience each excursion with the right spirit: curious, respectful, and open to encountering a powerful and generous nature. Only then will Cape Verde give you memories that will last forever.
Review date:March 18, 2026