Sal Island: Sea Turtle Experience from Santa Maria
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Join an exclusive experience for small groups to live a unique moment with the best atmosphere and respecting the guidelines of the Biodiversity Project biologists. Professional guides with knowledge and extensive experience, and volunteers in the turtle protection and preservation project.
Enjoy the knowledge of a guide specialized in nature tours who will tell you everything about their evolution, characteristics, the historical relationship with turtles and interesting facts about turtles.
The guides will ensure an ecological and environmentally conscious experience for the turtles and visitors. Sea turtle watching is a unique experience for all nature and wildlife lovers while visiting Cape Verde. By choosing Sal Experience, a local sustainable company, you will support our beach cleaning program and sea turtle preservation and protection efforts.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wear dark colored clothes and comfortable walking shoes.
Expert guides who will offer you a unique and environmentally conscious experience for turtles and visitors alike.
The observation of nesting depends on environmental factors and is not guaranteed. However, in the last 5 years, the success rate has been 100%.
It is necessary to be physically fit to walk.
We provide lights that allow you to take photos and make videos. Photos/videos with flash and white lights are not allowed.
People under the effect of alcohol cannot participate in order not to disturb the natural habitat of sea turtles.
Turtle experience is not recommended for people with reduced mobility and children under 3 years of age.
Not recommended for people with nictophobia
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Specialized nature guide
Liability insurance
infrared lighting
Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off service included
What To Expect
Don't miss this incredible experience. Watching sea turtles is a unique experience for nature and wildlife lovers while visiting Cape Verde. Join a unique experience with the best atmosphere and respecting the guidelines of the Biodiversity Project biologists. Transfer from your hotel at 8:30 pm and arrive at one of the island's beautiful beaches in less than thirty minutes. Be welcomed by your professional guides with extensive experience, and volunteers in the turtle protection and preservation project, who will ensure an ecological and environmentally conscious experience for turtles and visitors. Cape Verde is home to populations of 3 species of turtles. The Caretta caretta turtle (common turtle) is the most common species in Cape Verde. Cape Verde's sandy beaches are one of the most important nesting sites for loggerhead turtles. Enjoy the knowledge of an expert guide and an ecological tour that respects turtles and their habitat. By choosing Sal Experience, a local sustainable company, you will support our beach cleaning program and sea turtle preservation and protection efforts.
Options
Spanish speaking guide
Pickup included
German speaking guide
Pickup included
Portuguese speaking guide
Pickup included
French speaking guide
Pickup included
English speaking guide
Pickup included
Reviews
119 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sadly no turtles
Elaine s,
Jul 9, 2025
- Viator
3.00Guide was knowledgeable but sadly saw no turtles. They kept us longer on the beach in hope that we might see some but it was not to be.
Disappointing
Vikki M,
Jul 4, 2025
- Viator
2.00Observing and witnessing such a fantastic event such as the Caretta Caretta returning to nest and lay their eggs was incredibly special. However, I likely would not choose to do this again. The whole experience I could only think about the poor isolated turtle with so many humans oggling at the sight. I researched prior to booking and thought that numbers of observers would be much lower. There were 12 in my group which felt comfortable only to find that there were several other groups at the same location with about 90 people in total. People did not take care in the groups and failed to follow requests from tourguides and used camera flashes. adults were selfishly crowding the turtle and being asked not to whilst others of us who respect nature and not wanting to overwhelme her more, missed out to these people continuing with their selfish acts to film probably for likes on their socials. Worst of all- they did this whilst stealing this experience from children who were unable to see past them. I understood that there was a chance that Turtles may not be seen, but I feel this experience was far too populated to be kind and considerate to a species that is endangered.
Brilliant!!!!
leilah H,
Sep 29, 2024
- Viator
5.00Excellent experience with nature. A must do when visiting Sal! We saw nesting and baby turtles hatching and heading to the sea. So brilliant!
Fantastic Experience
Scott R,
Aug 12, 2024
- Viator
5.00A once in a life time experience, watching the turtles, lay their eggs, cover their nest and return to the sea. Great guide and information about their protection program too. Highly recommended.
Evening with BIG turtles
Paul M,
Aug 3, 2024
- Viator
5.00Very entertaining host, very prompt on collection and great communications prior to collection. Would reccomend highly
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