Cape Verde · BOAT TRIPS IN SANTIAGO
Every trip has one free day too few. These 9 boat trips in Santiago justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Leave your cruise ship in Praia for a seven-hour Santiago Island tour with a guide such as Juan or Zanthony. Visit mountain villages, Serra Malagueta, Tarrafal beach, and a local family home for batuco and morna music, dancing, cooking, and tasting. Transport, port transfers, and swim time are included.
“gut , länger als geplant ,hätte es für uns nicht gebraucht”
Spend five hours touring Santiago Island from Praia Port with a German-speaking guide such as Louisa or Luise. You will visit Picos, Assomada, Serra Malagueta, Calheta, Santa Cruz, and Praia, with a Batuque dance session and scenic stops along the way. Transport, port pickup, and drop-off are included, but food and drinks are not.
“Rund um hat es meine Erwartungen sehr gut erfüllt.”
From Praia, travel to Ribeira da Barca for a traditional fishing boat ride along Santiago’s volcanic coast. You’ll visit Pilon de Achada Leite, swim or snorkel in Águas Belas cave when conditions allow, and eat a fish BBQ on a black-sand beach. Guides may include KID, Cátia, or Dany. The boat costs an extra 25 EUR per person locally.
“Our driver and guide were great. Activity said snorkeling but there were 6 people and 3 snorkels. The swimming and snorkeling were over the side of the boat in the cave we only stayed for about 15 mins. The current was a bit rough and it was only large rocks to see. BBQ was tasty but beach is very rocky (recommend water shoes) and dirty with no good place to sit. Does seem typical. Overall trip was great but felt expensive.”
Join Kapverden Tours for an 8-hour minibus trip across Santiago Island. Meet your guide at Praia cruise terminal, then visit Picos, Assomada, Serra Malagueta, Tarrafal Beach, and the east coast. Guides speak English, French, Spanish, Italian, or German. Ricardo is one guide praised for his friendly, clear explanations.
“Interesting overview of Santiago Island. our Guide Ricardo was very friendly and informative, giving lots of background information, and we felt safe with our driver.”
From Praia, you’ll visit Assomada and Ribeira da Barca before sailing to Pilon de Achada Leite and Águas Belas. Expect volcanic rock, cave snorkeling if conditions allow, a fish barbecue on black sand, hotel transfers, and a group of no more than eight. Guides such as Alex and Alfonso add local context.
“Alfonso was an amazing guide! Felt comfortable the entire time, got to see great views, the assomada market and of Ribeira da Barca. Such an awesome experience!”
You’ll travel from your accommodation to Porto Ribeira da Barca, then board a colorful fishing boat to Aguas Belas Cave. Guide Edmilson or Kevin may lead the day, with swimming inside the cave, a stop at a black sand beach, and a barbecue lunch. The four-hour private tour includes transport, boat, guide, and life jacket.
“activités au top tout était parfait. le guide ,le chauffeur et les deux personnes du bateau de pêche . barbecue excellent et très copieux. Explications pendant l excursion parfaite”
Set out from Tarrafal Beach with a Portuguese-speaking pilot and a private group of up to 12 people. Sail past the lighthouse toward Fazenda or Ribeira da Prata, depending on sea conditions, then stop for a calm swim or snorkel. Beer, water, and fruit juice are included, while aperitifs and champagne cost extra.
“Excellente activité ! Nous étions en couple et avons passé un super moment inoubliable à deux ! Je recommande.”
From Praia, you’ll cross Santiago’s mountains to Tarrafal, stop for photos in Assomada, then cruise to Monte Graciosa and Ponta Preta lighthouse. Snorkel near Agudoal while lunch is grilled on the beach, and relax afterward on white sand. Pickup, guide, gear, lunch, and drinks are included, but the boat costs €20 extra per person.
“Everyone was very helpful and professional. Very good boat tour, the boat guide was from Tarrafal and he really knew the area history and had a real proud for his land. The lunch with fresh tuna was amazing. The driver and the guide were always available and very professional. Congratulations to the organisation. It was a great family moments knowing Trarrafal and his culture.”
Travel from Praia or Assomada to Tarrafal Bay for a 40-minute boat ride to Ponta Preta lighthouse, lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and beach time. A small group, guide, transport, drinks, and equipment are included, but the boat costs an extra €20 per person locally.
Pick an island, a boat or a kitchen.
