Santa Maria: Sea Turtle Watching Experience on Sal Island

Travelers seeking a truly authentic and meaningful encounter with nature will find the Sea Turtle Watching Experience on Sal Island a standout highlight. This tour offers a rare chance to see Cape Verde’s common sea turtles in their natural habitat, doing what they’ve done for centuries—nesting on pristine beaches under the cover of night. With a high rating of 4.6 from 446 reviews, it’s clear many guests leave with not only photos but also a sense of wonder and respect for these gentle creatures.

What we love about this experience is how it combines expert-led education, a peaceful night-time setting, and a strong conservation focus. Watching a turtle carefully dig her nest or lay eggs in silence is a privilege few get to experience, and the guides’ knowledge makes the moment even more meaningful. The tour’s price of $41 per person is quite reasonable considering the intimate size of groups, the quality of the guides, and the environmental sensitivity practiced throughout.

One thing to consider is that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed every night—nature always has its plans, and turtles may or may not come ashore during your scheduled time. This unpredictability is part of the adventure but worth keeping in mind, especially if witnessing nesting is your main goal.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate nature, conservation, and quiet evenings—perfect for eco-conscious visitors, photography enthusiasts, or those wanting a break from busy tourist spots. It’s less ideal for small children under three, people with mobility issues, or anyone uncomfortable in the dark or with a strict schedule.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Witnessing turtles in their natural environment is a rare and genuine encounter.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Nany and Dani are praised for their professionalism and passion.
• Environmental Focus: The tour is designed to minimize disturbance, ensuring a respectful viewing for wildlife.
• Comfortable Transport: The journey to the beach is smooth, with air-conditioned vehicles and hotel pickup.
• Flexible Schedule: The activity runs between 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM, depending on environmental conditions.
• Limited Guarantee: Turtle sightings depend on nature, with a 99% success rate over five years.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Santa Maria Sea Turtle Watching Tour begins with a prompt pickup from your accommodation at 8 PM, giving you a chance to relax during the comfortable, air-conditioned ride. The drive to the chosen deserted beach lasts less than an hour—perfect for settling into a peaceful, anticipatory mood. Once at the beach, your guides, like Nany or Dani, greet you with professionalism and a wealth of knowledge about Cape Verde’s turtle species, their behaviors, and conservation efforts.

The guides prioritize environmental sensitivity, emphasizing quiet observation and minimal disturbance. You’ll be instructed to wear dark-colored clothes—black, navy, or dark grey—to avoid startling the turtles. Flash photography, video recording, and flashlights are strictly forbidden, all to ensure the safety and comfort of these ancient mariners.

The beach setting at night is striking; the moonlight, stars, and gentle sounds of the ocean create an almost meditative atmosphere. In small groups, you’ll walk along the sand, scanning for the telltale signs of nesting turtles—sometimes just a silhouette against the night sky. Reviewers like Joyce mention, “Be prepared to have some patience, but as you wait you can enjoy the starry skies,” which highlights the calm, almost spiritual nature of the experience.

When a turtle is spotted, guides expertly position the group at respectful distances. They often split guests into smaller groups to minimize noise and movement, which is crucial because disturbance can prevent turtles from nesting. Experienced guides, such as Chan and Nany, go the extra mile by explaining each step—the digging of the nesting hole, the laying of eggs, and the covering process. Charlotte recalls, “We experienced the whole process until she returned to the sea,” emphasizing the value of witnessing the entire cycle.

From the reviews, it’s clear that sightings are often quite close—some guests have been amazed at how near they could get, with one saying, “I could have reached out and touched the turtle’s shell.” Though sometimes no eggs are laid during the visit (which is rare, but possible), even observing a turtle in the act of nesting is profoundly moving.

The lighting setup with infrared lights ensures visibility without disturbing the turtles, and guides’ detailed explanations deepen your understanding of the species and their nesting habits. It’s evident from reviews that guides like Nany and Dani are passionate and eager to share their knowledge, answering questions about turtle size, species, and conservation efforts.

The tour concludes with your return to the hotel around 10 or 11 PM. While the experience is relatively short, the emotional impact lasts much longer. Many reviewers, such as Bethan and Michael, describe it as “a once-in-a-lifetime” or “incredible” event.

The Practicalities: What to Know Before Booking

This tour costs $41, which many consider good value considering the personalized, eco-conscious approach and the chance to witness a rare natural phenomenon. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a guide, and infrared lighting—a package that ensures comfort and professionalism.

Preparation is simple but important: wear dark, comfortable shoes suitable for walking on sand, and bring a light jacket if you tend to get cold at night. Respect for the wildlife is emphasized, so avoid bright lights and recordings that could scare off the turtles.

The tour is flexible in timing, varying between 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM based on environmental conditions, so exact schedules are confirmed the morning of. This flexibility helps ensure the best chance of sightings, aligning with nature’s unpredictable rhythm.

This experience is not suitable for children under 3, those with mobility issues, or people with a fear of the dark. Alcohol consumption is also prohibited, as it could impair judgment and safety during the tour.

Real-Life Insights from Reviewers

Guests consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides. Zubair mentions, “The guides were very knowledgeable, answering all questions in detail,” which enhances the experience beyond just watching turtles—they deepen your understanding and appreciation.

Charlotte shares, “Our guide went looking for turtles while we waited, and we didn’t see baby turtles, but we watched a mother lay eggs.” This illustrates that patience and good guidance often lead to unforgettable moments.

Emma describes the experience as “very dark, so wear black,” highlighting the importance of proper attire for safety and comfort. Meanwhile, Alan sums it up perfectly: “Truly incredible, I’d definitely recommend,” capturing the broad consensus.

Final Thoughts: Is this tour worth your time?

If you’re interested in wildlife, conservation, and authentic nature encounters, this tour offers a rare opportunity to see Cape Verde’s sea turtles up close and in their natural environment. The guides’ expertise, combined with the tranquil night setting, makes it a memorable experience that’s both educational and emotionally impactful.

The value for money is high, especially given the small group sizes, eco-sensitive approach, and the chance to witness something few travelers get to see. While sightings are not guaranteed every night, the overall success rate is impressively high, and the experience itself—the quiet walk, the starry sky, the gentle sea—is priceless.

This tour suits those who are patient, curious, and want to contribute to wildlife conservation. It’s ideal for eco-minded travelers, photography lovers, or anyone looking to add a meaningful story to their Cape Verde trip.

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FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3 years old, mainly due to the darkness and walking on sand at night.

How long does the tour last?
The activity begins around 8 PM and ends by 10 or 11 PM, depending on the night’s conditions and sightings.

What should I wear?
Wear dark-colored clothes and comfortable shoes suitable for walking on sand. Bringing a light jacket is advisable, especially if you tend to get cold.

Can I take photos during the tour?
No, flash photography, video recording, or using flashlights are prohibited to avoid disturbing the turtles.

What are the chances of seeing a turtle?
Based on the last five years, the success rate has been about 99%. However, nature can be unpredictable, so sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or reduced mobility, as it involves walking on sand in the dark.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your trip plans.

In essence, this turtle-watching tour on Sal Island offers a rare, respectful, and awe-inspiring chance to connect with nature on a deep level. Guided by passionate experts and set against a breathtaking night sky, it’s a meaningful activity that enhances any Cape Verde visit—whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply longing for an unforgettable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: