Santa Maria: Snorkeling Boat Tour

If you’re heading to Cape Verde’s Santa Maria and love the idea of exploring underwater life, this snorkeling boat tour offers an accessible, fun, and packed-with-wonders experience. While it’s not a secluded, private adventure — expect a lively group on a boat with other travelers — it’s a well-organized outing that, according to many, provides genuine encounters with sea turtles, colorful fish, and stunning coral formations.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the guaranteed turtle sightings make it a big draw for wildlife lovers. Second, the two different snorkeling spots — the historic Caldeirinha shipwreck and the Christ statue — give you variety and a chance to see different underwater environments. Lastly, the local guides, especially Nando, add a friendly, knowledgeable touch that’s often highlighted in reviews.

One consideration? Some travelers have expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects like group size or equipment quality, so it’s worth setting expectations accordingly. If you’re someone who appreciates a relaxed, well-guided experience with good value, this tour is likely a great fit. It’s ideal for first-timers, families, or anyone eager to see local marine life without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $45 per person, this tour offers good value for two hours of guided snorkeling.
• Responsibility & Safety: The tour emphasizes safety, with all equipment provided and a focus on responsible snorkeling.
• Diverse Locations: Two popular spots — the Caldeirinha shipwreck and the Christ statue — ensure varied underwater scenery.
• Guaranteed Turtle Sightings: If you’ve always wanted to swim alongside a turtle, this tour makes it happen.
• Professional Guides: Local guides like Nando are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Mixed Reviews on Equipment & Organization: Some guests mention equipment quality and group sizes, so manage expectations accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What to Expect from Santa Maria’s Snorkeling Boat Tour

This guided snorkeling experience around Santa Maria promises a blend of marine wildlife, colorful coral reefs, and historical shipwrecks. We haven’t taken it ourselves, but based on reviews and descriptions, it’s clear that many travelers find it a rewarding way to spend a couple of hours on the water.

The tour’s biggest highlight? The guaranteed turtle sightings. If you’ve dreamed of swimming alongside these gentle creatures, this trip promises to deliver — often with photos and videos provided by the guide, so you can relive the moment long after your fins are packed away.

What we especially like? The variety of snorkeling stops. One takes you to the Caldeirinha shipwreck, a fascinating underwater relic teeming with fish and coral. The other is at the Christ statue, which is a different environment, often full of fish and a different underwater terrain. The guides, particularly Nando, are known for their friendliness and local knowledge, which adds warmth to the experience.

A possible drawback? Some reviews point to equipment quality concerns — like masks and elastic bands that may be makeshift, and larger-than-ideal groups. So, if you’re very particular about gear or looking for a luxurious experience, you might find some aspects less polished. Still, for most, the value and authenticity outweigh these minor issues.

This tour is perfect for those wanting a straightforward, well-organized snorkeling outing that combines wildlife, scenery, and local charm. It suits first-time snorkelers, families, and budget-conscious travelers eager for a memorable marine adventure.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The Journey Starts with Transportation

Your adventure begins with a transfer from your hotel to Santa Maria’s pontoon — a simple and convenient setup. The meeting point is right at Lobstar Restaurant, next to the Santa Maria pier, marked by a distinctive blue t-shirt with a turtle logo for easy spotting. Expect the boat to depart with a friendly skipper and a knowledgeable local guide who’s born and raised in Santa Maria.

The First Stop: Caldeirinha Shipwreck

The boat heads out into the blue, and in about 10-15 minutes, you arrive at the Caldeirinha shipwreck. This spot is especially popular because of its historical significance and the vibrant marine life it attracts. As you slip into the water, you’ll notice the variety of colors and species of coral and fish swirling around the wreck.

This site isn’t just about the wreck — it’s about the underwater environment you encounter. According to reviews, you’ll see plenty of fish, and guaranteed turtle sightings add a thrill and a sense of achievement to the experience. One guest mentioned, “We saw several turtles and swam with them,” which highlights how consistent the sightings can be here.

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The Second Stop: Christ Statue

After about an hour of snorkeling at the shipwreck, the boat moves to the second location: the Christ statue. This site offers a different underwater landscape, often with a lot of fish activity and clear views of the submerged statue. Some reviews note that the guide should have jumped in to show the statue more clearly — a reminder that expectations about guided interaction can vary.

You’ll enjoy roughly two hours of total snorkeling time, with all equipment provided, including fins, masks, vests, and a guide. It’s worth noting that some reviewers appreciated the photos and videos taken by the guides, which are included in the price. These keepakes are especially valued by travelers who want to remember their aquatic encounters.

Safety, Equipment, and Guides

The tour emphasizes responsibility and safety. All gear is supplied, and the guides are experienced and local, adding authenticity and ease to the experience. One reviewer praised Nando, describing him as helpful and knowledgeable, which enhances the overall impression of this tour.

That said, some travelers point out that the equipment might not be top-of-the-line — masks with loose straps or makeshift elastic bands — so if equipment quality is a priority, bring your own or prepare for some minor inconveniences.

Additional Offerings & Extras

Photos and videos are included, which many guests find valuable. However, extras like food, water, or videos may cost extra if you want more than what’s provided. The tour lasts about two hours, which feels appropriate for a relaxed, manageable experience.

The Good, The Bad, and The Realities

What We Love

The guaranteed turtle sightings are a highlight that set this tour apart. Numerous reviews mention swimming with turtles as a memorable part of their trip. The local guides, especially Nando, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience educational and enjoyable.

The diversity of snorkeling locations means you’re not just staring at one underwater scene — the shipwreck offers both historical interest and vibrant marine life, while the Christ statue provides a different underwater environment to explore.

Value for money is another key point. At €38 (~$45), including all gear and guiding, this is a budget-friendly way to experience some of the best marine sights near Santa Maria.

What Could Be Better

Some reviews mention issues like equipment quality, with masks that may have loose straps or makeshift elastic. For travelers used to high-end gear, this might be a minor annoyance.

Group size can also be larger than expected, sometimes with more than 6-8 people in the water at once, which can lead to a slightly chaotic experience. If you prefer small groups or private tours, this might not be your first choice.

Expectations about guidance vary — some guests would have liked the guides to be more hands-on or to jump in more actively at the Christ statue site.

Additional Considerations

• No food or water are included, so bring your own if you plan to spend longer on the water.
• Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, so plan accordingly if you’re looking to unwind afterward.
• The tour is flexible with reservation and payment, with options to book now and pay later or cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling adventure works best for beginners and first-time snorkelers, thanks to the guided approach and the fact that all equipment is provided. It’s also great for families — especially those eager to see turtles and colorful fish — as well as budget travelers who want an authentic marine experience without high costs.

If you’re after a relaxed, friendly, and well-organized tour with plenty of wildlife encounters, this outing will likely meet your expectations. However, if equipment quality or small-group intimacy matters most, you might want to explore other options or bring your own gear.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour can be suitable for children, especially if they are comfortable in the water, but check with the provider about age restrictions or specific safety guidelines.

What’s included in the price?
All boat transportation, fins, masks, vests, and a guide are included. Photos and videos are also part of the package, but extras like additional footage cost extra.

How long is the snorkeling time?
You’ll enjoy approximately two hours of snorkeling spread over two main spots.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is at Lobstar Restaurant next to the Santa Maria pier, and the activity concludes back at the same location.

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 travel plans.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Alcoholic drinks are not permitted in the vehicle. Also, bring your own shoes for fins if you prefer a better fit.

Is equipment provided?
Yes, all necessary snorkeling gear is supplied, but some guests have noted equipment quality concerns.

Will I see turtles guarantee?
Most guests do see turtles, and this is a key highlight of the tour. While sightings depend on conditions, the tour’s description emphasizes a guaranteed turtle encounter.

Is food or water included?
No, the tour does not include food or water, so plan to bring your own if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Santa Maria snorkeling boat tour offers a practical, engaging, and affordable way to discover Cape Verde’s underwater world. It’s especially appealing for those eager to swim with turtles, explore vibrant coral reefs, and enjoy a hassle-free guided experience. The presence of knowledgeable local guides like Nando enhances the trip, adding personal touches that make the outing more memorable.

While equipment quality and group size may vary, the overall value, authenticity, and marine encounters make it a solid choice for many travelers. Whether you’re new to snorkeling or looking to add a fun adventure to your Cape Verde itinerary, this tour balances fun, education, and wildlife spotting beautifully.

If you’re after a lively, friendly atmosphere and genuine underwater sights, you’ll likely find this tour a worthwhile addition to your Santa Maria stay. Just remember to bring your own water, be prepared for larger groups, and keep expectations reasonable on equipment quality. Happy snorkeling!

You can check availability for your dates here: