Watch Sea Turtles Nesting Night Tour in Sal Island

Traveling to Sal Island in Cape Verde offers more than just sun and sand. For those eager to see a rare and beautiful wildlife event, the Sea Turtles Nesting Night Tour is a highlight worth considering. This experience promises a chance to witness endangered loggerhead turtles in their natural nesting process, all while supporting vital conservation efforts.

What excites us most about this tour are three things: the chance for nearly 100% turtle sighting success, the use of infrared lighting to protect the animals, and the opportunity to learn from highly knowledgeable local guides. On the flip side, some travelers have found the duration shorter than expected, which is worth considering if you’re hoping for a longer nocturnal adventure.

This tour suits those who love wildlife encounters, eco-conscious travelers, and anyone who’s dreaming of a peaceful night under the stars observing nature at its most delicate moment. If you’re looking for a meaningful experience that combines education with awe, this is a compelling choice.

• High Success Rate: Nearly 100% of participants see turtles nesting, making it a reliable wildlife sighting.
• Expert Guides: Guides are passionate, knowledgeable, and eco-focused, ensuring respectful observation.
• Infrared Lighting: Specially designed lights allow close-up viewing without disturbing the turtles.
• Flexible Options: Choose between group, private, or deluxe glamping experiences to match your style.
• Conservation Support: Your booking funds vital turtle protection and education projects.
• Shorter Duration: Expect the experience to last around 2 to 3 hours, so plan accordingly.

This tour begins with a hotel pickup in Santa Maria, making it accessible and hassle-free. The short drive takes you to one of Sal’s protected turtle nesting beaches—Algodoeiro, Kite Beach, or Serra Negra—each known for their natural beauty and critical role in turtle conservation.

Once you arrive, your guide—often multilingual and deeply passionate—will give a brief overview of loggerhead turtles, their lifecycle, and the importance of protecting these endangered creatures. Expect this briefing to be calm and respectful, setting the tone for a quiet, intimate encounter with nature.

Walking to the Nesting Site

Guides lead you to the beach using red or infrared lights that won’t disturb the turtles. They are trained to minimize their impact, and you’ll be advised to wear comfortable, dark-colored clothing to avoid attracting insects or startling the turtles. The walk is gentle, but as beaches can be uneven, sturdy shoes are recommended.

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Witnessing the Nesting Process

When conditions are right, you may see a female turtle emerging from the ocean, slowly making her way up the sand. Guides monitor her progress discreetly, ensuring no interference. If she begins to nest, you’ll witness her digging a hole, laying eggs—often about 100 at a time—and covering the nest carefully before returning to the sea.

Multiple reviews mention the profound sense of witnessing this natural event firsthand. Michelle, who experienced it in September 2025, describes it as “amazing seeing the turtle lay eggs and then cover them before making her way back to the sea.”

Special Moments and Variations

Depending on factors like season and luck, some guests might see a turtle’s false crawl (when she visits but doesn’t nest) or tiny hatchlings emerging in late September or October. Ruben recalls that despite a last-minute cancellation, the experience was “quite lovely and awesome,” emphasizing the respectful treatment of the animals.

Duration and Experience

While the tour generally lasts around 2 to 3 hours, some reviews point out that the actual time spent on-site can be shorter—Michelle noted returning to her hotel by 10 p.m. after an 8:30 p.m. pickup. This short duration makes it suitable for a range of travelers, but those expecting a lengthy nocturnal adventure should plan their evening accordingly.

The group sizes are kept small, which enhances the feeling of intimacy and allows guides to give more personalized attention. For travelers seeking a more exclusive experience, a private tour option is available, including a private vehicle, personalized guide, snacks, and a souvenir video of the nesting process.

The cost is $46 per person, which, considering the rarity of the event and the educational value, stands as a fair price. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guides, and all necessary equipment like infrared lights, ensuring you don’t need to bring much beyond comfortable clothes and patience.

Extra Options

Private tours add a layer of luxury with customizable features like snacks and personalized service, and some options include a video souvenir. While not included in the base price, these extras can turn a memorable experience into a truly personalized keepsake.

• Wear dark, comfortable clothing to avoid disturbing the turtles and blend into the environment.
• Sturdy shoes are a must, as walking on sand can be uneven and sometimes soft.
• Bring a light jacket or cardigan—it can get chilly at night.
• Use biodegradable insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
• Avoid bright colors, perfumes, or scented lotions that might attract insects or disturb the wildlife.
• Be patient and quiet, allowing guides to do their job and giving turtles space to nest peacefully.

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Reviews Highlight Practical Aspects

Some guests, like Ruben, advise covering arms and legs due to mosquito activity, especially in certain seasons. Michelle’s quick return suggests this tour is a concise experience—great if you’re on a tight schedule but perhaps disappointing if expecting a longer wildlife night.

This experience offers a rare and delicate window into the lives of endangered sea turtles, a chance to witness a natural spectacle that few get to see. The use of infrared lighting and small group sizes reflects a respectful, eco-conscious approach that benefits both the turtles and travelers.

Its affordability combined with high success rates makes it a solid choice for wildlife enthusiasts. The presence of expert guides ensures that you’ll learn meaningful facts about the turtles’ behavior, adding educational value to the awe-inspiring sight.

The optional private and deluxe glamping choices allow for a more personalized, comfortable experience—perfect for those celebrating a special occasion or seeking a more intimate connection with nature.

This tour is ideal for eco-conscious travelers, wildlife lovers, and anyone looking for a meaningful activity beyond lounging on the beach. It suits those willing to embrace an evening outdoors, with patience and a sense of respect for the environment.

If you’re traveling with children, this can be a powerful educational experience—but do note that the activity might not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or very young infants. The tour’s short duration and manageable walk make it accessible to most physically capable visitors.

Those who value guided expertise and small-group intimacy will find this tour especially rewarding. If you’re after a highly scenic, authentic wildlife encounter that emphasizes conservation, this is a fantastic addition to your Cape Verde itinerary.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from Santa Maria hotels, making it a hassle-free experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, dark-colored clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended to avoid disturbing the turtles and to navigate the beach terrain.

How long does the tour last?
The experience typically lasts around 2 to 3 hours, with actual on-site time being approximately an hour, depending on conditions.

Are there private options?
Yes, private tours are available, offering personalized guides, flexible timing, snacks, and even video souvenirs.

Can I see hatchlings during the tour?
It depends on the season and luck—hatchlings are more likely to be seen in September and October. The main focus is witnessing nesting, but hatchlings making their way to the sea can sometimes be observed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Generally, yes, especially for older children who can stay quiet and follow instructions. It’s a gentle, educational experience designed to respect the wildlife.

This Sea Turtles Nesting Night Tour on Sal Island offers a truly special opportunity to observe one of nature’s most remarkable moments. The combination of expert guides, eco-sensitive equipment, and the chance for near-guaranteed sightings makes it a compelling choice for wildlife lovers and eco-conscious travelers alike.

While the experience is relatively short, it’s packed with impactful moments that stay with you long after the night ends. If you’re seeking a quiet, respectful encounter with endangered animals under the stars and are comfortable with the evening outdoor setting, this tour will reward your curiosity and appreciation for nature.

Perfect for those who value education, conservation, and authentic wildlife sightings, this tour will add depth and meaning to your Cape Verde adventure. Just remember to bring patience, a sense of wonder, and the right clothing—your unforgettable night with the turtles awaits.

You can check availability for your dates here: