Top 4 Cape Verde Turtle Watching in Sal Island

1.Sea Turtle Watching Experience on Sal Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 446 reviews · from $41Our pick

From Santa Maria, ride to a quiet Sal beach and watch for nesting turtles under the stars. Guides such as Nany and Chan explain the full nesting process, from digging and laying eggs to covering the nest and returning to sea. Wear dark clothes and comfortable shoes.

“This was a magical experience. The guide was very knowledgeable. Be prepared to have some patience, but as you wait you can enjoy the starry skies.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Sal Island Sea Turtle Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 256 reviews · 3 hours · from $37Best value

Join a small evening group from Santa Maria to watch nesting turtles and hatchlings at Kite Beach. Guides speak English, Portuguese, French, and Italian, and names such as Sousa, Johnny Cash, and Anastassi Salsa have led recent tours. Expect patient waiting, red lights, and strict no-touching rules.

“It was an unforgettable experience. We saw how a turtle lays eggs, hides them and goes back to the ocean. Our guide told us some interesting facts about turtles. Thank you 😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Turtle Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 98 reviews · from $45Top rated

Join Sealife Experience Sal Island Nature Excursions for a three-hour evening outing from Santa Maria. After pickup, guides such as Marta, Jay, or Kenny explain turtle conduct in an open glamping tent before leading your small private group along the beach with red lights to watch loggerhead turtles lay eggs.

“Buena excursión, las tortugas preciosas y el guía lo hizo muy bien. Solo destacar que en el grupo en el que nos tocó vino una mujer borracha a la cual se debería haber echado de dicho tour. Molestó muchísimo, encendiendo el móvil, el flash, hablando alto y hasta acercándose demasiado a la tortuga. Se deberían tomar medidas más estrictas frente a este tipo de personas expulsándolas de la actividad, por respeto q las tortugas y por que estas pueden sufrir un estrés innecesario.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.4h Turtle Watching with SSV Buggy Night 4WD

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $185

Drive a two-person buggy caravan from Santa Maria across Sal’s salt flats, dunes, valleys, and nature reserve, then watch loggerhead turtles at the coast in summer. Valdir guides the trip, with mechanic Elzio on hand. Hotel pickup, gear, fuel, and water are included.

“La possibilità di poter visitare il deserto di notte con delle guide esperte e competenti e di guidare dei nuovi mezzi mai provati”

Check availability →Read our full review