THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the thrill of horseback riding across Cape Verde’s salt flats and along the stunning Kite Beach. This 1.5-hour adventure offers a unique way to experience Santa Maria’s landscapes—perfect for families and outdoor lovers alike.
Discover the thrill of horseback riding across Cape Verde’s salt flats and along the stunning Kite Beach. This 1.5-hour adventure offers a unique way to experience Santa Maria’s landscapes—perfect for families and outdoor lovers alike.
Book with Cabo Verde Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cabo Verde Tours · Santa Maria, Sal
Santa Maria, a vibrant seaside town on Cape Verde's Sal Island, is renowned for its sweeping beaches, flat salt flats, and lively local culture. Among the array of outdoor activities available, Cabo Verde Tours offers a standout experience: a 1.5-hour horseback excursion that combines the raw beauty of the salt flats with the inviting shoreline of Kite Beach.
The adventure begins on the expansive, white salt flats that stretch endlessly, a stark and striking landscape formed over centuries of mineral deposition. Here, riders can feel the thrill of galloping across the smooth, salty surface, with the Atlantic Ocean shimmering on the horizon. As the ride progresses, the trail leads to Kite Beach, where the crashing surf and steady trade winds create a vibrant scene. Visitors can choose to ride leisurely along the water's edge or unleash the horses for a spirited canter through the surf—making it a dynamic outing suited for families or seasoned riders alike.
What makes this trip particularly special is the combination of terrain and coastal scenery that’s rare to find in such proximity. The salt flats are a native feature of the island, often used locally for salt extraction, and they provide a surreal backdrop for your ride. The experience is guided by professional instructors who prioritize safety and local insights, adding an educational layer to the fun.
Cabo Verde Tours has cemented its reputation as a key player in local outdoor adventure, offering authentic, small-group experiences that showcase Cape Verde’s unique landscape. Their horseback excursions stand out due to their accessibility, natural settings, and the chance to connect with the island’s environment in an active, memorable way—imagine the wind in your hair, with salt flats and ocean vistas all around you.
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly activity or simply want a unique way to see Santa Maria’s natural beauty, this horseback ride remains a highlight for visitors looking to get off the beaten path and experience Cape Verde’s unspoiled landscapes firsthand.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels, including first-time riders
Absolutely, guides accommodate all skill levels with gentle instruction and support.
Yes, children are welcome, but they must ride with a parent or guardian and meet safety requirements.
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection are recommended.
Yes, the horses are experienced, calm, and suitable for riders of all levels.
Guides give thorough instructions, making this activity accessible even for first-timers.
All necessary gear is provided, but personal items like water bottles are encouraged.
Salt extraction on the flats dates back to colonial times, shaping the island’s economy and landscape.
Cabo Verde Tours emphasizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring the salt flats and beaches remain pristine for future visitors.
Cabo Verde Tours is a Santa Maria, Sal–based tour operator offering an extensive portfolio of guided activities and rentals across Sal and other Cape Verde islands. The company runs horseback excursions including Salt Flats Trail, Kite Beach Trail, combined Salt Flats & Kite Beach routes, sand dunes variants, and private horseback options. These guided rides include certified helmets and hotel pickup for convenience and safety. Snorkeling departures meet at the Pier of Santa Maria and provide all equipment for two-hour marine excursions. Day trips include a full-day Santa Maria to Boa Vista Island tour and island highlight tours such as six-hour private Sal Island tours (available in English, Portuguese, and Dutch) and the Best Full Day Sal Island Tour. Inter-island and Santiago offerings cover Tarrafal tours, Praia city tours, boat and VIP private boat tours, and historical visits to notable sites. Water activities include catamaran sailing, half- and full-day boat rentals, kite surfing, JetSki and speedboat experiences, and bottom-fishing trips. Land adventures cover guided hikes (Serra Malagueta, Monte Leão), photography tours, Kizomba dance classes, and discover-Sal vehicle tours on ZForce, Polaris, and 550cc buggies. E-scooter rentals use modern 50cc models with helmets, racks, a cash deposit requirement, a standard car driver’s license requirement, full insurance, and road assistance. Cabo Verde Tours emphasizes professional guides, safety briefings, provided equipment, and clear meeting points to create reliable, bookable experiences for visitors staying in Santa Maria and across Sal Island. Reservations are available online with flexible cancellation options today.
Book with Cabo Verde Tours