THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the stunning salt flats of Santa Maria on a gentle horseback ride with Cabo Verde Tours. Perfect for beginners, this guided adventure offers breathtaking views and immersive cultural insights you won’t forget.
Discover the stunning salt flats of Santa Maria on a gentle horseback ride with Cabo Verde Tours. Perfect for beginners, this guided adventure offers breathtaking views and immersive cultural insights you won’t forget.
Book with Cabo Verde Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cabo Verde Tours · Santa Maria, Sal
In the heart of Cape Verde’s Santa Maria, a one-hour horseback ride takes you across the striking Big Salt Flats—a vast, shimmering expanse that stretches for miles under the glaring sun. This guided adventure with Cabo Verde Tours offers a rare chance to connect with the island’s raw, untouched landscape while learning about its cultural and geological significance. The salt flats, once the site of historic salt extraction, now serve as a striking natural landmark that creates an otherworldly setting—white plains contrasting against the clear blue sky, with panoramic views of the Atlantic. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, the gentle pace and expert guidance make this trip accessible and memorable. Certified helmets and safety briefings ensure peace of mind, while hotel pickup makes the experience seamless. The flat’s unique blend of salt crusted terrain and distant volcanic mountains creates a dramatic backdrop perfect for photography, offering visitors a chance to capture vivid landscapes and fleeting wildlife sightings.
Cabo Verde Tours has earned a reputation for offering authentic, safety-focused excursions that highlight the island’s distinctive environment. Their horseback excursions not only showcase the natural beauty but also provide insight into Sal Island’s cultural history—once a strategic salt trading hub and now a captivating destination for outdoor adventurers. The activity is ideal for those looking to add a relaxed yet striking outdoor experience to their Cape Verde itinerary, making it a unique entry point into the island’s expansive wilderness. With a commitment to responsible tourism, this tour respects the delicate salt flats ecosystem, ensuring visitors leave with more than just photos—they leave with a deeper appreciation for this surreal environment.
Whether you're seeking a quiet escape or a family-friendly adventure, this guided horseback ride offers a memorable way to experience Cape Verde’s remarkable landscapes in a relaxed, engaging manner.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for most fitness levels; no prior riding experience necessary.
Yes, this tour is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, with safety guidance provided.
Wear comfortable clothing, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and bring water for hydration.
The experience lasts approximately one hour, including safety briefing.
Children aged between 8 and 12 are usually welcome when accompanied by an adult, but it’s best to check specific policies with the tour operator.
No experience is necessary; the guide will give instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Yes, hotel pickup is usually provided as part of the experience.
The salt flats have been a vital part of local trade and culture for centuries, once serving as a key salt extraction site.
Cabo Verde Tours emphasizes minimizing impact by guiding visitors responsibly and respecting the fragile salt flat ecosystem.
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