Salt Flats Horseback Ride with Cabo Verde Tours in Sal

Sal Island, in Cape Verde, offers a rugged, sun-drenched landscape defined by its vast expanses of salt flats, shimmering turquoise coastlines, and volcanic hills. At the heart of this is Santa Maria, a vibrant coastal town known for its laid-back vibe and sweeping natural beauty. Here, Cabo Verde Tours presents the Private Horse Excursions Salt Flats Trail — a gentle one-hour horseback ride situated across the iconic Big Salt Flats of Santa Maria. More than just a ride, this trip integrates the geography and culture of Sal into an accessible outdoor experience.

The route carries riders along the bright white salt crust that reflects the glaring Cape Verde sun in almost surreal clarity. Against this stark backdrop, the subtle shapes of wind-sculpted dunes and distant volcanic peaks rise, crafting a scene both stark and captivating. The salt flats themselves are a unique geological feature, remnants of an ancient seabed, forming a flat, almost lunar terrain rarely seen elsewhere in the region.

Cabo Verde Tours stands out by offering personalized, small-group attention with professional guides who provide insightful commentary on Sal’s ecosystem and cultural heritage. The guides ensure novice riders feel safe and comfortable, with a thorough safety briefing and horses well-suited for beginners. A hotel pickup and drop-off service makes the excursion hassle-free, ideal for travelers wanting an active yet relaxed taste of Sal's natural landscapes.

While the salt flats have a raw, open beauty, the excursion also allows riders to connect subtly with local history — from former salt extraction techniques that shaped the island’s economy, to traditional fishing communities that still thrive nearby. This combination of geological wonder, cultural context, and accessible horseback riding makes Cabo Verde Tours’ offering a standout option for visitors aiming to experience Sal’s outdoor highlights in a meaningful way.