Overview
Key facts
- Duration:7 nights
- Suitable for: Children aged 8 years and over
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What's included?
- Transfers: Return airport transfers to and from all activities
- Accommodation: 7-nights accommodation at the Hilton Cabo Verde Resort
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- The following activities are included in the holiday: Tour of Sal on foot, Half-day catamaran tour, Ziplining, Snorkelling and Project Turtle Tracker (if travelling in July or August. Order of activities is subject to change).
- Equipment, training, and supervision for all activities with expert local guides.
A note on flights: whilst flights to and from Cape Verde are not included in the holiday price, our team will happily provide a quote and arrange them for you. Simply ask one of our travel experts for details of the available options for you.
Sal Island, boasts golden sunshine for all but three weeks a year. While you might be unlucky and see a single cloud during your stay, don’t worry- they won’t be there for long! The island of Sal is located on the Cape Verde archipelago and is named after the salt-flats which have long given the island its income. The true wealth of this island, however, is found in its natural beauty and the range of wildlife which inhabits it.
From giant humpback whales to tiny baby turtles and lemon sharks, the sea around this tropical paradise teems with life.
As part of your stay, you will get closer to these fascinating native species by snorkelling and can even book in a sunset horse ride down the salt flats should the mood take you on your free day.
From ziplining down the Serra Negra Mountain to basking in the warm waters of an Atlantic Ocean inlet, this adventurous holiday will allow you and your family to fully explore the equatorial paradise which will be your home for the week.
Image credits: Cape Verde Tourist Board, Hilton Hotel Cape Verde, Barracuda Tours DMC & Incoming
Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Flights, Arrival & Welcome
Upon arrival at Amílcar Cabral International Airport, you will be picked up by one of our local guides and transferred to the luxurious beachside Hilton Cabo Verde Resort. Located directly on the shore of the Santa Maria Beach, you will be able to step out of your front door and feel white sands beneath your toes.
Once you’re all settled in and unpacked, we recommend you spend your first night soaking off your jetlag in one of the hotel’s pools or topping up your tan by the beach. With a swim-up bar and two restaurants on-site, there’s no need to venture far this evening!
Included Meals: None -
Day 2 Free Day
Following breakfast today, you can choose how you would like to spend your time on this spectacular island.
Kitesurfing is a popular activity in the warm waters of the equator. There’s nothing quite so magical as gliding over waves rippling with the wind that holds your kite aloft. If you’ve always wanted to try it but never found the time, take it now – you and your family will be learning from the best!
As well as being a friendly and encouraging guide, Mitu Monteiro is perhaps best known to extreme sports fans as a World Kite Surfing Champion. Don’t worry about having to get it right straight away, however – this three-hour lesson is for beginner groups and suitable for younger children.
Please see the personalise tab for all the optional activities to choose from.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3 Full day tour of Sal Island
Stock up on a hearty breakfast this morning ready for the day’s adventures, which will take you around the full length and breadth of Sal Island and introduce you to the island’s astonishingly varied sights.
Your first stop will be Murdeira Bay, a nature reserve known for its rich underwater sealife and a small coral reef. Boasting opportunities for paddling and the chance to photograph Monte Leão in all its natural beauty, it’s one of the island’s premiere beauty spots. Your next stop will be a visit to the fishing port village of Palmeira, then Buracona, with its natural pool and the famous “Blue Eye” caused by seawater and freshwater meeting. Terra Boa, a scenic desert location far inland which boasts mirages is your next stop, followed by a visit to Espargos, the capital of the island.
After a visit to Sharks’ Bay to wade with the reef sharks, your tour concludes with an unforgettable visit to the Pedra de Lume salt pans and an opportunity to float a lake that is 26 times saltier than seawater.
Lunch in a local restaurant will be included in today’s adventures, offering a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian meals. Try the cachupa, a slow-cooked, hearty stew made with beans, corn kernels, vegetables and fish or meat.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch -
Day 4 Free Day
Following breakfast at the hotel, choose how you would like to spend your time on this spectacular island, from our list of activities in the personalise tab.
Suitable for children as young as six, this tour is the perfect way to discover the desert and the beaches of the south. As well as visiting the salt flats of Santa Maria, surrounded by beautiful sand dunes, your guide will take you to Kite Beach, a beautiful white sandy beach full of colorful kite surfers. Located on the southwest coast of the island, Ponta Preta is Sal's most beautiful beach – a perfect spot to enjoy a hearty lunch!
Included Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5 Half-Day Catamaran Tour
After your breakfast this morning, you will transfer from the hotel to Palmeira, the island's main port, where you will embark onto this beautiful catamaran. Your relaxing sailing trip will travel along the scenic coastline from Palmeira, stopping at Murdeira Bay where you will be offered the opportunity to go snorkelling. Don’t fancy getting your hair wet? You can also try fishing, swimming or just relaxing on board.
During the trip, the crew will provide a friendly, fun entertainment program for the children and point out natural wonders to the adults. Whilst we cannot guarantee this, there is the possibility to see turtles from June to September or whales from February to March. You are definitely guaranteed a fun afternoon in the boat’s on-board swimming pool!
Included Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6 Zipline and (for July and August departures) Project Turtle Tracker
The big one! While the idea of ziplining may be a daunting one for those afraid of heights, there is no better place to face your fears than Zipline Cabo Verde. The staff here are very experienced at dealing with more hesitant adventurers and are happy to take the time to familiarise guests with the equipment. The guide will teach you about the rules you need to follow, explain the basics, and hook you up on the steel wire using a harness and making sure you are safe and ready to fly.
Your flight down the side of the mountain will take you over thousands of years of geological history, from the smooth granite caused by the initial eruption to the scrub-like desert which clung to it in the aftermath and the dancing sand.
If you are travelling in July or August, we have also included a fascinating visit to meet the passionate team behind Project Biodiversity where you can learn all about the Loggerhead Sea Turtle and have a chance to see them up close. Project Biodiversity is committed to the protection and conservation of this endangered species.
Following a short transfer, you will meet in a whimsical bell tent where refreshments will be served before your introduction to the biology of sea turtles and the safeguarding work underway on the Cape Verde islands.
After the briefing, the group will take a walk along the beach to observe the turtles nesting ground.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7 Snorkelling off Santa Maria Pier
Why simply admire the Atlantic Ocean when you could dive beneath it? If you’ve never snorkelled before, don’t worry: it’s easy enough and your experienced guides will happily instruct you and your family on the correct procedure.
The waves around this stretch of coastline are gentle, meaning you can focus entirely on the schools of fish swimming close enough to touch without having to worry about the waves.
Your final afternoon will be spent admiring the aquatic majesty of Cape Verde’s ecosystems, which play host to a variety of endangered species and a high proportion of marine species which can only survive here. After a few blissful hours spent enjoying gentle waves, you will paddle back to the starting point before being dropped back off at your hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast
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Day 8 Departure
Unfortunately, it’s time for your adventures to come to an end. Depending on your flight time, you’ll either enjoy breakfast in the restaurant or it will be boxed up to take to the airport. You will then be transferred back to Amílcar Cabral International Airport to chat about your memories on the flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
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Hilton Cabo Verde Resort
Nights: 1-8
The Hilton Cabo Verde Resort, a local landmark, has plenty to do for children of all ages. With a spa, watersports centre and two pools, there’s plenty to get the whole family entertained (as well as a kids’ club for the hotel’s youngest guests). As well as a huge outdoor swimming pool with both children-only and general areas, the hotel is located directly on the shore of the Santa Maria Beach, allowing you to step out of your front door and directly onto sand.
In terms of food, The Magellan serves buffet-style dishes between 6AM and 10PM. The Bounty Beach Restaurant offers a DJ, live kitchen, and handcrafted cocktails, which can also be purchased at the swim-up bar. If you're really feeling adventurous, La Victoria restaurant serves up unique tasting menus combining African and European cuisine and reinventing local classics.
The hotel’s rooms are very spacious with fantastic views of the beach. Facilities include ensuite bathroom, cable TV, hair dryers, a mini bar and air conditioning.
Facilities:
- Spa, On-site restaurants, Outdoor pool, Fitness centre
- Swimming pool with children-only and general pools
- Free parking and WiFi
- For those quiet moments - a reading room, a TV room and various sun terraces
- A 24 hour concierge service and dedicated tour desk
- An exceptional healthy breakfast boasting local and seasonal ingredients
Other options
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Hotel Sol Dunas
Perfectly located near the magnificent Algodoeiro Beach, with its white sand and turquoise waters, the Hotel Sol Dunas is mere moments from the colourful city of Santa María. With excellent facilities including a water park for kids, it’s the perfect place to unwind at the end of your adventures.
The Hotel Sol Dumas offers all-inclusive dining options throughout its restaurants, with breakfast, lunch and dinner sorted throughout your stay. The hotel boasts numerous options and great variety for every member of the family, including a self-service area with a wide variety of sandwiches, burgers and pizzas should you need a snack between activities.
- Water park for children, kids’ clubs, aquagym, sports classes, spa
- Free parking and WiFi
- For those quiet moments - a reading room, a TV room and various sun terraces
- A 24 hour concierge service and dedicated tour desk
- All-inclusive catering options showcasing both local and international cuisines
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
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Coast to Coast Off Road Adventure
This exciting full day adventure will introduce you to the full spectrum of the island’s varied nature and geology, visiting volcanic formations, wetlands, erosion-carved ravines, protected fauna, and beaches that normal tourist excursions are not allowed to see. As well as an oasis in the middle of the desert, you will travel to Terra Boa, a place which offers a great opportunity to take pictures of the mirages of legend. After a 50-minute stop in the salt marshes where you can float in water 26 times saltier than seawater, you will finish up visit “Shark's Bay” to wade with the island’s resident lemon sharks.
Available: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 09:00
Duration: approximately 8 hours
From £44 per adult
From £22 per child
Other options
Activities
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Traditional Cape Verdean Evening
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Cape Verde, enjoy drinks and dinner at an authentic local restaurant and a show of local music and dances. The cuisine served in Sal is a reflection of the island’s mixed heritage, combining Western European and West African cuisine. You’ll find traditional Portuguese delicacies such as olives and Alentejo wines served in most of the island’s cafes, as well as American dishes for the fussier eaters. If given the chance, however, you should definitely enjoy the island’s unique offerings, such as cachupa, a slow-cooked, hearty stew made with beans, corn kernels, vegetables and fish or meat.
Available: daily
Duration: approximately 3 hours
From: £30 per adult
From: £30 per child -
Segway Tour
Suitable for children as young as six, this tour is the perfect way to discover the desert and the beaches of the south. As well as visiting the salt flats of Santa Maria, surrounded by beautiful sand dunes, your guide will take you to Kite Beach, a beautiful white sandy beach full of colorful kite surfers. Located on the southwest coast of the island, Ponta Preta is Sal's most beautiful beach – a perfect spot to enjoy a hearty lunch!
There are a range of durations to choose from:
45 minutes - £30 per person
1.5 hours - £49 per person
Available: everyday except Sunday at 09:00 and 15:00
Duration: various available
From: £30 per adult
From: £25 per child -
Turtle Watching
This beautiful night tour will take you to the protected Serra Negra beaches, where the Loggerhead turtles gather to lay their eggs on the white sands. Our guide will pick you up in front of the reception of your hotel/accommodation at the scheduled time and will take you to the beach of Serra Negra, one of Sal’s best known beauty spots. Over the course of this unforgettable tour, you will watch the sun dip beneath the gentle waves, then witness sea-turtles emerging from the darkness on their quest for a safe place to lay their eggs. This tour, while only available during July or August, will make memories you will keep for a lifetime.
Available: everyday except Wednesday at 20:00 (July and August only)
Duration: approximately 2 hours
From: £35 per adult
From: £35 per child -
Beginner Kitesurfing Lesson
Kitesurfing is a popular activity in the warm waters of the equator. There’s nothing quite so magical as gliding over waves rippling with the wind that holds your kite aloft. If you’ve always wanted to try it but never found the time, take it now – you and your family will be learning from the best!
As well as being a friendly and encouraging guide, Mitu Monteiro is perhaps best known to extreme sports fans as a World Kite Surfing Champion. Don’t worry about having to get it right straight away, however – this three-hour lesson is for beginner groups and suitable for younger children.
Duration: approximately 3 hours
From: £98 per adult
From: £98 per child
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs

Tourism Tax: those aged 16 years and over must pay a Tourism Tax of €2.50 per person, per night. This must be paid at the hotel reception
Price per person: based on 2 adults (12+) and 1 child (4-11) sharing a King Guest Room
Dates
Dates | |||
---|---|---|---|
Sun 24 Sep 2023
to Tue 31 Oct 2023 |
Adult price (per person):
£1275.00
to £1430.00 |
Children (4-11 years):
£395.00
to £440.00 |
Enquire |
Next season’s dates and prices
Dates | |||
---|---|---|---|
Mon 29 Apr 2024
to Fri 05 Jul 2024 |
Adult price (per person):
£1120.00
to £1255.00 |
Children (4-11 years):
£500.00
to £565.00 |
Enquire |
Sat 06 Jul 2024
to Sat 17 Aug 2024 |
Adult price (per person):
£1260.00
to £1410.00 |
Children (4-11 years):
£500.00
to £565.00 |
Enquire |
Sun 18 Aug 2024
to Sat 21 Sep 2024 |
Adult price (per person):
£1120.00
to £1255.00 |
Children (4-11 years):
£500.00
to £565.00 |
Enquire |
Sun 22 Sep 2024
to Tue 29 Oct 2024 |
Adult price (per person):
£1465.00
to £1645.00 |
Children (4-11 years):
£455.00
to £505.00 |
Enquire |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions