Cape Verde: Zipline Flight Over Atlantic & Serra Negra Music

Summary

Zipline over the Atlantic in Cape Verde with live music and local flavors

You’ll get picked up in Santa Maria by 4x4, then fly over the Atlantic on Cape Verde’s famous zipline—over a kilometer long—with safety gear and a local guide. Enjoy an aperitif 100 meters above the sea, plus live Cape Verdean music and dancing before heading back. That feeling of weightlessness? It sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to second-guess myself before our 4x4 bounced out of Santa Maria, dust swirling behind us. The driver grinned in the mirror—he’d clearly done this route a hundred times. By the time we reached Serra Negra, my nerves had settled into something closer to excitement (or maybe it was just the salty wind). The mountain looked almost Martian, all red dirt and jagged edges, but you could hear music drifting up from somewhere below—someone tuning a guitar maybe. Our guide, Paulo, handed me a helmet and made a joke about “flying lessons.” I laughed louder than I meant to.

The harness felt snug but safe. There was this weird moment where I noticed how dry my hands were—probably from gripping the straps too tight—and then suddenly I was off. The zipline flight over Cabo Verde is hard to describe; it’s fast but also strangely quiet except for the whir of the pulley and that first whoop you can’t hold back. You’re above the Atlantic for what feels like ages (it’s over a kilometer), and everything smells like sea spray and sun-warmed stone. Landing was softer than I expected—Paulo winked as he unclipped me—and right there at the end they handed us these little glasses of grogue, sharp and sweet, with everyone laughing about who screamed loudest.

Afterward, we hung around for live music—a local band playing something that made even the shyest folks tap their feet. Someone tried to teach me a Cape Verdean dance step (I failed spectacularly). The sun was still high but felt less harsh now. It’s funny how quickly strangers become friends when you’ve all just flown over an ocean together. On the drive back to Santa Maria I kept replaying that first moment your feet leave solid ground—I still think about it sometimes when I hear wind against glass.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zipline adventure and local celebration

• Pick-up from hotel in Santa Maria
• Fill registration and attend safety briefing
• Transport to mountain top
• Short walk to zipline start
• Fly on the world’s most beautiful zipline
• Gentle landing with spring system
• Remove harness and relax
• Enjoy live local music and dances
• Return to hotel by 4×4 truck

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Cabo Verde zipline?

Yes, private transportation from your hotel or chosen location in Santa Maria is included.

How long is the zipline flight over Cape Verde?

The zipline stretches over one kilometer across Serra Negra above the Atlantic Ocean.

Are there age or weight limits for this activity?

There are no age limits except for babies; maximum weight allowed is 130 kg.

Is tandem ziplining possible?

Yes, you can choose to fly in tandem if preferred.

What’s included during the tour?

Your experience includes hotel pickup/drop-off, all safety equipment, a local aperitif at 100 meters high, and live local music.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation and areas are wheelchair accessible.

Do they offer photos or videos?

You’re encouraged to take photos and videos during your experience.

Will there be live music or cultural activities?

Yes, after your flight there’s live Cape Verdean music and traditional dancing.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by 4x4 from Santa Maria or wherever you’re staying, all necessary zipline gear like helmet and harnesses, a glass of local aperitif served right above the sea at 100 meters high, plus live Cape Verdean music and dancing before returning comfortably at the end.