Clear Kayak Santa Maria: Paddle Turquoise Waters

You see straight through the kayak bottom to the fish below.

Clear kayak paddling in Santa Maria Bay on Sal Island, Cape Verde, for 90 minutes with a local guide who chooses between fully transparent or dual-window kayaks based on sea conditions and your experience. Pickup is included. Children from age 6 are welcome. The guide speaks English or Portuguese and steers you past the fishing pier and into shallow marine habitat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Clear kayak tour in Santa Maria Bay

• Set out on clear kayak
• Paddle along fishing boats
• Discover vibrant marine life

The experience

Ninety minutes on the water starts with a choice of kayak. The fully transparent hull gives you a complete 360-degree view straight down into the water. The dual-window version has two large clear panels under the seats for stability and comfort. Your guide picks which one suits the day's conditions, your weight and your paddling experience, so the kayak itself is already fitted to you before you push off.

You paddle from the Santa Maria pier, gliding past the local fishing boats moored there, then out into the bay where the water stays shallow enough to see the marine life moving beneath you. The turquoise is real. The water is clear enough that the seabed and whatever swims across it are visible through the hull the whole time. The guide steers the route and points out what's below. The paddling itself is steady and unhurried, designed for discovery rather than speed.

An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up beforehand, so you arrive dry and ready. Service animals are allowed on the boat. The activity suits all fitness levels, and the whole outing (pickup, paddling, the guide) runs 90 minutes start to finish.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned pickup vehicle.
• clear kayak (fully transparent or dual-window, chosen by your guide).
• local guide speaking English or Portuguese.
• 90-minute paddling experience along Santa Maria Bay and past the fishing pier.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:00, 11:30 and 15:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 60 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 34 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sealife Experience Sal Island Nature Excursions

Is this one for you?The fully transparent kayak suits paddlers who want an unobstructed 360-degree view of everything below and around you. The dual-window version is the choice if you prefer extra stability and comfort while still seeing the marine life beneath the seat. Both are suitable for all fitness levels, so pick based on what appeals to you: maximum visibility or maximum stability.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the two kayak types?

The fully transparent kayak offers a complete 360-degree view of the water and seabed all around you. The dual-window kayak has two large clear panels beneath each seat, which some paddlers find more stable and comfortable while still showing you the marine life below.

Do I need paddling experience to go?

No. The guide chooses the kayak and route based on your experience level, and the activity is designed for all fitness levels. The paddling pace is steady and focused on discovery, not exertion.

What will I see under the water?

Marine life in the shallow waters of Santa Maria Bay: fish and other creatures that live on or near the seabed. The water clarity and depth mean you spot them through the transparent hull as you paddle.

Is pickup included?

Yes. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up before the kayaking and brings you to the pier. The pickup is part of the 90-minute outing.