Maio Island Day Trip from Praia: Ferry, Dunes & São José Fortress

Summary

Ferry to Maio Island for salt flats, villages, fortress walls and soft dunes

You’ll cross from Praia to Maio Island by ferry with a local guide, wander through salt flats and colonial villages, walk barefoot on Sahara-blown sand dunes, visit São José Fortress, and end with a swim at Bitchirotcha beach before heading home. Expect real Cape Verde rhythms—slow moments, warm smiles—and stories you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the sand.

What’s the experience like?

We were already on the ferry from Praia when I realized how far the city felt behind us—just blue water and the low hum of people chatting in Creole. The air tasted salty, and there was this faint smell of diesel mixed with breakfast pastries someone had brought along. Landing at Maio felt like stepping into a slower world. Our guide, Rui, waved us off the ramp and pointed out the old salt pans shimmering in the sun—he said locals still harvest by hand, which I honestly didn’t expect to see.

First stop was the Eco-Museum (bring €2 cash), where we learned about coal and salt shaping the island’s story. I tried to pronounce “Porto Inglês” right—Rui grinned but didn’t correct me. We wandered past women carrying buckets on their heads near Salinas wetland. The heat pressed down but there was always a breeze off the ocean, carrying that sharp mineral tang. In Morro village, those pyramid-tiled houses looked almost toy-like under all that sky.

Calheta’s handcraft center was next; I picked up a woven bracelet (probably paid too much but it felt right). Morrinho’s white sand dunes were unreal—soft as flour underfoot—and Rui said some of that sand blows over from the Sahara. Lunch in Pedro Vaz was simple fish stew and rice; nothing fancy but it tasted like someone’s home kitchen. Afterward we drove out to Vila do Maio for São José Fortress—standing on those old stone walls, imagining pirates offshore, I got this weird shiver even though it was noon-bright.

The last bit? A swim at Bitchirotcha beach—quiet except for kids laughing somewhere upshore. I still think about how clear the water looked against all that pale sand. The ferry back to Santiago felt quieter somehow; maybe everyone else was thinking about their own favorite part. So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip from Praia that’s not just ticking boxes—this one sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Maio Island exploration

• Pick up at hotel in Praia
• Two-hour ferry trip to Maio
• Breakfast at local restaurant (own expense)
• Visit Eco-Museum and learn island history
• See salt production at Porto Inglês Salinas
• Explore Morro village colonial houses
• Visit Calheta handcraft center
• Walk white sand dunes at Morrinho village
• Visit Pedro Vaz village
• Lunch break
• Visit São José Fortress in Vila do Maio
• Swim at Bitchirotcha beach
• Ferry back to Santiago Island
• Drop off at accommodation in Praia

Top questions

How long is the ferry ride from Praia to Maio?

The ferry trip takes about two hours each way between Praia and Maio Island.

Is hotel pickup included in this Maio Island day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia are included.

Does the tour include lunch?

No, lunch is not included in the price; you pay for your meal during the lunch stop.

Are entrance fees included?

The Eco-Museum entrance fee (€2 per person) is not included; bring cash for this.

What should I bring on this tour?

You should bring your passport, sandals or flip flops, towel, hat, swimwear, sunscreen—and some cash for meals and entry fees.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Is transportation provided on Maio Island?

Yes, transportation around Maio is included as part of the tour package.

Are ferry tickets included in the tour price?

No, ferry or flight tickets are not included—you need to book these separately before booking this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Praia (so no scrambling early), round-trip port transfers on both islands so you never feel lost between stops, comfortable transport around Maio itself with a guide who actually knows everyone by name (or seems to), plus liability insurance throughout—it covers everything except your meals and museum entry fee.