Santa Maria Bay Snorkeling Tour: Tropical Fish & Turtles

Sea turtles and tropical fish live in Santa Maria Bay year-round, not just in season.

Snorkel in Santa Maria Bay off Sal, Cape Verde, aboard a Zodiac boat with a professional guide who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. You'll use provided equipment to swim at the surface above tropical fish and sea turtles in largely unexplored waters. The 40-minute water time suits everyone from age 8 onward, whether you've snorkeled before or never tried it. Pickup is included, and bottled water comes with the booking.

The experience

Santa Maria Bay stays largely unexplored, which means the underwater life (the sheer number and variety of color) rarely gets crowded out. A professional guide takes groups out on a Zodiac boat to the best spots, where you'll enter the water with mask, snorkel and fins to watch tropical fish and sea turtles in their natural habitat. The guide teaches you how to prepare and use your equipment correctly before you go in, so the experience stays easy and effortless whether you're eight years old or returning to snorkeling after years away.

The boat ride out and the 40 minutes in the water are built around what's actually there that day. You're not watching from a distance or following a fixed route. You're swimming at the surface, close enough to see the creatures move. Bottled water is provided, and all snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) comes with the booking, so you show up ready to go in.

Pickup is included in the price, and the guide works in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and one additional language. The activity welcomes children from age 8 and suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins).
• bottled water.
• professional guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and one additional language.
• pickup from your accommodation.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 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 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Atlantic Star

Is this one for you?Book this if you're snorkeling with family or a small group and want a guide who teaches you how to use the gear safely before you enter the water. The 40-minute water time and boat transport work for mixed ages and experience levels, from first-timers to people returning to the activity after a break.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 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 will I actually see when I snorkel in Santa Maria Bay?

Tropical fish and sea turtles live in the bay year-round. The waters are largely unexplored, so the abundance and variety of marine life is staggering. You'll see creatures and colors in their natural habitat from the surface as you swim.

Do I need to know how to snorkel before I book?

No. The guide teaches you how to prepare and use your snorkeling equipment correctly before you enter the water, and the experience is designed to be easy and effortless for everyone, whether you're experienced or trying it for the first time.

How long do I spend in the water?

You'll have 40 minutes in the water at the best spots in Santa Maria Bay. The Zodiac boat takes you out to reach those locations, and the guide is with you the whole time.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) comes with your booking, along with bottled water and pickup from your accommodation. The professional guide is included as well.