Santa Maria & Ponta Preta: Segway tour with guide

Summary

Santa Maria Village & Black Beach by Segway

Roll through Santa Maria village and along Ponta Preta beach on a guided Segway tour. You’ll feel the ocean breeze, see volcanic sands change color, and meet locals along the way. Includes hotel pickup and all gear — just show up ready to ride and discover a side of Sal Island you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

I’d never been on a Segway before landing in Santa Maria, so I was half-expecting to tip over in front of everyone. Our guide, Paulo, just grinned and said, “Don’t worry — everyone looks awkward at first.” He was right. The first few minutes felt wobbly, but then we were gliding past the edge of the village, sun on our backs and that salty Atlantic smell everywhere. There’s this moment when you leave the paved road and hit the sand — it’s bumpy and weirdly fun, like your brain can’t decide if you’re surfing or rolling.

Ponta Preta is where we stopped to watch the waves crash against these black volcanic rocks. Paulo explained how in winter, the beach turns almost dark from all the sand pulled up by the sea — but now it was mostly gold, except for these streaks of black that looked painted on by accident. We watched some surfers out there chasing waves I’d never dare try. The wind picked up suddenly and I got a mouthful of salt spray; not exactly gourmet but somehow perfect for that place.

We chatted with a couple of locals fixing their fishing nets nearby — they nodded at us but mostly just kept working, hands moving fast without looking down much. I tried saying “obrigado” (thank you) when Paulo introduced me, but he laughed because apparently my accent is hopeless. The ride back felt quieter; maybe it was just me thinking about how different everything looks from two wheels instead of walking. Or maybe it was just the sun starting to dip behind those low dunes. Either way, I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ponta Preta Beach

• Visit Ponta Preta Beach

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Segway tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in Santa Maria.

Do I need experience to join the Segway tour?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide instructions at the start.

What beaches do we visit on this day trip?

The main stop is Ponta Preta beach near Santa Maria village.

Are helmets provided during the tour?

Yes, use of a helmet is included for all participants.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; minimum weight is 47kg.

How long does it take to reach Ponta Preta from Santa Maria?

The ride from Santa Maria village to Ponta Preta takes about 15–20 minutes by Segway.

Can people with health issues join?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (for selected hotels), use of a helmet for safety, all taxes and fees covered upfront, plus guidance from a local expert who’ll help you get comfortable on your Segway before heading out toward Ponta Preta beach together.