Mindelo: Snorkel with Sea Turtles & Boat Ride

Swimming Alongside Sea Turtles in Cape Verde Waters

You get picked up from your hotel, taken by boat to the snorkeling site off São Pedro, and spend about an hour in the water with sea turtles and a guide. Equipment, life jackets, and insurance are included. The boat returns you to Mindelo by early afternoon, leaving the rest of your day free.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel with sea turtles in São Vicente

• Pick up from hotel in Mindelo
• Travel to São Pedro
• Take boat ride to snorkeling area
• Snorkel with sea turtles for 1 hour
• Return to accommodation in Mindelo

The Experience

So you're in Mindelo with a free afternoon and someone mentions you can actually get in the water with sea turtles — like, not behind glass, not from a distance. The pickup happens from your hotel, and then it's a short drive to São Pedro where the boat's waiting. The whole thing moves fast; there's no long briefing or gear drama because the snorkeling equipment is already there, masks and fins sorted, life jackets on board.

The boat ride out is maybe ten minutes, and then you're in. The snorkel experience lasts around an hour in the water where the turtles actually are, and yeah, it's the kind of thing that changes how you think about being in the ocean. You're not chasing them or disturbing anything — it's just this quiet moment where a sea creature that's been around for decades swims past you like you're part of the same world for a bit. Your guide is there the whole time, and they know the area well enough that you're not fumbling around looking for anything.

After you've had your time in the water, it's back to the boat and then back to your accommodation in Mindelo. The whole day is maybe three hours from pickup to drop-off, which means you're not losing your evening, and you're not spending the money on a full-day commitment when you just wanted to do one thing.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Mindelo, a boat ride to São Pedro, snorkeling equipment (mask and fins), life jacket, a guide who stays with you in the water, and liability insurance covering the activity.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Bu Country Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel with sea turtles without arranging your own boat, gear, or guide — the pickup from your hotel and fixed timing mean you just show up and get in the water.

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Top questions

How long is the snorkeling time in the water?

Around 1 hour. The boat ride to the site is separate, and the whole experience from pickup to drop-off takes roughly 3 hours.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and equipment including masks, fins, and life jackets are provided.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Mindelo, boat ride, snorkeling equipment, life jacket, guide, and liability insurance.

Is the sea turtle encounter guaranteed?

The tour operates in the area where turtles are found, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Your guide knows the best spots and timing.

What if I can't swim?

The activity requires basic comfort in water and the ability to snorkel. A life jacket is worn throughout, and your guide stays with the group.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?

Equipment is provided and included. You're welcome to bring your own if you prefer, but it's not necessary.