Snorkeling in Santa Maria: Turtles, reefs and a sunken statue

Two hours in the shallows, no training needed

Snorkeling in Santa Maria is a guided activity where you explore shallow reefs and two dive sites off the island's pier in two hours, spotting turtles, schools of fish, a sunken boat and an underwater statue. The guide briefs you before entry and stays with the group. Private transport from your pickup point, full snorkeling gear and diving suits are included. Children from age 5 can join. The activity suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants to see marine life without diving certification.

The experience

You arrive at the pier in Santa Maria and board a boat for an eight-minute crossing to the first snorkel site. The guide gives a full briefing on how to move through the water, how to use the equipment and what to watch for: turtles, schools of fish, the sunken boat and the underwater statue of Christ are the landmarks you're looking for. You enter the shallow water and spend roughly an hour at the two locations, following the guide's lead and staying with the group. The whole activity runs two hours from start to return.

Everything you need is provided: snorkeling mask, fins, snorkel tube, diving suit and a buoyancy vest. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or one additional language, so instructions are clear. Private transport picks you up and brings you back, so you don't arrange your own way to the pier. Children from age 5 can participate. Younger children can come along but won't enter the water.

What’s included

• Private transport from your location.
• complete snorkeling equipment including mask, fins, snorkel tube, diving suit and buoyancy vest.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or one additional language.
• briefing on technique and safety before entering the water.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Infant (5 to 6 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 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.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by FORMON TOUR - Turismo Náutico Cabo Verde

Is this one for you?The activity moves at the guide's pace and stays in shallow water, so it suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants to see marine life without the commitment of diving lessons. The two-hour timeframe fits a free afternoon or a morning slot before other plans.

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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: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (7 to 11 years); Infant (5 to 6 years). Children under 5 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.

Can I snorkel in Santa Maria if I've never done it before?

Yes. Snorkeling requires no certification or prior training. The guide explains how to use the equipment and how to move through the water before you enter, and stays with you throughout. It's designed as an accessible way to see marine life in shallow water.

What will I see underwater in Santa Maria?

Turtles, schools of fish, coral reefs and a sunken boat are common sights. There's also an underwater statue of Christ at one of the two sites. The guide will point out what to look for and help you spot the marine life as you move through the water.

How long is the boat ride to the snorkel sites?

The boat takes eight minutes from the pier to reach the first location. You'll spend roughly two hours total in and around the water across both sites, then return to shore.

What's included in the price?

Private transport to and from the pier, full snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel, diving suit and buoyancy vest), and a guide in your chosen language are all included.