St. Vincent Island tour: Beaches, Monte Verde & culture

Six hours on foot and by car through markets, mountain views and the daily life of Cape Verde

A six-hour guided tour of St. Vincent Island departing from Mindelo, led by a local guide in English, Spanish or French. You visit the colonial architecture and markets of Mindelo, the fishing village of Salamanca with its white sand beach, Monte Verde at 774 meters where you taste local coffee or herbal tea, and the northern bays where sea turtles nest. Pickup is included. Bottled water and transport by air-conditioned vehicle are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mindelo and surrounding areas

• Visit Mindelo markets and museums
• Stroll in Salamanca village and beach
• Enjoy landscape from Monte Verde summit
• View uninhabited island and Calhau Valley

The experience

The tour starts in Mindelo, where you walk through the municipal market and the African market, then visit the Cesaria Évora Museum, the National Center for Crafts and the Garden of the Arts. The colonial and colorful architecture of the streets frames the daily rhythm of the city. From there, the guide drives you north to Salamanca, a fishing village where you can walk around and see how locals live, then swim in the clear water of Gatas Bay or explore the sand dunes and wild beaches of the northern coast: the stretches where sea turtles come ashore.

The route climbs to Monte Verde, the island's highest point at 774 meters. On clear days you can see the neighboring islands of Santo Antão, Santa Luzia and São Nicolau across the water. At the top you taste local rum, typical Cape Verdean coffee or a tea made from aromatic herbs grown in the foothills. The final stop is the Calhau Valley, where you see some of the local agriculture and get a view of Santa Luzia, the archipelago's only uninhabited island, now a nature reserve for sea turtles and endemic birds.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide in English, Spanish or French.
• coffee and/or tea at Monte Verde.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 26 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Discovery Travel Cabo Verde

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see the island with someone who knows it and can explain what you're looking at: the markets, the fishing village, the mountain views and the nesting beaches all make more sense with a guide who lives there. The six-hour pace means you cover the main sites without rushing or spending a full day in the vehicle.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is Monte Verde and what will I see from the top?

Monte Verde is the island's tallest mountain at 774 meters. From the summit on clear days you can see the neighboring islands of Santo Antão, Santa Luzia and São Nicolau across the water, and the Bay of Mindelo below. You taste local coffee or herbal tea there before heading back down.

Can I swim during this tour?

Yes. At Salamanca you can bathe in the crystal clear waters of Gatas Bay, and you have the option to explore the wild beaches of the northern coast where sea turtles nest.

What markets and museums does the tour include in Mindelo?

In Mindelo you visit the municipal market and the African market, then the Cesaria Évora Museum, the National Center for Crafts and the Garden of the Arts. You also walk through the colonial and colorful streets of the city.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, pickup is included in the tour price. The guide will arrange the time with you when you book.

How long is the tour and what should I bring?

The tour runs six hours. Bottled water is provided, and you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Bring sunscreen, a hat and swimwear if you plan to swim at Gatas Bay.