Stand Up Paddle Tour in Santa Maria Bay: Learn on the Water

Learn to paddle Santa Maria Bay in a morning session

Stand up paddle boarding class in Santa Maria Bay where you learn the basics on the beach, then paddle the bay for 90 minutes with a qualified instructor, spotting local fishing boats and ocean life from the water. Children from age 7 are welcome. Wetsuits and sea shoes are provided if needed. You'll meet at the shop and receive instruction before heading out with your guide.

The experience

You start at the shop where wetsuits and sea shoes are provided if you need them. A qualified instructor walks you through the basics on the beach (how to stand, balance and paddle) before you enter the water together. The instruction is live and personalized, so your guide can coach you as you build confidence on the board.

Once on the water, you paddle Santa Maria Bay for roughly 90 minutes, taking in the shoreline and the daily activity of local fishing boats returning with their catch. The bay is calm enough to spot ocean life as you move through it, and your instructor stays with you the whole time to make sure you're getting the most from the paddle. You'll feel the water and the breeze without the rush of a motorboat tour.

The tour suits swimmers who are comfortable in deep water and have at least a moderate level of fitness. Public transportation options are available near the shop if you need them to get there.

What’s included

• Use of stand up paddle equipment.
• wetsuits and sea shoes if needed.
• qualified instructor in English, Portuguese or Italian.
• 90-minute paddle through Santa Maria Bay with coaching throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday

AgesAdult (18 to 79 years) · Child (7 to 17 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Surf Hub Cabo Verde

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the instruction personalized, so your guide can focus on your balance and technique as you learn. Book this if you want to try stand up paddling for the first time in a calm bay with someone who can watch your form, rather than paddling solo or in a large group.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 17 years). Children under 7 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 do I actually learn during the stand up paddle class?

Your instructor teaches you how to stand on the board, balance your weight and paddle efficiently on the beach before you enter the water. Once you're paddling Santa Maria Bay, they coach you through the movements and help you refine your technique as you go, so you're learning by doing rather than just watching.

How long is the paddle on the water?

The tour runs for 90 minutes total, which includes the beach instruction and the full paddle through Santa Maria Bay. Most of that time is spent on the water with your guide.

Will I see fish and wildlife while paddling?

Yes, there are opportunities to spot ocean life as you paddle, and you'll also see the local fishing boats returning with their daily catch as they come back into the bay. The calm water makes it easier to notice what's around you.

What's included and what do I need to bring?

Stand up paddle equipment and wetsuits or sea shoes are provided if you need them. You should bring a swimsuit and be prepared to get wet. Public transportation options are available near the shop if you need to arrange your own way there.