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Activity Sao Vicente, Cape Verde

Full Day Island Tour, Highlights of São Vicente

4.9 (120 reviews) 6 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Full Day Island Tour, Highlights of São Vicente

About this activity

Experience São Vicente in a single unforgettable day, from cosmopolitan city streets of Mindelo to volcanic peaks, blue lagoons, and timeless village life.

Start in Mindelo, Cabo Verde's most vibrant city, where colorful colonial architecture meets buzzing local markets (Fish Market, African Market, and Municipal Market). Rise above town to a scenic lookout for postcard views of Monte Cara and Laginha Beach, then climb to Monte Verde, the island's highest point and a protected natural park with sweeping panoramas.

Continue along the dramatic north coast to swim in the crystal clear lagoon of Baía das Gatas and take in the wild shoreline of Norte Baía. In Calhau, a peaceful fishing and farming village, see one of the island's extinct volcanoes and watch traditional wells, windmills, and livestock still in daily use.

No other tour covers this much of São Vicente in one day: city, sea, mountain, and countryside, all in a single journey.

Day Trips Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Ports of Call Tours Car Tours

At a glance

Duration
6 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 22 people
People per booking
1–12
Guide
Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
Operated by
Green Line Tours Cabo Verde

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Included: Professional guide
  • Included: Tea and coffee: Drive to Monte Verde, the island’s highest point (774 m / 2,539 ft), for panoramic views and a cup of locally grown tea or tea liqueur at the Tea House (subject to availability).
  • Included: Transportation

Not included

  • Not included: Gratuities
  • Not included: Alcoholic Beverages
  • Not included: Lunch stop. The restaurant accepts euros, escudos, and cards. Please advise of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Itinerary

  1. Fortim del Rei

    15 min

    Visit the old pirate fort lookout with amazing views of our Port City and learn about the history and culture of the Island

  2. Mindelo Cultural

    10 min

    Visit the Cultural Center to observe the current talent on display, with its local bookstore and shop

  3. Bronzestatue Diogo Alfonso

    5 min

    Visit the bronze Statue of Portuguese Navigator Diogo Alfonso - right in the heart of Mindelo, you will witness daily lifestyle and culture of the people, with fantastic views of our bay city

  4. Mercado de Peixe

    15 min

    Lifestyle of Cabo Verde, Fisher men and women, coming in from the sea with a variety of beautiful fish. Fish is a staple in the Cabo Verdean diet; the fish market is the best place to find a wide and interesting variety of fish.

  5. Stop 5

    20 min

    Walk through the lively markets of Mindelo with your local guide* (Fish, Municipal/Vegetable & Fruits, African)

  6. Mercado municipal mindelo, sao vicente

    15 min

    Largest market in São Vicente, you will see a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, teas, liquors, and handmade local products.

  7. Monte Verde

    one hour Admission included

    Ascend to the highest point on the Island of São Vicente, Monte Verde, 750 meters, 2,460 feet, here you will take in the fresh mountain air, smell the crop of fresh growing teas, observe the entire city of Mindelo with the best views! Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at the natural tea house on top of Monte Verde.

  8. Stop 8

    Passing by

    Lively fishing village, witness and hear about living in the villages of São Vicente. Also home of he best beach for kite or windsurfing on the Island.

  9. Stop 9

    Passing by

    Beautiful enclosed bay of blue/green water, with amazing views of the coast. Take some time for a swim.

    This beach is where we have held the annual International Music Festival of Baia das Gatas for 35 years.

  10. Stop 10

    20 min

    Enjoy a swim or dive off of the trampolim into the clear blue lagoon at our famous beach of Baia das Gatas.

  11. Stop 11

    30 min

    Drive along the stunning coastal road of North Baia / Praia Grande, the coastline here is sweeping of majestic white sand dunes and black volcanic mountains, with gorgeous changing blue waters. Head to our fishing village of Calhau also home of Volcano Viana

  12. Calhau

    one hour

    Discover our Agricultural Oasis on the Island, and farm animals

  13. Cemiterio do Mindelo

    Passing by

    Hear about our cultural traditions, and religion. Have a look into our beautiful and peaceful cemetery.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Pickup points

  • Flag Hotel Mindelo
  • Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort
  • Pombas Brancas Resort
  • Casa Cafe Mindelo
  • Blue Marlin Hotel
  • Mindelo Residencial
  • Ocean Boutique Hotel
  • Kira's Boutique Hotel
  • Luna Boutique Hotel
  • Casa Colonial
  • Complexo Multiuso Copacabana
  • Bed And Breakfast Residencial Maravilha

and 32 more pickup points

We may pick you up at your accommodation in Mindelo, or we can meet at the Centro Cultural, Mindelo - SHORE EXCURSIONS GUARANTEED to return to your ship on time!

Using your ticket

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

  • Specialized infant seats are available

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Let us know if child seat is required

  • Be advised that we will travel up to the summit of Monte Verde with high altitude.

Traveller ratings

4.9 out of 5 · 120 reviews
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Full Day Island Tour, Highlights of São Vicente

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