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Activities in Mindelo

Santo Antão Day Trip by Boat

Volcanic landscapes, charming villages, and lush green valleys await you on this day trip to Santo Antão. You’ll cross the Atlantic from Mindelo to explore the most mountainous island in Cape Verde. An unforgettable adventure through the green heart of the archipelago!

Volcanic landscapes, charming villages, and lush green valleys await you on this day trip to Santo Antão. You’ll cross the Atlantic from Mindelo to explore the most mountainous island in Cape Verde. An unforgettable adventure through the green heart of the archipelago!

Day Trip Details

At the scheduled time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Mindelo and head to the port of São Vicente to board a ferry bound for Santo Antão. The one-hour journey offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

As soon as we arrive at the port of Porto Novo, your guide will be waiting to start the tour of this rugged and mountainous island, considered the greenest in Cape Verde. Our first stop will be the Cova Caldera, located more than 1,000 meters above sea level. You'll have 30 minutes to explore this ancient volcanic crater covered in vegetation. It is one of the most photogenic landscapes on Santo Antão!

From there, we’ll embark on a spectacular drive along the Delgadim Road. This narrow route, flanked by cliffs, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island’s mountainous interior. You’ll want to take photos at every turn!

The journey continues north along the coast until we reach Ponta do Sol. Here, you’ll have 40 minutes to stroll through this picturesque fishing village, full of colorful houses and a calm seaside charm. We’ll then visit Ribeira Grande, the island’s main town. For about 50 minutes, we’ll walk through its cobblestone streets and admire its Portuguese colonial-style architecture.

Next, we’ll head into the lush Paul Valley, famous for its sugarcane plantations, coffee fields, and tropical orchards. Here, you’ll have two hours of free time to enjoy lunch and try the island’s typical cuisine.

After lunch, we’ll begin our journey back to Porto Novo, once again crossing the island’s interior. Finally, we’ll take the ferry back to São Vicente, where a vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Mindelo.

This day trip will come to an end after around 10 hours.

Staying in Santo Antão

If you wish, you can choose to stay on the island of Santo Antão at the end of the day trip. Simply indicate your return date when making your reservation so we can issue your ferry ticket. In this case, the return transfer from the port of São Vicente to your hotel in Mindelo will not be included.

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More Information

Duration

10 hours.

Language The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Included

Hotel pickup and drop–off

Transportation by bus or minibus

Round–trip ferry tickets between São Vicente and Santo Antão

English–speaking guide

Not included

Food and drinks: from 10 (US$ 11.62) per person

When to book?

You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Pets

Allowed, animals under 10 kg.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Can I bring luggage if I want to stay in Santo Antão?

    A - Yes, as long as it stays within the standard airline allowance: up to 2 pieces of 23 kg and 2 carry–on bags of 5 kg per person.

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Kapverden Tours Corporate name: KAPVERDEN TOURS, SOCIEDADE UNIPESSOAL LDA Registered Office: Achadinha, Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde, 74, Praia, Cape Verde Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 291135790 Contact information Email: kapverdentours@gmail.com Phone: +2389867116

  • Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

    A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

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