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Book a Turtle Experience on Sal Island, Santa Maria
You’ll be collected from your hotel at 8:00 PM and driven to the beach near Santa Maria on Sal, where a knowledgeable guide introduces you to the fascinating nightly ritual of the turtles; you’ll learn what to expect and why patience matters as these cautious animals only come ashore when they feel safe. On arrival you’ll watch a turtle select and prepare a nesting spot, test the sand and-if needed-search for a better location before digging and laying between 65 to 100 eggs, then carefully covering and camouflaging the nest before returning to the sea. This guided, educational experience on Sal Island is intimate and nature-focused, ending with a transfer back to your hotel so you leave with a memorable, respectful encounter with local wildlife.
About this activity in Santa Maria
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Nighttime beach turtle-watching experience near Santa Maria, Sal, guided by a professional who explains nesting behavior and what to expect
- Watch adult sea turtles choose a nest site, dig, lay 65–100 eggs, and camouflage the nest-an intimate wildlife encounter on the sand
- Small-group, educational outing that blends nature observation with conservation-aware commentary from your guide
- Round-trip hotel transfer included so you can relax while travelling to and from the beach for this memorable evening
Important Information
- Departure is at 20:00 from hotel pickup points in the area; expect a return to your accommodation after the experience
- This activity requires moderate physical fitness-you’ll stand and walk on sand in low light while maintaining respectful distance from nesting turtles
- Public transportation options are available nearby and specialized infant seats can be provided if needed; confirm childcare needs when booking
- A professional guide accompanies the group to ensure a safe, educational visit and to explain turtle behavior and nesting etiquette
Meeting Point
Your guide collects you from your hotel in Santa Maria at 20:00; the group then travels to the nearby beach for the turtle-nesting observation before returning to your hotel after the experience.
Includes
- A professional guide leads the experience in Santa Maria, Sal, so you can rely on expert local knowledge during your booking and on-site activity.
Other
- Public transportation options are available nearby in Santa Maria, making it easier for you to reach the meeting point and explore the area before or after the event.
- Specialized infant seats are available for bookings, so you can bring young children with added safety and convenience while you enjoy the activity in the region.
- You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to participate, ensuring you can comfortably take part in the experience here.
Customer Reviews
8/10
Based on 3 Reviews
Summary:
Very nice and pleasant guide. Lucky to see a Tutle first time. Nice to see people are protecting them .
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Summary:
Cannot recommend this company enough. Mr Ola on the beach was very informative and helpful and made the decision to book with his company very easy for us. We booked a private island tour for two people.
Our guide for the day Mr Hams was fantastic and we are incredibly greatful for the experience he gave us. He watched all our belongings for us when we were in and out of the sea and the salt lakes and took countless photos with my phone for us so we left the day with amazing memories all recorded for us (he was a brilliant photographer). Hams definitely went out of his way to take us on interesting routes through all the towns, he was informative and very knowledgeable when answering all of our questions and a pleasure to spend the day with. At each stop he would give us all the information we needed and then give us our own space to enjoy our time with no pressure to be on a schedule, how long we spent at each place of interest was entirely up to us.
To summarize, if like us you came to trip advisor to check reviews before booking with this company all I can say is go for it! Friendly team and an unforgettable day that honestly, we would pay to do all over again!
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Summary:
This was absolutely an amazing experience we went on the 9pm tour, pick up and transfer were all good, we had a debrief before we went to the beach in a lovely tent, we were given a snack and a drink as well as a small gift which was very nice. We walked for a while and waited for the spotters to contact our guide, but to be honest it was a lovely night, pitch black sky full of bright stars, thunder storm in Boa Vista so lighting striking across the sky what an amazing experience. Then we got the call that turtle was on the beach and we could move, total respect for the turtles at all times, and to see it with your own eyes is the most calming feeling ever, as a mum I had great respect for the turtle and what she had to do. Excellent tour would recommend.
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Discover Santa Maria, Sal: Where You Surf, Dive, Dine, Celebrate
Santa Maria, Sal is a prime spot for Water-Based fun, Adventure & Thrill outings and Outdoor & Nature experiences that let you easily pair activities with the perfect stay; the area shines for Tours & Sightseeing, Water-Based and Sports options. You’ll find the region welcoming for Family & Kids and Group-Friendly bookings, with Shows & Entertainment, Food & Drink experiences and Wellness & Relaxation offerings to round out your itinerary. Use Varoom to discover and book Events, multi-day and workshop-learning options here so you can lock in seamless Transportation & Rides, Services and Romantic & Couples plans for your trip.
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Know more about Santa Maria
Pickup from your hotel is at 8:00 PM, when the group departs for the beach. The evening concludes with a return trip to your hotel, so you’ll be dropped back after the experience in Santa Maria.
The experience is an evening activity that begins with the 8:00 PM hotel pickup, includes time waiting patiently for the turtles to come ashore, witnessing the nesting process on the beach, and ends with the return trip to your hotel.
You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to participate comfortably, as the evening involves walking on the beach and periods of standing and waiting while observing the turtles.
You’ll watch as a guide introduces the turtles and explains the process. You’ll observe a turtle choose a spot, prepare the ground, dig, lay between 65 and 100 eggs, cover and camouflage the nest, then return to the sea.
Yes. The tour is described as a memorable and educational evening suitable for family groups, though you should plan for an outdoors, night-time experience on the beach and supervise children throughout the visit.
Yes. A guide will introduce you to the turtles, explain what to expect and how the nesting process unfolds, helping make the experience both educational and informative.
