Embark on a full-day tour from São Vicente to Santo Antão, including a ferry ride and lunch. Explore charming villages, lush green mountains, and captivating cultural sites.
- Passenger Ferry Terminal - Option including Ferry Tickets: Start your day with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation in Mindelo and transfer to the Harbor for a ferry adventure to the mountainous island of Santo Antão. During the ferry ride across the canal (up to 1 hour), you can stand on deck and possibly see dolphins, pilot whales, flying fish, sea birds, and more, or relax on the comfortable indoor seating. Don’t miss the lighthouse on the rock in the middle of the ocean, Ilhéu dos Pássaros (Bird’s Island)!
- Porto Novo - Option Excluding Ferry tickets: Arrive at Porto Novo, where your local guide will meet you at the Garemaritima terminal to take you on a full-day car tour of the island’s highlights! Begin your journey ascending through the mountains.
- Porto Novo-Ribeira Grande Road - Start your ascent through the mountains along the old cobblestone road, passing small communities with traditional thatched roof homes, donkeys carrying water, farmers working the land, and the hardworking daily life of this incredible place.
- Pico da Cruz - Stop at Pico da Cruz, above the clouds with its green pine forest and eucalyptus trees. Feel the cool breeze and take in the picturesque view of Paúl from above.
- Cova de Paúl - At the top of Cova, enjoy breathtaking views inside the crater; the mist from the clouds allows this farming community to be self-sustaining.
- Delgadinho mountain ridge - Continue to Delgadinho, the narrow mountaintop crossing that separates two major valleys, Ribeira Grande & Ribeira da Torre; a famous spot for photographs while on Santo Antão.
- Ribeira Grande - Arrive in the colorful city of Povacao, one of the main cities in Ribeira Grande, with its colonial and modern homes and beautiful street art. We will stop for lunch in town.
- Xôxô - Visit Ribeira de Torre, one of the greenest and most fertile valleys in Cabo Verde, where you will find bananas, mangos, sugar cane, and breadfruit trees. There is also a large tank pool used by locals for swimming and fun.
- Ponta Do Sol - Head to the fishing village of Ponta do Sol, with its old port of Boca de Pistola (Mouth of the Pistol), where you can witness the arrival of the fishermen and see the catch of the day!
- Beth d’Kinha - Taste the local rum, Grogue, produced here. Visit the distillery to see how it’s made.
- Paul - Continue to the municipality of Paúl, with its grand Saint Anthony statue overlooking Villa das Pombas for protection. In the village of Eito, visit the rum distillery, also known as Grogue, and have the opportunity to taste it.
- Janela - Travel back to Porto Novo via Janela on the stunning new coastal road, passing through fascinating mountain tunnels and seeing the lighthouse, Farol de Fontes Pereira de Melo.
- Gare Marítima porto de Porto Novo - ENAPOR - Arrive in Porto Novo in time to board the afternoon ferry to São Vicente. Upon arrival at the Harbor, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Mindelo.
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- Private transportation
- Pickup and drop-off at starting point
- OPTION: *Ferry Tickets (roundtrip) included from São Vicente, excluded beginning in Santo Antão
- Local Professional guide (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese)
- Entrance: Grogue (Rum) distillery
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic Beverages
Our Full Day Excursion on Santo Antão offers two starting options: from São Vicente (including hotel to harbor transfers in Mindelo and ferry tickets) or from Santo Antão (excluding ferry tickets and harbor transfers in Mindelo). Choose the option that best suits you and prepare to be captivated by the lush vegetation, mountain peaks, valleys, charming villages, simple lifestyle, and the hardworking spirit of the people. The culture here is indescribable and must be experienced firsthand!
Opt to see the Highlights by car in one day
Enjoy a walk, hike, or trek
You’ll have an incredible day with our local, experienced guide, who will show you the best of Santo Antão :)
If you wish to customize any part of your excursion, feel free to contact us.
- Please inform us of any special dietary instructions.
- In the case of a group of less than 4pax, the local guide himself may be the driver
- For open group tours your guide may speak more than one language if required
- Driving through roads with high altitude
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.