How to plan your Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch in Santa Maria

Are you planning a trip to the beautiful island of Sal in Cape Verde? Make the most of your visit by taking the Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch in Santa Maria. In this blog post, we will guide you through how to plan and book this fantastic experience.

Experience

The Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch in Santa Maria is a full-day tour that will take you to some of the island’s most beautiful and remarkable spots. Throughout the tour, you will get a taste of local life, culture, and history.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the tour:

• Explore the most tourist-friendly city in Cape Verde, Santa Maria.
• Float in the world’s second-saltiest water in Pedra de Lume.
• Get a taste of local life in the fishing villages of Palmeira and Espargos.
• Marvel at the “Blue Eye” in Buracona, one of the seven wonders of the country.
• Walk close to the lemon sharks in Shark Bay.

Full description

The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Santa Maria. You will then depart to Santa Maria salt pans, where you will explore the local history and discover how the locals extract salt, which is the activity that determined the island’s name. Afterward, you will head to the village of Murdeira, where you will have a short visit to its nature reserve and enjoy the magnificent views of Lion Mountain. Then, you will meet the locals in the fishing village of Palmeira, where you will witness firsthand the daily lives of the fisherfolk. The journey continues towards Buracona, where you will see the famous “Blue Eye,” a naturally formed hole with crystal-clear water that looks like a blue iris. If the weather permits, you can swim in the stunning natural pool. Next, you will move towards Miragem, where you can take some pictures of the effects of water illusions in the desert. Afterward, the tour stops for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Cape Verdean cuisine. Finally, you will visit Espargos, the island’s capital, where you can experience the local culture and see how the island’s population lives.

Booking the Tour

You can book the Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch in Santa Maria online using this link: book here. Make sure you book in advance to confirm your spot on the tour. The tour takes around nine hours, and it’s an excellent way to make the most of your time on the island.

Book Your Tour Now

In conclusion, the Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch in Santa Maria is a fantastic experience that you should not miss out on when visiting Sal. By following our guide, you can easily plan and book the tour and enjoy the highlights of the island. We hope you have a fantastic time on your trip to Sal!

FAQs about Santa Maria

If you are planning to visit Santa Maria, you may have some questions about this lovely city. Here are some frequently asked questions about Santa Maria to help you plan your trip.

1. Where is Santa Maria located?

Santa Maria is a city in California, United States. It is situated in Santa Barbara County, on the central coast of California. The city’s location makes it an ideal place for a variety of outdoor activities.

2. What is the weather like in Santa Maria?

The weather in Santa Maria is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 75°F (24°C) throughout the year. The city experiences an oceanic climate, with mild winters and cool summers. It is important to note that Santa Maria can be foggy during certain times of the year.

3. What are some popular attractions in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria is home to a variety of attractions that cater to all interests. Some of the popular attractions in Santa Maria include:

• The Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum: This museum offers a glimpse into the history of Santa Maria and the surrounding areas.
• The Pacific Conservatory Theatre: This theatre features performances throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
• The Santa Maria Speedway: This speedway offers exhilarating races and events for car enthusiasts.
• The Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve: This preserve offers scenic views of the sand dunes and is the perfect place for a hike or a picnic.
• The Santa Maria Fairpark: This fairground hosts a variety of events, including the annual Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival.

4. What is the best time to visit Santa Maria?

The best time to visit Santa Maria is during the months of April to June or September to November when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months (June to August) can get crowded, and prices may be higher. It is important to note that certain events and festivals in Santa Maria may affect the availability and prices of accommodations.

5. What are some outdoor activities to do in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the popular outdoor activities to do in Santa Maria include:

• Hiking and biking in the local parks and preserves, such as the Los Flores Ranch Park and the Point Sal State Beach.
• Visiting the vineyards and wineries in the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country and taking a wine tasting tour.
• Golfing at one of the many golf courses in Santa Maria, such as the Santa Maria Country Club and the Monarch Dunes Golf Club.
• Fishing and boating in the Pacific Ocean or at the nearby Lake Cachuma.

6. What is the cuisine like in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria is known for its unique cuisine, which features grilled tri-tip, a local specialty. Some of the popular foods in Santa Maria include:

• Santa Maria-style BBQ: Grilled tri-tip served with garlic bread and a green salad.
• Santa Maria-style Beans: Pinto beans slow-cooked with tomato sauce, bacon, and spices.
• Central Coast Wine: The Santa Maria Valley Wine Country is home to many award-winning wineries that produce delicious wines.
• Strawberry Desserts: Santa Maria is known for its fresh strawberries, which are used in a variety of desserts, such as shortcake and ice cream.

7. What are some hotels in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria offers a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the popular hotels in Santa Maria include:

• The Historic Santa Maria Inn: This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Santa Maria and features elegant rooms and suites.
• The Radisson Hotel Santa Maria: This hotel is located near the Santa Maria Airport and offers modern amenities.
• The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Santa Maria: This hotel is located near the Santa Maria Town Center and features an outdoor pool and a fitness center.

8. How can I get to Santa Maria?

Santa Maria is easily accessible by car, as it is located near Highway 101. The Santa Maria Public Airport serves the city, and there are several shuttle services that operate between the airport and the city. The closest major airport is the Los Angeles International Airport, which is approximately 150 miles south of Santa Maria.

Book Your Tour Now

Santa Maria is a charming city with a variety of attractions and activities to suit all interests. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or gastronomic delights, Santa Maria has something to offer. By addressing these commonly asked questions, we hope to have helped you plan your trip to Santa Maria.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Santa Maria, California

If you’re looking for a vacation spot that offers sunny beaches, fantastic food, outdoor activities, and a laid-back vibe, Santa Maria might just be the perfect place for you. Situated on California’s Central Coast, it’s a popular destination for tourists, families, and solo travelers alike. In fact, there’s plenty to see and do in Santa Maria that you could easily spend a week or more exploring the area.

1. Visit the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country

Santa Maria is home to some of California’s best wine, and no trip to the area is complete without a visit to the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country. One of the best ways to explore the wineries is by taking a wine-tasting tour. Some of the popular wineries include:

• Foxen Vineyard & Winery
• Presqu’ile Winery
• Bridlewood Estate Winery
• Koehler Winery
• Costa de Oro Winery

2. Spend a Day at the Beach

Santa Maria is known for its stunning beaches, and you should definitely spend at least one day soaking up the sun and enjoying the surf. Some of the best beaches in the area include:

• Pismo Beach
• Avila Beach
• Shell Beach
• Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve

3. Explore Santa Maria’s Food Scene

Santa Maria is a foodie’s paradise, with everything from casual cafes to fine dining establishments to choose from. Some of the local favorites include:

• The Hitching Post
• Far Western Tavern
• J.ocko’s Steakhouse
• La Tradicional Ice Cream
• Beto’s Mexican Food
• Alphy’s Broiler

4. Check Out the Local Art Scene

Santa Maria is home to a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries and art installations located throughout the city. Check out:

• The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
• The Marian Theatre Guild
• The Veterans Memorial Park and Military Museum

5. Hike One-of-a-Kind Trails

Santa Maria’s proximity to the Los Padres National Forest means there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. Some of the most popular trails in the area include:

• Gaviota Peak Trail
• Rocky Butte Trail
• Canyon Loop Trail
• Buckhorn OHV Trail

6. Visit Local Museums and Monuments

Santa Maria has a rich history, and there are plenty of museums and monuments to visit that showcase the city’s cultural heritage.

• The Santa Maria Valley Railroad Historical Museum
• The Santa Maria Museum of Flight
• The Santa Maria California Missions Foundation
• The Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum

7. Enjoy Festivals & Events

Santa Maria is known for hosting a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular include:

Festival or Event	Date
Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival	April
Santa Maria Elks Rodeo	June
Santa Maria Valley Wine Tasting	October

The Bottom Line

There’s plenty to see and do in Santa Maria, and you’re sure to find something that appeals to both you and your traveling companions. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or cultural experiences, Santa Maria will not disappoint. Just remember to pack sunscreen!