How to plan your Santo Antão Day Trip from São Vicente with a Local Guide

Are you planning a visit to São Vicente and looking for an adventure that will take you off the beaten path? Look no further than the Santo Antão Day Trip with Local Guide! This tour offers an unforgettable experience that will take you through picturesque villages, breathtaking landscapes, and the greenest valley in Cape Verde. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to plan your trip step-by-step for a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Experience

The Santo Antão Day Trip with Local Guide is an all-day adventure that will take you through the heart of Cape Verde’s second-largest island. Here are some of the highlights of the tour:

– Breathtaking views of Cova Volcano Crater above 1000 meters high
– Picturesque small villages and beautiful island landscapes
– Meeting the locals at Cape Verde’s greenest valley Vale de Paúl
– Having a delicious lunch while enjoying the local atmosphere

Booking Your Tour

The first step in planning your Santo Antão Day Trip is booking your tour. You can book through the tour operator’s website or through a third-party booking site like GetYourGuide.com. The link to book the Santo Antão Day Trip with Local Guide on GetYourGuide is the following: book the tour here.

It’s important to book your tour in advance to secure your spot, especially if you’re visiting during peak travel season. The tour price includes transportation, guide services, and lunch, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the adventure.

Getting to the Ferry Terminal

The Santo Antão Day Trip begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in São Vicente. If you’re staying in Mindelo, the most convenient way to get to the ferry terminal is by taxi. Taxis in Cape Verde are regulated and reasonably priced, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one. Make sure to ask for the price upfront and agree on it before you get in.

Taking the Ferry

The Santo Antão Day Trip includes a 1-hour ferry ride from São Vicente to Santo Antão. The ferry is operated by a company called TACV, and the timetable can vary depending on the day of the week and the season. Make sure to check the ferry schedule in advance and arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.

The ferry ride offers stunning views of the island’s coastline and is a great opportunity to take some photos. If you’re prone to motion sickness, make sure to take the necessary precautions beforehand.

Meeting Your Local Guide

Upon arrival in Santo Antão, you will be met by your local guide who will be with you for the rest of the tour. The guide will introduce themselves and provide you with some background information about the island and the tour.

Exploring Cova de Paúl

The first stop on the Santo Antão Day Trip is Cova de Paúl, Cape Verde’s largest volcanic crater. The extinct volcano is used for the cultivation of potatoes, carrots, onions, and more. Your guide will take you on a tour of the Cova Natural Park, which offers stunning views of the crater and the surrounding landscape.

Traversing the Island’s Spectacular Landscapes

After visiting Cova de Paúl, you’ll take the Corda Road, which traverses the island’s most spectacular landscapes. The road is winding and narrow, but your guide is an expert driver and will ensure your safety. Along the way, you’ll make a photo stop at the Delgadinho mountain viewpoint and marvel at stunning views of sharp cliffs and beautiful valleys.

Exploring Ponta de Sol and Ribeira Grande

The Santo Antão Day Trip also includes visits to the fishing village of Ponta de Sol and the town of Ribeira Grande. In Ponta de Sol, you’ll have an opportunity to meet the locals and learn about their way of life. In Ribeira Grande, you’ll visit the town’s famous church and take a stroll through the cobblestone streets.

Enjoying Lunch at Vale de Paúl

The highlight of the tour is a visit to Cape Verde’s greenest valley, Vale de Paúl. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the breathtaking views of the valley. The lunch is included in the tour price, and the menu usually features traditional Cape Verdean cuisine.

Returning to São Vicente

After lunch, you’ll make your way back to the ferry terminal for the return journey to São Vicente. Your guide will ensure that you arrive back at your accommodation safely and with plenty of time to spare.

Conclusion

The Santo Antão Day Trip with Local Guide is an unforgettable experience that will take you through the heart of Cape Verde’s second-largest island. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can plan your tour with ease and enjoy a seamless and enjoyable adventure. Don’t forget to book your tour in advance and bring your camera to capture the stunning views!