Exploring the beautiful city of Santa Maria has never been easier. With the convenience of motorized city tours, visitors can experience the city’s charm and attractions in a fun and unique way. From historic landmarks to stunning natural scenery, there’s something for everyone. In this post, we’ll take a look at the five best motorized city tours in Santa Maria that will give you a unique perspective and make your trip to this enchanting city truly memorable.
The 5 Best Motorized City Tours in Santa Maria
- Santa Maria: Guided Snorkeling Shipwreck and Reef Tour
- From Santa Maria: Two-Hour 4WD Buggy Desert Adventure
- Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch
- Sal: 2-Hour 500cc ATV 4×4 Quad Desert Adventure
- Sal: Salt Lake, Blue eye & Shark experience from Santa Maria
The 5 Best Motorized City Tours in Santa Maria
1. Santa Maria: Guided Snorkeling Shipwreck and Reef Tour
Experience the beautiful underwater world of Sal on this guided snorkeling tour in Santa Maria. This motorized city tour takes you to explore the reefs around the Bolama Wreck, Dunas Bikini and Farol with a professional snorkeling guide who knows the area well. Try a water activity great for a variety of snorkeling skill levels and enjoy an easy and safe way to discover local reefs and wildlife. See various rays, turtles, coral, tropical fish and other reef animals in Cabo Verde’s underwater world. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits, snorkeling vests, shuttle service, towel, and food and drinks. However, it is important to note that this tour is not suitable for children under 8 years, people with mobility impairments, and non-swimmers. Also, alcohol and drugs are not allowed during the tour, and touching marine life is strictly prohibited. The boat used to travel to the sites is a Zodiac Rib with low sides, and the inside can get wet, so please do not bring any belongings that cannot get wet. Get ready to explore the beautiful underwater world of Santa Maria with this guided snorkeling shipwreck and reef tour.
2. From Santa Maria: Two-Hour 4WD Buggy Desert Adventure
Explore the hidden treasures of Sal with a unique perspective on a thrilling two-hour 4WD buggy desert adventure. Depart from your hotel in Santa Maria and head to the local partner’s office to get geared up with everything needed for the ride. Join a professional local guide and hop on your 4×4 to begin the journey.
As you go off the beaten track, marvel at the stunning views of the salt flats of Santa Maria surrounded by beautiful sand dunes, and zip past Kite Beach, a popular spot for kite surfers. Travel to Serra Negra, Sal’s natural reserve, where you can stop at the viewpoint for an incredible panorama of the south part of the island and Boavista Island (weather permitting).
Next, take a thrilling ride across the desert and visit the Palha Verde Oasis before ending the tour at Ponta Preta, the most beautiful beach on the island. Return to the main office to drop off the gear before heading back to your hotel for the end of the tour. Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license and helmet, and be mindful that sandals and flip flops are not allowed.
Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under 6 years, pregnant women, and drivers under 18 years. One bottle of water, taxes, fuel service fees, helmet, glasses, and overalls are included. Additional drinks and shemagh are available for purchase. The tour may be operated by a multilingual guide.
3. Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch
Experience the best of Sal Island in Cape Verde with a full-day highlights tour that includes a delicious lunch. Your adventure starts with a pickup from your Santa Maria accommodation and a visit to the Santa Maria salt pans where you’ll learn about the history and process of salt extraction. Then, enjoy a short visit to the nature reserve in Murdeira, meeting locals in the fishing village of Palmeira and exploring the famous “Blue Eye” in Buracona.
Afterward, take a break in Miragem for lunch and indulge in the local cuisine. Discover the Cape Verdean woman and her Morabeza street art in Espargos before heading to Shark Bay where you’ll witness docile lemon sharks in their natural environment. The tour concludes with a visit to Pedra de Lume salt farm, where you can float in the world’s second-saltiest thermal water.
Please note that this tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments and lasts for 6-7 hours. Lunch includes a main dish of fish or meat, dessert, and water. Bring your sunglasses, swimwear, towel, and sandals, and be ready at your pickup point 10 minutes before the activity starts. Sign up for this guided full-day highlights tour to explore Sal Island’s top attractions in Cape Verde.
4. Sal: 2-Hour 500cc ATV 4×4 Quad Desert Adventure
Explore Sal with a thrilling 2-hour 500cc ATV quad bike adventure led by a professional local guide. Get ready to experience the best of the island as you ride through the stunning salt flats of Santa Maria, take in the beauty of Kite Beach, and venture through Serra Negra, Sal’s famous natural reserve. Stop by the Serra Negra viewpoint for an amazing panoramic view of the island before crossing the desert to reach the picturesque Palha Verde oasis. Your final stop is Ponta Preta, Sal’s most beautiful beach. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, quad bike ride (single or tandem), 1 bottle of water, helmet, glasses, and overalls. Please note that the tour is not suitable for children under 6 years, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and drivers under 18 years. This tour is perfect for thrill-seekers who want to explore Sal’s hidden gems on a powerful and exciting vehicle.
5. Sal: Salt Lake, Blue eye & Shark experience from Santa Maria
Experience the natural highlights of Sal Island with a local guide on a half-day tour to the Salinas Salt Lake, Blue Eye Cave, and Shark Bay. Start your adventure by floating in the world’s second saltiest water in Pedra de Lume. Then, visit the incredible “Blue Eye” and take a dip in its crystal clear waters if the conditions are ideal for bathing. Continue your journey to Miragem and enjoy the water illusions in the desert before heading to Shark Bay to experience lemon sharks in their natural habitat up close. This private trip includes transportation, entrance fees, and the expertise of a local guide. It’s a perfect way to discover the hidden treasures of Sal Island with your own private car and guide. Note that this tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Bring your swimwear, towel, sandals, and camera and don’t bring any large bags or luggage.
What is Santa Maria?
Santa Maria is a city located in Santa Barbara County, California, United States. It is located approximately 120 miles northwest of Los Angeles, and 30 miles south of San Luis Obispo. Santa Maria is known for its perfect year-round climate, world-class vineyards, and adventure activities such as hiking and biking.
What are the top attractions in Santa Maria?
There are plenty of things to do and see in Santa Maria. Some of the top attractions include:
1. Santa Maria Valley Wine Tasting
As mentioned earlier, Santa Maria is known for its world-class vineyards. The region is home to more than 30 wineries, and you can spend an entire day exploring them all. Some of the top wineries worth visiting are Presqu’ile Winery, Tres Hermanas Vineyard & Winery, and Riverbench Vineyard & Winery.
2. Santa Maria Museum of Flight
The Santa Maria Museum of Flight is an aviation museum that showcases the aerospace history and heritage of Santa Maria. The museum features a collection of aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits that are sure to delight aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
3. Oso Flaco Lake
Oso Flaco Lake is a natural freshwater lake that is located within the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. It is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and nature photography. It’s an excellent place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
4. Santa Maria Style Barbecue
Santa Maria is renowned for its style of barbecue, which involves grilling beef tri-tip over an open flame. It’s a style that originated in the area in the mid-19th century and has become a local tradition. There are many restaurants in Santa Maria that serve Santa Maria-style barbecue, such as The Hitching Post II, Far Western Tavern, and Shaw’s Steakhouse.
What is the climate like in Santa Maria?
The climate in Santa Maria is Mediterranean, which means mild, wet winters and dry summers. The average temperature in January is 54°F, while the average temperature in August is 63°F. Santa Maria receives an average of 18 inches of rain per year, with the majority of rainfall occurring from November to March.
What are the best times to visit Santa Maria?
The best times to visit Santa Maria are from April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than during the summer months. If you’re looking for the best deals on accommodation and airfare, consider visiting Santa Maria during the off-season from December to February.
Is Santa Maria safe for tourists?
Yes, Santa Maria is generally a safe place for tourists to visit. However, like any other city, there are certain areas that you should avoid, especially at night. Use common sense and exercise caution when exploring unfamiliar areas, and be mindful of your surroundings. It’s a good idea to travel in groups, especially if you’re traveling at night.
What are the transportation options in Santa Maria?
There are several transportation options available in Santa Maria, including:
1. Santa Maria Area Transit (SMAT)
SMAT is the local public transportation system that operates several bus routes throughout Santa Maria and the surrounding areas. You can get a daily pass for $5 or a monthly pass for $50.
2. Taxi
There are several taxi companies in Santa Maria, including A-Town Yellow Cab, Santa Maria Taxi, and Star Cab Co. Taxis are a convenient option for short distances or when you need to get somewhere quickly.
3. Rental Car
If you want to explore Santa Maria and the surrounding areas at your own pace, consider renting a car. There are several car rental companies in Santa Maria, including Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis.
Conclusion
Santa Maria is a beautiful city located in the heart of California’s Central Coast region. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxing getaway. With its perfect year-round climate, world-class vineyards, and endless adventure activities, Santa Maria is a must-visit destination for anyone planning to explore California.
The 5 Best Motorized City Tours in Santa Maria: Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re planning a trip to Santa Maria and want to explore the city in a unique and exciting way, you may be interested in taking a motorized city tour. These tours offer an entirely different perspective on the city and are a great way to see all of the top sights and attractions.
However, with so many different motorized city tour options available in Santa Maria, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. To help you make your decision, we’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about the 5 best motorized city tours in Santa Maria.
1. What options are available for motorized city tours in Santa Maria?
There are a few different options available for motorized city tours in Santa Maria. Each option offers a unique experience, so you’ll want to choose the one that best fits your interests and needs. The five best motorized city tours in Santa Maria are:
1.1 Tuk Tuk Tours Santa Maria
This tour company offers unique and eco-friendly tuk tuk tours of Santa Maria. You’ll explore the city in a three-wheeled tuk tuk vehicle and see all of the top sights and attractions, including the central market and the famous Praia da Chave beach.
1.2 City Sightseeing Santa Maria
City Sightseeing Santa Maria offers hop-on-hop-off bus tours of the city. You’ll be able to explore the city at your own pace and see all of the top sights, including the Terra Boa viewpoint and the Pedra de Lume salt flats.
1.3 Sal Island Buggies Tours
Sal Island Buggies Tours offers guided tours of the island in a dune buggy. You’ll be able to explore the rugged terrain and visit remote beaches and villages that are inaccessible to other types of vehicles.
1.4 Santa Maria Quad Rentals
If you’re looking for a more independent way to explore the city, Santa Maria Quad Rentals offers street-legal quad bikes for rent. You can create your own tour and explore the city at your own pace, stopping at all of the top landmarks.
1.5 Aboim Tour
Aboim Tour offers guided tours of Santa Maria on a classic motorbike. You’ll explore the city like a local, cruising through the streets and seeing all of the top sights.
2. Which motorized city tour is the best for families?
If you’re traveling with kids, the City Sightseeing Santa Maria hop-on-hop-off bus tour is your best option. Kids will love being able to explore the city at their own pace, and there are plenty of opportunities to hop off the bus and visit kid-friendly attractions like the botanical garden and the Sal Island Funana House Museum.
3. Which motorized city tour is the best for adventure seekers?
If you’re an adventure seeker, you’ll want to check out Sal Island Buggies Tours. This guided tour is a thrilling ride through the rugged terrain of the island, and you’ll have the chance to stop at remote beaches and villages that are inaccessible to other types of vehicles.
4. Which motorized city tour is the best for history buffs?
If you’re interested in the history of Santa Maria, the Aboim Tour on a classic motorbike is the best option for you. Your guide will take you to all of the top historical landmarks and share fascinating stories about the city’s past.
5. Which motorized city tour is the best for budget-conscious travelers?
If you’re on a tight budget, Santa Maria Quad Rentals is the most affordable option. You can rent a street-legal quad bike for a fraction of the cost of a guided tour, and create your own tour of the city.
Conclusion:
There are plenty of different motorized city tour options available in Santa Maria, and each one offers a unique and exciting way to explore the city. By considering your interests, travel style, and budget, you can choose the tour that’s best for you and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Table of Contents
