Embark on an unforgettable day trip from São Vicente to the stunning island of Santo Antão. This guided 11-hour excursion promises to captivate travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant agricultural areas, and charming local culture. From exploring the remarkable Cova de Paul to touring a traditional Grogue distillery, this journey offers a well-rounded experience that immerses visitors in the rich heritage of Cape Verde. With convenient hotel transfers, ferry tickets, and a delectable lunch included, the day trip to Santo Antão is an opportunity to discover the island’s most spellbinding sights and take in its captivating essence.
Good To Know
- Comprehensive 11-hour excursion from São Vicente exploring the lush landscapes, agricultural areas, mountain peaks, and local culture of Santo Antão.
- Tour includes hotel-to-harbor transfers, roundtrip ferry tickets, professional guide, private transportation, Grogue distillery entrance, and lunch.
- Highlights include scenic stops at Cova de Paul, Pico da Cruz, Delgadinho mountain ridge, and Ribeira Grande.
- Opportunity to immerse in local traditions, observe rum production at Grogue distillery, and capture dramatic geological formations.
- Tour may not be suitable for individuals afraid of heights, and travelers should prepare for potential seasickness and bring cash for lunch.
Trip Overview and Pricing
For this day trip to Santo Antão, travelers can expect an 11-hour excursion from São Vicente. Priced from $138.92 per person, the tour includes hotel-to-harbor transfers, roundtrip ferry tickets, a professional local guide, private transportation, entrance to a Grogue distillery, liability insurance, and lunch.
Travelers can opt for a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reserve now and pay later.
The tour offers a comprehensive experience, exploring the island’s lush landscapes, agricultural farmlands, mountain peaks, valleys, and charming villages, while immersing in the local culture and hospitality.
Itinerary and Experience
The day trip begins with pickup from Mindelo, 45 to 30 minutes before the ferry’s departure.
Travelers will take a van for 10 minutes, then board the ferry for a 1-hour ride.
After disembarking, another 1-hour van ride brings them to the next ferry for another 1-hour crossing.
The final 10-minute van ride completes the transportation portion.
The guided tour includes stops at Cova de Paúl, Pico da Cruz, Delgadinho mountain ridge, and Ribeira Grande, where lunch is provided.
An extra fee is required for the Xôxô and visits to Ponta do Sol and Paul.
The total guided tour duration is 6.5 hours, showcasing the island’s lush landscapes, agricultural farming, mountain peaks, valleys, and charming villages.
Highlights of Santo Antão
Travelers consistently discover lush landscapes, agricultural farming, mountain peaks, valleys, and charming villages throughout the day trip to Santo Antão.
The island’s natural beauty is renowned, offering visitors scenic views and ample photo opportunities. Participants can experience the local culture and hospitality, learning about the island’s traditions.
One highlight is visiting a Grogue distillery, where they’ll learn about the production of the island’s famous rum.
The trip promises a well-rounded experience, immersing travelers in Santo Antão’s diverse attractions, from its dramatic geological formations to its vibrant rural communities.
Inclusions and Important Information
The trip includes hotel to harbor transfers, roundtrip ferry tickets, a professional local guide, private transportation, entrance to a Grogue distillery, liability insurance, and lunch.
However, the tour may not be suitable for individuals afraid of heights.
Travelers should bring their passport, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, a jacket, and comfortable clothes. Dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance, as credit cards aren’t accepted for lunch.
Customer Feedback and Recommendations
Based on the 4.4/5 rating from 7 reviews, customers generally praise the friendly and informative guides, enjoyable excursions, and beautiful scenery throughout the trip to Santo Antão. However, some recommendations for improvement include preparing for potential seasickness, communicating dietary restrictions in advance, and bringing cash for lunch as credit cards are not accepted.
| Positives | Neutral | Negatives |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly guides | Enjoyable excursions | Potential seasickness |
| Informative guides | Beautiful scenery | Dietary restrictions |
| – | – | Credit card acceptance |
The feedback suggests the day trip to Santo Antão offers a fulfilling experience, though there are a few considerations for travelers to keep in mind.
Transportation and Logistics
The day trip to Santo Antão commences with a pickup from Mindelo, located a mere 45 to 30 minutes before the ferry’s departure.
Travelers then embark on a multi-modal journey, starting with a 10-minute van ride, followed by a 1-hour ferry crossing to the island.
Upon arrival, another 1-hour van ride takes them to the next ferry, which crosses the channel for 1 more hour.
Finally, a 10-minute van ride completes the transportation portion of the excursion.
Throughout the trip, visitors are accompanied by a professional local guide, ensuring a seamless and informative experience as they explore the island’s lush landscapes, mountain peaks, and charming villages.
Local Culture and Experiences
A highlight of the day trip to Santo Antão is the opportunity to take in the island’s vibrant local culture and unique experiences.
Visitors can:
-
Visit a traditional Grogue distillery to learn about the production of this beloved Cape Verdean rum and sample the final product.
-
Interact with friendly locals and observe their agricultural practices, such as tending to the fields and harvesting crops.
-
Discover charming villages, where time seems to stand still, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
-
Engage with the hospitable community and gain insights into their daily life and customs.
Throughout the journey, travelers are treated to stunning vistas, showcasing the island’s natural beauty and the close-knit relationship between the people and their land.
Photography and Scenic Views
Breathtaking vistas and picturesque landscapes are the hallmarks of the day trip to Santo Antão.
From the rugged mountain peaks of Pico da Cruz to the verdant agricultural valleys of Ribeira Grande, the island offers a visual feast for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The trip’s carefully curated itinerary ensures you’ll capture the essence of the island, with stops at iconic viewpoints like Cova de Paul and Ponta do Sol.
Whether you’re framing the dramatic cliffs or snapping candid shots of local life, the stunning scenery provides endless opportunities to create lasting memories.
Don’t forget to bring your camera – this is a photographer’s paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Tour Group Size for This Day Trip?
The tour group size for this day trip is not explicitly stated in the provided information. The tour appears to be a private transportation and guided excursion, though the exact group size is unclear from the details given.
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?
The tour operator has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, such as requiring masks and sanitizing high-touch surfaces. Guests are advised to follow local guidelines and exercise caution during the excursion.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though lunch is provided as part of the package. Bringing snacks and water is recommended, especially for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Unfortunately, the tour itinerary is fixed at 11 hours and does not offer an option to extend the duration. Travelers must adhere to the scheduled activities and timelines outlined in the tour details.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Interests?
Customers can customize the itinerary to focus on their specific interests. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing travelers to adjust the schedule and activities to match their preferences within the overall duration of the tour.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Mindelo: Fishing Experience & Barbecue
- Hike to the Highest Point of Monte Verde
- Sao Vicente: Private Highlights Tour From Mindelo Port
- Snorkel and Swim With Sea Turtles
- Half Day Island Tour, Best of São Vicente, Highlights
- Sao Vicente: Snorkel With Sea Turtles Adventure
- Sao Vicente, Full Day, Highlights, Mindelo, and Outside, 6hr
- Sao Vicente Island: Full-Day Tour
- S.Vicente Highlights Tour: City Center & Rural Villages
The Sum Up
Explore the captivating island of Santo Antão on this guided day trip from São Vicente. Enjoy the island’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant agricultural areas, and charming local culture. With a visit to a Grogue distillery, scenic viewpoints, and a delightful lunch included, this comprehensive excursion promises a truly unforgettable experience filled with picturesque sights and cultural insights.