Overview
What's included?
- Transfers: Return airport transfers to and from all activities
- Accommodation: 7-nights accommodation at the Hilton Cabo Verde Resort
- Meals: 7 breakfasts
- The following activities are included in the holiday: Tour of Sal*, Half-day Catamaran tour, Ziplining, Snorkelling and Project Turtle Tracker (if travelling in July or August). The order of activities is subject to change
- Equipment, training, and supervision for all activities with local guides.
A note on flights: whilst flights to and from Cape Verde are not included in the holiday price, our team will happily provide a quote and arrange them for you. Simply ask one of our travel experts for details of the available options for you.
*Please note: the entrance fee to Buracona, the salt flats and hire of sea shoes are not included and must be paid locally in cash. The total for this is approximately €13 per person.
Sal Island, boasts golden sunshine and pleasant temperatures all year round, making it the perfect destination for a family adventure. One of the three sandy eastern islands of the Cape Verde archipelago in the central Atlantic Ocean, Sal is named after its salt flats - a unique feature of its fascinating landscape.
Sal invites you to explore its wonders both on land and sea. Discover giant humpback whales to tiny baby turtles; the sea around this tropical paradise teems with life. You'll snorkel amongst an array of fascinating native sea life and encounter the thrill of paddling between lemon sharks during a tour of the island.
The adventures don’t stop at the shoreline. Get your adrenaline pumping as you zipline down the Serra Negra Mountain, taking in panoramic views of the island’s rugged landscape.
From soaring through the air to basking in the warm waters of an Atlantic Ocean inlet, this adventurous holiday will allow you and your family to fully explore the equatorial paradise which will be your home for the week.
Your base will be the Hilton Cabo Verde, a family-friendly hotel located right on the beach. The resort has everything you need for a fun and relaxing stay. There’s a large swimming pool for everyone to enjoy, a kids' club to keep younger guests entertained, and plenty of dining options with food to suit all tastes. The beach is just steps away, so you can easily spend time paddling in the sea or building sandcastles. With spacious rooms and helpful staff, the Hilton Cabo Verde makes a great base for your family adventure.
Image credits: Cape Verde Tourist Board, Hilton Hotel Cape Verde, Barracuda Tours DMC & Incoming
Key facts
| Duration: | 7 nights |
| Pace: |
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Tourism Tax: those aged 16 years and over must pay a Tourism Tax of €2.50 per person, per night. This must be paid at the hotel reception
Price per person: based on 2 adults (12+) and 1 child (4-11) sharing a King Guest Room
Prices
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum Numbers Required For A Holiday To Operate
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions
Minimum and maximum age
If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.
Unless otherwise stated in the in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Artisan holiday is typically 8 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
For the most up to date information on how the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your holiday please click here to view our Brexit information for British Passport holders.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions
Agenda
Agenda
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DAY 1
Flights, Arrival & Welcome
Upon arrival at Amílcar Cabral International Airport, you will be picked up by one of our local guides and transferred to the luxurious beachside Hilton Cabo Verde Resort. Located directly on the shore of the Santa Maria Beach, you will be able to step straight onto the white sands and feel the grains between your toes. Once you’re all settled in and unpacked, we recommend you spend your first night soaking off your jetlag in one of the hotel’s pools or topping up your tan by the beach. With a swim-up bar and two restaurants on-site, there’s no need to venture far this evening! Included Meals: None
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DAY 2
Free Day
You will be spoilt for choice at the hotel's extensive breakfast buffet. There are live cooking stations and plentiful displays of fresh fruit, baked goods and hot and cold choices. Be sure to enjoy a leisurely morning in the Magellan Restaurant whilst deciding how you would like to spend your time today. Kitesurfing is a popular activity in the warm waters of the equator. There’s nothing quite so magical as gliding over waves rippling with the wind that holds your kite aloft. If you’ve always wanted to try it but never found the time, take it now – you and your family will be learning from the best! As well as being a friendly and encouraging guide, Mitu Monteiro is perhaps best known to extreme sports fans as a World Kite Surfing Champion. Don’t worry about having to get it right straight away, however – this three-hour lesson is for beginner groups and suitable for younger children. Please see the personalise tab for all the optional activities to choose from. Included Meals: Breakfast
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DAY 3
Half Day Tour of Sal Island
Stock up on a hearty breakfast this morning ready for the day’s adventures, which will take you around the full length and breadth of Sal Island and introduce you to the island’s interesting sights. Your first stop will be the island's capital, Espargos. Discover how the locals live before setting off for Terra Boa, a scenic desert location far inland which boasts mirages. Your next stop will be a visit to the fishing port village of Palmeira, then Buracona, with its natural pool and the famous “Blue Eye” caused by seawater and freshwater meeting. After a visit to Sharks’ Bay to wade with the lemon sharks, your tour concludes with a visit to the Pedra de Lume salt pans and an opportunity to float a lake that is 26 times saltier than seawater. Scrub your skin with the lake's mud before rinsing off and leaving your skin feeling revitalised and youthful. *Please note: the entrance fee to Buracona, the salt flats and hire of sea shoes are not included and must be paid locally in cash. The total for this is approximately €13 per person.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 4
Free Day
If you haven't already, why not have a change of scenery this morning and enjoy breakfast overlooking the ocean at the hotel's beachfront restaurant, The Bounty? Savour a fresh and wholesome menu of fruits, pastries, cold cuts, eggs, fresh orange juice, and brewed coffee whilst listening to the gentle lapping of waves on the shore. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. Why not take a stroll to the centre of Santa Maria, challenge the family to a petanque tournemant or indulge in a luxurious treatment in the hotel's on-site spa.
Included Meals: None -
DAY 5
Half-Day Catamaran Tour
After your breakfast this morning, you will transfer from the hotel to Palmeira, the island's main port, where you will embark onto a beautiful catamaran. Your relaxing sailing trip will travel along the scenic coastline from Palmeira, stopping at 'Lion Mountain' where you will be offered the opportunity to go snorkelling. Don’t fancy getting your hair wet? You can also try fishing, swimming or just relaxing on board.
During the trip, the crew will provide fun and friendly entertainment and point out natural wonders. Whilst we cannot guarantee this, there is the possibility to see whales from February to March or turtles from June to September. You are definitely guaranteed a fun afternoon!
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 6
Zipline and (for July and August departures) Project Turtle Tracker
The big one! While the idea of ziplining may be a daunting one for those afraid of heights, there is no better place to face your fears than Zipline Cabo Verde. After a jeep transfer to the base, you'll take a 15 minute steep walk to the top of the mountain (we recommend sturdy shoes for this) with rest breaks possible along the way. The staff here are very experienced at dealing with more hesitant adventurers and are happy to take the time to familiarise guests with the equipment. The guide will teach you about the rules you need to follow, explain the basics, and hook you up on the steel wire using a harness and making sure you are safe and ready to fly.
Your flight down the side of the mountain will take you over thousands of years of geological history, from the smooth granite caused by the initial eruption to the scrub-like desert which clung to it in the aftermath.
If you are travelling in July or August, we have also included a fascinating visit to meet the passionate team behind Project Biodiversity where you can learn all about the Loggerhead Sea Turtle and have a chance to see them up close. Project Biodiversity is committed to the protection and conservation of this endangered species.
Following a short transfer, you will meet in a whimsical bell tent where refreshments will be served before your introduction to the biology of sea turtles and the safeguarding work underway on the Cape Verde islands.
After the briefing, the group will take a walk along the beach to observe the turtles nesting ground. What an incredible experience!
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 7
Snorkelling off Santa Maria Pier
Why simply admire the Atlantic Ocean when you could dive beneath it? If you’ve never snorkelled before, don’t worry: it’s easy enough and your experienced guides will happily instruct you and your family on the correct procedures. You will be provided with all the equipment you need.
The waves around this stretch of coastline are gentle, meaning you can focus entirely on the schools of fish swimming close enough to touch without having to worry about the waves.
Your final afternoon will be spent admiring the aquatic majesty of Cape Verde’s ecosystems, which play host to a variety of endangered species and a high proportion of marine species which can only survive here. After a few blissful hours spent enjoying gentle waves, you will paddle back to the starting point before being dropped back off at your hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 8
Departure
Unfortunately, it’s time for your adventures to come to an end. Depending on your flight time, you’ll either enjoy breakfast in the restaurant or it will be boxed up to take to the airport. You will then be transferred back to Amílcar Cabral International Airport to reminisce about your memories on the flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Hilton Cabo Verde Resort
Nights: 1-7
The Hilton Cabo Verde Resort, a local landmark, has plenty to do for children of all ages. With a spa, watersports centre and two pools, there’s plenty to get the whole family entertained (as well as a kids’ club for the hotel’s youngest guests). As well as a huge outdoor swimming pool with both children-only and general areas, the hotel is located directly on the shore of the Santa Maria Beach, allowing you to step out of your front door and directly onto sand.
In terms of food, The Magellan serves buffet-style dishes between 6AM and 10PM. The Bounty Beach Restaurant offers a DJ, live kitchen, and handcrafted cocktails, which can also be purchased at the swim-up bar. If you're really feeling adventurous, La Victoria restaurant serves up unique tasting menus combining African and European cuisine and reinventing local classics.
The hotel’s rooms are very spacious with fantastic views of the beach. Facilities include ensuite bathroom, cable TV, hair dryers, a mini bar and air conditioning.
Facilities:
- Spa, On-site restaurants, Outdoor pool, Fitness center centre
- Swimming pool with children-only and general pools
- Free parking and WiFi
- For those quiet moments - a reading room, a TV room and various sun terraces
- A 24 hour concierge service and dedicated tour desk
- An exceptional healthy breakfast boasting local and seasonal ingredients
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Coast to Coast Off-Road Adventure
Journey off-road on a 4x4 adventure that will help you explore the varied landscape of Sal. From volcanic formations and wetlands to ravines and beaches, this adrenaline-filled day will take you to the must-see areas of Sal including the famous magical eye, the mirages of Terra boa, and the salt flats where you’ll have the chance to float. You’ll also visit shark bay to wade with the reef sharks and kite beach before returning back to your hotel. Lunch is included.
Please note: 5€ entrance fee to the salt flats, 1€ freshwater shower at Sal Flats and 3€ ecological tax for the visit to Buracona are not included in the price and will need to be paid cash locally.
Available: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 09:00
Duration: approximately 8 hours
Other options
Activities
Traditional Cape Verdean Evening
Enjoy a traditional Cape Verdean evening with a night of local delicacies, music, and dancing.
You’ll arrive at one of the best local restaurants on the island and be greeted with a welcome drink. For dinner, you have a choice of typical Cape Verdean specialties, such as the ‘Catchupa’, a tasty rich stew. As you enjoy the delicious food, you’ll watch a show of soft live music - the famous “Mornas” and “Coladeras”. Once you’ve finished, you can watch the Cape Verdean dances from the island and even join in and learn!
Available: Wednesday
Duration: approximately 3 hours
Segway Tour
Explore Santa Maria the eco way. This segway adventure will take you through the village and onto Sal’s most beautiful beach. Choose from a 45-minute or 1.5-hour tour.
Available: everyday except Sunday at 09:00 and 15:00
Duration: various available
There are a range of durations to choose from:
45 minutes - £30 per person
1.5 hours - £50 per person
Beginner Kitesurfing Lesson
Cape Verde is a famed kitesurfing destination, making it the perfect place for a beginner lesson on your holiday. You’ll be transferred to the Mitu Monteiro (2008 World Kite Surfing Champion) & Jo Kitesurf Centre to learn Kite Surfing with the best teachers on the island.
Duration: approximately 3 hours
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