Enjoy a pickup from the Port of Mindelo and begin an exciting private tour to discover the highlights of São Vicente Island with a local guide. Start your discovery from Mindelo, the country's cultural capital, famous for the hospitality of its people and the architecture of its beautiful colonial buildings. Visit the main square, the local church, the municipal market and learn about the daily lives of the locals, before enjoying a superb panoramic view of the city and its bay, the most beautiful in the country. Continue on a scenic drive to the eastern side of the island and capture beautiful views of extinct volcanoes, farmlands, and learn local history from your guide. Arrive in Calhau, take a lunch break and enjoy the local cuisine. Next, swim at the beautiful Baía das Gatas beach or simply dip your feet in the warm water before heading to the island's highest point, Monte Verde Natural Park. Here admire the stunning landscape, see endemic plants and, weather permitting, see other Cape Verde islands. The tour ends with a drop-off at the Port of Mindelo.

Hear about our history, culture, lifestyle. Enjoy the architectural style of our colorful buildings. Visit the bustling markets of Mindelo; Fish Market, African Market, and Municipal Market (closed on Sundays). From the lookout point, we will have the best views of Mindelo, Monte Cara, and Laginha Beach. Take a scenic drive to the top of Monte Verde, natural and protected park, the highest peak in Sao Vicente. Head to the small charming sea side fishing villages on the Island. Take a swim in the clear blue lagoon of Baía das Gatas, and marvel at the contrasting long beach coastline. Calhau is an oasis! A charming small farming and fishing village also home of Vulcao Viana, one of the of last extinct volcanos on the Island. In the valley of Calhau we will see traditional farming by hand, animals, water wells, and windmills.

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation or Port of Mindelo for Cruise Ship passengers and drive towards the city center. Upon arrival, explore the island’s capital, Mindelo, a historically and culturally rich city full of character. Take a guided walking tour through the city center to the island's popular African Market, stroll through the colorful stalls, soak in the variety of sights and scents, and mingle with the locals. Continue on a scenic drive to Monte Verde Natural Park and admire breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys from the highest point in São Vicente. See endemic plants and learn about the local history, fauna and flora from your guide. Move on to Salamansa, a small fishing village of simple and hospitable people, followed by a drive to Baía das Gatas, where you will take a dip into its natural pools or simply relax on the shore. The tour ends with a drop-off at the Port or at your accommodation in Mindelo.

Get picked up from your accommodation for an exciting day of exploring and learning more about São Vicente’s history, culture and daily lifestyle! Depart to our Islands Old Fort, Fortim del Rei where you will have phenomenal views of the Bay City of Mindelo and our popular city Beach, Laginha. Take a walk through the city where you will visit the Cultural Center to observe the current talent on display, walk through the bustling markets of Mindelo; Fish, Municipal (vegetable / fruits) and African* (Closed on Sundays). Departing the city we will pass by the home of our famous Barefoot Diva, Cesária Évora, taking a scenic drive through the mountains to Monte Verde, 774m or 2,539ft, the highest point of Sao Vicente, at the summit we will enjoy a cup of locally grown tea or coffee at the Tea House, while taking in the spectacular views of the Island; On a clear day you will see the Islands of Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia, Ilhéu Raso and Branco - Mindelo and the Coastal beaches are stunning from the top! Head to the town of Salamansa, this is a charming, lively fishing village; people are busy here, with the village lifestyle, and always happy to welcome guests! Also, at Salamansa you will find our windsurfing, and kitesurfing activities with local places to stop for a refreshing beverage on the beach. At our famous beach of Baia das Gatas, enjoy a swim or dive off of the trampolim into the clear blue lagoon. Return to Mindelo after a fantastic day of exploring the Best of São Vicente!

Start with pickup at your accommodation or Mindelo Port for Cruise Ship Passengers, and meet your professional guide. Embark on a tour of the main sights of the city and learn about the history of São Vicente's capital, a historic and culturally-rich city with beautiful colonial buildings. Take a guided walking tour through the city center to the island's popular markets, stroll through the colorful stalls, soak in the variety of sights and scents, and mingle with the locals. At the fish market, observe the trade among the locals and meet some of the local sea creatures. Purchase some souvenirs and take pictures of the historical monuments while your guide enriches your knowledge of the local culture and history. After learning about Mindelo and the history of São Vicente, be returned to your hotel or Mindelo Port.