SANTA MARIA HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Gallop the Salt: A Private Horse Trail from Santa Maria’s Salt Flats to Kite Beach
A 1.5‑hour, 7 km private horseback excursion in Santa Maria, Sal — guided, family‑friendly, and offering walking, canter and gallop options across salt pans and golden shoreline.
Gallop the Salt: A Private Horse Trail from Santa Maria’s Salt Flats to Kite Beach.
Adventure brief
Gallop the Salt: A Private Horse Trail from Santa Maria’s Salt Flats to Kite Beach
Set out from Santa Maria on a private 1 hour 30 minute horseback trail that begins across luminous salt flats and finishes on the vast sweep of Kite Beach. The route covers roughly 7 km and is run by local professional guides; riders of all levels can take part, with options to walk, canter or — for the most experienced — gallop through the surf.
Santa Maria, located on the island of Sal in Cape Verde, offers a rare combination of stark salt flats and sweeping beaches that beckon outdoor enthusiasts. Cabo Verde Tours specializes in creating authentic, family-friendly adventures that bring visitors face-to-face with the island’s natural beauty. Their Private Horse Excursions take participants on a 1.5-hour journey across the shimmering salt flats, a surreal landscape of white crystalline crusts that stretch as far as the eye can see. This terrain, shaped over millennia, offers a unique backdrop for a riding experience that’s accessible to all skill levels, making it perfect for those new to horseback riding or seasoned riders looking for a scenic cruise.
As you traverse the salt flats, you'll eventually arrive at Kite Beach, renowned for its steady trade winds and golden sands. Here, the roar of the waves blends with the fresh ocean breeze, creating an ideal setting for a family outing or a solo retreat. The wide-open shoreline provides excellent opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, or simply soaking in the coastal vistas. Cabo Verde Tours' excursions are designed to introduce visitors to the island’s diverse landscape in a way that’s engaging and manageable within a short timeframe, making them ideal for travelers seeking a memorable, yet relaxed outdoor activity.
What sets Cabo Verde Tours apart is their local expertise and focus on sustainability, ensuring that each ride minimizes environmental impact while maximizing fun. The trips are perfect for those looking to add an active, authentic flavor to their Cape Verde adventure. Whether you're seeking a quick sensory escape or a family outing that combines immersion in nature with a touch of local culture, this horseback tour hits all the right notes.
Embark on this ride to see the salt flats' stark beauty and the vibrant energy of Kite Beach—a true highlight for anyone visiting Santa Maria wanting to connect with Cape Verde’s wild side.
Route Schematic
Trail Route Schematic
Key stops along the roughly 7 km route from the Salt Flats to Kite Beach.
Salt Flats of Santa Maria
A gentle opening ride across the shimmering salt pans that form the trip’s inland approach.
Transition to Coast
Leave the salt flats behind and make your way up toward the coast en route to Kite Beach.
Kite Beach Shoreline
An endless golden sand beach where riders hear the roar of the waves; most experienced riders may gallop through the surf, while less experienced riders stay at a walking gait with guide assistance.
Participants receive a comprehensive safety briefing and must wear EU‑certified riding helmets (provided and mandatory). The ride is offered as a private guided excursion suitable for families and all skill levels.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Salt Flats & Golden Shoreline
The trail opens with a gentle passage across the Salt Flats of Santa Maria before giving way to an endless stretch of golden sand and the roar of the Atlantic at Kite Beach.
Walk, Canter or Gallop
The excursion is paced for all skill levels: walking gait along the shore for less experienced riders under guide assistance, with opportunities for canter and for most experienced riders a chance to gallop through the surf.
Guided, Helmeted & Insured
The outing includes professional local guides, a comprehensive safety briefing, EU‑certified riding helmets (mandatory), hotel pickup and drop‑off, and insurance.
What the day feels like
How the trail unfolds
You begin with a measured, scenic trot across the salt pans that frame Santa Maria, then leave the flats and head up to Kite Beach for a seaside stretch. The trail covers approximately 7 km over about 1 hour and 30 minutes; throughout, guides manage pace and safety so riders can choose to relax at a walking gait or push to faster paces where conditions and skill allow.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trail works for — and the small requirements to join.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The private excursion runs for 1 Hour & 30 Minutes and covers approximately 7 km.
Includes professional local guides, hotel pickup and drop‑off, a comprehensive safety briefing, EU‑certified riding helmets (mandatory), and insurance.
Rides are conducted at walk, canter and gallop paces depending on rider skill and beach conditions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the excursion?
The trail lasts 1 Hour & 30 Minutes.
Where do we meet?
Meeting is at your accommodation/hotel; hotel pickup and drop‑off are included.
What riding paces are available?
The ride includes walking, canter and gallop paces; most experienced riders may gallop through the surf while less experienced riders remain at walking gait with guide assistance.
Are helmets provided?
Yes — EU‑certified riding helmets are provided and their use is mandatory.
Is the trail suitable for children and beginners?
Yes — the excursion is described as suitable for all the family and offers options for all skill levels.
What else is included with the ride?
The excursion includes professional local guides, a comprehensive safety briefing and insurance.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:52:25.474Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.