Photo: Daniel Åhs Karlsson / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsYacht charter in Santa-Mariya
2 boats available to charter in Santa-Mariya, Cape Verde — compare motor yachts, catamarans and sailing boats from verified operators.
About chartering in Santa-Mariya
Chartering in Santa-Mariya offers a relaxed, sun-drenched start to your Sal Island voyage, with calm waters and vibrant marine life just offshore. The main departure point is the iconic Fishing Pier of Santa Maria, where local fishermen bring in their daily catch and charterers board their yachts. From here, a day trip easily reaches the sheltered anchorages of the Bay of Santa Maria, the nearby Salinas de Santa Maria, and the open waters toward Espargos.
The setting is defined by golden coastlines, gentle breezes, and excellent underwater visibility that attracts divers and snorkelers alike. Most sailing yachts depart directly from the pier’s quays, avoiding the need for marina transfers. Within a single day, you can sail to the tranquil coves near Praia de Santa Maria, explore the salt flats at Salinas, or venture toward the island capital Espargos for a coastal adventure.
Boats available in Santa-Mariya
Captained or bareboat. Book direct with verified operators.
Boat types & prices in Santa-Mariya
Live availability from verified operators; day rates converted to USD.
| Boat type | Available | From (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Sailing yacht | 2 | $131 |
Where do yachts depart from in Santa-Mariya?
Yachts in Santa-Mariya depart directly from the Fishing Pier of Santa Maria, a well-known quayside on Sal Island’s south coast. This pier serves as the primary boarding point for charterers, with no marina transfer required. The location is easily accessible and offers immediate access to the Bay of Santa Maria’s calm waters.
What islands and anchorages can I reach in a day trip from Santa-Mariya?
A day trip from Santa-Mariya reaches the sheltered anchorages of the Bay of Santa Maria, the salt flats at Salinas de Santa Maria, and the coastal coves near Praia de Santa Maria. You can also sail toward Espargos, the island capital, within a few hours. All these spots are within easy sailing distance and offer safe mooring for small yachts.
- Bay of Santa Maria anchorages
- Salinas de Santa Maria salt flats
- Praia de Santa Maria coves
- Espargos coastal route
When is the best sailing season in Santa-Mariya and Cape Verde?
The best sailing season in Santa-Mariya and Cape Verde runs from November to June, when winds are steady and weather is dry. July to October brings stronger winds and higher humidity, making it less ideal for casual chartering. Most charterers prefer the winter and spring months for optimal conditions.
What licence or skipper rules apply for sailing in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde requires a valid sailing licence or an experienced skipper for charter yachts. International licences (such as RYA, ASA, or DNV) are accepted, but local authorities may request proof of competency. If you lack a licence, you must hire a certified skipper through your charter company.
How do I get to Santa-Mariya from the nearest airport?
Santa-Mariya is located about 16 km south of Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal Island. The transfer takes roughly 20–25 minutes by car or taxi. The route is straightforward, with clear signage leading directly to the Fishing Pier departure point.
Santa-Mariya yacht charter — FAQ
How much does a boat rental in Santa-Mariya cost?
From around $131 per day for a sailing yacht in Santa-Mariya.
What is the best time of year to sail from Santa-Mariya?
The best time is from November to June, when winds are steady and weather is dry in Cape Verde.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Cape Verde?
Yes, a valid international sailing licence or an experienced skipper is required for charter yachts in Cape Verde.
Can I reach Espargos in a day trip from Santa-Mariya?
Yes, Espargos is within a few hours’ sail from Santa-Mariya and is a common day-trip destination.
Is Santa-Mariya suitable for family or group charters?
Yes, the calm waters of the Bay of Santa Maria and easy access to the Fishing Pier make it ideal for families and groups.
What marine life can I see near Santa-Mariya?
The Bay of Santa Maria has rich marine biodiversity, including fish, coral, and occasionally dolphins, with generally good underwater visibility.
Boat types
Browse by boat type
From RIBs and motorboats to catamarans and crewed superyachts.
YachtYacht charters
Luxury cruising with full crew
8–16 guests ·
from $480/day
CatamaranCatamaran rentals
Stable, spacious, perfect for groups
10–12 guests ·
from $280/day
SailboatSailboat rentals
Wind, sails and slow island hopping
6–10 guests ·
from $130/day
MotorboatMotorboat rentals
Fast day cruises without the captain
4–10 guests ·
from $90/day
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