Sao Vicente Private Highlights Tour From Mindelo Port: A Detailed Review

If you’re thinking about setting foot in Cape Verde, particularly Sao Vicente, the private highlights tour from Mindelo Port is, in some respects, a great way to get a good overview of the island. Very recently I had the pleasure of doing just that, and I wanted to give you, like your friend, a full rundown of what you could probably expect, and hopefully, that will assist you in planning your own trip. Is that right? Well, let’s get cracking.

First Impressions of Mindelo and Meeting the Tour

Mindelo, very nearly the cultural heart of Cape Verde, gives off, very often, a vibe that you might find pleasing the moment you step off the boat. The colonial architecture has aged fairly nicely and the atmosphere is, well, inviting. You’ll see a whole lot of people milling around, all eager to either help you get where you’re going, or offering tours. When I went looking for my pre-booked tour, there was somebody holding a sign with my name. Easy peasy. Anyway, it’s always good when things kick off with zero stress, right?

The guide was, arguably, fairly amiable and spoke pretty solid English. Soon, it’s almost like we were in a comfy, air-conditioned vehicle, off to see what Sao Vicente had to offer. Anyway, it’s so important to start things on a positive note.

A Whirlwind of Sao Vicente’s Key Attractions

Okay, so the tour description suggests you’re gonna be seeing the highlights. Well, you actually do. One of the initial stops was at the Baia das Gatas. Now, this beach, that’s known for its natural lagoon, is apparently absolutely perfect for a peaceful swim. Sadly, though, there was that many tourists around when I visited that it was just a bit crowded. You may well have heard, that it’s normally much more relaxing, but still, the scenery is still pleasant. Did you?

Then it was on to Calhau, which is a small village. The tour guide took me to this place that did food. Very yummy. You may have also heard that, in the event that you are looking for somewhere to take pictures that Calhau is that type of place. Is that the sort of thing that you are into?

Very quickly we zoomed up to Monte Verde. And you know, being the highest point on the island, it offers some seriously epic views. In that case, I was there on a somewhat cloudy day, so, too the view wasn’t all that amazing. That being said, the change in climate as you go higher up is actually pretty interesting. In that case, that might be interesting to you.

Cultural Tidbits and Local Interactions

Right, it wasn’t only just bouncing between locations, you understand? I thought it was, perhaps, just a little cool that the guide actually chucked in info regarding local life, along with some of the island’s history. And you know, we drove past Cesária Évora’s house – she’s apparently a massively famous singer from Cape Verde – so that was fairly neat. Anyhow, interacting with a couple of local folks at one of the stops actually offered, as a matter of fact, a bit of real flavor. That is true.

Anyway, it actually helped get more, like your idea, of what Cape Verde is like, as opposed to just seeing cool spots from a distance. Is that important to you?

What Could be Better

The tour, seemingly, wasn’t absolutely perfect. Anyway, I kinda got that feeling that things were somewhat rushed. Being given just a little more time at each place would really have boosted the experience. We, basically, touched on places as opposed to exploring. Don’t you think?

And you know, while the guide seemed pretty informed, that guide could have actually been just a tad more engaging. Some stories or, maybe, a couple of interesting facts could actually have really upped the fun factor. Maybe I’m just weird, of course.

Is the Tour Good Value for Money?

Alright, so is the tour worth your pennies? If, say, you’re pressed for time and kinda wanna tick off all the main tourist spots, it’s, for instance, is probably going to do the job. It seemed fairly convenient and gives, very often, an overview. Having a super chill day soaking up the atmosphere at just a few favorite spots? That, more or less, is probably not going to be the case, though.

Basically, you’re forking out for convenience, which, like your opinion, that’s something worthwhile. Okay?

Recommendations If You Take the Tour

In the event you end up booking, I’d definitely suggest actually confirming the itinerary well in advance. It also seems sensible to specify what you want out of that experience. Is that the case?

• Anyway, take some very comfortable shoes. There’s gonna be some walking.
• Do you have sunblock? Don’t forget that, either.
• Maybe a hat. Could be useful.
• Having that extra bottle of water might not be a terrible notion.

Final Thoughts: The Sao Vicente Private Highlights Tour

So, there you have it. A whistlestop visit all over Sao Vicente that provides a fleeting taste of what the destination is about. I feel the tour did exactly what it advertised. Would I recommend this? Very arguably, yes. That being said, very clearly understanding what it is that this actually is that you’re signing up for. Want a super quick way of seeing pretty stuff? Yes, please. So, too, after an adventure? Then, this might not necessarily actually scratch that itch.

Anyway, hopefully that’s that stuff you wanted to read, is that correct?