Mountain Zipline Experience with Transfers from Santa Maria Sal Island

Serra Negra natural reserve

Serra Negra, the Black Hills, is a protected natural area on the south-east coast of Sal Island, a few minutes' drive from Santa Maria. Its dark volcanic ridges rise abruptly from the flat desert plains and drop in steep cliffs to the Atlantic, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes on an island otherwise known for its beaches.

The reserve shelters nesting seabirds and hardy desert plants, and its slopes give the best natural viewpoint in the south of the island. On the zipline tour you reach the summit by a short walk of about seven minutes along a marked path, accompanied by your guide. The walk is easy for most people, but closed-toe shoes are essential on the loose volcanic stones.

The 1,000-metre zipline

The highlight is a zipline about one kilometre long that launches from the top of Serra Negra and runs down over the hillside. As you leave the platform you quickly pick up speed, with the wind in your face and nothing below you but the brown and ochre slopes of the reserve. You can fly alone, or side by side with a partner on a parallel line.

Certified guides check every harness, carabiner and pulley before the flight and explain exactly how to sit, brake and land. No previous experience is needed. For safety, the maximum weight is 130 kilograms, minors must be accompanied by an adult, and long hair should be tied back. Your guide helps you unclip at the bottom and walks you to the finish area.

Views over Santa Maria and the ocean

What makes this zipline special is the view. During the flight the turquoise and deep-blue Atlantic opens up ahead of you, contrasting sharply with the golden sand of Santa Maria beach and the white buildings of the town in the distance. On clear days you can follow the coastline far to the west.

The afternoon departures bring warm, low light that makes the colours of sea and desert even more intense, and the later departure often coincides with the beginning of sunset. Bring a phone or camera with a secure strap if you want to film, and ask your guide before the flight whether it can be carried safely. After landing there is a short, relaxed break with local snacks and island music before the transfer back.

Practical tips for the zipline on Sal

We collect you from your hotel lobby in Santa Maria, with pickup between 13:35 and 13:45 for the first departure or between 15:35 and 16:00 for the later one; please be ready in the lobby during your pickup window. The whole experience, including transfers, takes about two hours, so it fits easily into a beach day.

The best time to visit Serra Negra for the zipline is in the afternoon, when the light is soft. The trade winds are strongest from about December to May, and the guides may adjust or reschedule flights if gusts are too strong. Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes, bring a hair tie and sunscreen, and keep some water with you. A winter-season departure is also offered on selected dates.