Lemon Shark Experience from Sal: Wade with Marine Biologist

Get close to lemon sharks on their own terms, guided step by step through shallow water.

The Lemon Shark Experience is a half-day activity in Shark Bay, off Sal's east coast, where you wade into shallow water with a marine biologist to observe and learn about lemon sharks in their natural habitat. Hotel pickup and transport to the bay are included. The guide speaks English and leads the interaction throughout. Children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lemon shark experience at Shark Bay

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to Shark Bay
• Wade into water with marine biologist
• Observe and learn about lemon sharks

The experience

Shark Bay sits on the east coast of Sal, and the lemon sharks living in its subtropical waters are among the easiest to spot in their natural state. After hotel pickup, you'll drive to the bay and wade out into the water with a marine biologist who teaches you step by step what to watch for. The sharks' yellow-tinted skin works as camouflage against the sandy bottom, and you'll see them twist and turn just a few feet away, hunting for fish with their fins cutting the surface.

The experience runs four hours and stays in shallow water where you can stand. You'll walk on rocky ground to reach the water's edge, so bring suitable footwear and a towel. The marine biologist stays with you the entire time, pointing out behavior and answering questions as the sharks move around you. This is observation and learning in their space, not a controlled tank or a demonstration. The sharks are doing what they do, and you're there to watch it happen.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and transport to Shark Bay.
• four-hour guided experience with a marine biologist in English.
• observation of lemon sharks in their natural shallow-water habitat.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 11:00 and 14:00Last departure this season: 30 Apr 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 27 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Destination Services Cape Verde

Is this one for you?You wade into the water yourself with the guide at your side, so this suits anyone who wants to be in the moment rather than watching from a boat. The shallow depth and step-by-step instruction work for families with children from age 2 and for adults without diving experience who still want to get close to the sharks.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years).

What are lemon sharks like to see up close in Shark Bay?

Lemon sharks in Shark Bay have a distinctive yellow tint to their skin that helps them blend into the sandy bottom. You'll watch them hunt for fish just a few feet away, twisting and turning through the water with their fins visible at the surface.

Do I need experience swimming or diving to join this activity?

No diving or swimming skill is required. You wade into shallow water where you can stand, and the marine biologist guides you step by step through the entire experience.

What's included in the four-hour trip from Sal?

Hotel pickup and transport to Shark Bay are included, along with the guided experience in the water with the marine biologist. Bring your own towel and wear suitable footwear for walking on rocky ground.