Pedra de Lume Salt Lake private tour: Float in a volcanic crater

Float in warm mineral water inside a volcanic crater, then hear how salt shaped an island

A private tour of Pedra de Lume Salt Lake on Sal Island, where you float in the warm, highly saline waters of a salt lagoon nestled inside an extinct volcano crater. Your certified native guide shares the history of Cape Verde's salt industry and shows you the historic cableway once used to transport salt to the coast. Private transportation with hotel pickup is included. You set the pace for swimming, floating and exploring the volcanic landscape.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private Pedra de Lume Salt Lake visit

• Travel to Pedra de Lume Salt Lake
• Float in warm mineral-rich waters
• Explore volcanic landscape with guide
• Learn history of Sal Island salt industry
• See historic salt cableway
• Relax and swim at your own pace
• Return to accommodation

The experience

Pedra de Lume Salt Lake sits inside the crater of an extinct volcano on Sal Island: the world's only salt lake in such a location. The water is so mineral-rich and saline that you float without effort, even if you can't swim. Your certified native guide meets you at your hotel or accommodation and drives you to the crater in an air-conditioned vehicle. Once there, you have free time to swim and float at your own pace, with no fixed schedule or group rhythm dictating when you move or rest.

As you explore the volcanic landscape, your guide explains how this salt lake shaped Sal Island's development and economy. You'll see the historic cableway that once carried salt from the crater down to the coast: a remnant of the island's industrial past. The guide also takes complimentary photos and videos during your time there, so you leave with images of yourself floating in the crater. If the walk from the entrance feels steep or long, a shuttle buggy is available on site for a small fee and is especially useful for travelers with limited mobility.

The tour lasts two hours total, including drive time. You bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Only one small personal item is permitted. Large luggage and oversized bags stay behind. The entrance fee to the salt lake is included, as is liability insurance. If you're traveling with infants or small children, specialized car seats and prams are available free of charge upon request, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• entrance to the salt lake.
• on-site assistance from a certified native guide.
• complimentary photos and videos taken by your guide.
• free time to swim and float.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• liability insurance.
• child seats and prams available free of charge upon request.

Options for this experience

6 options

Suitable for parties of up to 4 peopleUp to 4 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 10:30 and 15:00Suitable for parties of up to 4 people, pickup is included

Suitable for parties of up to 2 peopleUp to 2 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 10:30 and 15:00Suitable for parties of up to 2 people, pickup is included

Suitable for parties of up to 6 peopleUp to 6 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 10:30 and 15:00Suitable for parties of up to 6 people, pickup is included

See 3 more options

Suitable for parties of up to 8 peopleUp to 8 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 10:30 and 15:00Suitable for parties of up to 8 people, pickup is included

Suitable for parties of up to 12 peopleUp to 12 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 10:30 and 15:00Suitable for parties of up to 12 people, pickup is included

Suitable for parties of up to 15 peopleUp to 15 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 10:30 and 15:00Suitable for parties of up to 15 people, pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30 and 15:00

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sal Experiences

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if your group wants to set your own pace and timing. You'll float in the salt lake, explore the crater, and rest whenever you choose, with no fixed schedule to follow.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can I float in the salt lake even if I can't swim?

Yes. The water is so highly saline and mineral-rich that you float effortlessly without any swimming ability. The natural buoyancy is one of the main reasons travelers visit Pedra de Lume.

What is the historic cableway I'll see at Pedra de Lume?

The cableway is a remnant of Sal Island's salt industry. It was once used to transport salt from inside the crater down to the coast for export, and it stands as a physical record of how this unique site shaped the island's economy and development over time.

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

Yes. Private transportation with hotel, accommodation, airport or port pickup and drop-off is included in every option. The driver meets you at your lodging and returns you there after the tour.

What should I bring, and what am I not allowed to bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Only one small personal item is permitted. Large luggage and oversized bags are not allowed on the tour. Leave those at your accommodation.

Is there a way to reach the salt lake if I have limited mobility?

A shuttle buggy operates on site for €2 per person and provides convenient access between the entrance and the salt lake. It's an excellent option for travelers with limited mobility or anyone who prefers to avoid the walk.