Pedra de Lume Salt Lake & Shark Bay: Half-day Sal Island tour

Float in a salt lake inside a volcano, then watch sharks in their habitat.

This half-day Sal Island activity combines two distinct experiences: you float in the Pedra de Lume Salt Lake, a mineral-rich lagoon inside an extinct volcano's crater, and observe juvenile lemon sharks in their natural habitat at Shark Bay. A native certified guide leads the outing in your choice of English, Spanish, Portuguese or French, and hotel pickup is included. The tour runs three hours and suits all fitness levels. Bring swimwear, sunscreen and a towel, and water shoes are recommended for Shark Bay.

The experience

Pedra de Lume Salt Lake sits inside the crater of an extinct volcano and is the world's only salt lagoon positioned this way. The mineral-rich water is so saline that you float effortlessly, and the experience is known locally as a natural spa. The high salt content leaves skin soft and refreshed. Your guide will explain how salt production shaped Sal Island's history and point out the historic cableway that once transported salt from the crater down to the coast, a remnant of the island's industrial past now visible against the volcanic landscape.

Before heading to the salt lake, you'll stop at Shark Bay to safely observe juvenile lemon sharks in their natural habitat. Water shoes are recommended for this part of the activity. You can bring your own or rent a pair on site for €2. The sequence lets you experience wildlife first, then move into the relaxation of floating in the warm, saline water. Hotel pickup and drop-off bookend the three-hour outing, and your guide will take complimentary photos and videos throughout.

Liability insurance is included, and child seats are available free of charge if you're traveling with young children. One small personal item is permitted. Large luggage cannot come along. Travelers under the influence of alcohol are not permitted to participate. The activity is suitable for most travelers, though Shark Bay is not recommended for those with reduced mobility.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• a native certified local guide in your choice of language.
• safe shark observation at Shark Bay.
• floating time in the Pedra de Lume Salt Lake.
• complimentary photos and videos taken by your guide.
• liability insurance.
• child seats free of charge upon request.

Options for this experience

4 options

Spanish speaking guide14:00Pickup is included

English speaking guide14:00Pickup is included

French speaking guide09:00 and 14:00Pickup is included

Portuguese speaking guide14:00Pickup is included

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 09:00 and 14:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 15

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 6.82

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sal Experiences

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided introduction to both salt production history and the crater lake float in one outing, rather than piecing together separate activities.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In English, Spanish and Portuguese, at 14:00. In French, at 09:00 and 14:00.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Pedra de Lume Salt Lake like when you get there?

Pedra de Lume Salt Lake is a mineral-rich lagoon nestled inside the crater of an extinct volcano, and its high salinity makes you float effortlessly without effort. The warm water is known as a natural spa experience, leaving skin soft and refreshed after time in it.

Will I actually see sharks at Shark Bay?

Yes, you'll safely observe juvenile lemon sharks in their natural habitat at Shark Bay. The experience is part of the half-day itinerary and happens before you move on to the salt lake.

What do I need to bring for this half-day activity?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Water shoes are recommended for the Shark Bay experience. You can bring your own or rent a pair on site for €2. One small personal item is permitted, but large luggage cannot come along.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in this half-day activity. The guide will collect you from your hotel and return you at the end of the three-hour outing.