Private Lemon Shark Tour Sal Island: Swim with Juvenile Sharks

Juvenile lemon sharks, typically 50 centimetres to a metre long, swim freely around you in knee-deep water.

A private lemon shark experience on Sal Island takes you to Shark Bay, a natural nursery on the island's east coast, where you walk into shallow water alongside juvenile lemon sharks in their protected habitat. Your native certified guide explains their behaviour and ecological role while you spend around 40 minutes observing them at your own pace. Private transportation picks you up anywhere on Sal Island and returns you there after. Water shoes are included.

The experience

After pickup from your accommodation anywhere on Sal Island, you travel to Shark Bay on the island's east coast. The bay is a natural nursery where juvenile lemon sharks, typically measuring between 50 centimetres and 1 metre, swim freely in shallow, knee-deep water. Your private native guide leads you safely into the water, and with luck you may also spot larger adult lemon sharks from a distance. The whole experience lasts around 40 minutes in the water, giving you time to watch the sharks move through their habitat without rush.

Your guide walks you through the sharks' behaviour, life cycle and ecological importance as you observe them. Because this is a private tour, the pace is yours to set. You can linger as long as you want watching the animals before heading back. Water shoes are included for comfort and safety on the rocky bottom, and the guide provides complimentary photos and videos of your time in the water.

The tour includes private transportation to and from Shark Bay, so there's no coordinating public transit or waiting for a shared vehicle. Pickup happens at your hotel or preferred location on Sal Island, and you return on the same schedule. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French depending on your preference.

What’s included

• Private transportation with pickup and drop-off anywhere on Sal Island.
• native certified nature guide speaking English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• around 40 minutes in the water with the juvenile lemon sharks.
• water shoes included.
• complimentary photos and videos taken by your guide.
• passenger liability insurance.
• child seat available free of charge upon request.

Options for this experience

5 options

Suitable for groups of up to 2 peopleUp to 2 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 10:00, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00Suitable for groups of up to 2 people, pickup is included

Suitable for groups of up to 4 peopleUp to 4 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 10:00, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00Suitable for groups of up to 4 people, pickup is included

Suitable for groups of up to 8 peopleUp to 8 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 10:00, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00Suitable for groups of up to 8 people, pickup is included

See 2 more options

Suitable for groups of up to 12 peopleUp to 12 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 10:00, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00Suitable for groups of up to 12 people, pickup is included

Suitable for groups of up to 20 peopleUp to 15 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 10:00, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00Suitable for groups of up to 20 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 10:00, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00

Book up to2h 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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Sal Experiences

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to move at your own pace and have the guide's full attention. The private format means no crowded groups and flexible timing to linger as long as you wish observing the sharks. The shallow, knee-deep water and included water shoes make the experience accessible, though you'll need to be comfortable walking on uneven, rocky terrain and have at least moderate fitness.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

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 are the juvenile lemon sharks like when I'm in the water with them?

Juvenile lemon sharks at Shark Bay typically measure between 50 centimetres and 1 metre long and swim naturally around you in the shallow, knee-deep water. They are in their protected nursery, and your guide explains their behaviour and life cycle while you observe them. Larger adults may be visible from a safe distance.

How deep is the water where I'll be swimming with the sharks?

The water at Shark Bay is knee-deep and shallow throughout the experience, so you'll be walking rather than swimming. Water shoes are included to help you move safely across the rocky bottom.

How long do I spend in the water with the sharks?

You spend around 40 minutes in the water observing the sharks and learning from your guide. Because it's a private tour, you can spend as much time as you wish within that window before returning to your accommodation.

Does the tour include transportation from my hotel?

Yes, private transportation picks you up from your hotel or any preferred location on Sal Island and returns you there after the experience. You choose your departure time to fit your schedule.

What should I bring or wear for this activity?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a waterproof camera or GoPro if you want to take your own photos. Water shoes are provided free of charge, though you can bring your own if you prefer.