Sal highlights tour by 4x4 and catamaran: Land and sea in one day

See Sal's coast and interior in a single day, switching from 4x4 to catamaran after lunch

A full-day Sal tour that covers the island by both land and sea: morning off-road drive to Palmeira and the salt lake at Pedra de Lume, then an afternoon catamaran cruise with snorkelling, lunch at a local restaurant, and an open bar on the water. Hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide are included. The tour runs 8 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sal by 4x4 and Catamaran

• Drive along west coast
• Pass Murdeira and Buracona lagoon
• Visit Palmeira port town
• Drive inland to Pedra de Lume salt lake
• See desert mirage sands at Terra Boa
• Have lunch at local restaurant
• Take dinghy to catamaran
• Enjoy afternoon catamaran sail with snacks

The experience

If you've landed in Sal and want to see the island without renting a car, this tour picks you up from your hotel and handles the driving. The morning starts with a 4x4 heading west along the coast, passing Murdeira and Buracona lagoon before reaching Palmeira, the port town. From there you turn inland toward Pedra de Lume, where the salt lake sits so dense you float without effort: the Dead Sea effect the operator mentions. Before you wade in, you'll see the desert mirage sands at Terra Boa stretching to the horizon.

Lunch comes at a local restaurant, then a dinghy ferries you out to the catamaran waiting offshore. The afternoon is a leisurely sail with snorkelling gear on board, towels provided, and an open bar running beer, wine, cava, cocktails and soft drinks. Music and snacks round out the day on the water.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return.
• 4x4 transport and catamaran cruise.
• English-speaking driver and guide.
• entrance fee to Pedra de Lume salt lake.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• snorkelling equipment and towels on the catamaran.
• open bar with beer, wine, cava, cocktails and soft drinks.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 07:30Last departure this season: 24 Apr 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Destination Services Cape Verde

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Sal without a rental car: the pickup from your hotel and the fixed schedule mean you don't need to arrange transport or navigate the island yourself. The 8-hour day splits evenly between the 4x4 and the catamaran, so you get both the interior sights and the afternoon on the water in one booking.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

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's the salt lake at Pedra de Lume actually like?

Pedra de Lume is a crater lake so saline you float without swimming: the operator compares it to the Dead Sea. You'll see it after the morning drive inland from Palmeira, and it's the reason to bring bathing gear and sun protection.

Does the tour include snorkelling, or do I need to arrange that separately?

Snorkelling equipment is included on the catamaran during the afternoon sail. You can use the nets once the boat has stopped moving.

How does the pickup work if I'm staying outside the main resort area?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour price. The operator's office is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:15pm, so you'll arrange the exact pickup time and location when you book.

What happens between the 4x4 drive and the catamaran? Is there a long wait?

You'll have lunch at a local restaurant after the morning drive, then take a dinghy out to the catamaran. The timing is built into the day so there's no dead time between the two halves.

Is this tour manageable if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The salt lake at Pedra de Lume floats you naturally, so swimming ability isn't required there. On the catamaran, snorkelling is optional and you're on a boat with crew present. The tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or small children, and it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.