Sal Island Day Tour: Local Guide, Lunch & All Fees

Summary

Explore Sal’s villages, salt lakes and volcanic pools in a full-day guided tour with lunch included

You’ll wander Sal Island’s fishing villages, watch sunlight ignite Buracona’s Blue Eye, float in Pedra de Lume’s salt lake, and taste Cape Verdean flavors over lunch with your guide. With hotel pickup and all fees included, it’s an easygoing day full of small surprises you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound of the waves at Murdeira Bay — not loud, but steady, almost like breathing. Our guide, Paulo, pointed out Monte Leão in the distance while we stood on the sand. He told us how the name means “Lion Mountain,” and honestly, I could kind of see it if I squinted. The water was so clear you could spot coral even from above. We’d barely started and already my shoes were full of sand (should’ve worn sandals), but it didn’t matter.

Palmeira came next — just a handful of fishing boats bobbing in the port and some locals chatting over coffee. Paulo waved to someone he knew (everyone seemed to know him), then led us through narrow streets that smelled faintly of grilled fish and sea air. At Buracona, we waited our turn to peer into the “Blue Eye.” It’s this natural pool inside volcanic rock — when the sun hits just right between 11 and 1:30, it glows this wild electric blue. I tried to take a photo but it never looks the same as in person. There was a salty breeze up there too.

Espargos was busier — little markets with women selling fruit and kids running around. Lunch at The Spot was simple but good; I went for the local dish instead of pizza (Paulo said I made the right call). Afterward we drove out past Terra Boa where you can see this weird mirage on the horizon — looks like water but isn’t. Someone joked about walking there to cool off… nobody actually tried.

I didn’t expect Shark Bay to be so quiet except for our group’s laughter when someone nearly lost a sandal in the shallows. The baby lemon sharks were right there if you stood still enough — kind of surreal seeing them glide past your feet. Last stop was Pedra de Lume’s salt crater; floating in those waters felt strange at first (like being pickled?), but afterward my skin felt soft for hours. We ended at Santa Maria beach where kitesurfers zipped by and music drifted from somewhere down the sand. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full Day Sal Island Highlights

• Introduction at Ponta Preta
• Snorkeling at Murdeira Bay
• City tour and panoramic view in Espargos
• Visit fishing village of Palmeira
• Explore Buracona and Blue Eye
• See Mirage at Terra Boa desert
• Lunch break and social visit in Espargos
• Shark watching at Parda Bay
• Bath in therapeutic waters at Pedra de Lume Salt Pans

Top questions

Is lunch included on this Sal Island day tour?

Yes, lunch is included at The Spot restaurant in Espargos during the tour.

Does this Sal Island tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.

What is the “Blue Eye” at Buracona?

The “Blue Eye” is a natural pool inside volcanic rock that glows bright blue when sunlight shines into it between 11 am and 1:30 pm.

Can you swim with sharks on this tour?

You can observe baby lemon sharks up close at Shark Bay; swimming is not required but appropriate shoes are recommended for wading.

Are entrance fees covered on this Sal Island tour?

All entrance fees are included in the price of the tour.

How long does this full-day Sal Island tour last?

The tour lasts a full day with multiple stops around Sal Island before returning to your hotel or port.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What should I bring for Shark Bay?

You should bring appropriate shoes for walking in shallow water where lemon sharks can be seen.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, all entry fees to sites like Buracona and Pedra de Lume, a traditional Cape Verdean lunch (or pizza if you prefer) with one drink included, plus an experienced local guide leading every stop along Sal Island’s route before returning you comfortably at day’s end.