Sal Island full-day tour: Lion Mountain, Blue Eye, salt crater

Salt crater, shark sightings, and a float in the world's second-saltiest water

A full-day guided tour of Sal covers the island's main landmarks with hotel pickup and lunch included. You visit Santa Maria's history, Kite Beach, the fishing village of Palmeira, the Blue Eye natural swimming pool, Espargos town, Pedra de Lume salt crater where the water is 27 times saltier than sea water, Miragem's desert mirages, and Shark Bay to watch lemon sharks. The guide speaks English, Portuguese or French, and the tour runs about six hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day tour of Sal Island highlights

• Pick up from accommodation
• Explore Santa Maria city history
• Visit Kite Beach for views
• Enjoy views at Murdeira bay
• Meet locals at Palmeira fishing village
• See Blue Eye natural pool at Burracona
• Explore Espargos and buy souvenirs
• Float in Pedra de Lume salt crater
• Visit Miragem desert water illusions
• Watch lemon sharks at Shark Bay
• Have included lunch
• Return to accommodation

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel and heads to Santa Maria, where the guide walks you through the city's shift from salt mining to Cape Verde's biggest tourist hub. From there you move to Kite Beach, one of the world's best spots for kite surfing and host to the world championships. The route then takes you to Murdeira's natural bay for views of Lion Mountain, and on to the fishing village of Palmeira where you can watch the daily catch arrive and see the fish market in action.

The second half of the day centers on Sal's most distinctive natural features. At Burracona you swim in the Blue Eye, a natural pool carved into rock (entry fee of 3 euros is separate). Then comes Pedra de Lume, an old salt farm below sea level where the lagoon water is so saturated, 27 times saltier than the ocean, that you float without effort. Bring a book if you want to read while suspended in the water. The tour also passes through Espargos, the island's economic center, where you can pick up souvenirs and try local Morabeza, and stops at Miragem to see the desert's optical illusions before ending at Shark Bay to observe lemon sharks in their natural habitat.

Lunch with a choice of fish or meat and a soft drink is included, and the guide handles all transport. Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, a hat and sunscreen. Water shoes for the rocky surfaces and shark viewing are available for an extra 3 euros. The tour wraps up with drop-off at your accommodation.

What’s included

• Private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• a guide who speaks English, Portuguese or French.
• lunch with a choice of fish or meat and a soft drink.
• visits to Santa Maria, Kite Beach, Murdeira, Palmeira fishing village, the Blue Eye natural pool, Espargos town, Pedra de Lume salt crater, Miragem, and Shark Bay.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to12h before

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

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 39 pickup points.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 9.09

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Bu Country Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to cover Sal's main sights in one full day with a guide. Pick a shorter or themed tour instead if you prefer lingering at fewer places.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

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

What is the Blue Eye and can I swim in it?

The Blue Eye at Burracona is a natural swimming pool formed in rock, and yes, you swim in it during the tour. Entry costs 3 euros per person, paid separately on the day.

What makes Pedra de Lume salt crater so unusual?

Pedra de Lume is an old salt farm located below sea level where the water in the extraction lagoons is 27 times saltier than sea water, hot, and so buoyant that you float effortlessly without swimming.

Will I see sharks, and is it safe?

Yes, Shark Bay is included in the tour and you watch lemon sharks in their natural environment up close. The tour is designed for all fitness levels and the guide manages the viewing.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch includes a main dish with your choice of fish or meat, plus a soft drink.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the tour start?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so the guide collects you from your accommodation and returns you at the end of the day.