Sal Island Tour: Santa Maria, Lion Mountain & Salt Crater

Six hours covering Sal's working coast and natural wonders, no car needed

A full-day guided tour of Sal Island starting from Santa Maria covers the island's main landmarks: the fishing village of Palmeira, Lion Mountain views from Murdeira bay, the Blue Eye natural swimming pool at Burracona, Shark Bay, and Pedra de Lume Salt Crater where the water is 27 times saltier than the sea. Hotel pickup and lunch are included. The guide speaks English, Portuguese or French. Blue Eye and Salt Crater entrance fees are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sal Island highlights with lunch

• Pick up from accommodation
• Visit Santa Maria city and learn history
• Explore Kite Beach and its waters
• Enjoy views at Murdeira bay and Lion Mountain
• Meet locals at Palmeira fishing village
• See Blue Eye natural pool at Burracona
• Visit Miragem desert water illusions
• Experience Shark Bay and watch lemon sharks
• Explore Espargos and buy souvenirs
• Float in salt crater at Pedra de Lume Beach
• Lunch included during the tour
• Drop off at accommodation

The experience

Santa Maria is the tour's starting point, and pickup from your accommodation means no need to arrange transport. The route traces Sal's working side first: Kite Beach, where the world championships are held, then the fishing village of Palmeira to watch the daily catch arrive and the fish market in action. From Murdeira's natural bay you see Lion Mountain across the water, and the stops build toward the natural attractions that draw visitors to the island.

Burracona's Blue Eye is a freshwater pool fed by underground springs, surrounded by rock formations. Miragem shows the optical effects of heat and water in the desert landscape. Shark Bay lets you watch lemon sharks in their natural habitat up close. The route then moves to Espargos, the island's economic center, where you can buy souvenirs and taste the local Morabeza drink before heading to the salt crater.

Pedra de Lume Salt Crater is an old salt farm below sea level where the lagoon water reaches 27 times the salinity of the ocean. The heat and salt density let you float effortlessly. Bring a book if you want to read while you float. Lunch (fish or meat with dessert and water) is included during the day, and the tour ends with drop-off back at your accommodation. The full day runs about six hours.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.
• a live guide in English, Portuguese or French.
• lunch with fish or meat, dessert and water.
• transportation to all stops including Kite Beach, Palmeira fishing village, Murdeira bay, Burracona, Miragem, Espargos, and Pedra de Lume Salt Crater.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

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 24 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Bu Country Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup from your hotel means you don't need a car or local transport to reach the island's spread-out highlights, and the fixed route covers both the working villages and the natural sites in one day.

Traveler reviews

4.86★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

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 at Burracona?

The Blue Eye is a natural freshwater swimming pool fed by underground springs at Burracona, surrounded by rock formations. It's one of the seven natural wonders of Cape Verde and entrance is a separate fee of €3 per person.

Can I actually float in the Salt Crater at Pedra de Lume?

Yes. The water in the salt lagoons at Pedra de Lume is 27 times saltier than sea water, so the salt density lets you float without effort. The water is also very hot. A rinse shower to remove salt costs €1 extra if you want it.

What happens at Palmeira fishing village?

Palmeira is a working fishing village where you meet local fishermen and watch the daily arrival of fishing boats and the activity of the fresh fish market.

Is lunch included, and what do I get?

Lunch is included and consists of either fish or meat, dessert, and water. It's served during the tour day.

What is Shark Bay like?

Shark Bay is a natural site where you can watch lemon sharks in their natural environment from a close vantage point.