Overlooking the Atlantic, Sal Island’s best guided tours pack a lot into your Cape Verde visit. From personal experience, three standout excursions deserve special attention. The Full-Day Highlights Tour ($90.95) offers the most comprehensive look at local life, taking you through fishing villages and salt mines. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Lemon Shark Watching excursion (€38) provides an unforgettable encounter with these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Island Experience Tour ($37.83), which covers Santa Maria’s highlights and includes expert commentary from certified local guides.
These carefully selected tours help maximize your time on Sal:
Key Points
- The Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive experience focusing on Sal’s local culture, history, and natural attractions like Kite Beach and Shark Bay.
- The Historical and Cultural Tour provides an in-depth exploration of Sal’s oldest settlement, Pedra de Lume, and the Salinas de Pedra de Lume, a National Heritage site.
- The Lemon Shark Watching Excursion provides an educational wildlife experience, allowing visitors to observe lemon sharks in their natural habitat at Shark Bay.
- The Sal Discovery: Small Group Island Tour offers a diverse adventure, including swimming in natural pools, floating in a volcanic crater, and the opportunity to swim with lemon sharks.
- The Island Experience Tour with Certified Local Guide covers the highlights of Sal, including Santa Maria, Kite Beach, Buracona, and Pedra de Lume, with a focus on cultural and adventurous attractions.
Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour With Lunch
Though the island of Sal offers countless natural wonders to explore, a guided full-day highlights tour provides an excellent way for visitors to make the most of their time.
Starting in Santa Maria, the tour focuses on the local culture and history, giving travelers an immersive experience. The itinerary includes a visit to Kite Beach, renowned for hosting the World Kite Surfing Championships, and a view of the impressive Lion Mountain from Murdeira Bay.
One of the tour’s highlights is Shark Bay, where guests can observe lemon sharks in their natural habitat. The full-day excursion also includes a stop for lunch.
Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the experience, with a full refund provided, allowing travelers to book with confidence.
With an impressive 5.0 rating based on 5 reviews, this guided tour offers an exceptional value at $90.95, including the guided exploration and lunch.
Read our full review: Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Sal Island: Guided Historical and Cultural Tour
Travelers seeking to explore Sal Island’s rich history and vibrant culture can embark on a guided 4-hour historical and cultural tour. Priced at €80.00 per person, this immersive experience takes visitors to the island’s key landmarks, including the oldest settlement of Pedra de Lume, founded in 1804, and the Salinas de Pedra de Lume – the only salt lake inside a volcanic caldera, recognized as National Natural, Historical, and Cultural Heritage.
The tour includes a guided exploration of Santa Maria city, focusing on historical sites, local crafts, and culture. Scenic photo stops at the Santa Maria Pier and the Water Route provide breathtaking views.
Participants can also savor local flavors with a snack and drink at a seaside restaurant. With private transportation, pickup and drop-off, and a licensed local guide available in multiple languages, this tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to discover Sal Island’s treasures.
Read our full review: Sal Island: Guided Historical and Cultural Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
From Santa Maria: Guided Lemon Shark Watching
Visitors to Santa Maria on Sal Island can embark on a guided lemon shark watching excursion, a unique opportunity to observe these captivating marine creatures in their natural habitat.
The 2-hour tour, which has a rating of 4.3 out of 495 reviews, takes participants to the nearby Shark Bay. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the experience provides a chance to see lemon sharks, a species known for their distinctive yellow coloration and docile nature.
During the tour, guests can observe the sharks from a safe distance, learning about their behavior, ecology, and importance in the ecosystem.
The excursion is priced at €38 per person, making it an affordable way to witness these remarkable animals in their natural environment.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable encounter with local wildlife, the guided lemon shark watching tour in Santa Maria offers a captivating and educational experience on Sal Island.
Read our full review: From Santa Maria: Guided Lemon Shark Watching Review
Book now: Check availability
Sal Discovery: A Guided Small Group Island Tour
Aside from the captivating lemon shark watching excursion, Sal Island offers visitors a comprehensive guided tour that showcases the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences the destination has to offer.
The “Sal Discovery: A Guided Small Group Island Tour” is a 7-hour adventure that provides an in-depth exploration of the island’s natural wonders and local traditions.
The tour, limited to 10 participants, includes transportation, an expert guide, and various activities such as swimming in natural pools, floating in a volcanic crater, and interacting with the locals in Palmeira.
Highlights include a visit to the Murdeira Bay nature reserve, a scenic drive to Buracona, and the opportunity to view and swim with lemon sharks at Shark Bay.
Priced at $46.11 per person, the tour provides excellent value, with optional add-ons like water shoe rentals and a shower at the Salinas.
Guests are encouraged to bring appropriate attire and prepare for a day filled with unique experiences that capture the essence of Sal Island.
Read our full review: Sal Discovery: A Guided Small Group Island Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Sal: Island Experience Tour With a Certified Local Guide
Offering a comprehensive exploration of Sal Island, the “Sal: Island Experience Tour With a Certified Local Guide” immerses visitors in the destination’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture.
Priced from $37.83 to $39.83 per person, this 7-hour tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and an expert local guide.
Highlights include the historic salt-extraction town of Santa Maria, the renowned Kite Beach, the picturesque fishing port of Palmeira, and the natural wonders of Buracona and Pedra de Lume.
Travelers can also witness lemon sharks in their natural habitat at Shark Bay.
The tour provides ample opportunities to swim in natural pools, learn about the island’s heritage, and capture stunning photos.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on over 1,800 reviews, this experience showcases Sal’s unique blend of natural, cultural, and adventurous attractions, making it a must-do for visitors to the island.
Read our full review: Sal: Island Experience Tour With a Certified Local Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Sal?
The best time to visit Sal is during the dry season, which runs from November to June. Temperatures are pleasant, and rainfall is minimal, making it an ideal time to explore the island’s natural attractions.
Can I Book Private Tours or Do They Only Offer Group Tours?
Travelers can book private tours in Sal, as well as join group tours. Many tour operators offer a range of options to suit individual preferences and schedules. Prospective visitors should inquire about availability and pricing when planning their trip.
Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Tours?
Most guided tours in Sal do not have strict age or fitness requirements, though some adventurous activities may have limitations. Clients should check with tour operators to ensure the chosen tour matches their abilities and preferences.
Do the Tours Provide Transportation to and From My Hotel?
Most guided tours provide transportation to and from hotels as a convenient service for their clients. However, it’s best to double-check the specific tour details to confirm if hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Are the Guides Fluent in Multiple Languages?
Many guided tour providers in the area offer multilingual guides who are fluent in several languages, including English, Portuguese, and other common languages spoken by visitors. This allows for seamless communication during the tours.
The Sum Up
Sal Island offers a variety of guided tours that allow visitors to explore the island’s highlights, history, culture, and natural wonders. From full-day excursions to specialized tours focused on lemon shark watching, these guided experiences provide an in-depth look at the unique attractions of Sal. Whether you’re interested in the island’s past or its natural beauty, there’s a guided tour that can cater to your interests and ensure a memorable visit.