Sal Island, a stunning gem of Cape Verde, beckons adventure-seekers with its natural wonders. This private day trip from Santa Maria promises an unforgettable exploration of Shark Bay and the unique Pedra de Lume salt pans. Visitors will encounter thrilling lemon shark sightings and float in the super-salty waters, all while immersed in the island’s captivating landscapes. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking scenery, this excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover Sal’s hidden gems. What secrets will this day trip unveil?
Good To Know
- Explore Sal Island’s natural wonders on a private day trip from Santa Maria, including encounters with lemon sharks at Shark Bay and floating in the Salt Crater of Pedra de Lume.
- Visit the Pedra de Lume salt pans, an extinct volcano crater, and the "Blue Eye" natural wonder in Buracona, with door-to-door transportation and a knowledgeable guide.
- Enjoy a thrilling shark watching experience, learning about the sharks’ behavior and conservation efforts, with safe viewing spots for capturing photos and videos.
- Enjoy the geological wonders and salt-harvesting heritage of Pedra de Lume, wandering through caves and natural pools.
- The tour, priced from $83.35 per person for a 4-hour experience, includes liability insurance, entrance fees, and the convenience of pickup and drop-off at your Santa Maria accommodations.
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Tour Overview and Pricing
This private day trip from Santa Maria offers visitors the chance to discover Sal Island’s natural attractions.
Priced from $83.35 per person, the 4-hour tour provides a chance to explore the island’s highlights, including a close encounter with lemon sharks at Shark Bay and a float in the world’s second-saltiest water at the Salt Crater of Pedra de Lume.
Travelers can also visit the Pedra de Lume salt pans and the "Blue Eye" in Buracona, one of Sal Island’s natural wonders.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour makes it easy to experience Sal’s natural beauty.
Highlights and Experiences
Visitors can watch lemon sharks up close at Shark Bay, floating in the world’s second-saltiest water in the Salt Crater of Pedra de Lume.
They’ll explore the Pedra de Lume salt pan and its extinct volcano crater.
One of Sal Island’s 7 wonders, the "Blue Eye" in Buracona, is a must-see. Weather permitting, travelers can swim in the natural pools at Buracona.
The tour includes a pickup from Santa Maria accommodations and a knowledgeable guide who speaks French, English, and Portuguese.
With a 4.8/5 rating based on 8 reviews, this day trip offers an excellent opportunity to discover Sal Island’s natural highlights.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins with pickup from accommodations in Santa Maria. Guests will be taken to Shark Bay, where they’ll have the opportunity to watch lemon sharks up close.
Next, the tour moves on to Pedra de Lume, where visitors can explore the salt caves and lagoons used for salt extraction.
The final stop is Buracona, where, weather permitting, guests can swim in the natural pools and marvel at the "Blue Eye" – one of Sal Island’s 7 wonders.
The tour concludes with drop-off at the accommodations in Santa Maria.
The itinerary includes:
- Shark watching experience at Shark Bay.
- Exploration of Pedra de Lume, including a cave and lagoons.
- Opportunity to swim in natural pools at Buracona.
Included Services
The tour includes several services to make the experience convenient and enjoyable.
First, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Santa Maria, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. Plus, private transportation and a knowledgeable tour guide/driver are provided throughout the tour.
Liability insurance is also included, giving you peace of mind during the activities. Entrance fees to the key attractions, Buracona (€3) and the Salinas (€5), are covered in the tour price.
With these inclusive services, you can focus on enjoying the natural wonders of Sal Island without worrying about logistics.
Important Information
Equipped with the right gear, visitors can fully enjoy the tour’s activities.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, it’s recommended to bring the following:
- Comfortable footwear like sandals or water shoes to navigate the rocky terrain and natural pools.
- A towel and swimwear for the opportunity to swim in the natural pools, weather permitting.
- Sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, to shield against the island’s intense sun.
Plus, water shoes can be rented for an additional €2.
The tour guide is fluent in French, English, and Portuguese, catering to a variety of language preferences.
Pickup and Drop-off
The tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Santa Maria and drop-off at the end of the day.
Your private driver will collect you from your hotel, apartment, or other accommodation in Santa Maria and transport you to the various sites on the island.
After exploring Shark Bay, Pedra de Lume, and Buracona, you’ll be driven back to your starting point in Santa Maria, concluding the day’s activities.
This convenient door-to-door service ensures a seamless experience, allowing you to make the most of your time on Sal Island without the hassle of arranging your own transportation.
Shark Watching at Shark Bay
One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to watch lemon sharks up close at Shark Bay. The guide will lead you to a prime viewing spot where you can safely observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Some key features of the shark watching experience include:
- Spotting lemon sharks, a protected species found in the shallow waters of Shark Bay.
- Learning about the sharks’ behavior and ecology from the knowledgeable guide.
- Taking photos and videos to capture the memorable encounter with these marine predators.
The shark watching is a thrilling and educational activity that allows you to connect with the island’s diverse wildlife and appreciate the importance of conservation efforts.
Exploring Pedra De Lume
After the exhilarating shark watching experience, the tour takes visitors to explore the remarkable Pedra de Lume region. This unique area boasts an extinct volcano crater and lagoons used for salt extraction. Guests can wander through a cave and marvel at the natural pools, which are fed by the world’s second-saltiest water. The tour includes the following highlights at Pedra de Lume:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Extinct Volcano Crater | Witness the dramatic remains of a former volcano. |
| Salt Extraction Lagoons | Observe the traditional salt-harvesting process. |
| Natural Caves | Explore the underground salt caves and formations. |
This immersive experience provides a glimpse into Sal Island’s geological wonders and salt-harvesting heritage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour appears suitable for children, as it includes activities like watching lemon sharks and swimming in natural pools, weather permitting. However, parents should consider the length of the tour and ensure children are comfortable with the activities.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Guests can bring their own food and drinks for the tour. However, there are no food/drink services provided on the tour itself. Visitors are responsible for bringing any desired sustenance and hydration for the 4-hour excursion.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour can be extended for an additional fee. Travelers can discuss extending the duration with the tour provider when making the booking or upon pickup. The extended tour would provide more time to explore the sights at a leisurely pace.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim for This Tour?
No, you don’t need to know how to swim for this tour. The tour includes visits to the salt mines and the "Blue Eye" in Buracona, where swimming is optional based on weather conditions. The guide can provide water shoes if needed.
Are There Any Additional Costs Not Mentioned in the Overview?
Based on the tour overview, there don’t appear to be any additional costs not mentioned. The pricing includes hotel pickup/drop-off, private transportation, tour guide, entrance fees, and liability insurance. Water shoes are available for an additional €2 if needed.
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The Sum Up
This private day trip from Santa Maria offers an unforgettable adventure exploring Sal Island’s natural wonders. Witness the captivating Shark Bay and float in the super-salty waters of Pedra de Lume. With knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and breathtaking sights, this excursion promises an immersive experience in Sal Island’s stunning natural beauty.