Experience on Sal Island with native and certified guide (including sharks)

Santa Maria , Cabo Verde

Experience on Sal Island with native and certified guide (including sharks)

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(1253 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Certified company and guides, guarantee of quality, comfort and best price, local guide, knows the island, its history and culture well. Discover the beautiful island of Sal, as well as the island's highlights, local places, street arts and more with your expert local guide.

Discover volcanic pools, salt deserts, see lemon sharks in their natural environment, relax and float in the Salinas, the second saltiest water in the world after the Dead Sea. Have lunch at a local restaurant and visit places such as the city of Espargos, the kite beach, Santa Maria, Miragem, the fishing village of Palmeira and the natural bay of Murdeira and enjoy the view of the Leão Mountain.

Whether you want to emphasize culture, education, history or sport, our specialist will combine these elements with adventure activities to create exciting travel opportunities for you. Have an authentic experience, get to know the island with a native and professional guide, with all the comfort and safety.

Available options

Saturday and Sunday

Pickup included

Guide in French

Pickup included

Guide in Spanish

Pickup included

Guide in English

Pickup included

Guide in Portuguese

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Liability insurance

Local and certified guide

Shark Bay

Photos and videos taken by the guide

Detailed itinerary

Get the experience of seeing lemon sharks up close in their natural environment.

Stop 2

Salinas, the only salt lake inside the caldera of a volcano in the world, with its warm waters, serves to forget the stress of everyday life, you should not leave the island without bathing in the saline thermal water, where spas, hydromassage and relaxation are available. available to everyone.

Scientifically, the medicinal action of its salt waters is recognized for its healing, detoxifying and metabolic stimulating power, due to the mineral substances contained in it. In popular knowledge, there is an even greater healing power in this water.

The place has a fascinating lake, where anyone can relax and float, even if they don't know how to swim, and their skin will be as soft as if they had a natural exfoliation.

Marvel at Buracona, one of the seven wonders of Sal island, and if conditions are ideal, swim in its natural pool. Also admire the natural phenomenon of the blue eye in a cave whenever the conditions are ideal. On days when the sea is rougher, admire a fantastic wave show.

Admire the natural reserve of Murdeira Bay, which has a great diversity of corals and fish, and we can enjoy the beautiful view of Monte Leão.

Discover the fishing village of Palmeira, a simple place where people make their living from fishing and working in the port. We can see the arrivals of craft boats and see all the activity surrounding the sale of fish. And we also walked among the colorful colonial houses and beautiful street art.

Visit Pedra de Lume, the first village in Sal, founded in 1804, to learn about the history and development of the local economy that began with the export of salt.

Also to see the centuries-old houses, boats and the cable car used in the ancient transport of salt.

Admire the Mirage to see the fata morgana effect of desert water illusions. The guide takes fun photos, something to remember.

Discover Santa Maria, the most touristic city in Cape Verde, learn about the history of the city that transformed from salt exploration into the largest tourist city in Cape Verde.

Discover Kite Beach and explore its white sand dunes. The beach of Kite is one of the best places in the world for the practice of kite surf and, where the world championships of kite surf are held in Cape Verde. Visited only between October and March, which is the season of kite surfing.

Then we head to the city of Espargos, capital and economic center of the island, where most of Sal's population is concentrated, here you can see more of local life.

We make a rest stop where you can have lunch or just have a snack or a drink and access the Internet.

What's not included

Optional lunch 11 EUR per adult, 6 EUR per child (until 7) with fresh fish, meat, and vegetarian options and 1 drink included.

Blue eye

Salt Lake

Available languages

Guide guide

DE PT EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

284 reviews

5★

257

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

969 reviews

5★

888

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Car baby chairs are available on request and are free of charge

We accept more than 15 passengers per booking. If you have a larger group, make more than one reservation up to the total number of passengers in your group and we will organize a private tour just for your group.

We make a rest stop where we can have lunch or snack, have a drink and access the Internet.

Optional lunch menu (11 euros per adult, 6 euros per child) with a drink included. The restaurants offer a variety of traditional dishes as well as vegan and vegetarian options. Please inform the guide if you have any dietary requirements.

The tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility

People are not allowed on the effect of alcohol.

About Santa Maria

Santa Maria is the vibrant heart of Sal Island, known for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. This charming town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a top destination in Cabo Verde.

Top Attractions

Santa Maria Beach

Santa Maria Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cabo Verde, known for its golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Beach Half-day to full day Free

Palmeira Beach

Palmeira Beach is a quieter alternative to Santa Maria Beach, offering a more relaxed setting with beautiful natural scenery.

Beach Half-day to full day Free

Buracona Natural Pool

Buracona is a stunning natural pool formed by a collapsed cave, offering a unique swimming experience in crystal-clear waters.

Nature Half-day Moderate

Santa Maria Market

The local market is a great place to experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of Cabo Verde, offering a variety of fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.

Market 1-2 hours Budget to moderate

Pedra de Lume

Pedra de Lume is a historic salt mine and a former salt production site, offering a unique glimpse into the island's past.

Historical Half-day Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cachupa

A traditional stew made with corn, beans, sweet potatoes, and meat or fish.

Main dish Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Pastel

A fried pastry filled with fish, meat, or vegetables.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Grogue

A traditional Cape Verdean rum made from sugarcane.

Drink Alcoholic.

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Scuba diving Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Visiting local markets Attending festivals

Best Time to Visit

November to June

This is the peak tourist season, offering the best weather conditions for beach activities and sightseeing. The days are sunny, and the nights are pleasant.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)

Time Zone

GMT-1

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Santa Maria is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable transportation services.
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services.

Getting there

By air

Amílcar Cabral International Airport • 15 km from Santa Maria

By bus

Santa Maria Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Shared taxis (aluguer) are a common and affordable way to get around. They follow fixed routes and can be hailed on the street.

Taxis

Available • Apps: N/A

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Palmeira

Day trips

Espargos

20 km • Half-day

The largest town on the island, offering a glimpse into local life and history.

Santa Maria Salt Mines

10 km • Half-day

A historic salt mine offering a unique glimpse into the island's past.

Festivals

Santa Maria Music Festival • July Carnaval Celebrations • February to March

Pro tips

Visit the local markets for authentic souvenirs and a taste of Cape Verdean culture
Try the local cuisine, especially fresh seafood and traditional dishes like cachupa
Explore the natural beauty of the island, such as Buracona Natural Pool and Palmeira Beach
Experience the vibrant nightlife and live music scene in Santa Maria
Respect the environment and local culture by following sustainable practices and supporting local businesses