Santa Maria, Sal: All inclusive Salt Lake, Blue Eye and Shark Bay

Exploring Sal Island in Cape Verde with a half-day tour that covers Salt Lake, Blue Eye, and Shark Bay offers a fantastic way to see some of the island’s most captivating sights without straining your schedule or budget. From floating effortlessly in the world’s second saltiest water to marveling at natural water illusions and spotting lemon sharks in their natural habitat, this experience packs a lot into just a few hours.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are the knowledgeable local guides, the inclusion of transportation and entrance fees, and the chance to combine multiple attractions into one seamless trip. We love that you get several opportunities to swim and explore at your own pace, all while enjoying the comfort of a small group—more personal attention and less crowding.

One potential consideration is that the Blue Eye might not always reveal its full beauty if the weather isn’t perfect or if visiting outside the peak months. Still, even on a cloudy day, the stops offer plenty of visual interest and memorable moments. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a convenient, well-organized overview of Sal’s top sights without the hassle of planning each stop individually.

If you’re keen on discovering the natural wonders of Sal and enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure, this tour fits the bill perfectly. Whether you’re visiting Cape Verde for a short stay or simply want to maximize your time on the island, it provides a balanced, authentic taste of Sal’s best.

Key Points

• All-inclusive convenience makes the trip stress-free and budget-friendly.
• Small group size ensures more personalized attention from guides.
• Expect opportunities to swim in saltwater and natural pools.
• Knowledgeable local guides enhance your understanding of the sights.
• The tour covers Salt Lake, Blue Eye, Shark Bay, and other scenic spots.
• It’s a half-day experience, ideal for fitting into a busy itinerary.

Discovering Sal’s Natural Wonders

This tour is tailored for travelers eager to see Sal’s most famous natural attractions without spending an entire day. Starting at 9:00 am with hotel pickup, you’ll be whisked away in private transportation—making logistics one less thing to worry about. The tour lasts roughly four hours, which is enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Salt Lake Salinas: Float in the World’s Second Saltiest Water

Your journey kicks off at Salt Lake Salinas in Pedra de Lume, where the water’s incredible salinity allows you to float effortlessly. It’s a surreal experience—similar to the Dead Sea—and perfect for those wanting a fun, relaxing moment or a natural skin scrub. Reviewers consistently mention how smooth their skin felt afterward, and some noted the opportunity to swim multiple times during the trip.

One guest shared, “Floating in the salt lake was something you need to experience yourself,” emphasizing how memorable the salt’s buoyant properties are. The included entrance fee grants access to this unique spot, along with the chance to take photos amid the striking white salt flats.

The Blue Eye: A Natural Water Wonder

Next, you’ll visit Buracona, home to the famous “Blue Eye,” a natural pool renowned for its deep, vibrant blue waters. During good weather, this spot truly lives up to its reputation as one of the seven wonders of the island. Several reviews mention the beauty of this natural spectacle, though some note that visiting outside peak months or on a cloudy day might limit the visibility of the intense blue hue.

From personal accounts, “The Blue Eye was still interesting even when the water wasn’t as blue as in August,” and the natural pool offers a refreshing swim if conditions permit. The tour’s skip-the-line tickets streamline your visit, so you can spend more time enjoying the view and less waiting.

Miragem and Murdeira Bay: Water Illusions and Stunning Vistas

From there, the trip moves to Miragem, where you can witness the fata morgana effect—a mirage often seen in deserts that creates water illusions. It’s a fun and slightly surreal experience that makes you appreciate the unusual landscape of Sal.

Following that, you’ll get a panoramic view of Murdeira Bay, a protected natural reserve. The scenery here is noteworthy for its contrast of desert, sea, and rugged mountains, providing excellent photo opportunities and a chance to understand the diverse geology of the island.

Next on the route is Lion Mountain, where the sweeping views of the coastline and the bay below will leave you in awe. Several guests describe the scenery as “breathtaking,” making this stop a highlight for nature lovers.

Shark Bay: Close Encounters with Lemon Sharks

The grand finale is Shark Bay, where you’ll get a rare opportunity to see lemon sharks in their natural environment. The experience of watching these creatures glide beneath you in their habitat is genuinely special—reviewers often highlight it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment.

You will need to wear water shoes for rocky surfaces, and they’re available for rent if you don’t bring your own. Several travelers mention that the sharks are surprisingly calm, and the guides do a great job of making the encounter both fun and educational. One reviewer wrote, “Getting up close to the lemon sharks was amazing,” emphasizing how this part of the trip stands out.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At just $52.14 per person, including transportation, all entrance fees, and the guiding service, this tour delivers excellent value. For a half-day, you cover a broad range of Sal’s most iconic sights, all with expert local guides who bring their knowledge and enthusiasm to each stop.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with reviews mentioning guides like Nany, Manny, and Christian, who are described as friendly, informative, and enthusiastic. This adds a layer of enriching context to the sights, making even quick visits feel meaningful.

The small group size—capped at 16 travelers—means more personalized attention, better interaction, and less waiting around. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing time without feeling like just another face in a large tour bus.

The Experience Itself

The tour is well-paced, with enough time at each site to explore, swim, and take photos. The inclusion of skip-the-line tickets means you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying each attraction. Reviewers mention that the guides provide good instructions and keep the group engaged, making the trip both educational and fun.

While the Blue Eye’s visibility might depend on weather conditions—something to keep in mind if visiting outside August—most travelers still find the experience worthwhile. The salt lake remains a standout highlight, with many noting how relaxing and unique the experience was.

Practical Considerations

• Transportation: Private pick-up and drop-off from your hotel simplify logistics.
• Duration: Four hours is a good length for this kind of tour—ample time at each stop without fatigue.
• Group Size: Small groups foster a more intimate and informative experience.
• Price: Slightly over $50, this tour offers good value considering the included entrance fees, guide service, and transportation.
• What to Bring: Water shoes are recommended for Shark Bay, and they’re available on-site for rent if needed.
• Weather Dependency: Some sights, like the Blue Eye, work best in clear weather, so check the forecast if possible.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of Sal’s natural highlights. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time but a strong desire to see the best of the island without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Those who appreciate small group settings will value the personal attention and chance to ask questions, especially with guides like Nany and Manny who are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge. It’s also a good fit for families (with baby car seats available) or travelers looking for a fun, relaxing, and educational outing.

If you’re into nature, wildlife, and scenic views, this tour will meet your expectations. Be aware that Shark Bay isn’t recommended for those with reduced mobility, and having water shoes on hand makes the rocky parts easier to handle.

Final Thoughts

This Santa Maria tour offers a practical, well-rounded way to experience some of Sal Island’s most captivating natural attractions. Its combination of stunning sights, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive pricing makes it a solid choice for those seeking a memorable yet manageable half-day adventure.

Whether you’re floating in the salt lake, marveling at the Blue Eye, or watching lemon sharks glide past, every part of this trip offers something special. It balances relaxation, adventure, and education in a way that makes the most of your limited time on the island.

Designed for curious travelers who want an authentic experience without fuss, this tour proves that seeing Sal’s natural beauty doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It’s an experience that leaves many saying they’d happily do it again—and that’s a good sign.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup included, making it easy to fit into your morning plans.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, a perfect length for seeing multiple sights without feeling rushed.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation for hotel pickup and drop-off is included in the price.

Are entrance fees included?
All fees for Blue Eye, Salt Lake, and Shark Bay are included, making it a hassle-free experience.

What should I bring?
Water shoes are recommended for Shark Bay, and they can be rented on site for around 2 euros if you don’t have your own.

Can children join the tour?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and baby car seats are available upon request at no extra charge.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Shark Bay is not recommended for those with reduced mobility due to rocky surfaces, and other stops may involve some walking.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Visibility at Blue Eye might be affected by cloudiness or rain, but most other sights still offer a rewarding experience. The tour can be canceled or rescheduled with full refund if minimum participants are not met.

This tour offers an excellent balance of natural beauty, cultural insight, and fun, all at an accessible price point. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to see the highlights of Sal while enjoying a comfortable, guided experience.