Island tour Sal
All the places of interest in 1 day!
Explore all the highlights of Sal during the island tour. It's a small island, so you'll have many stops without spending a long time on the road. Visit Kite surf beach, full of colorful kites in winter time, Murdeira bay, fishing village Palmeira, Buracona coastline with the Blue Eye cave (only visible in summer time), and get a view of the local lifestyle in Espargos capital city. In Shark bay you'll walk in the shallow nursery waters between the lemon sharks. And to finish of the salt mines of Pedra de Lume, located in an extinct volcano crater where you float on salted water. A natural skincare and fun experience! The island tour of Sal is definitely not to miss.
Included
Excluded on the full day island tour :
Lunch (package can be bought for €12 per adult)
Entrance fees: Salinas salt lakes €6, Buracona (Blue eye) €3
Water shoes for the sharks, rent them on the spot for €3 or bring your own shoes
Prices per person
Full day island tour
Price per person shared tour, max 8 people 🎫 €38
Total price private tour 2 persons 🎫 €199
Total price private tour 4 persons 🎫 €230
Half day island tour
Price per person shared tour, max 8 people 🎫 €35
Prepayment is required
Geography and Climate
Sal is a flat island with a dry climate. The name "Sal" means "salt" in Portuguese, highlighting its past importance in salt production. The island's landscape features sandy beaches, rocky shores, and a few small hills. The weather is tropical, with warm temperatures all year, perfect for beach activities.
Economy
In the past, Sal's economy relied on salt mining, especially in the Pedra de Lume crater. Today, tourism is the main industry. Visitors love the island’s stunning beaches like Santa Maria Beach, known for its white sands and blue waters. Popular activities include windsurfing, kite surfing, and diving.
Attractions
Sal Island has many attractions. The Pedra de Lume salt flats allow visitors to float in salty waters, similar to the Dead Sea. The Blue Eye (Olho Azul), a natural pool in a lava tube, offers incredible views and a unique swimming experience when sunlight turns the water a brilliant blue.
The island’s capital, Espargos, gives a glimpse into local life with its markets and restaurants. Santa Maria is the main tourist town with lively resorts, eateries, and bars.
Culture
Sal’s culture mixes African and Portuguese influences, seen in its music, dance, and food. Cape Verdean music, like morna and funaná, is central to the island’s identity. Local festivals, like the Santa Maria Festival, feature traditional music, dance, and food, giving visitors a taste of the island’s culture.
Conservation and Sustainability
Recently, there has been a focus on sustainability and protecting Sal’s natural environment. Efforts include sea turtle conservation and coral reef protection. Eco-friendly tourism is encouraged to preserve the island's beauty for future visitors.