adminIf you're visiting Sal, Cape Verde, I highly recommend setting aside at least one day to explore the island beyond the resorts.
We booked a full-day island tour through Viator, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire holiday. Not only did we see some of Sal's most famous attractions, but we also learned more about the island's culture, history and everyday life.
I've personally used Viator for multiple trips and have even earned commission from previous bookings through my affiliate link, so it's a platform I genuinely trust and use myself.
Here's everything that was included in our full-day Sal Island tour.
Paddling with Lemon Sharks at Shark Bay
Our first major stop was Shark Bay, where we had the opportunity to paddle in shallow waters alongside wild lemon sharks.
At first, the idea sounded a little intimidating, but the sharks are used to people and tend to keep to themselves. Standing in the water while they swam around us was an incredible experience and something I'll never forget.
This was easily one of the most unique activities I've ever done on holiday.
Buracona and the Famous Blue Eye
Next, we visited Buracona, one of Sal's most famous natural attractions.
Buracona is home to the Blue Eye, a natural rock pool that appears to glow bright blue when the sunlight hits it at the perfect angle.
Even if you don't catch the Blue Eye at its brightest, the surrounding coastline is beautiful, with rugged volcanic rock formations and dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Floating in the Salt Lakes of Pedra de Lume
One of the most fascinating stops was Pedra de Lume.
These salt lakes sit inside the crater of an extinct volcano and have such a high salt concentration that you float effortlessly on the surface.
The experience is often compared to floating in the Dead Sea, and it genuinely feels strange when your body simply refuses to sink.
The area is also rich in history, as the salt mines once played a major role in the island's economy.
Exploring the Fishing Village of Palmeira
We then stopped in the colourful fishing village of Palmeira.
This charming coastal village offered a glimpse into local life away from the tourist resorts. We wandered through the streets, saw local fishing boats in the harbour and learned about the importance of fishing to the island's economy.
It felt authentic and gave us a much better understanding of everyday life in Cape Verde.
Seeing the Sleeping Lion Mountain
One of the island's most recognisable natural landmarks is the Sleeping Lion Mountain.
When viewed from the right angle, the shape of the mountain resembles a lion lying down with its head resting on the ground.
It's one of those sights that's difficult to appreciate in photos but very impressive when you see it in person.
Witnessing the Desert Mirage
Another fascinating stop was the desert mirage.
Looking out across the landscape, it genuinely appeared as though there was a huge body of water stretching across the desert.
Of course, it wasn't real. The illusion is created by the heat reflecting light, but it was still incredible to witness firsthand.
Visiting Shanty Town
One of the most eye-opening parts of the tour was our visit to Shanty Town.
This is one of the poorest communities on the island, where many homes have been built using leftover bricks, corrugated metal, tarpaulins and recycled materials.
While it's a very different side of Cape Verde from the luxury resorts, it provides an important insight into the realities of life for some local residents and highlights the contrasts that exist across the island.
Miradouro de Monte Curral Viewpoint
We also travelled to the top of Miradouro de Monte Curral, one of the best viewpoints on Sal.
From the top, we were rewarded with panoramic views across the island, including Espargos, the surrounding landscape and the coastline in the distance. At the top you can see approximately 75% of the island.
This was one of the best photo opportunities of the entire day.
Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Midway through the tour, we stopped at a local restaurant for lunch.
It was nice to step away from the resort food and experience a more authentic meal while supporting a local business. It also gave us a chance to chat with other people on the tour and recharge before continuing our island adventure.
Is This Tour Worth It?
Absolutely.
While the resorts in Sal are fantastic, this tour allowed us to experience so much more of the island. From paddling with lemon sharks and floating in volcanic salt lakes to visiting local communities and stunning viewpoints, it offered a perfect mix of adventure, culture and sightseeing.
It was genuinely one of the highlights of our week in Cape Verde and I'd recommend it to anyone visiting Sal.
Professional Photos Throughout the Day
One thing that I wasn't expecting was that our guide also took professional-style photos of everyone throughout the tour.
At various stops during the day, including some of the island's most scenic locations, he took photos of couples, families and groups so that everyone could focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about getting the perfect picture.
At the end of the tour, we were given the option to purchase all of our photos for €30. There was absolutely no pressure to buy them, but it was a nice extra for anyone who wanted high-quality holiday photos without having to constantly ask other people to take pictures.
Some of the photos turned out beautifully and captured moments that we otherwise wouldn't have been able to get ourselves.
Book Your Own Cape Verde Excursions
I booked this tour through Viator and have personally used the platform for several trips. I've even earned commission from previous bookings through my affiliate link, which is always exciting because it helps support my travel blog and future travel content.
If you're heading to Cape Verde and would like to browse this tour or other excursions, activities and experiences, you can do so using my link below:
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Thank you for supporting my blog, and I hope you have an amazing time exploring Cape Verde!
