Sal Island Tour: Sharks, Salt Lake & Blue Eye
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This full-day experience is designed to give you a complete and enjoyable introduction to Sal Island at a relaxed and comfortable pace. Rather than rushing from stop to stop, you’ll have time to truly enjoy each location and take in the surroundings.
Throughout the day, your local certified guide will share stories, history, and insights about Cape Verde, helping you connect with the island beyond what you see. You’ll experience a mix of nature, culture, and everyday life, making the tour both engaging and informative.
Expect a friendly and personal atmosphere, with small groups and a flexible approach that allows you to make the most of each moment. Whether you’re walking among lemon sharks, floating in the salt lake, or exploring coastal views, the experience is designed to be smooth, enjoyable, and memorable from start to finish.
This tour is suitable for all ages and does not require any special fitness level.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, swimsuit, water shoes (if you have one) and towels
What To Expect
Ilha do Sal
Sal (Portuguese for "salt") is an island in Cape Verde. Sal is a tourist destination with white sandy beaches and over 350 days of sunshine a year. It is one of the three sandy eastern islands of the 10 island Republic of Cabo Verde in the central Atlantic Ocean, 350 miles off the west coast of Africa. Cabo Verde is known for excellent year-round kiteboarding, for the large reserve of Caretta Turtles which hatch July - September, and for its multi-cultural heritage and beautiful music.
Santa Maria
We will drive you through the back streets of Santa Maria whilste sharing the history of this city that has transformed from a village which exploited salt to the biggest tourist city in Cape Verd. You will have a perception of town and local living outside of the main commercial streets and coastal area of the city.
What‘s Included
Baby and toddler seat (on request)
Liability insurance
Local certified guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Visit Buracona (Blue Eye) and enjoy coastal views
Float in the salt pans inside a volcano crater
Shark Bay experience (observe lemon sharks in their natural habitat)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Tips (optional)
Pictures (optional)
Buracona - Olho Azul
Salinas
Food and drinks
Lunch
Water shoe rental at shark bay (recommended)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Off the beaten track island tour with a local and certified guied
Private tour possible: This tour can be made in a Private car with snorkeling. Please enquire. Also can be tailor made. Pickup included
Reviews
77 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour guide - informative, friendly and really allows you to understand the true side of Sal
marianbX3773NY,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent the day with Carlos exploring the island and I cannot recommend him highly enough. We took a private tour, the car was comfy, clean and safe and enough room for two adults and two older teenagers. He not only showed us the sights but also shared with us such interesting history of the island and the areas we visited. He even managed to keep my 14 year old interested and we all learned a lot. He speaks multiple languages and his English was perfect - he even shared some local music as well travelled around. This was such good value for money and the highlights were the Lemon Sharks and visiting the local beaches were he grew up in Santa Maria. If you are visiting Santa Maria I cannot recommend this tour by Carlos highly enough. And remember to ask him about his time with the legend Jane Macdonald (for all you brits out there!) Enjoy your stay in Sal - it’s a wonderful island!!
Tour of the island 5⭐
Stay05157705044,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did (4 people) with the Carlos Cruz Tours - Your friend in Sal, with the guide Fábio paparazzi, was very fixed, has an extra service with photos and videos with drone, has the option of touring the island in large group or private group only you, personalized tour etc.. we love and recommend.
Brilliant and reliable!
264CraigB,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent experience with Carlos Cruise Tours during our holiday in Sal, Cape Verde. From start to finish, they were professional, organised, and genuinely attentive. Travelling as a family, it was important for us to feel comfortable and well looked after, and they exceeded our expectations. The team was friendly, patient, and ensured everyone was included and enjoying the experience. Nothing felt rushed, and they took the time to make sure we were safe, informed, and relaxed throughout. Their local knowledge really added to the experience, and it was clear they take pride in what they do. We felt completely at ease in their care. We would highly recommend Carlos Cruise Tours to anyone visiting Sal, especially families looking for a reliable and welcoming excursion provider.
Visit of 5*
Daydream05523241727,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend. We contacted Carlos Cruz tours through the recommendation of some friends. And it was worth it. The whole trip to the support team the photographer. It was spectacular. I highly recommend.
I was doing it again.
criscosta0994,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I followed the reviews on Facebook and trip advisor and didn’t regret it. It was a very well spent day, I was lucky to be in a group of only Portuguese and it was even better. We went through all the most well-known sites but always with information and small details that our guide Fábio was adding. Fábio always very helpful and friendly, took some excellent photos and the conductor Lito always with excellent music. We also did the buggy ride and it was excellent I didn't know Mr. Carlos personally but always answered my questions by messages and sent enough. Treated transfer back and forth from the airport and it was again the great Lito that went to catch us. I recommend it to everyone!
Entertaining tour
Beya Barbi,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a really nice tour with our guide Juri. He was very entertaining and funny, full of interesting information, and we saw all the locations on the list. The food in the restaurant we visited was also very good. We recommend it!
Experience in Cape Verde
GloriaF1558,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was a good experience Carlos and a very helpful and honest person. When I return to Cape Verde I will be doing activities with him again.
Experience 5 ⭐️
Sandra M,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Carlos Cruz Tours provided a very good day. And our guide Fábio, was excellent. Just like the jeep driver. Team 5 stars.
10 stars
Venture46548791919,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00On the advice of a friend we made a tour with Fábio and Lito of the Carlos team and were spectacular! We highly recommend 🙌🏼
We chose Carlos’s team because we saw plenty of positive comments on social networks!
Dream32971668582,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Carlos and his team are completely trusted! Very nice people, who showed us their island and told us a bit of their history! You can book tours with them without fear! Service 5⭐!
From €40.00
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