Exploring Sal Island’s Salt Lake, Blue Eye, and Shark Bay

Have you ever wanted to witness the wonders of Sal Island? With its beaches, cliffs, ports, and lagoons – the island is a natural paradise. But, there’s so much more to explore! If you’re up for a unique adventure, you can join a tour specially designed for you to explore Sal Island’s wonders. Salt Lake, Blue Eye, and Shark Bay are just a few of the incredible spots you can discover on this tour.

The tour begins with a drive from Sal Island along the Atlantic Coast. During the drive, you will take in the stunning views of the sea and gigantic cliffs while passing by quaint, traditional villages. Your first stop will be at the world’s largest natural salt lake, which is home to many species of migratory birds. You’ll have the chance to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and experience bird watching at its finest.

Next up is Blue Eye, where you’ll get to see a natural phenomenon that is simply stunning. When you dive into the clear lagoon, you’ll be welcomed with an eye-catching sight – stunning blue waters. The lake has a maximum depth of 30 meters and is fed from seawater through an underground network of tunnels. The water is incredibly warm in comparison to the outside waters and surrounded by a unique flora and fauna that will delight nature lovers alike.

You’ll hop in a dingy and enjoy a ride to Shark Bay – a magnificent location for swimming and snorkeling. Here, giant rocky cliffs create a surprisingly welcoming lagoon, where swarms of colorful fish will twinkle in the clear blue waters. You’ll be delighted to find out that Shark Bay is also home to sea turtles and occasional dolphins.

The beauty of Sal Island will stay with you forever. Tourists and travelers alike can’t help but be astonished at the wonderful sightseeing options this tour offers – especially taking close-up looks at nature’s wonders. You aren’t likely to run out of things to do either, because this tour not only takes you to an amazing location but also offers an array of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Overall, this tour is one of the most popular Sal Island options for exploring some of its most incredible locations. You can expect to have a great time discovering unique natural marvels and understanding a little more about the culture of this region. And if you’re looking to make the most of this tour, why not book it with GetYourGuide? The tour organization offers years of experience organizing day trips and tours across various European destinations for tourist’s convenience and satisfaction – so you won’t have to worry about missing anything!

Insider’s Guide: Exploring Sal Island, Cape Verde

Sal Island is one of the ten islands that make up the Cape Verde archipelago, located off the coast of West Africa. Known for its stunning beaches and warm waters, the island offers a plethora of things to do and see for visitors. In this insider’s guide, we’ll be exploring some of Sal Island’s most fascinating attractions, from the Salt Lake and Blue Eye to Shark Bay, and sharing some off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Attractions

Sal Island’s Salt Lake is a fascinating natural attraction that should not be missed. Located in Pedra de Lume, the lake is a volcanic crater filled with saltwater. Visitors can float effortlessly in the water due to its high salt content or even try their hand at applying a salt scrub. Make sure to apply sunscreen before going in as, the open-air lake can be quite hot.

Another popular destination is the Blue Eye, a natural pool that is fed by underground saltwater. The pool’s deep blue color is mesmerizing, especially from some distance. But be advised, it not for swimming. Visitors must remain on the surrounding platforms while taking in the magnificent scenery.

Another must-visit spot is Shark Bay, where visitors can see Lemon Sharks. While swimming with the sharks isn’t allowed, visitors can observe them from a distance while walking or sunbathing on the beach. The crystal clear waters of Shark Bay usually attract visitors for its uncanny similarity with the Caribbean.

Dining Spots

One of the most exciting aspects of exploring a new place is trying out the local cuisine. The welcoming island of Sal has a diverse culinary scene, with something for every taste bud.

If you’re looking for a luxurious dining experience in Sal, the Surfside Bar and Restaurant located at the Odjo d’Agua Hotel is an ideal option. The menu features a mix both Cape Verdean and International dishes. Apart from that, its location on Santa Maria beach provides the most stunning view for a romantic dine-out.

For those interested in trying out the local cuisine, Sab Sab’s Restaurant is a must-visit. This restaurant is famous for serving traditional Cape Verdean dishes and seafood dishes. The prices are reasonable and the service is excellent.

Cultural Experiences

One of the remarkable aspects of Sal is the local culture, with a strong creole background. One of the best experiences to immerse oneself in the local culture is to attend one of the local music festivals that take place every year.Sal is home to two festivals; the Gamboa Festival and the Sal International Kitesurf held each year in February and March, respectively. Visitors can enjoy live music, dance performances, food, and drinks while celebrating with locals.

For an insight into the Cape Verdean culture, visitors can visit PALOP’s cultural center in Santa Maria, where they can learn more about the history of Cape Verde, watch cultural performances and buy souvenirs.

Local History

History lovers should consider visiting several of the island’s historical sites, including the Buracona, Espargos, and Palmeira villages. Buracona features ancient caves, and Palmeira was the island’s first port. Visitors can learn about the island’s economy and history at Espargos.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

If you’re looking for something beyond the tourist attractions, there are plenty of hidden gems on Sal Island. The Terra Boa artisanal village offers visitors the chance to learn about traditional handicrafts, including basket weaving and pottery. Travelers can also visit the traditional fishing village of Palmeira and interact with fishermen who return from the sea with their catch of the day.

The Fontes Pereira de Melo district is a great place for visitors interested in architecture. While exploring the district, tourists can observe a few colonial era residential buildings that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In conclusion, Sal Island has a lot to offer visitors, from natural attractions to cultural experiences and rich history. Whether you want a luxurious vacation or an authentic cultural experience, Sal Island is a unique and unforgettable destination.