How to plan your tour: Sal: Salt Lake, Blue Eye & Shark experience from Santa Maria

Are you planning to visit Santa Maria and looking for a unique and adventurous tour? Sal: Salt Lake, Blue Eye & Shark Experience is an outstanding full-day tour that allows you to explore the natural highlights of Sal Island with a local guide. This private tour guarantees that you will have exclusive access to a car and guide, ensuring that you can take your time and explore at your own pace.

Experience Highlights

• Visit beautiful Salinas salt lake
• Admire “Blue Eye,” one of the seven wonders of the island
• Swim in the crystal-clear natural pool at the Blue Eye cave
• Relax in the world’s second saltiest water at Pedra de Lume
• Explore Shark Bay, a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts

Full Description

This adventurous sightseeing tour is perfect for discovering the desert and the hidden treasures of Santa Maria. Your private guide will meet you at your hotel, and then you’ll set off on a journey to explore the beautiful natural highlights Sal Island has to offer. The first stop on this tour is Salinas salt lake, where you can admire the stunning views and the unique landscape. Salinas salt lake is one of the best places to relax and take beautiful photos, as well as learn about the history and culture of this incredible location. After the Salinas salt lake, you’ll head to Blue Eye cave, one of the seven wonders of the island. Here at the crystal-clear natural pool of the Blue Eye, you’ll have the chance to swim and take pictures in the clear blue water. You’ll have plenty of time to relax and take in the beauty of this unique location before moving on to the next stop on this tour. Next, you’ll travel to Pedra de Lume, where you will have an unparalleled experience. You’ll enjoy floating in the world’s second saltiest waters, which are after the Dead Sea. Pedra de Lume is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss out on. You’ll be left with smooth skin as if you had a natural scrub after floating in the saltwater. The final stop on this tour is Shark Bay, which is known for its clear blue waters and a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. Here you can also admire the beauty of the island’s crystal-clear waters and soak up the stunning views. This is a private tour, so you will have the exclusive use of a car and guide for this entire trip. The guide will be able to give you a unique perspective on the island, as they are locals with plenty of insider knowledge.

Book the Tour

If you’re looking for an adventurous and unique experience in Santa Maria, book Sal: Salt Lake, Blue Eye & Shark Experience tour here through GetYourGuide. The tour price includes a private guide, a private car, and all entry fees. This is an excellent value tour that will give you the chance to explore the hidden gems of Santa Maria at your own pace. Don’t forget to bring your camera, comfortable footwear, and sunscreen!

Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Maria

1. Where is Santa Maria located?

Santa Maria is a city located in the state of California, United States. To be more specific, it is located in Santa Barbara County, and is part of the Santa Maria Valley, which is situated on the Central Coast of California.

2. What is Santa Maria known for?

Santa Maria is known for a few things, including:

• The Santa Maria Style BBQ, which is a traditional way of barbecuing tri-tip beef.
• The Santa Maria Valley Wine Country, which is home to numerous wineries and vineyards.
• The Santa Maria Public Airport, which is one of the largest airports on the Central Coast.

3. What are some popular attractions in Santa Maria?

There are several popular attractions in Santa Maria, including:

• The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, which is an interactive museum for children.
• The Santa Maria Museum of Flight, which features exhibits on aviation history.
• The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, which is a theater school that puts on performances throughout the year.

4. What is the weather like in Santa Maria?

The weather in Santa Maria is typically moderate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s throughout the year. However, the city can be prone to drought and occasional extreme weather events like wildfires and heatwaves.

5. What are some good restaurants in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria is known for its barbecue, and some of the best BBQ restaurants in the city include:

• The Hitching Post
• Jocko’s Steakhouse
• Matty’s BBQ

There are also plenty of other fine dining options, including:

• Bello Forno
• Cielito Lindo Restaurant
• The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant and Cafe

6. What are some outdoor activities to do in Santa Maria?

There are several outdoor activities to enjoy in Santa Maria, such as:

• Hiking in Los Padres National Forest
• Biking on the Orcutt Hill Trails
• Golfing at the Santa Maria Country Club
• Camping at numerous local campsites

7. How do I get to Santa Maria?

The easiest way to get to Santa Maria is by car, as the city is located near major highways such as the US-101 and the CA-166. There is also a small regional airport, the Santa Maria Public Airport, which offers flights to and from several major cities in California.

8. What is the best time to visit Santa Maria?

The best time to visit Santa Maria is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, the summer months can be hot and crowded, and the winter months can be wet and gloomy.

9. What is the cost of living in Santa Maria?

The cost of living in Santa Maria is slightly higher than the national average but is lower than the California average. Housing and utilities are generally the most expensive costs, while groceries and dining out are relatively affordable.

10. What are the best neighborhoods to live in Santa Maria?

Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Santa Maria include:

• Orcutt
• Sunrise Hills
• Hidden Pines Estates

These neighborhoods offer a mix of suburban and rural living and are close to schools, parks, and other amenities.

Book Your Tour Now

Santa Maria is a lively city with plenty of activities and attractions for visitors and residents alike. Whether you’re interested in food, wine, outdoor activities, or cultural events, there is something for everyone in this Central Coast gem.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Santa Maria

If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful city of Santa Maria, located in California, you’re in for an exciting and unforgettable experience. The city boasts of pristine beaches, gorgeous mountains, and a myriad of vibrant activities to keep visitors engaged. This guide will provide an overview of how to spend your time as a tourist in Santa Maria.

1. Visit the Wine Country

Santa Maria is home to one of the oldest and most celebrated wine regions in California. One of the top destinations for tourists is the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, which is home to over 20 wineries that offer guided tours, wine tastings, and scenic views. You can also visit the Bien Nacido Vineyard, where you’ll get to taste some of the best wines produced in the region.

2. Explore the Beaches

Santa Maria is known for its pristine beaches that offer visitors an opportunity to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy water sports such as surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. One of the most popular beaches in Santa Maria is Avila Beach that offers crystal clear waters, clean sands, and a lively atmosphere. Other beaches you should consider visiting include Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, and Oceano Dunes.

3. Hike the Mountains

If you love the outdoors, Santa Maria has several mountains ideal for hiking and exploring. One of the most popular trails is the Santa Maria Valley Mountains. The trail is home to a variety of animals and plant species, and hikers are offered breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and valleys.

4. Discover the Local Culture

Santa Maria has a rich history and culture that’s worth exploring. A good place to start is the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, where you’ll learn about the city’s history and culture through interactive exhibits. You can also visit the Guadalupe Cultural Arts and Education Center that showcases the city’s Hispanic heritage through various art exhibitions and cultural events.

5. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Santa Maria is famous for its BBQ cuisine that features tri-tip steak, which is marinated for hours before being grilled to perfection. You can sample some of the best BBQ spots in the city and indulge in other local delicacies such as Santa Maria-style beans and smoked sausages. You might want to try Far Western Tavern, one of the most popular BBQ spots in the city.

6. Check out Local Events

Santa Maria hosts several events throughout the year, such as the Strawberry Festival and the Elks Rodeo. These events offer visitors a chance to interact with locals, sample local cuisines, and participate in cultural activities unique to Santa Maria.

7. Go Shopping

Santa Maria boasts of several stores and boutiques where you can buy souvenirs, clothes, and handmade crafts. Some of the most popular shopping spots include the Santa Maria Town Center Mall and the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets.

Book Your Tour Now

Santa Maria is an exceptional destination for tourists seeking to explore California’s beauty, culture, and history. With so many activities to choose from, visitors are assured of an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to relax on the beach, go wine tasting, hike the mountains, sample local cuisine, or enjoy cultural events, Santa Maria has something for everyone.