Shark Bay Experience from Santa Maria in Sal – A Guide to the Ultimate Adventure Activity

Sal Island in the Cape Verde archipelago is a paradise getaway that is often overlooked as a holiday destination. However, if you love adventure and water sports, you should not miss out on the amazing shark-cage dives, shark-viewing boat trips, and other activities in Shark Bay. This bay on the island of Sal is renowned for its clear waters, making it an ideal location to spot a variety of marine wildlife – especially sharks. In this article, you will learn all about the Shark Bay experience available from Santa Maria in Sal and why it should definitely be at the top of your bucket list!

A Brief History of Sal Island

Sal Island has been inhabited since the 11th century and was originally settled by Lemurian peoples who crossed the Atlantic From Mauritania on nomadic boats. Through the centuries, the island has come under both Spanish and Portuguese rule, and it has also seen immigration from other countries in the form of farmers and fishermen. The island became a protectorate of Portugal in 1901 and remained part of their colonies until 1975 when it gained independence. Today, Sal Island is a popular tourist destination for those looking for a tropical getaway with plenty of sun and warm temperatures all year round.

What You Need to Know About Shark Bay

Shark Bay is located on the east coast of Sal Island and offers a unique experience for those looking to encounter some of the wonders of marine life. The bay is home to a number of different species of sharks, as well as many other marine animals such as manta rays, sea turtles, and various species of fish. These animals can be spotted from shore or from boats, giving those looking for a bit of adventure the perfect opportunity to observe them up close. Additionally, Shark Bay is renowned for its sandy beaches which make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

The Shark Cage Diving Experience From Santa Maria

One of the most popular activities available in Shark Bay is the shark cage diving experience. This experience allows travelers to get up close and personal with the various shark species living in the bay, by hopping into a submerged cage that gives you an incredible view of the animals while they swim around you. This activity can be booked through tour operators based in Santa Maria, the main town on Sal Island. The mainland tour operators offer their services at different prices, depending on the duration of the tour and the number of people who join in. On average, you can expect to pay around €100-150 per person for a two-hour session.

What You Can Expect From Shark Cage Diving at Shark Bay

When joining a shark cage diving trip from Santa Maria, you will meet at a designated location before heading out to the bay. Once there, you will be given full safety instructions regarding entering and exiting the cage. It is important to listen carefully and follow the advice provided by your guide or instructor!

Sea Conditions: Shark Bay is generally calm, with very few waves or strong currents. However, if there are any sudden changes in weather conditions, all passengers should be advised by the guide or instructor.

The Cage: The cage itself is made of stainless steel bars with protective equipment provided on request. It is designed so that passengers can have an unrestricted view of the sharks up close while still remaining safely enclosed in the cage.

Safety Instructions: As shark cage diving involves entering a relatively risky environment, all passengers must stick to all safety instructions provided by your tour operator – including advice on when to enter or exit the cage.

Observing Sharks: The activity of shark-cage diving allows you to observe sharks up close, with different species often including mako sharks as well as different types of rays and other fish. You will usually also have the opportunity to take some underwater photographs or videos of your experience.

Tips For The Best Shark Cage Diving Experience:

• Wear appropriate clothing such as wetsuits to navigate comfortably in the water.
• Take some snacks and drinks in case you feel hungry or thirsty during your activity.
• Bring a waterproof camera to capture pictures of the animals.
• Don’t touch or feed any of the marine wildlife.

Booking Your Shark Cage Diving Experience

To book your Shark Cage Diving experience from Santa Maria in Sal, you will need to book through a tour operator based in the mainland. There are numerous operators that provide this activity so make sure to shop around to get the best deal. Additionally, you can book it through a trusted travel agency such as GetYourGuide, where you can make sure that you are booking with a reliable operator who is experienced in offering activities such as these in Shark Bay – so that you can have a safe yet thrilling experience!

Overall, shark cage diving in Shark Bay off Sal Island is an incredible opportunity for any underwater adventure lover – offering an up-close-and-personal view of some spectacular creatures of the ocean in a safe environment. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or just want to observe these majestic creatures from a distance, this activity should definitely be at the top of your bucket list when visiting Sal Island. So go ahead book your shark cage diving session with GetYourGuide today and see what lies beneath!