Things to do in Sal

Sal Island All-inclusive Adults-only Catamaran Cruise

The Sal coastline is a perfect backdrop for a cruise – and this adults-only catamaran trip makes the very best use of it. Sailing leisurely through the azure seas between Palmeira and Monte Leão, you'll sunbathe, sip on cocktails and enjoy a stop for swimming and snorkelling too.

Secrets of Sal Island 4x4 Tour with Pedra da Lume Salt Lake

The desolate beauty of inland Sal is in stark contrast to the pristine white sands of its coast. On this off-road safari, you'll explore Murdeira Bay, the Buracona lagoon, the ocean-like sands of Terra Boa and the Pedra de Lume salt flats. You'll also discover the town of Palmeira and the island's capital, Espargos.

Postcards of Sal Tour with Kite Beach and Local Lunch

For a relatively small island, Sal boasts a wealth of sights. This tour covers nearly every inch of the island, taking in Kite Beach, Murdeira Bay, Buracona lagoon and the mirage plains of Terra Boa as well as Pedra de Lume salt flats and the towns of Palmeira and Espargos.

Sal Island Catamaran Cruise with All-inclusive Drinks and Snacks

If holidays for you are all about kicking back and catching up on some chill-out time, then this catamaran cruise around Sal is just what you're looking for. There's nothing on the agenda except cruising, sunbathing, swimming and enjoying the sea breeze. Maria, one of our local guides, says, ‘This is a trip which prioritises relaxation. Getting out onto the water gives you a fresh perspective on the island – Monte Leão is a popular place for birds, so if you like wildlife-watching, bring your binoculars and see if you can spot one of the five species endemic to the Cape Verde archipelago.'Your day of relaxation kicks off with pick-up from your hotel before boarding the brand-new catamaran. Your captain will cruise out from Palmeira, hugging the coastline. It's the perfect moment for you to choose your spot and sit back to soak up some rays. There's plenty of room to relax as well as drinks, snacks and local music to get you into that holiday mood as you enjoy the sensation of gliding through the open water in style.Once we've reached our idyllic spot near Monte Leão, your captain will drop anchor to freshen up with a swim in the open water. When we've stopped, you can also head out on to the nets, where you'll be able to float above the sparkling water and dry off in the sun. Maria adds, ‘Monte Leão sits at the northern end of the Murdeira Bay. The whole bay area is a marine nature reserve because of the important populations of sea turtles and seabirds.'

Adults Only Tour of Sal with Lobster Lunch and Salt Lake

With long stretches of unspoilt beach and a rich cultural heritage – Sal has all the ingredients for a perfect day trip. This tour packs in the best sights, including Buracona lagoon and Pedra de Lume salt flats. To top it off, there's a traditional Cape Verdean lunch, and you'll get a glimpse of laidback, local life in Espargos and Palmeira. Rodrigo, one of our local guides, says, ‘Pedra de Lume is in the middle of a volcanic crater, and you reach it via a tunnel. You can sometimes pick up compressed salt crystals the size of a golf ball, while at other times the salt is so hard that you walk on the pans.'The fun kicks off with a visit to Espargos. You'll explore the island's colourful capital and admire its fascinating street art, before heading to an observatory point for elevated views over the town. Next, it's on to the Buracona lagoon, famed for an optical illusion known as the ‘blue eye' caused by the sunlight. The journey continues at the laidback fishing village of Palmeira. Relax in a café while your guide reveals stories about the village's past.You're in for a treat next, as there's a table waiting for us at a family-run restaurant which serves a special Cape Verdean lobster dish. There are other tasty options, too. After fuelling up on local cuisine, we'll head to the Dead Sea-like waters of Pedra de Lume. Lie back and float on one of the world's saltiest lagoons, before stopping by at Viveiros Botanical Garden to discover exotic vegetation and a petting zoo.

Sal Sundown 4x4 Safari with Beachfront Dinner

With miles of white sandy beaches and beautiful coastline, there's so much to discover in Sal. What better way to explore it than with this 4x4 tour of its hidden gems such as Murdeira Bay and Terra Boa, including a tasty beach barbecue as the sun begins to set. It promises plenty of action and some well-deserved chill-out time.

Private Postcards of Sal Island Tour with Local Lunch

Sal may be small, but she packs a punch in stunning scenery. This tour takes in Kite Beach, Murdeira Bay, Buracona lagoon and Pedra de Lume salt flats. What's more, there's a three-course lunch in the island capital Esparagos and a free gift to take home.

Private Secrets of Sal 4x4 Tour with Pedra da Lume Salt Lake

This exclusive half-day tour sees you explore the stark contrast between Sal's desolate inland areas to the white sands of its coast. On an off-road safari, you'll explore Murdeira Bay, the Buracona lagoon, the ocean-like sands of Terra Boa and Pedra de Lume. You'll also discover Palmeira and Espargos.

Stargazing Evening at a Beach Restaurant

If the thought of stargazing at Sal's night sky has you starry eyed, then this evening activity is just for you. Cape Verde is a great location for star spotting, and this evening adventure for all the family includes stargazing with telescopes. Enjoy a welcome drink, buffet dinner accompanied by live local music, and then find out which planets and galaxies you can see in the sky above.The star-studded night sky is best viewed close to the equator, where both hemispheres are visible. You'll arrive to a beach restaurant just as darkness draws in, and after a welcome drink you'll sit down for a barbecue buffet. Tuck into a feast of local dishes to the sounds of live music, and with the help of telescopes, lasers and tablets, you'll see the moon, planets and more.With knowledgeable guides at hand, you'll learn how to recognise constellations at home. The tour ends with a 10-minute stroll on the sands, where you'll spot patterns with the naked eye. A unique yet educational way to spend a night in Sal.

Sal Lemon Shark Experience

Living in the coastal subtropical waters around Sal, lemon sharks are one of the easiest sharks to spot in their natural habitat. You'll venture out to Shark Bay with a marine biologist to interact and learn about these fascinating creatures on this half-day trip.

Sal Turtle Nesting Beach Tour

If you're a wildlife lover, then watching nesting turtles is a must-do while in Sal. And this evening excursion takes you to beaches on the island where loggerhead turtles come up to the shore and nest so that you can experience up close nature in action.

Sal Island Zipline Course

The freedom and exhilaration of flying top-speed through the air is an experience that's hard to beat. And you can do it in the tropical setting of Sal island, with hilltop views to boot.You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the base where your arrival will be welcomed with a refreshing drink to get you started. There will be a quick safety briefing and introduction to ziplining, then once you're ready, you'll drive up to the hilltop, followed by a short, but no less spectacular, walk.There are two platforms to launch yourself from, with the highest point at a towering 103m. You'll reach speeds of up to a 100km per hour as you hurtle down the steel ropes, which extend over 1000m. And if you can open your eyes for just a second, you'll catch flashes of Sal's idyllic landscape before you reach the end of the line.