Sal Island Tour Review: Salt Pans, Blue Eye & Shark Bay

So, you’re considering a tour of Sal Island, Cape Verde, huh? That’s a great choice, it is almost like you are setting yourself up for a super cool day, really soaking in what this place has on offer. Very likely, when folks think about Sal, they are picturing sandy shores, it seems. Very though, there’s way more to this destination than meets the initial eye. We are talking hidden gems just like the Salt Pans, the mesmerizing Blue Eye, and, get this, Shark Bay, so too. Ready for a personal review of the “Sal Island Salt Pans Blue Eye Mirage and Shark Bay Tour”? Great, because I am so ready to share, too it’s a bit like reliving the adventure, alright.

Experiencing the Salt Pans (Pedra de Lume)

First thing, those Salt Pans – locally named Pedra de Lume – it’s a landscape that just grabs you, yet. The backstory, it goes back to when they would actually harvest salt, it’s quite interesting. The area, it is located inside an extinct volcano, or what is left of one anyway, so in some respects that sets the stage, arguably. As a matter of fact, I remember standing there, so I was looking around at this landscape, so otherworldly in its own right. Honestly, as I was saying, it felt a bit like stepping onto a totally different planet. Anyway, very fun. I felt this really distinct feeling.

So, what can you do there? Of course, you can float in the super salty water. Now, I should tell you, it’s a totally weird feeling in a good way. You are weightless; so I’m pretty sure you’d be amazed. As a matter of fact, do keep in mind, too it’s almost a must, very don’t get that salty stuff in your eyes, yeah. As a matter of fact, some spots will rent you towels and all if you need them, basically. A bit of local insight; try going closer to either sunrise or sunset. Light is softer then and the area’s beauty is accentuated, just a little.

The Alluring Blue Eye (Buracona)

After the Salt Pans, so the next big stop had to be the Blue Eye, is that right?. Named Buracona in the area, really this natural wonder has this almost magnetic vibe about it, you know. Very to give you the rundown, the Blue Eye it’s what happens whenever sunlight is in cooperation with a cave formation and then reflects light just in such a way so you have what looks almost like a bright blue eye in the water, really. Honestly, it’s this perfect combination of geology doing her best impression of modern artwork; I assure you it’s breathtaking, so.

So, for that particular spot? Listen to any local advice about timings for a really perfect look, too it’s almost crucial, just so you avoid shadow obstructions or poor viewing, alright. Anyway, for us, we spent nearly two hours here, just sort of in awe while taking pictures like crazy, so it almost made my hand sore, typically. First, anyway, that water can be tempting. It is important to note, swimming is not very smart since that part is super rocky, arguably. That said, there’s also this smaller swimming hole that is nearby, so too it’s a way for the sun worshippers among your ranks to catch up on their bronze, allegedly.

Shark Bay (and Lemon Sharks!)

Now, that is something else – you going to see sharks – so it has to be Shark Bay, just a little. Of course, the reason to even visit Shark Bay at all is exactly as you are picturing, is that you do get to witness lemon sharks out there just chilling away in nature, usually. Do they bite you or will they nibble on your feet? Relax. The sharks at Shark Bay, I assure you, they tend not to be the type that cause any actual trouble or discomfort; honestly they would like to remain unbothered. The sharks, honestly they were doing their shark things in water only ankle high to my own feet, too it’s very safe I will swear on that, truly.

Do wear some sensible water shoes just to protect the bottom of your feet when you walk in because you may trip on some stones when you try going forward or back. Or, you may consider just simply bringing a waterproof cam since you are bound to have very unique moments if you visit this area, I can say honestly. The lemon shark area in question isn’t necessarily just super exciting for the faint of heart because just wading out there it gives you a bit of the feels as though you are Bear Grylls even if that only stays with you for just that day, arguably.

What You Should Be Packing, Though

A day like this touring all around really calls for some preparation. First off, sunscreen. Seriously, you should reapply like it’s very vital, yet. Sal sunshine, it’s intense; too it’s easy to scorch without hardly noticing. Secondly, those water shoes are very helpful. Sand, Salt, rock, whatever; so that, you are covered literally. Then there are sunglasses: they will stop the light in the water or on sand. Hats might be a clever plan for additional security from that strong UV glare and intense heat exposure in a way. Hydration is, after all, extremely essential, even if this has some redundancy to it. Bring sufficient water so you avoid that heat-induced fatigue scenario later in the afternoon, very. You really want a fully charged device (power pack) or cam, too it’s almost required. Think of some mind blowing shots, right?

Some Logistics To Ponder About

Okay, let’s talk arranging things; honestly your method to pick is going to mold the day. Some people like using all inclusive deal types through vacation providers so then that part is arranged on arrival. Others take the totally separate local tours strategy since doing this supports the on site or ground merchants that you find and in that situation too it’s what helps them actually retain their income revenue from tourism, very. Any option, that part depends entirely just on comfort threshold and travel budget boundaries.

Regardless what choice becomes preferred do be sure any Sal tour gets booked well well beforehand so you actually are secure regarding place reservation particularly during peak travel seasons or times around the holidays like early or middle November, so in a way. With tours available expect to spend probably around a ballpark amount approximately ranging from about €30 to near €60 euros generally give or take that or an alternative amount dependent largely depending how your tour offerings look plus your bargaining capabilities, as I was saying. Anyway regarding trip duration; very tours usually occupy a portion nearly between almost six solid hours for your basic versions or could reach near whole full days counting any provided transfer schedules, really.

Overall Opinion: Is it Worth It?

Is it worth it? Definitely. What with the almost alien Salt Pans to those blue colored ocean gems as you wade cautiously in the shark location you see that is this thing Cape Verde; well she is almost like a gift wrapping holding several distinct attractions tightly bound close and yet also with each retaining unique independent magnetism and drawing or interest potential all for her. So yes indeed grab this certain chance to discover her treasures right now for yourself, literally.