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Secrets of Sal tour with villages, lagoon and crater visits

4.4/5
58 reviews

If you're looking for the hidden gems of Sal, then this half-day tour will tick all the boxes, taking in colourful fishing villages, an enchanting lagoon and even a dip in an extinct volcano's crater lake. Tito, one of our local expert guides, says, “from fishing villages to volcanic craters, you'll see how Sal has been shaped over thousands of years.”

You'll take a ride in a comfy minibus as an expert guide shows off the best of this island. Your drive will take you to the quaint village of Palmeiras, full of cutsie shops and cozy cafes, where you'll get time to stroll its narrow streets and soak up the ambiance of this coastal community. Then on the way to the livelier village of Espargos, there's a stop at Buracona Lagoon where you'll see its ‘blue eye' – a natural phenomenon where the sunlight casts an ethereal glow over the water's surface.

Round off the day with a trip to an extinct volcano crater, where you'll have the rare chance to swim in its saltwater lake – like a natural spa experience. The mineral-rich waters mean you'll be floating effortlessly and heading back to your hotel feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Main features

Free cancellation
Place: Sal
Duration: from 2 hours to 4 hours
Language:English
Mobile voucher accepted

Additional features

Entrance fees included
Guided tour
Instant confirmation
e-Voucher
Hotel pick up

Why choose TUI Musement experiences

Get to the heart of every destination with our unique tours and activities. Created by locals, curated by us.

Only the best

The extra details that make the trip. One more stop. That hidden corner. Only the best stuff makes it in. Rated 8.3/10

Made by us

Built around what you love. Shaped by what you tell us. Crafted with TUIs 50+ years of travel know‑how.

Local touch

The right time to visit. The view most miss. Do it like our creators and guides – who live and love it there.

Why you’ll love this…

  • You'll journey through Sal's unique landscapes and visit the communities of Palmeiras and Espargos
  • Strolling through Palmeiras' narrow streets, lined with cafés and local shops is part of the itinerary
  • At Buracona Lagoon, you'll witness the natural wonder of the 'blue eye'
  • There's a rare chance to swim in the lake of a volcano crater and feel like you've had a spa experience
  • A local guide will share their unrivalled knowledge of Sal's hidden gems along the way

Important to know

  • Viewing of the Buracona ‘blue eye' cannot be guaranteed, as the optical illusion depends on the sun's position on the day
  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock
  • Bring a towel
  • Bring money for extras or gratuities
  • This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
  • Not suitable for those with reduced mobility due to uneven paths or steps
  • Not suitable for those with reduced mobility due to moderate walking distance during tour

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.


What’s included

  • Transport
  • Guide
  • Guided tour
  • Exclusive TUI itinerary

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.


Location

Provider

TUI CAPE VERDE


What people say about this experience

4.4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 58 reviews


Review categories

Safety

3.8/5

Service

3.8/5

Staff

3.8/5

Value for money

3.8/5


66%
19%
9%
3%
3%

Sort by:

  • J

    Jacqueline (Jacks)

    Travelled as a couple


    23 April 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    The Tui Rep (Elaine) at Riu Cabo Verde recommended this half day tour to us as it would be easier for my Husband. Our Tour Guide (Stephan) was very professional, personable, informative and very funny. We learnt a lot about the Island of Sal and it's history. It was a great day out. Our Driver was pretty good as well. It was quite upsetting seeing the Shanty Town and how some people are forced to live. My Husband didn't have the energy to do the Salt Lake, but l did and it was bizarre but ok.

  • C

    Cat

    Solo traveller


    2 April 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Our tour took in a few places on Sal. It was made really special by our guide Stefan. Stefan was very informative and gave us a real insight into Cape Verde's history. Also fantastic insight into life on Sal today. Stefan and our driver were really courtious, supportive of all members of our group. Stefan made so much effort to making the trip accessible, especially as I and others had mobility issues. He ensued we were all safe without resticting our excursion

  • A

    Anne

    Travelled as a couple


    1 March 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Our guide was excellent ,very imformative driver was good overall enjoyed the experience very much

  • L

    Lesley Davidson

    Travelled as a couple


    26 February 2026
    1.8

    United Kingdom

    Was so disappointed as guide knew we would be unable to see eye due to time of year and location of the sun, the couple of minor stops were pointless Should have been informed this before booking Not responsibility of the guide, he was lovely

  • M

    Marcel

    Travelled as a couple


    16 February 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Bathing in salt lake is a must, no need to go to Dead sea. Didnt use that half minute shover for 1€ there, wasnt so bad just little itchy. Blue eye not visible in winter months but waves in lagoon were epic. Also got free tasting of local spirits at fishing vilage and cute dogs there..

  • A

    Annie

    Travelled as a couple


    12 February 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Our guide, Edmilson, was great. Very knowledgeable and good fun. It felt like we packed so much into 4 hours and yet nothing felt rushed.