Review: Sal Island’s Blue Eye, Salt Lake & Lemon Sharks

Sal Island, one of the jewels in Cape Verde’s crown, is a land where the sun appears to shine all the time and the volcanic earth creates the most striking contrasts with the stunning turquoise sea. We will check out four famous spots on this somewhat little island: the hypnotic Blue Eye, the super salty Salt Lake, the mellow Lemon Sharks, and the pretty harbor town of Palmeira. What you will get here is a detailed look at what makes each location really special, while also sharing some first-hand thoughts to help you plan your next trip. If you’re up for adventure, eager for relaxation, or perhaps you’re a bit curious, Sal has so many nice things for everyone to find, like your perfect memory just waiting to happen!

The Alluring Blue Eye (Buracona)

The Blue Eye, which is actually called Buracona, is perhaps one of those spots that, well, just kind of steals your breath, so too it’s almost a place of natural wonder! The location gets the descriptive name from this unbelievable optical effect: when sunlight pours just right into this submerged cave, which is what you see is an bright blue color, almost like an eye looking back up at the sky. To get there, you need to drive across part of the volcanic landscape of Sal, and that is already half the thrill, really.

When you get there, then there is this walk over some jagged rocks and into the cave entrance; from here, you peer down into what is an exciting window into another reality. The prime time to check this color explosion is around midday, so when the sun finds that just right angle to completely light this underwater cave. Yet, you will find, it seems that taking a picture is not all that, so bring good camera gear and perhaps brush up on those skills.

It is interesting that swimming used to be something people were okay with at the Blue Eye, it is now a no-no mainly for the sake of keeping everything very safe and preserved. Even so, it is so easy just to stand there and stare down at this cool body of water, thinking about the forces that made what is beneath. Close by to the Blue Eye you will find there is an area that’s been made for people with walking needs and bathrooms too, it’s great to just pop to if your out for the day.

Recommendations for Visiting Blue Eye

Best Time: Visit around midday for the brightest blue color.
Photography: If you feel like it then, bring quality gear.
Safety First: Follow guidelines.
Comfort: Bring appropriate shoes for walking.

Floating High: Sal’s Salt Lake (Pedra de Lume)

Pedra de Lume, which is a place on the inside of a really old volcano crater, houses what may seem a truly incredible salt lake. So the water is even saltier than that sea we call the Dead Sea, and so it is not at all hard to float here. The crater actually formed a crazy long time ago, then seawater somehow trickled in, but the sun, which is intense here, helped that water evaporate to such a great extent, and leaving behind highly salty water. Some sources indicate that the salinity may fluctuate by depth and also season to season.

Dipping into the lake almost feels like getting placed inside one of those historical cures of yesteryear; the buoyancy seems bizarre but you’ll find its delightful too. As you kind of hover with very little effort, and with views of the weathered volcano sides all around, you just maybe find a crazy relaxing state of mind; basically there is none of the usual straining just to remain afloat.

It’s important to watch out for all that high salt amount; folks with cuts may have a rough go of it, and of course, that water will do no favors when you meet with the eyes. There will be rinse showers so nearby, really though you’re just going to have to take advantage of them later to keep that skin safe and in top form. If that lake experience sounds fun, why not think to yourself if grabbing the salt there may work for you? Loads of people find this local touch adds so to that traveling feeling, plus some sources suggest they could make a very interesting body scrub if you brought it home.

Tips for Visiting Pedra de Lume

Bring: An old swimsuit.
Be Aware: Avoid getting the water in your eyes.
After Your Swim: Utilize the showers.
Souvenir: Salt from the lake!

Getting Close with Lemon Sharks

Encountering lemon sharks off the shores of Sal can really change one’s viewpoint on wildlife encounters. So, near Shark Bay, the shallows basically become a playground for juvenile lemon sharks. It’s almost crazy because that sounds intimidating, there really is absolutely nothing to worry about, that.

Those guides in that area seem knowledgeable about these things, explaining shark behavior which provides insight. The animals are there looking to chill near the shorelines, there is lots of comfort for young sharks within that warm area so this is a regular for locals and guides in what is essentially their natural setting. They might reach like, eight feet long later in life, though most of what you spot by those shoreline edges are maybe no bigger than 3-4 feet.

While that’s basically like interacting, people need to really avoid acting aggressive; there isn’t any requirement to agitate the critters with whatever action. Guests have come to just watch in calm, bringing that respectful space with those creatures and therefore, you might actually feel humbled watching such wild happenings.

Advice for Your Shark Encounter

Follow the Guide: Use only tour people you actually think are okay.
Non-Interference: Keep respect to their space.
Safety Advice: Remain cool headed when taking pictures.

The Harbor Town of Palmeira

Palmeira, which may be on the calmer, more authentic side of Sal, might make you very curious indeed. It is very likely you may experience daily Cape Verde life. If ever you like just roaming, looking in at boats when they offload the morning’s catch, then you might be very happy. So, a little slice away from common tourist craziness happens in that charming, harbor.

Roam about to taste neighborhood cafes. Talk. Cape Verde foods may be available that will make you consider coming here. The local-style food might be available; see if what looks local excites your senses, too it’s almost like finding those foods you cannot in common hotel restaurants.

For seeing other places across the coast, the position puts folks perfect; many little tour operations will make rides. Seeing this coastal section opens opportunities into discovering smaller, less talked places near the coast which could totally open new sides of beauty along the Sal coast side, I think.

Things to Do in Palmeira

Explore the Harbor: Examine day catch spots.
Try Local Food: Roam away towards central cafe spaces, actually.
Coastal Tours: Catch views maybe lost through inland trips, you!