Turtle watching and family treasure hunt

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.

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.

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 visit

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 guided horse riding tour

The compact beaches and dramatic salt pans of Sal are ideal for horseback riding. Take in the beautiful scenery from the back of your well-kept and tame mount on a mellow horse riding excursion. A variety of different tours of differing lengths are available for beginners and advanced riders alike.Head to one of Sal's premier riding schools, where you'll be paired up with your trusty steed, given your helmet and taken to either the expanses of the salt pans or a wide sweeping beach. Let the fresh air fill your nostrils as you settle into the soothing rhythm of well-trained horse – taking in the unspoilt scenery as you amble along.This horse riding tour on Sal is great for families and groups of all levels of experience. Choose from three options ranging from a shorter beginners ride to a longer advanced ride.

Cape Verde Snorkelling Tour from Sal

The wonders of the seas in Sal live just under the surface. And this snorkelling tour is the best way to discover them. Speed away from the coast of Cape Verde to a top dive spot and make a splash in the South Atlantic. And with the help of a PADI-certified guide, you're in with a chance of spotting colourful banks of coral, deep lagoons and an array of exotic fish.

Cuba Libre Sailboat Cruise

Sailing the Cuba Libre is a sweet sensation. This single-mast yacht sails out of Santa Maria in southern Sal and specialises in all the ‘ings' – sailing, relaxing, sunbathing, snorkelling, swimming and even fishing. This is what being on holidays is all about – pure, unadulterated fun. Snacks and drinks are included.

Sal Quad Bike Tour

Mother Nature might as well have designed the beaches and dunes of Sal for quad biking – because they're ideal for this adrenaline-pumping activity. We'll take you to the world-famous Kite Beach in the southeast of the island for an experience that'll get your races pulsing. You can choose either a two or four-hour quad ride.

Kite Beach horse riding trail in Cape Verde

There's nothing quite like a morning horse ride to invigorate and get you ready for another perfect day in Sal. Head to the stables where you'll be paired with your horse for an hour-long ride to the world-famous Kite beach. Canter along the sand and take in the panoramas from your new, higher vantage point. This is an easygoing, slow paced ride, ideal for families and beginners.

Seadoo Seascooter Experience in Sal

It's the sort of thing you'd see in James Bond movies – and now you can try your hand at it yourself here in Sal. The Seadoo Seascooter is a lighweight underwater propeller that allows you to explore coral and shoals of fish without expanding any energy.