Santa Maria in 1 Day for Friends - Buracona (Blue Eye) natural pool
In Collaboration with sodadetour. Updated on February 22, 2026.
A professionally guided, multi-stop off-road day tour around Sal's south and central highlights: salt pans and pier at Santa Maria, Murdeira Bay swim, the fishing village of Palmeira, Buracona (the Blue Eye), Terra Boa mirage, Espargos (lunch and viewpoint), Parda Bay lemon sharks and the Pedra de Lume salt pans with an optional float. Operates with hotel pickup in Santa Maria. Total duration ~7h.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with sodadetour, inspired by the tour From Sal Island Blu eye Salt lake Lemon Sharks and Palmeira. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Buracona (Blue Eye) natural pool
- Pedra de Lume salt pans and floating opportunity
- Lemon shark habitat at Parda Bay
- Palmeira fishing village
- Mirage landscapes at Terra Boa
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day, multi-stop island circuit with hotel pickup in Santa Maria. Start 09:00 — end 16:00 (approx.).
Hotel pickup / Meet on Rua Amílcar Cabral
Pickup from hotels or meeting point along Rua Amílcar Cabral in Santa Maria to begin the guided minibus tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in your hotel reception 5–10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time to keep the group on schedule.
- Have a copy of your booking confirmation and the hotel name visible to the driver when boarding.
- Bring a small daypack with sun protection, water, and any medications—vehicles have limited luggage space.
Drive along Santa Maria pier and salt pans (view)
Short coastal drive to view the Santa Maria pontoon and nearby salt pans while heading south along the coast.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep cameras ready for coastal photos; the pontoon is best photographed from the roadside viewpoints.
- This stop is brief; secure phones and loose items before stepping out due to coastal winds.
- There are no formal facilities at the viewpoint—use hotel facilities before departure.
Murdeira Bay — swim and short beach time
Arrive at Murdeira Bay for a short swim and time to enjoy the water (bring swimwear and towel).
Tips from local experts:
- Wear reef/sport shoes for rocky entry points—many beaches in Murdeira have uneven seabeds.
- Bring quick-dry towel and sunscreen; shade is limited at this stop.
- Store valuables in the minibus; do not leave items unattended on the beach.
Transfer to Palmeira fishing village
Drive along coastal roads to Palmeira, the island's main port and traditional fishing village.
Tips from local experts:
- Palmeira has uneven streets—choose comfortable shoes for walking short distances.
- If you plan to buy small souvenirs, carry small change (coins) as many stalls are cash-only.
- Respect local fishing activity and avoid disturbing working areas or fishing boats.
Palmeira village visit
Short guided walk among colorful houses and the port area to observe day-to-day fishing life.
Tips from local experts:
- Photography of fishermen at work is common; ask permission before close-up portraits.
- There may be simple local kiosks selling drinks—carry small local currency.
- Be mindful of uneven pavements and steps near the harbor when walking.
Transfer to Buracona (Blue Eye)
Scenic drive from Palmeira toward Buracona natural pools and the Blue Eye phenomenon.
Tips from local experts:
- Journeys between villages are on minor roads—sit centrally in the minibus for the smoothest ride.
- Carry bottled water; the vehicle stops are limited and temperatures can be high.
- Keep motion-sickness remedies handy if you are prone to travel sickness on winding roads.
Buracona — Blue Eye natural pool
Visit Buracona to see the Blue Eye and natural pools; short walks on rocky ledges for viewpoints.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy shoes—rocky paths to lookouts are uneven and can be slippery when wet.
- There are no guaranteed lifeguards at the pools; swimming should be cautious and only where directed.
- Sun protection and a hat are recommended—shade is minimal around the pools.
Terra Boa desert stop — mirage viewpoint & bottled drink
Short stop at Terra Boa desert area to observe desert-like landscapes and the mirage effect; opportunity to buy bottled drinks.
Tips from local experts:
- Temperature can rise quickly—drink water and avoid direct sun during the stop.
- Bring sunglasses to reduce glare from sand and bright light on the horizon.
- Expect basic roadside stalls; bring small cash if you want a cold drink.
Transfer to Espargos (administrative capital)
Drive to Espargos for the lunch break and short free time to explore the town on your own.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this transfer time to confirm meeting point and return time with your guide before dispersing for lunch.
- Local restaurants may accept cards but smaller establishments prefer cash—carry some escudos.
- Public toilet availability varies; use restaurant facilities during your lunch stop.
Lunch & free time in Espargos (own expense)
One hour free time to have lunch independently in Espargos. The guide will reconvene the group as scheduled.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to return to the stated meeting point in Espargos promptly to keep the group schedule.
- If you have dietary restrictions, choose restaurants that can accommodate; communicate needs clearly when ordering.
- Keep a photocopy/photo of your passport or ID handy if needed for payment or reservations.
Drive to Monte Leão viewpoint
Short drive and easy climb to the Monte Leão viewpoint for panoramic island views.
Tips from local experts:
- The viewpoint may involve a short uphill walk—wear comfortable shoes and take it at a relaxed pace.
- Wind can be strong at higher viewpoints—secure hats and loose items.
- Limited shaded seating—carry water if you need a rest at the top.
Monte Leão viewpoint visit
Time to enjoy views of Sal and take photos from the well-known lion-shaped mountain viewpoint.
Tips from local experts:
- Best photos face west for island panoramas—arrive promptly for unobstructed views.
- Avoid venturing beyond marked edges; cliffs and loose rock can be hazardous.
- If you need seating, ask the guide—formal benches may not be available.
Drive to Parda Bay (lemon shark habitat)
Short transfer toward Parda Bay area, known as a natural habitat for lemon sharks; observation from shore/boat as appropriate.
Tips from local experts:
- Shark sightings are natural wildlife encounters—bring binoculars or a zoom lens for distant viewing.
- Follow guide instructions closely at wildlife areas; do not attempt to approach animals.
- Water access here may be limited; do not enter the water unless explicitly instructed by the guide.
Parda Bay — lemon shark watching (shore viewing)
Short stop to observe the natural habitat where lemon sharks are frequently seen from shore or shallow water under guide direction.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear neutral-colored clothing; bright colors can attract attention and disrupt wildlife viewing.
- Do not feed or attempt to touch wildlife; maintain the distance the guide sets for safety.
- If prone to sun exposure, reapply sunscreen—this stop can be exposed and windy.
Transfer to Pedra de Lume salt pans
Drive to the volcanic crater salt flats at Pedra de Lume for views from the crater rim and a chance to float in salty water.
Tips from local experts:
- The crater rim offers photo opportunities—keep to marked paths for your safety.
- If you plan to float, bring a small plastic bag for wet swimwear after the stop.
- There are limited facilities—use restrooms in Espargos before departure if possible.
Pedra de Lume salt pans & optional float
Visit the salt pans from the crater rim; guests may enter the saline pools to float (optional and at own risk). Guide will indicate safe access points.
Tips from local experts:
- Do not shave or have open wounds before floating—the high salinity can irritate the skin.
- Avoid splashing water in your eyes; bring freshwater to rinse off after floating if needed.
- Bring a towel and plastic bag for wet items; facilities at the site are basic.
Return drive to Santa Maria and drop-off
Drive back to Santa Maria with final drop-offs at hotels or the original meeting point, ending the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact hotel drop-off with the guide before leaving the group to avoid missed transfers.
- Collect all personal belongings from the minibus before disembarking.
- If you enjoyed the tour, provide feedback directly to the guide—this helps maintain punctuality for future groups.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 8 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 9 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Neighborhood, Attraction, Meal |
