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Santa Maria Tours
Lemon Shark Experience from Sal
4.5

Lemon Shark Experience from Sal

By Destination Services Cape Verde - Sal
Recommended by 92% of travellers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Living in the coastal subtropical waters around Sal, lemon sharks are one of the easiest sharks to spot in their natural habitat. You'll venture out to Shark Bay with a marine biologist to interact and learn about these fascinating creatures on this half-day trip.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More


  • Transport
  • Guide
  • Entry/Admission - Shark Bay


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • Your exact pick up time and place depend on the hotel where you are staying at. we only provide pickups from hotels in the Santa Maria area. After confirming the booking we will contact you to inform you about the exact pick up time and place. If you haven´t heard from us at least 48 hours before the activity start time, please contact us.
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 438524P4

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
        • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
        • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
        • Tour includes walking on rocky ground
        • Bring a towel
        • Bring suitable footwear
        • Our office opening hours are Monday - Friday from 9h - 17.15h, Saturday and Sundays closed.
        • Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
        • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 438524P4

        From
        £21.13
        per adult
        Select date and travellers
        Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

        Similar experiences

        Itinerary
        • 1
          After pick-up from your hotel, you'll drive to Shark Bay over on the east coast of Sal where your lemon shark experience will begin. You'll wade out into the water with a marine biologist, who will guide you step by step and teach you all about this incredible species. Spot their yellow-tinted skin – ideal for camouflage in the sandy shores – and watch them as they go about their business, twisting and turning, and looking for fish just a few feet away. You'll see their fins cutting through the surface of the water and get to know these sharks closer than you could imagine.
        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Destination Services Cape Verde - Sal
          22
          Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde
          Joined in October 2023
        • millybops
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A real treat to see the sites!
          Not what I expected.. When the two of us arrived I thought it would be a different vehicle, different type. The vehicle is perfectly suited to cope with the roads of Sal, both air conditioned and a plentiful supply of bottled water. Very good driver but the highlight of the tour other than the places we went was our TUI guide, a very pleasant gentleman called Clovas. Incredibly knowledgeable about the places we visited but also knowledgeable about the history of all of the islands without being political. We started with a visit to the capital which, although small, was vibrant. Next we went to the blue hole where we had a swim and were able to see the phenomenon due to perfect light conditions. Next a rather bumpy trip across the desert where we stopped to witness The mirage. Next we went for a rather pleasant lunch where the quality of the food was excellent. Next we went to the salt mines in the volcano where we experienced an unusual swim in a very salty waters where the history and conditions were fully explained to us. Finally we visited the botanical gardens where we had a refreshing drink and learned about the flora and fauna of the island. The collection of animals held at this site were kept in very good conditions. My one piece of advice if you are considering booking this trip is to not book a restaurant meal for the evening as it is a full day, and I mean a FULL DAY! We are knackered! The guide wasn't pushy and was very accommodating to all of the guests on the trip. The driver was skilled at his job. Thoroughly recommend. Some walking was needed so all of the advice about suitable footwear, sunblock, a hat etc was absolutely needed.
          Written 4 October 2024
        • Yvonne W
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Exploring Sal
          We had a wonderful time on this trip in spite of the weather! Our driver was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and our guide, Edmillxon, shared his love and knowledge of the island with us. Would recommend this trip to anyone.
          Written 29 September 2024
        • LiverpoolCaz
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Fun day out
          Had a fantastic day our Tui tour guide Ramiro was absolutely fantastic and his knowledge of the island is second to none, great fun as well. Meal was lovely and plenty of stops with drinks included. Salt lake was great
          Written 11 September 2024
        • tinakQ3772HR
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          No stress!! 😊
          We were so excited to leave the hotel and experience the island of Sal and all it has to offer! We were picked up from our hotel, exactly on time, by mini-bus and our group was relatively small (around 20 of us). During the journey, and at every opportunity, our guide gave us so, so much information about the land, social welfare, the weather and how tourism is helping the country. Our first stop was Espargos, a pretty little town, where we were shown street art celebrating the women of the island. We were also able to take in the atmosphere of a lovely, little church. I lit a garden for my dear daddy who passed in January. A special moment for me. We then made our way to the desert and witnessed the mirage there! Our tour guide was very, very creative with taking the funniest of photos!! Next stop was at a local cafe where we enjoyed the famous, local tipple! Very zesty!! ;) Now onto Buracona and the opportunity to see the magic of the coast there and The Blue Eye. Boy, we were lucky with the weather and managed to capture it in all its glory. Pretty special! You are also given the opportunity to wander through a lovely souvenir shop which had lots to offer at reasonable prices too. Next stop was for lunch at a family run restaurant. We were made to feel so welcome and we both thoroughly enjoyed our fish starter, fish main and desserts. The service, food, beer and wine was great. Pedra Lume was the next stop on the tour. You have the opportunity to literally float in the salt lake - very strange experience but one worth doing. There are shower facilities available to use for just a few Euros. Our last stop, before our return to our hotel, was to The Botanical Gardens. It was great to hear about the success of the owner in growing her own exotic plants and trees. As well as learning about her taking on and looking after animals in her little zoo. Refreshments were also made available to us again (which were all included too). A brilliant day out and one that is a must if you want to learn about Sal! Highly recommended.
          Written 28 April 2024
        • isobels948
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Nice Introduction to the Island
          Lovely introduction to the Island of Sal. Went to lots of different places to start to get a feel for the island. Guide knew all about the island and country giving lots of knowledge. A wide range of places seen. Great gluten free lunch.
          Written 20 December 2023
        See all 22 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


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        4.5
        4.5 of 5 bubbles14 reviews
        Excellent
        11
        Very good
        2
        Average
        1
        Poor
        0
        Terrible
        0

        These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
        This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

        Joanne903
        Manchester, UK126 contributions
        3.0 of 5 bubbles
        Be very careful booking this if you’re not too good on your feet. The walk into and out of the sea is tricky and we saw a few people really struggling. One poor chap completely lost his balance and fell in completely clothed. I’m sure he hurt himself too as he fell onto the rocks.
        If you haven’t got any Crocs you can hire them for 3 Euros. We wore our own rubber beach shoes but the soles weren’t thick enough so I could feel every stone under my feet! Ouch!
        It was great to see the sharks though. That part was great but it was over and done with in half an hour to be honest.
        Written 25 March 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear valued Guest, Thank you for your feedback and the time you dedicated to write it. Your comments really matter and help us to improve our services by applying the corrective actions We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team
        Written 21 August 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Marie T
        Vaxholm, Sweden2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Oct 2024 • Family
        Great experience and such a great guide. We got a good and clear information about the sharks' natural behavior. I very much like the regard for the sharks that she taught us to show. Local guides attracted sharks by feeding. We were taught to just stand still and observe. I would so warmly recommend booking this tour.
        Automatically translated
        Written 31 October 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear valued Guest, Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and we are glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team
        Written 3 December 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Dawn P
        Cockermouth, UK185 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Oct 2023 • Couples
        Great tour! Booked through Tui as they have marine biologists as guides.
        Travelled by covered air conditioned coach to beach.
        You can hire some beach shoes there you WILL need them as it is very stoned and slippery ( well it is the beach!).
        The young lemon sharks come in and swimming around your legs, they are a couple of feet in length and are harmless.
        Great tour well worth the money!
        Written 6 November 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear valued Guest, Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team
        Written 29 December 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Tina K
        London, UK276 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        During our recent holiday in Sal, Cape Verde we decided to book this experience and so glad we did. We were picked up from the hotel on time by minibus and during the journey, our guides gave us a real in-sight of the biodiversity of the island and also told about the many conservation projects that are currently running; they are involved in.
        As you approach the coast, there is a lot of plastic waste that is washed up by the sea, but we were quickly told that they have a programme running where volunteers etc make regular collections of this. They did say, however, that they were constantly fighting a losing battle to keep on top of it.
        When you arrive at the bay, there are several stalls which have very good, quality crocs to hire at €3.00 each. We hired them and they were perfect for walking through the rocks and coral.
        As others have said, you walk out in rows to around knee height. The water is calm, with the tiniest of waves, so wearing light-weight shorts is absolutely fine. We got the odd splash but dried off in no time.
        Watching the sharks swimming amongst us, without a care in the world, was absolutely fantastic! This area, is known as the 'nursery' where they naturally stay until they are around 6 years old. Our guides told us lots of fascinating facts too so we felt we left knowing more about these animals.
        If you are lucky - we were - you'll see the adult sharks swimming around in the deeper water! Dorsal fins clearly spotted amongst the waves!!
        After around 30 minutes in the water - enough time to be honest - we returned to our bus where our driver had lined up all our footwear for the return journey. A nice touch!
        Overall, this experience is well-worth doing and if you are like us, it's nice to have a break from the hotel!
        Highly recommended.
        Written 18 April 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear valued guest, Thank you so much for your very positive feedback and the time you have dedicated to write it. We really appreciate the very detailed description. Your comments are very important to us to keep our service level up to the standards. We are happy that you have enjoyed every part of the tour and hope to see you back on one of our activities in your future holiday destination. Kind regards, Customer Service team
        Written 21 August 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Daydream20132772588
        6 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2024 • Couples
        Great experience, Desmond our guide was very passionate & informative, lovely to see the sharks in their natural environment.

        Hiring the crocs is a must.
        Written 15 April 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear valued Guest, Thank you for your positive feedback. We are happy you enjoyed every part of the tour and we met your travelling expectations. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team
        Written 21 August 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Alissa
        4 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        It was an incredible experience to be able to see those baby sharks from so close. Having our guide giving us knowlegde about them was the icing on the cake
        Written 13 March 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear valued Guest, Thank you for your very positive feedback. We appreciate your kind words for our guide and we are happy you enjoyed every part of the tour. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team
        Written 21 August 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        andtheroof68
        High Wycombe, UK17 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Fantastic trip to the lemon sharks with Desmond our guide you was so passionate about his job put must of us to shame the experience it’s self was great never would have believed would have lemon sharks 🦈 swimming through my legs and still have 2 left highly recommend 5*
        Written 10 February 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear valued Guest, Thank you for your positive feedback. We are happy you enjoyed every part of the tour and we met your travelling expectations. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team
        Written 21 August 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        GrandTour723125
        10 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2024 • Couples
        Did this while sandstorm haze was active but still seen baby lemon sharks after short walk into ocean and some big fins / lemon sharks circling further up advise wear crocs or rent from the huts on beach area where lemon sharks location is
        Volcanic ground walking in ocean
        Written 29 January 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear valued Guest, Thank you for your feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and we are glad you were satisfied with our services. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team
        Written 2 February 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Bente S
        4 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nov 2023 • Solo
        Super trip with very competent Marin biolog from Holland. Be prepared to see sharks and become wet from the sea. Difficult to walk out to the sharks.
        Written 14 November 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear valued Guest, Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team
        Written 29 December 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Dagmar
        Weilheim, Germany8 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Our guide was a marine scientist and therefore had a huge knowledge of sharks, but also of turtles and all the marine pollution. It was a very interesting and informative excursion. And the sharks are really harmless:-)
        Automatically translated
        Written 14 November 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear valued Guest, Thank you for your very positive feedback. We appreciate your kind words for our guide and we are happy you enjoyed every part of the trip. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team
        Written 3 December 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        Lemon Shark Experience from Sal provided by Destination Services Cape Verde - Sal

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