Silversea Luxury Cruises À Sal

Travel by van to discover Pedra de Lume, a village on the Northeastern part of the island of Sal, Cape Verde to see the saltpans called 'Salinas'. Pedra de Lume, a small port with a lighthouse. The chapel was completed in 1853 and the lighthouse was completed in 1855.

The island was discovered on December 3, 1460 and named Liana (flat). This name was changed to the current name "Sal" when the two large salt ponds (Pedra de Lume and Santa Maria) were discovered. The first three centuries after its discovery, the island was only sparsely inhabited. In 1720 there was a small fishing village but this changed when the salt industry was developed at the end of the 18^th century. During this time the salt industry thrived with 30,000 tons of salt being exported in the early years. Most of the salt was exported to Brazil until its nationalization in 1887, Portuguese and French salt investors resumed salt production until 1984.

Take a walk from the vehicles to Salinas and learn from the local guides about the salt evaporation ponds. According to geologists, the waters in the lake rise from deep in the earth, rather than from lateral infiltration from the ocean. The Salinas is situated in the crater of an extinct volcano. Together with the mountain Cagarral, the Salinas and the crater form a protected landscape, covering approx. 3 square miles.

There will be the opportunity for those who wish to take a dip in the Salt Lake (with reputedly therapeutic salt water) or for those who do not wish to swim there is a little cafe with a great view of the salt lakes. After visiting "Salinas" walk back to the tour vehicles and drive back to the tender pier.

Salt Pans

Discover Sal island on this tour that starts with a transfer to Pedra de Lume to see the saltpans called 'Salinas'. Pedra de Lume, is a village in the Northeastern part of the island of Sal, Cape Verde Pedra de Lume a small port which also has a lighthouse. Take a walk from the vehicles to see the 'Salinas' saltpans and learn from the local guides about the salt evaporation ponds. According to geologists, the waters in the lake rise from deep in the earth, rather than from lateral infiltration from the ocean. The Salinas is situated in the crater of an extinct volcano.

Botanic Garden

Travel to and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Botanic Garden allowing you the opportunity to discover a vast range of plants and over 100 species of ornamental plants available on the Cape Verde Archipelago. Palm trees, Cactus, Tropical flowers and Trees. Every type of ornamental plant that can be found on the archipelago can be found here.

Project Biodiversity Turtle Conservation Hatchery

The tour continues to the Project Biodiversity Turtle Conservation Hatchery association on the beach near a hotel to learn about the excavation of Loggerhead sea turtle's nests and about the conservation of the species. There may also be the opportunity to see baby Loggerhead turtles and you will learn about the focus on youth and community education and finding ways to find alternative sources of income for the community. Turtles traditionally were killed by the natives before tourism as a food source and their shells as a souvenir to sell to make money but now that has been halted as project biodiversity has educated the natives that tourism works in a different way. Hatchlings have the best chance of survival thanks to the various charities that operate in Sal during the season.

Santa Maria

The final stop is to the town of Santa Maria and here you will have time to explore on own. Relax at this quaint seaside town with its colorful houses and beautiful white sandy beach. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets where you'll find everything from trendy surf shops to cozy cafes or enjoy a walk on Santa Maria beach. Transfer back to the tender pier.

From the pier, transfer by vehicle for independent exploration of the seaside town of Santa Maria, a charismatic resort town, with colorful houses and a large white sandy beach. The city has developed and has large luxurious hotel complexes and kilometres of beaches that are up to 200m wide.

Take a stroll through the cobbled streets where you'll find everything from trendy surf shops to cozy al fresco cafés and live-music bars. The old harbor's Weigh House on the old harbor quay which is where salt was weighed in earlier times and now recalls Sal's salt-trading history. It is the site of souvenir shops. You may wish to simply sink into a spot on the 8 km duvet-soft sand beach that seemingly dissolves into the translucent waters. The area's clear waters are home to rays and sea turtles. Kitesurfing is very popular on the nearby exposed Kite Beach. Meet at the transfer point in Santa Maria for the 30 minute return transfer back to the pier.