Shark Bay, Sal Cape Verde: wading with lemon sharks

Name: The Huefter Group
Address: , Santa Maria, Ilha do Sal, 
Telephone: +238 597 56 78
Price range: $ - $$$

Shark Bay is one of the most special activities on Sal, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde): you wade through clear, shallow water while young lemon sharks swim calmly around your legs. The bay lies on the east coast of the island, a short drive from Santa Maria, and is a highlight of many island tours.

Sun, sea and beach under the palms

Sal is the island for a true sun, sea and beach holiday. You get more than 350 days of sunshine a year, miles of white sandy beaches lined with beach bars, and at Santa Maria you simply walk into the calm, clear sea for a swim. Lying under the palms, a drink on the beach and watching the sun set over the sea: that is a holiday on Sal.

The sea water is around 25 °C on average, and from August to October it is often 28 °C and up to 29 °C. Because it hardly ever rains, the heat is dry: the cooling trade wind keeps it pleasant, never too hot and never cold, and in the evening it cools down a few degrees.

What makes Shark Bay special

In the shallow water between the dark lava rocks, young lemon sharks look for food and shelter. They are shy, swim calmly and keep their distance from people. Standing knee deep in the turquoise water with sharks gliding past you is an experience children and adults never forget.

Tips for your visit

Water shoes: the bottom is rocky, so wear water shoes.
Keep calm: move slowly and the sharks come closer by themselves.
Do not touch or feed: look, enjoy and leave the animals in peace.
Tide and wind: the water is clearest on calm days; ask locally what the best moment is.
Sun: bring a hat, sunscreen and water, there is little shade.

How to get there

You reach Shark Bay by rental car, quad, taxi or as part of an island tour, often combined with the salt lake of Pedra de Lume and the natural pools of Buracona. See excursions on Sal for more ideas.

More things to do on Sal

After Shark Bay, cool off on the kilometre long beach of Santa Maria, with beach bars everywhere and calm, warm water for swimming. Questions or tips for your trip? Send us a message via WhatsApp: +238 597 56 78.

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Written by Tom Wegter of The Huefter Group, Santa Maria, Sal (Cape Verde) · last updated: 6 November 2026