Excursion with Luna-Tours on Sal

Travel report: Is an excursion with Luna-Tours on Sal worthwhile?

We went on an island tour with Kevin from Luna-Tours during our stay at the Robinson Club Cabo Verde on Sal. Here are our impressions of the highlight tour! 

First impression of Luna-Tours

At the airport, we got a brochure of Luna-Tours. After several positive comments from other guests at the Robinson Club, we decided to go on the four-hour highlight tour. We contacted Kevin from Luna-Tours via WhatsApp, and a few days later, we were ready to go.

Kevin and his driver picked us up in an air-conditioned minibus at 9:00 in the morning. In terms of temperature and dust, this was the better choice than the back of a pick-up, as with many other providers. 

The following sights were on the itinerary:

• The fishing village of Palmeira
• The blue eye of Buracona
• The mirage of Terra Boa
• Shark Bay with the lemon sharks
• Swimming in the Salinas

Kevin was often on the island as a child with his father, has since married there, and has lived on Sal for many years. Right at the beginning, he told us about the Cape Verdean motto, “No Stress”. He didn’t care about the minute if we weren’t in a hurry. No sooner said than done, we were back at the hotel after well over four hours without any stress.

Palmeira: Why are the houses so colorful?

In Palmeira, we walked through the small town, and Kevin told us about the history. The colorful houses result from the fact that there were no house numbers in the past, and the address was the red, green, or blue house in the street. We could watch the fishermen at the harbor and buy some local specialties in a small shop. 

Buracona: What is the Blue Eye?

After a drive through rugged terrain, you reach the Buracona, a series of natural seawater pools carved into the jagged rocks. Together with the natural pools of Fajã de Água on the island of Brava, they are the most famous in the archipelago.

In addition, this place hides a secret that only becomes visible at a particular time of day. At first glance, it is just a hole with water, but when the sun reaches a certain angle – usually around 11 o’clock – it creates a light effect that makes the seawater appear like a blue eye in the most fantastic colors. Don’t miss it! 

Terra Boa: Water in the Desert?

From a certain point on the plains of Terra Boa, you can see the air shimmering in the distance, and it looks like a lake is there. It’s a classic mirage. But at least on the day we were there, the effect wasn’t awe-inspiring. I didn’t manage to take a decent picture of it. 

Shark Bay: Is it dangerous to swim with sharks?

No, certainly not. In the shallow water, only the juveniles and the big ones in the deeper water are not supposed to be aggressive. However, it is strange to be up to your knees in the water and see the dorsal fins dragging through the water in front of the bay.

If you rent shoes in the bay, look at them well. Bend them a few times and check for cracks. Unfortunately, I didn’t do this. Once in the water, I noticed one shoe was torn at the bottom. I promptly got a small cut from a sharp-edged rock. It’s not too bad, but it’s unnecessary. 

The Salinas: just let yourself drift!

From Hai Bay we went on to the Salinas. The highlight of the day for me! The old industrial infrastructure makes great backgrounds for photos, and “swimming” in the saltwater was pure relaxation. Just go in up to your knees and sit down. You don’t sink, you float – great fun.