Things To Do – Float In The Salt Water Crater On Sal

Experience Sal’s otherworldly salt lake inside an extinct volcano—float effortlessly, snap surreal photos, and leave with ultra-soft skin.

Why Go

Hidden inside an ancient volcanic caldera on Sal’s east coast, Salinas de Pedra de Lume is a shallow, hyper-saline lake where you’ll bob on the surface like a cork. The stark, lunar landscape—rusted winches, mirror-flat pans, and ochre crater walls—makes it one of the island’s most photogenic spots. Entrance is typically €6 per person (cash).

What to Expect

• Effortless floating: The salinity rivals the Dead Sea—great for that classic “reading-a-book while floating” shot.
• Historic salt works: Old wooden pylons and machinery recall Sal’s salt-export era.
• Skin feel: The water leaves a silky finish; rinse off afterward.
• A bar/cafetaria: For refreshments and toilets
• Best light: Late morning to mid-afternoon for bright colors; golden hour for mood and fewer crowds.

Practical Tips

• Bring: Water shoes (patchy salt crust), towel, drinking water, sunscreen, small bills (cash).
• After-float rinse: There are basic rinse facilities; check on arrival.
• Combine stops: Add Shark Bay (Baía da Parda) and Pedra de Lume village the same morning.

Getting There from Santa Maria (Main Street)

Distance & time

• Road distance: ~24–26 km
• Typical driving time by taxi: ~25–30 minutes (light traffic).
• Taxi price estimate (one-way)

• Benchmarks on Sal put an 18 km airport↔Santa Maria taxi at $30–$40. Scaling to ~24–26 km for Pedra de Lume gives ~€35–€50 one-way depending on negotiation, time of day, and whether the driver waits. Round-trip with 60–90 min wait commonly lands €60–€80. Always agree on price before you go.

Budget option

• Aluguer/collectivo (shared minibus) Santa Maria→Espargos, then a short taxi Espargos→Pedra de Lume. Useful if you’re flexible on timing.