The 6 Best Snorkelling in Sal

1.Guided Snorkeling and Reef Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 809 reviews · 2 hours · from $44Our pick

You’ll leave Santa Maria by low-sided Zodiac, fit a wetsuit and mask, then snorkel reefs near Farol, Bolama wreck or the bay, depending on sea conditions. Guides such as Adi, Ade and Addy have helped nervous beginners, while the crew keeps watch for turtles, rays, moray eels, reef fish and the shallow wreck.

“What a fantastic experience. I swam above two separate turtles and is the highlight of my trip now. Truly wonderful and unforgettable experience. We also visited a shipwreck. The water is choppy and I loved it being out on the open waters. Would definitely recommend as long as you don't mind a few waves.”

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2.Snorkeling Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 213 reviews · 2 hours · from $44

Join Nando, a local guide born and raised in Santa Maria, for two hours of boat-based snorkeling near the Caldeirinha shipwreck and underwater Christ statue. Equipment, skipper, guide, safety briefing, and hotel transfer are offered. Turtles are the headline sight, with fish, coral, and optional photos or videos.

“A really nice and friendly team who genuinely cared for all participants. The water was a bit wavy, but the team looked after us very well throughout. The views were absolutely stunning, and seeing the shipwreck, the large variety of fish species, and the turtles truly made our day. Thank you to the whole team for such a fantastic experience!”

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3.Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 43 reviews · from $44

From Santa Maria, take a short boat ride to a shallow reef near shore. Your instructor provides equipment, a safety briefing, and guidance during about 45 minutes in the water. Look for soldier fish, snappers, parrot fish, trumpet fish, rays, turtles, moray eels, and the Calderinhia wreck’s old boiler.

“It was a great experience, the instructors were very nice and helpful. We saw lots of animals and a we saw a turtle which was really nice :)”

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4.Ilha Do Sal: Snorkeling with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 34 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Spend 90 minutes snorkeling Santa Maria Bay with a local guide from Taruga Sal Tours. You’ll receive equipment, safety instructions, and help with basic technique before reaching reef areas and a shallow shipwreck. Look for rays, turtles, moray eels, soldierfish, snappers, parrotfish, and trumpetfish.

“Foi tudo muito bom. A simpatia do Alexandre foi contagiante. Senti-me sempre muito à vontade com a experiência que ele demonstrou. Como ponto menos positivo o facto dos óculos de mergulho não vedarem bem”

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5.Snorkeling Experience in Santa Maria Bay by boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · from $34Best value

At 2 pm, Atlantic Star takes you by Zodiac to selected snorkeling spots in Santa Maria Bay. A professional guide explains how to use your mask, snorkel, and fins before you enter the water. The approximately 40-minute outing is limited to eight people and may include tropical fish and sea turtles. Hotel pickup is available.

“Great trip pick you up and drop you back to the hotel. Need to be a strong swimmer. But the instructors very helpful and knowledgeable and always there to help.”

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6.Snorkelling trip with certificate local guide

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 31 reviews · 6 hours · from $50

From Santa Maria, Nando and his local team take you by boat to a shipwreck near Ponta Sino and an underwater Christ statue. You snorkel for about two hours with a wetsuit, mask, fins, and life jacket, while the guide helps beginners and records photos and videos. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“The guides were amazing such good vibes even helping with the less confident swimmers which was nice to see I highly recommend this they made me feel so safe and also did not leave until I saw a turtle ! Thank you so much”

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