Murdeira: The Best Snorkeling Spot on Sal Island in Cape Verde


 

Sal Island is an attractive tourist destination due to its beaches and dry tropical climate, making it a good choice year-round.

The Santa Maria area is the island's most well-known tourist spot, with its clear blue water and vast expanse of sand. Several resorts have sprung up around it, as well as smaller hotels, restaurants, and services, offering a range of options from the most expensive to very affordable.

In terms of snorkeling in Santa Maria, although there is a reef and even a sunken ship at the far right end of the beach, which is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving tours, this spot is not, in my opinion, the best on the island.

The best snorkeling I did on the island was in the Murdeira region, located between Espargos, where the airport is, and Santa Maria, in the south of the island.


Murdeira

Murdeira is a residential resort with a swimming pool and a small hotel within it, which has a very acceptable café and restaurant. It's a very calm area for those who want to relax.

This area is sheltered by Murdeira Bay and even has a smaller bay right in front with a beach. It's an area with many rocks, which contributes to the presence of many fish that naturally take refuge in these areas.



On my last trip in September 2025, being turtle season, I actually saw many while snorkeling.




This area has the advantage of having very attractive prices in terms of accommodation, whether at the hotel or in the local accommodations at the residential resort.

Here's a video from my last trip, where you can see the excellent snorkeling in Murdeira:








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