Roughly in the middle of the island on the east coast you will find a shallow rocky shoreline known as Shark Bay . This bay is considered by many to be the best place to see on Sal, and they are certainly not far from the truth.

Enter the water, stand still and wait for the dozens of baby lemon sharks to begin swarming around you.

The largest lemon shark is 3.5 metres long and weighs 180 kilograms. Don't worry. You'll see no more than half-metre chunks here, and they won't hurt you, even the adults.

Every two years, the female gives birth to young in the number of 4 to 17 small sharks, which must fend for themselves. This is why they stay in shallow waters, where they stay until they are about 12 to 15 years old before they leave the shore completely and head out into the ocean.

As they come here

Take a rental car from Santa Maria along the main road to Pedra de Lume. You'll see a turnoff on the road and then follow the sandy unpaved road along the coast until you see a huge shipwreck.

Rent a car online with Booking.com

What to bring? Definitely a swimsuit and water shoes. If you don't have water shoes, you can rent them from local entrepreneurs for 3 eur. They will also reach out to you with a guide and guaranteed shark sightings. Refuse, there's no reason not to. They may then ask you for an "entrance fee" which you just ignore. There is no entrance fee.

The sharks swim in the ocean about 50 to 100 yards off shore where you'll be in knee-deep water.

There are even funny toilets for 1 eur.

Another option is of course an optional excursion. If you go here individually, go as early as possible to avoid the crowds of tourists who then line up in one spot.