So, you’ve just landed on Sal Island and before we get into my Sal Island survival tips, let’s acknowledge the obvious: sunshine, turquoise water, and… salt. Lots of salt. You’re probably thinking “Ahh paradise!” and yes, it totally is. But give it a few hours and suddenly your lips feel like the Sahara, your hair looks like a confused palm tree, and your phone? It’s glowing in a mysterious salty shimmer.
No worries, I’ve got you. After years of living here and learning things the hard (and crispy) way, here are my top 10 salty survival tips, straight from someone who’s been sunburned, over-salted, and wind-attacked more times than I’d like to admit
1. Embrace the Frizz
Forget sleek hair. Just forget it. The moment you step off the plane, the wind and salt team up like best friends from other planet. So tie it, braid it, or rock that beach-wave look like you planned it all along.
2. Hydrate Like a Camel, Salt + sun = dehydration deluxe.
Drink water all day. Seriously, even when you’re not thirsty. Coconut water counts too (and it looks cuter in photos).
3. Your Skin Needs Love, Not Lotion
Regular body lotion won’t cut it here. Use something thick and repairing, think shea butter or aloe vera. After swimming, rinse off immediately (yes, even if you’re lazy). Saltwater doesn’t care about your skincare routine.
4. Salt in Your Eyes = Instant Regret
It stings. Bad. When that happens, don’t rub, rinse with fresh water and pretend you’re fine. Everyone who has had a bit of salty water at the salt Lake of Pedra de Lume has cried salty tears at least once.
5. Flip-Flops Are Great Until They’re Not
Hot sand, slippery salt, and flip-flops are a chaotic trio. If you’re walking around Pedra de Lume or Shark Bay, go for something with grip. You’ll thank me later.
6. Don’t Take Your Phone to in to the Salt Lake
Trust me on this. You’ll be so tempted to take a floating selfie in the salt crater, but one drop of that salty soup and your phone will die a heroic but tragic death.
7. Salt = Free Exfoliation
After a day at the beach, your skin will feel extra smooth, that’s the salt working its magic. Just make sure to moisturize after, unless you enjoy looking like a dried mango.
8. Sunglasses Are Not Optional
Not just for the sun, they’re for the wind, the sand, and the dramatic “I live on a tropical island” look.
9. Respect the Wind (Seriously)
Ah, the famous Sal breeze, sounds cute, right? Until it slaps your face mid-ice cream or blows your beach hat straight into the ocean. Hold on and keep your lip gloss away from flying sand.
10. Don’t Fight the Salt Life – Join It
At some point, you’ll just accept it: salty hair, sandy toes, and slightly sticky everything. That’s the real island vibe. Once you stop fighting it, you start enjoying it. Promise.
Final Thoughts
Alright, let’s be honest for a second, yes, this whole guide is dipped in sarcasm, sprinkled with sea salt, and served with a wink. But between the jokes, there are a few real survival tips hidden in there. Because Sal Island really is salty (the name didn’t come from nowhere), and yes, you will look like a walking salt lamp at least once during your stay.
But here’s the thing: beyond the salt, beyond the wind, beyond the sand that follows you… Sal is an island with a huge heart. It’s a place with history, culture, stories, warmth, and people who welcome you as if you’ve always belonged here.
So let the Sal Island vibe get under your skin, in the best way. Surrender to it, embrace it, laugh with it. That’s how your holiday becomes unforgettable. And who knows… maybe you’ll fall in love with this place so much that one day you’ll do exactly what I did: pack your bags and call this salty little paradise home.
If you follow these simple Sal Island survival tips, you’ll enjoy every salty, sun-kissed moment of your trip.
Laugh about it, take a dip, and remember: even when you’re covered in sand and salt, you’re still glowing (or maybe that’s just the salt crystals).
Now grab a Caipirinha and go enjoy your island life! 🌴
