Buracona Blue Eye Sal Cape Verde
Witness the mesmerizing 'Blue Eye' phenomenon in a natural cave, surrounded by dramatic volcanic coastlines and powerful ocean waves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunlight creates the magical blue glow
Buracona Blue Eye Sal Cape Verde
Best Time
Sunlight creates the magical blue glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the mesmerizing 'Blue Eye' phenomenon in a natural cave, surrounded by dramatic volcanic coastlines and powerful ocean waves.
"The way the sunlight hits the water at just the right angle and creates that bright, glowing blue ‘eye’ is unreal, properly magical to see in person."
🎯 Best Light for the 'Eye'
Aim for 10 AM - 2 PM for the sun to hit the cave just right for that iconic blue glow.
💰 Entry Fee
Expect a small entry fee, around €3 per person, which often includes guidance for viewing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Blue Eye Cave
Buracona
A natural pool within a cave, illuminated by sunlight to create a mesmerizing blue glow.
Rugged Coastline Views
Buracona
Dramatic black lava rock formations meet the powerful Atlantic waves.
Natural Swimming Pool
Buracona
A protected natural pool offering a refreshing dip with stunning ocean views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Blue Eye
Manage Expectations for the 'Eye'
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Light for the 'Eye'
Aim for 10 AM - 2 PM for the sun to hit the cave just right for that iconic blue glow.
💰 Entry Fee
Expect a small entry fee, around €3 per person, which often includes guidance for viewing.
🌊 Be Prepared for Waves
The sea can be choppy; swimming might not always be possible. Enjoy the dramatic coastal views instead.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Local guides are often happy to help capture the perfect shot of the Blue Eye.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Light for the 'Eye'
Aim for 10 AM - 2 PM for the sun to hit the cave just right for that iconic blue glow.
💰 Entry Fee
Expect a small entry fee, around €3 per person, which often includes guidance for viewing.
🌊 Be Prepared for Waves
The sea can be choppy; swimming might not always be possible. Enjoy the dramatic coastal views instead.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Local guides are often happy to help capture the perfect shot of the Blue Eye.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
There's a gift shop on-site, though some wished for more specific Blue Eye magnets.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Eye
Don't miss the dramatic rock formations and crashing waves surrounding the cave.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Buracona's Blue Eye is a unique natural wonder, praised for its magical blue glow and dramatic coastal scenery. Visitors appreciate the stunning contrast of lava rocks against the ocean and the opportunity for photos. However, some find the 'eye' itself a fleeting experience and suggest managing expectations, noting it can feel like a tourist trap if not viewed at the right time.
"Visited the Blue Eye Caves near Buracona. This was the third stop on our tour with Sal Smile Tours (Mauricio), and it was honestly stunning. Entry cost €3pp. There is a restaurant, a gift shop, a garden (parched from the sun), viewing gazebo, and various platforms for viewing the crashing waves.
The sea was very choppy so we weren't able to swim.
We arrived at a good time because our party had the queue and various viewpoints to ourselves.
Someone sat at the edge, guiding us on how to sit and how to view the eye. He also took pictures of the eye for us.
The way the sunlight hits the water at just the right angle and creates that bright, glowing blue ‘eye’ is unreal, properly magical to see in person. The surrounding area is pretty rugged and dramatic, too, with loads of cool rock formations and crashing waves. It’s not a huge place, so you don’t need a long time there, but it’s definitely worth the stop if you’re exploring the island.
Would recommend going late in the morning when the light hits just right."
Global With DS (부인)
"For travelers on a tight schedule, I'd suggest reconsidering a trip here. The main attraction is a fleeting natural phenomenon that requires queuing for a quick peek, and I personally found it a bit of an anticlimax.
With so much else to see and do on the island, this might be one to skip unless you have plenty of time to spare..."
Guillmour Oliveira
"View was nice, the eye was just a hole with plastic botle in it. I feel like it was a tourist trap."
Dana Hosova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Buracona Blue Eye is by joining an island tour from Santa Maria. Many tours include this as a stop. You can also rent a car or hire a taxi, but tours are often more convenient for seeing multiple sights.
Public transport on Sal is limited. While you might be able to get close via local buses to nearby towns, it's generally recommended to use organized tours, taxis, or rental vehicles for direct access to Buracona.
Many visitors opt for guided tours that cover multiple attractions like Buracona, Pedra Lume Salt Flats, and Shark Bay. Renting a car or quad bike offers more flexibility if you prefer to explore independently.
The travel time to Buracona from Santa Maria can vary depending on your mode of transport and traffic, but it typically takes around 30-45 minutes by car or tour bus.
Roads on Sal can be unpaved and sandy in some areas. If driving yourself, ensure you have a suitable vehicle and are comfortable navigating potentially rough terrain. Following signs for Buracona is usually straightforward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Buracona Blue Eye is typically around €3 per person. This fee often includes access to the viewing platforms and sometimes a brief explanation or guidance on how to best view the 'eye'.
Tickets can usually be purchased on-site upon arrival. If you are part of an organized tour, the entry fee is often included in the tour package. Booking in advance is generally not necessary unless you have specific tour arrangements.
Buracona Blue Eye is generally accessible during daylight hours. While specific times can vary, it's typically open from morning until late afternoon, aligning with when the sun is best positioned to illuminate the cave.
The primary fee is for viewing the Blue Eye phenomenon. If there are designated areas for swimming in the natural pools, there might be an additional small charge or it could be included. However, swimming is often dependent on sea conditions.
Discounts are not commonly advertised for individual entry. However, if you are part of a larger group or a pre-booked tour, the overall cost might be more economical. Inquire with tour operators for package deals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'Blue Eye' phenomenon is most visible when the sun is directly overhead, typically between 10 AM and 2 PM. This is when the sunlight penetrates the underwater cave and creates the vibrant blue glow.
Swimming directly in the Blue Eye cave is usually not permitted due to its delicate nature and safety concerns. However, there is a natural swimming pool nearby that visitors can use, weather and sea conditions permitting.
Buracona offers dramatic coastal scenery with unique lava rock formations and powerful waves. There's also a natural swimming pool and often a restaurant and gift shop on site.
Yes, children can enjoy the dramatic scenery and the natural swimming pool. However, supervision is crucial due to the rocky terrain and the powerful ocean waves. The 'Blue Eye' itself is a quick viewing experience.
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Bring swimwear if you plan to use the natural pool, and a hat and sunscreen as it can be very sunny.
📸 📸 Photography
The main photo opportunities are the Blue Eye cave itself when the light is right, the dramatic coastline with crashing waves, and the natural swimming pool. Many visitors also capture shots of the unique rock formations. 
Capturing the true magic of the Blue Eye can be challenging due to the changing light conditions and the need for specific angles. Visiting during peak sunlight hours (10 AM-2 PM) is key.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone, as there may be restrictions in protected natural areas or near tourist facilities.
Often, local guides or staff at the site are willing to help take photos for visitors, especially of the Blue Eye phenomenon. They know the best angles and timing.
For the Blue Eye, try to capture the vibrant blue. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce glare. For the coastline, a wider lens can capture the dramatic scale.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep a close eye on children due to the rocky terrain and powerful waves. The viewing areas are generally safe, but the dramatic drops to the ocean require vigilance. The short viewing time for the Blue Eye itself means it's a good stop that won't bore younger travelers, and the on-site facilities can offer a break.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own snacks and water to save on costs at the on-site facilities. The main attraction is the natural beauty, which is free to appreciate once the entry fee is paid. Focus on enjoying the dramatic coastal views and the unique Blue Eye phenomenon without feeling pressured to spend more.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Visiting during midday (10 AM-2 PM) is crucial for capturing the Blue Eye's glow, so be prepared with your camera settings for bright, direct sunlight. Experiment with different angles to capture the power of the waves crashing against the rocks. The natural swimming pool also offers beautiful shots, especially with the surrounding volcanic landscape. Don't forget to capture the unique textures of the lava formations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Blue Eye Phenomenon
+1To witness this best, timing is crucial. Aim for the midday hours, typically between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sun is at its highest point. Local guides often assist visitors in finding the perfect vantage point and capturing the moment. While the 'eye' itself is a quick visual treat, the surrounding rugged landscape and the powerful Atlantic waves add to the dramatic allure of Buracona.
Exploring Buracona's Dramatic Coastline
+1Visitors can explore various viewing platforms and pathways that wind along the coast, offering different perspectives of the ocean's might and the unique geological features. While the Blue Eye might be the main draw, many find the overall dramatic landscape of Buracona to be equally, if not more, impressive. It's a place that reminds you of the raw power and beauty of the natural world.
Practicalities: What to Expect at Buracona
It's important to manage expectations; some visitors have described the Blue Eye experience as a brief moment or even a 'tourist trap' if they were expecting more. However, the surrounding natural beauty, including the dramatic coastline and a natural swimming pool (accessible depending on sea conditions), adds significant value to the visit. Comfortable footwear is recommended for navigating the rocky terrain.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit