Sal Rei’s best tours showcase the authentic heart of Cape Verde’s Boa Vista Island. The classic Boa Vista Tour stands out for its well-planned route covering Santa Monica Beach and the historic Povoação Velha. Particularly impressive is the 4-hour city tour that combines local culture at the Museu dos Naufragos with a refreshing stop at Estoril Beach. The northern tour paired with Viana Desert exploration delivers a perfect mix of adventure and scenery, while the Island & Cattle tour reveals the genuine agricultural traditions locals still practice today. Whale watching tours round out the experience with unforgettable marine encounters. Check out our favorite tours below.
Key Points
- The Boa Vista Tour: Santa Monica, Desert & Shipwreck offers a full-day excursion exploring Sal Rei’s natural and cultural landmarks, including Santa Monica Beach and Povoação Velha.
- The Boavista: City Tour With a Splash at Estoril Beach is a 4-hour small-group tour that includes a visit to the Museu dos Naufragos and the Municipal Market.
- The Boa Vista Island: Half-day Northern Tour + Viana Desert Adventure is a private tour that visits the Fatima Church and Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck.
- The Island Tour & Cattle & Taste Local Flavors is a 6-hour tour that engages with local farmers, includes cheese tasting, and explores a pottery factory.
- The Whale Watching Tour in Boavista is a highly recommended tour with a 4.9/5 rating that includes a motorboat ride in Chaves Bay.
Boa Vista Tour: Santa Monica, Shark, Turtle, Desert & Shipwreck
The Boa Vista Tour: Santa Monica, Desert & Shipwreck offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Sal Rei’s captivating natural and cultural landmarks. This full-day excursion takes travelers on an adventure to Povoação Velha, Santa Monica Beach, the Santa Maria Cape Shipwreck, and Varandinha Beach caves.
Sandboarding, swimming, and relaxation on the stunning Santa Monica Beach are highlights of the tour.
With a maximum group size of 8, the experience provides an intimate setting for travelers to enjoy the region’s beauty and culture. Guests praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides who share insightful cultural information.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s a great option for active adventurers seeking to discover Sal Rei’s natural wonders.
Priced at $84.53 per person, the tour includes round-trip transfers, a guide, liability insurance, and lunch. Participants are advised to bring necessary supplies like towels, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.
For a more personalized experience, an upgrade to a private tour is available.
Read our full review: Boa Vista Tour: Santa Monica, Shark, Turtle, Desert & Shipwreck Review
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Boavista: City Tour With a Splash at Estoril Beach
Boavista’s vibrant city tour with a splash at Estoril Beach offers an immersive exploration of Sal Rei’s cultural gems. Priced at $78 per person, this 4-hour small-group experience is available in English, French, and Portuguese.
Pickup from your hotel is included, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.
You’ll start with historical immersion at the Museu dos Naufragos and a Catholic church, then explore the bustling Municipal Market.
Next, you’ll marvel at the colorful houses of Sal Rei before savoring local snacks and drinks at Sodade – The House of Memory.
The tour culminates with a refreshing splash at Estoril Beach.
With a 4.5/5 rating based on 2 reviews, this experience showcases the authentic Cape Verde outside the hotel environment.
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Boavista: City Tour With a Splash at Estoril Beach Review
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Boa Vista Island: Half-day Northern Tour + Viana Desert Adventure
Exploring the diverse landscapes of Boa Vista Island, this half-day Northern Tour and Viana Desert Adventure offers an immersive experience for visitors. The private tour takes you to captivating stops like the Fatima Church and the shipwreck “Cabo Santa Maria.” Over 3-4 hours, you’ll discover the island’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide.
Offering round-trip hotel transfers and transportation, the tour is accessible for most travelers, though not wheelchair-friendly. Pick-up is at the main hotel entrance, with an extra fee for Hotel Riu Touareg. Group size is limited to 8 travelers maximum.
Highly rated by past participants, the tour earns praise for its pacing, informative guides, and standout experiences like the Viana Desert and a visit to an artisan workshop. The hosts are responsive to feedback, aiming to create memorable experiences and foster human connection.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before, this tour is a convenient way to explore the northern wonders of Boa Vista Island.
Read our full review: Boa Vista Island: Half-day Northern Tour + Viana Desert Adventure Review
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Island Tour & Cattle & Taste Local Flavors
Embarking on this comprehensive Island Tour & Cattle & Taste Local Flavors, visitors enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of Sal Rei. Priced at Kč2,384 per person, this 6-hour tour offers a captivating exploration of the island’s highlights, including a pottery factory, local farm, and a sea museum.
Throughout the journey, participants engage with friendly local farmers, learning about their daily lives and traditions. The tour also includes visits to arts and crafts markets, a cheese tasting session, and a guided sightseeing tour.
Guests can look forward to witnessing the art of goat milking and cheese making, as well as discovering the island’s diverse marine life. The tour’s flexibility allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later.
With a 5/5 rating based on 3 reviews, this tour promises a well-rounded experience, blending local interactions, culture, and natural wonders, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the vibrant essence of Sal Rei.
Read our full review: Island Tour & Cattle & Taste Local Flavors Review
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Whale Watching Tour in Boavista
Why not embark on a captivating Whale Watching Tour in Boavista, Sal Rei, Cape Verde? Recommended by 100% of travelers, this tour offers an unforgettable experience.
With a total of 25 reviews and an overall rating of 4.9/5, it’s clear this is a must-do activity.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, life jackets, a motorboat ride in Chaves Bay, and an English-speaking guide to enhance your experience. Snacks are provided, ensuring you’re well-fed during the adventure.
Pickup is available from various locations, with the exact time announced post-booking. Be sure to wait 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, and meet at the hotel reception.
The tour starts at 8:30 am and is a private activity, allowing your group to enjoy the experience without interruption.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available. However, it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions, as moderate physical fitness is required, and sea stability considerations apply.
Read our full review: Whale Watching Tour in Boavista Review
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Boa Vista Island: Half-day Quad Tour to Santa Monica Beach
Seeking an exhilarating adventure on Boa Vista Island? The half-day quad tour is just the ticket. This small-group experience takes you off-road, exploring the island’s scenic highlights.
You’ll visit Rabil, Santa Monica Beach, and the Varandinha Caves, all from the seat of your own all-terrain vehicle.
The tour includes basic ATV instructions, safety gear, and an experienced guide to lead the way. With morning and afternoon departures, it’s easy to fit this excursion into your schedule. Pickup is available from a variety of resorts, making it a convenient option.
While most travelers can participate, there are some safety guidelines to keep in mind. Drivers must be at least 18 and have a valid license, and riders under 7 aren’t permitted.
The activity is subject to a minimum number of participants, so book early. With an overall rating of 4.4, this quad tour promises an unforgettable island adventure.
Read our full review: Boa Vista Island: Half-Day Quad Tour to Santa Monica Beach Review
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Sum Up
Sal Rei offers a range of exciting tours to explore the island’s natural wonders. From the serene Santa Monica Beach to the captivating Viana Desert, visitors can enjoy Boa Vista’s diverse landscapes. Whether it’s a city tour, a whale-watching adventure, or an adrenaline-filled quad ride, there’s something for all to discover in this beautiful Cape Verdean destination.