Boa Vista Island: Full-Day Wild Beaches & Viana Desert Tour

Boa Vista Island, a hidden gem in the Cape Verde archipelago, beckons adventurers to discover its breathtaking natural wonders. This full-day tour promises an immersive exploration of the island’s wild beaches, lush oases, and the captivating Viana Desert. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors can expect a well-rounded experience that blends stunning scenery, cultural insights, and opportunities for swimming. Whether you’re seeking an escape from the ordinary or a chance to connect with nature, this tour offers a compelling invitation to uncover the island’s captivating secrets.

Good To Know

• Explore the stunning natural landscapes of Boa Vista Island, including the Fonte Vicente Oasis, Viana Desert, and pristine beaches.
• Enjoy a full-day tour with knowledgeable guides, transportation, liability insurance, and a delicious local lunch.
• Discover the ghost village of Curral Velho and learn about the region’s historical salt mining industry.
• Swim in the crystal-clear waters of João Barrosa and Ervação beaches.
• Witness the captivating white sand dunes of the Viana Desert, one of Cape Verde’s seven natural wonders.

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day Boa Vista Island tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the island’s captivating natural wonders.

Priced from $94.47 per person, the 7-hour excursion explores the island’s highlights, including the Fonte Vicente Oasis, Curral Velho ghost village, and the stunning Viana Desert.

Led by knowledgeable guides in multiple languages, the tour includes transportation, liability insurance, and a delectable lunch.

Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sun protection, and swimwear to fully enjoy the swimming opportunities at beaches like João Barrosa and Ervatão.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a flexible and unforgettable way to discover the natural beauty of Boa Vista Island.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors embark on an enriching journey as they explore the highlights of Boa Vista Island. The tour begins at the Fonte Vicente Oasis, where they’ll learn about the local fauna and fruit trees.

Next, they’ll visit the ghost village of Curral Velho and the former salt mine. The highlights continue as they swim at João Barrosa and Ervatão beaches, a key loggerhead turtle nesting site.

Finally, they’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at Fundo das Figueiras before walking through the Viana Desert, one of Cape Verde’s seven wonders, featuring over 10 km of captivating white sand dunes.

The itinerary highlights include:

1. Exploring the Fonte Vicente Oasis
2. Visiting the ghost village of Curral Velho
3. Swimming at key turtle nesting beaches
4. Experiencing the breathtaking Viana Desert

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, transportation, a knowledgeable tour guide, liability insurance, and a delicious lunch.

However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or those with mobility impairments. An additional fee applies for pickup and drop-off at the Hotel Riu Touareg.

The tour requires a minimum of 2 participants for shared group tours, and alternatives or cancellations may occur if the minimum isn’t met.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Important Information

A minimum of 2 participants is required for shared group tours, and alternatives or cancellations may occur if this minimum isn’t met.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or individuals with mobility impairments.

Participants should come prepared with the following:

1. Comfortable shoes
2. Sun hat
3. Swimwear
4. Sunscreen and comfortable clothing

Additional fees may apply for pickup and drop-off at Hotel Riu Touareg.

Regardless of the group size, you can expect knowledgeable guides, beautiful locations, and a delectable lunch during this full-day Boa Vista Island adventure.

Customer Feedback

Boasting an impressive overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 7 reviews, the full-day Boa Vista Island tour has earned high praise from past participants.

Travelers have commended the knowledgeable and humorous tour guides, the stunning natural landscapes, and the delightful meals.

One guest, Catherine, appreciated the guide’s engaging explanations and sense of humor, while another, Alexander, enjoyed the flexibility to adjust the itinerary and swim in a picturesque bay.

Gabriela valued the private tour experience and the quality of the lunch served at Fundo das Figueiras.

With glowing feedback across the board, this tour seems to offer an exceptional and memorable day exploring the natural wonders of Boa Vista Island.

Exploring Fonte Vicente Oasis

Nestled amidst the arid landscape, Fonte Vicente Oasis beckons visitors to explore its lush greenery and diverse local fauna.

Here, travelers can learn about the oasis’s unique ecosystem, which thrives despite the surrounding desert conditions. The tour guide will highlight:

1. Rare palm trees and fruit trees indigenous to the region.
2. A variety of birds and insects that call the oasis home.
3. The important role the oasis plays in supporting local wildlife.
4. Traditional methods used by the community to maintain the delicate balance of the oasis.

Exploring this verdant respite offers a refreshing contrast to the sweeping sand dunes of the Viana Desert, providing a glimpse into the resilience of Cape Verde’s natural wonders.

Discovering Curral Velho and Former Salt Mine

From Fonte Vicente Oasis, the tour continues to the ghost village of Curral Velho, where travelers can explore the remnants of a once-vibrant community.

This abandoned settlement provides a glimpse into Cape Verde’s past, showcasing the former salt mine that was once the economic lifeblood of the region. Guests can wander through the crumbling buildings, imagining the daily lives of the former residents.

The tour guide shares captivating stories about the village’s history and its eventual decline, offering valuable insights into the island’s evolving landscape.

This stop on the itinerary provides a thought-provoking contrast to the stunning natural beauty encountered earlier in the day.

Trekking Through Viana Desert

After exploring the historical Curral Velho, the tour continues to one of Cape Verde’s seven natural wonders – the Viana Desert.

Stretching over 10 km, this vast expanse of white sand dunes offers a mesmerizing and tranquil setting.

Visitors can:

1. Hike through the dunes, marveling at the otherworldly landscape.
2. Observe the unique desert flora and fauna, adapted to the harsh environment.
3. Capture breathtaking photos as the sun casts its golden glow over the undulating dunes.
4. Feel a sense of solitude and connection with nature in this serene desert oasis.

The tour allows ample time to take in the beauty and serenity of the Viana Desert, delivering an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or mobility impairments, and does not accommodate pets or service animals.

Is This Tour Appropriate for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children as it involves walking in the Viana Desert and visiting remote areas. However, the tour operator can likely accommodate family needs with advance notice.

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides?

The tour guides are experienced and knowledgeable, providing detailed explanations about the local fauna, history, and geography. They’re praised by customers for their humor and ability to tailor the itinerary to the group’s interests.

What Happens if the Group Size Is Not Met?

If the minimum group size of 2 participants is not met, the tour operator will work with customers to find alternatives or may need to cancel the tour. Refunds or rescheduling options are available in this case.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour provider offers some flexibility for customizing the itinerary. While the standard itinerary is set, they may be able to accommodate specific requests or preferences if discussed in advance. However, the tour’s overall structure and duration typically remain unchanged.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour of Boa Vista Island offers a captivating exploration of the island’s natural wonders. From the lush Fonte Vicente Oasis to the haunting Curral Velho ghost village and the serene beaches, the tour provides a comprehensive experience of the island’s diverse landscapes and rich history. With knowledgeable guides, delicious local cuisine, and ample opportunities for swimming, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure in this stunning Caribbean destination.