Boavista: 4×4 Island Tour, Santa Monica, Dune, Caves & Lunch

Boa Vista, an island in the Cabo Verde archipelago, offers a unique 4×4 adventure that blends natural wonders and cultural exploration. Visitors can discover the island’s highlights, from the breathtaking Santa Monica beach to the captivating Varandinha caves. The tour promises an exhilarating journey, with the opportunity to experience the thrill of sandboarding on the stunning Morro de Areia dunes. Beyond the outdoor activities, the tour immerses travelers in the island’s history, from the historic Povoação Velha village to the haunting Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck. With a delicious local lunch and friendly multilingual guides, this full-day adventure provides a comprehensive glimpse into the essence of Boa Vista.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive Boa Vista island tour covering Santa Monica beach, Varandinha caves, Morro de Areia dunes, and Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck.
• Immersive cultural experience through visits to the oldest village of Povoação Velha.
• Thrilling sandboarding activity on the towering Morro de Areia sand dunes.
• Exploration of serene Varandinha beach and caves, a protected habitat for loggerhead sea turtles.
• Captivating sight of the 55-year-old shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria beach.

Tour Overview

The 4×4 Island Tour in Boa Vista allows visitors to explore the island’s essence through a fun, cultural, and adventurous experience.

Over 7 hours, the tour includes visits to Santa Monica beach, Varandinha caves, and the Morro de Areia dunes for sandboarding. Participants will also see a 55-year-old shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria beach.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local lunch, and a multilingual guide. It’s a small-group experience that’s wheelchair accessible.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers flexibility and convenience for visitors to Boa Vista.

Highlights of the Experience

Discover Boa Vista’s essence through fun, culture, and adventure on this immersive tour.

Visit the stunning Santa Monica beach, one of the best in Cape Verde. Explore the island’s history at Povoaçã Velha, the oldest village.

Venture into the protected Varandinha beach, home to loggerhead sea turtles, and discover its hidden caves.

Try your hand at sandboarding on the Morro de Areia dunes, an exhilarating activity.

Finally, witness the 55-year-old shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria beach.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending natural wonders, cultural insights, and thrilling adventures to give you a true taste of Boa Vista.

Discover Boa Vista’s Essence

This immersive tour allows visitors to uncover the very essence of Boa Vista.

From discovering the stunning Santa Monica beach to exploring the hidden Varandinha caves, this adventure-packed experience offers a comprehensive glimpse into the island’s natural wonders.

Travelers can enjoy the local culture by visiting the oldest village, Povoaçã Velha, and witness the thrill of sandboarding down the dunes.

The tour culminates with a visit to the captivating 55-year-old shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria beach, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for Boa Vista’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage.

Visit Santa Monica Beach

Rated as one of the best beaches in Cape Verde, Santa Monica beach is a stunning natural wonder that awaits visitors on this Boa Vista tour.

The golden sands stretch out before you, dotted with rugged rock formations that seem to emerge from the turquoise waters.

Explore the:

• Impressive sand dunes that invite you to try your hand at sandboarding
• Serene tidal pools perfect for a refreshing dip
• Dramatic cliffs that tower over the beach
• Scattered seashells and driftwood that line the shore

This picturesque setting offers a true taste of Cape Verde’s natural beauty and a chance to learn about the island’s captivating landscape.

Explore Povoacão Velha Village

After visiting the stunning Santa Monica beach, the Boa Vista tour takes visitors to the oldest village on the island – Povoaçã Velha.

Here, they’ll enjoy the local culture and learn about the island’s history. The guide will lead the group through the quaint, narrow streets, pointing out traditional architecture and introducing them to friendly residents.

Visitors can browse the local shops, admiring handcrafted goods and chatting with the shopkeepers.

This stop offers a glimpse into the daily life of Boa Vista’s native population, providing a more authentic experience beyond the beach.

It’s a chance to appreciate the island’s heritage and the people who call it home.

Varandinha Beach and Caves

Next, the tour heads to Varandinha beach, a protected area for loggerhead sea turtles. Visitors will explore the hidden caves and witness the natural beauty of this coastal spot.

The tour guide shares insights about the area’s ecology and the efforts to preserve the sea turtle habitat. The key highlights include:

• Venturing into the serene and shadowy caves along the beach
• Spotting signs of loggerhead sea turtle nesting activities
• Learning about the conservation initiatives in the region
• Enjoying the peaceful ambiance and tranquil vibe of Varandinha

After the cave exploration, the tour continues to the next stop, offering a thrilling sandboarding adventure on the nearby dunes.

Sandboarding at Morro De Areia

Upon arriving at Morro de Areia, the tour participants eagerly anticipate the exhilarating sandboarding experience. The towering sand dunes present an exciting challenge, inviting them to test their balance and agility.

Under the guidance of the experienced tour guide, they learn the proper techniques for navigating the slopes. Adrenaline surges as they climb to the top and prepare to descend, boards in hand.

With a push, they carve graceful turns, feeling the wind in their hair and the sand beneath their feet. Laughter and cheers fill the air as they conquer the dunes, each run more thrilling than the last.

This unique activity offers a chance to connect with the island’s natural beauty while indulging in a truly unforgettable adventure.

Shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria

The final stop on the Boa Vista Island Tour is Cabo Santa Maria beach, where participants can witness the captivating sight of a 55-year-old shipwreck.

This once-proud vessel, now a rusting hulk, serves as a stark reminder of the power of the sea. Visitors can explore the wreck, imagining the stories it could tell of the lives and journeys it has witnessed over the decades.

The shipwreck provides a unique perspective on the island’s history and the challenges faced by those who’ve braved the treacherous waters surrounding Boa Vista. The tour offers a chance to reflect on the fragility of human endeavors in the face of nature’s might.

• Rusting, weathered hull
• Partially submerged in the sand
• Haunting reminder of the sea’s power
• Evokes a sense of history and adventure

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes lunch at a local restaurant as well as access to bottled water during the excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can be extended for an additional fee, though specific details are not provided. Customers should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about customizing the tour length to meet their needs.

Can I Request a Different Language Tour Guide?

Yes, you can request a different language tour guide. The tour provider offers live guides available in English, French, Italian, and Portuguese to accommodate various language preferences of their customers.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly mention any discounts for children or seniors. However, travelers should inquire about potential discounted rates when booking the tour, as some tour operators may offer special pricing for certain age groups.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The operator offers flexibility to adjust the itinerary based on your interests and needs. You can discuss specific changes with the tour guide during booking.

The Sum Up

This exhilarating 4×4 island tour of Boa Vista offers a chance to discover the island’s natural wonders, from the stunning Santa Monica beach to the captivating Varandinha caves. Guests can explore the historic Povoação Velha village, try sandboarding on the Morro de Areia dunes, and witness the haunting Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck. With a delicious local lunch and friendly multilingual guides, it’s an immersive experience that captures Boa Vista’s unique essence.