Things to do in Deserto de Viana

Experience Boa Vista’s rugged beauty on this 2-hour quad adventure. Starting from Sal Rei, follow your expert guide along scenic trails to reach the famous Cabo Santa Maria Beach. Here you will find the iconic Shipwreck of the Spanish cargo that ran aground in 1968, which now became a landmark of Boa Vista, resting along the shore. After capturing this unforgettable sight, continue your ride through the Viana Desert, one of the Seven Wonders of Cape Verde. With its white sandy dunes and serene landscape, it’s the perfect backdrop for an adventure into nature’s quiet grandeur. With all equipment provided and convenient hotel transfers, this tour offers a thrilling escape into Boa Vista’s most breathtaking spots.

Designed to be impressive, this trip won’t be forgotten at all… Boavista has 55 kilometers of white Sandy beach along its coast providing a wild environment where Nature still surprising us with its beauty. To enjoy this beauty we scheduled an itinerary that we call “South - The Big Surprise” which you will understand and agree once you do the trip. Firstly we visit the biggest desert of Cape Verde, known as Deserto de Viana by the locals. There’s a massive blanket of Sand Dunes that will catch your attention by its perfect harmony totally untouched and virgin. You can have fun jumping on the Dunes to feel free like a child. Next stop will be for local taste by visiting the Old Village Povoação Velha, known as “Stanxa” between the locals. Stanxa is inhabited by fishermen, farmers and cattle breeders which nowadays there are facing a migration of its population to Sal Rei city for better life conditions. You have chance to get some souvenirs, see how local life is here and use toilet if needed. Then we keep our journey to Varandinha’s beach or “Bracona” as locals call it. The big Caves formed by nature effects through thousands years are just magical and a Must to see. Depending the season we can find endemics birds and we can not forget it’s a sea turtle spot from June till October well visited for spawning. After Bracona’s enjoyment, we head-off, along the west coast, to Santa Monica beach for our last stop. Santa Monica is the most beautiful beach of Cape Verde, holding 12 kilometers of white sand and crystal clear water, which you’ll have chance to enjoy a swim having our included cocktail from the local beach club “Boca Beach” Finishing our journey, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel with an impressive smile of satisfaction. That’s what we offer!!!

Your journey begins at Morro de Areia, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience the thrill of gorgeous sand dunes that extend all the way to the sea. As you gaze along the dunes, keep an eye out for the local marine life. If you’re lucky, you might even spot sharks or turtles! Next, you’ll head to Varandinha, a protected beach known for its caves. Here, you can explore the caves and observe their picturesque surroundings. It’s a truly unique experience that brings you closer to nature. After Varandinha, it’s time to relax at Santa Monica, the biggest beach in Cape Verde. Here, you can unwind and bathe in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is renowned for its pristine beauty, making it the perfect spot for a bit of relaxation. Your next stop is Povoação Velha, the oldest village on the island, founded in 1620. Walking through the village is like stepping back in time. You’ll get to see the traditional Cape Verdean houses and meet some of the friendly locals. Then, you’ll head Olaria our famous Poterry School in Rabil to see one of the oldest trades in Cape Verde. Next on to Sal Rei for a city tour. Here, you can indulge in some souvenir shopping, enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, and take a trip to the municipal market. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and history. Your journey continues to Cabo Santa Maria, located on the North Coast. Here, you’ll discover a “Ship Graveyard” where you can spot the beached carcass of an old Spanish ship. The area is also a protected turtle nesting beach, adding another layer of intrigue to your visit. Finally, you’ll marvel at the Viana Desert, a small Sahara on the island with towering 50m sand dunes. Here is where you'll be able to sandboard alongside taking beautiful pictures. The sight of these vast dunes against the backdrop of the clear blue sky is truly breathtaking. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making it a must-do when visiting Boa Vista. Enjoy your trip and remember "The best way to know Cape Verde is with the local people".

Discover the Northwestern region of Boa Vista Island on a 4x4 adventure. Head to Rabil to visit a local handicraft center and appreciate the work of artisans. Continue into Deserto de Viana and learn how the dunes were formed as you admire the incredible landscape. Visit a wreckage of Cabo Santa Maria, and pause to enjoy the beautiful Praia da Atalanta beach where it is stranded. Head towards Sal Rei, stopping at the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima for breathtaking views over the sea. The tour ends with drop-off back at your hotel.

Explore the beautiful scenery of Boa Vista Island and its heritage on a 4x4 tour. Get picked up at your hotel and drive to Rabil, where you’ll meet the locals and visit a handicrafts workshop. Afterwards, drive to the traditional village of Povoação Velha, the island’s former capital. Continue to Santa Monica beach to swim in the crystal clear waters and relax on the white sand. Pass breathtaking dunes to reach the natural cave at Varandinha. Head towards Morro de Areia Nature Reserve, stopping at Chaves Beach, before being dropped off at your hotel.

The Tour starts with the pick up at your hotel, after which you will be taken to our base were you will be briefed and prepared, to then start your Night Adventure around Boa Vista Island. For the first part we will drive for a little while on the normal road to reach the village of Rabil, from where we will head straight into the stunning Viana Desert, one of Cape Verde's Natural Wonders. After a quick stop in the beauty of the desert, where you can enjoy the incredible starry sky of Cape Verde and, with the right conditions, the milky way, you will continue through the desert to reach the Church of "Fatima" for a second quick, and last, stop. The end of the Tour will be a scenic tour through the lively town of Sal Rei, before heading back to our office. Our buggies are equipped with special lights for the night, ensuring your safety and high visibility as you drive through the dunes.

Visit the local community of Rabil and learn about the history of a group of local people who do a very interesting work with clay create works of art and ceramics that have become the livelihood of this village. Few minutes later you can get yourself lost into the wide Viana desert that is covered by sand that emigrated from Sahara and formed big sand dunes. Take a car and drive to a isolated beach where for more than 50 years, the shipwreck MS Cabo Santa Maria has been lying off. Today it is an important sight and a symbol for Boavista. The rusting cargo ship lies in front of the enchanting coast, right by the Praia de Atlanta beach. Over the years, the sea has gradually dismantled the ship. The current state of the shipwreck and the location has something mysterious. Very impressive! Discover Fátima chapel, which is one of the greatest symbols of the local religion and one of the oldest in the village, which was recently rebuilt and with a new face. Meanwhile, you'll hear the stories behind the religious manifestations with the greatest force on the islands.

This tour is undoubtedly the most sought after on the island of Boavista, it allows the traveler to discover a world behind the tourist side of the island of Boavista and brings the visitor closer to the local communities. After being picked up by your guide you will start your journey, the itinerary will depend a lot on the location of your hotel. Here are the main attractions to visit. Rabil Village Visit Rabil's community and learn about its insights. Discover the ways of life of the villagers, their cultures and habits. Visit the pottery and learn about the impressive work done by the men and women of the village. Viana Desert Explore Cape Verde's largest desert and walk barefoot through the endless harnesses of the Viana desert. Discover the origin of this white-rhoaled desert and learn how it was formed more than millions of years ago. Enjoy moments of relax and no-stress in this infinite sands that is considered one of the 7 natural wonders of Cape Verde. Cabo de Santa Maria Shipwreck Discover the mysterious story of the various reasons that led to the grounding of the Cabo de Santa Maria ship on the coast of Atalanta beach, its grounding brought salvation to thousands of inhabitants of this island in a time of famine and extreme drought, today for more than 50 years this shipwreck still remains as a tourist attraction that attracts dozens of visitors every day to this coastal area of the island. Fatima Chapel A forgotten chapel that marked the beginning of the settlement of this island, in it are the marks of faith and belief that revolutionized the history of religion practiced on this island, today after many years this chapel has been restored and is in good condition of visitation, one of the great references for those who visit this island. Sal Rei city Center Depending on the weekdays, you will be able to visit the vegetable and the fish market, walk around the city center or enjoy free time on the beach of Estoril.

Discover Boa Vista's natural beauties on a full-day northeastern tour with an expert guide. Start your journey with pickup from your accommodation and drive towards the Fonte Vicente Oasis. Here, discover unspoiled nature, learn about the local fauna from your guide, and observe fruit trees such as the fig, almond, tamarind, and an exotic baobab tree. Move on to the ghost fishing village of Curral Velho, a settlement that was abandoned due to endless drought and pirate attacks. Learn the local history and explore its former salt mine, followed by a beautiful off-road trip to the wild beach of João Barrosa and Ervatão beach, the most important spawning point for loggerhead sea turtles. Here, weather permitting, swim into its beautiful turquoise waters before a lunch break in a local atmosphere at Fundo de Figueiras. Finally, venture into the Viana Desert, one of Cape Verde's seven wonders, a must-see when visiting Boa Vista Island. Walk along the sands and admire the incredible landscape with over 10 km of fabulous white sand dunes.

Marvel at this thrilling coast-to-coast ATV bike off-road adventure around Boa Vista Island traversing secret places during a thrilling ATV tour. First, be picked up at your hotel and depart to Rabil village where our team will give the relevant instructions of the tour and your ATV vehicle. Then, drive south until you reach a dry river. Arrive at the beautiful Oasis de Fonte Vicente and observe the leafy fruit trees including giant fig trees, robust almond trees, tamarinds, and an exotic baobab tree. Next, explore the old village of Coral Velho before you arrive at Fundo das Figueiras where you will stop for a delicious lunch.After that, cross Cabeça de Tarrafas, Santinha, and reach the stunning sand dunes of the Viana desert. Learn how the dunes were formed as you admire the incredible landscape. Drive along the edge of the desert on the way back to Rabil. Conclude your adventure with drop-off at your accommodation.