Praia da Atalanta

Praia da Atalanta: Our most recommended tours and activities

North of Boa Vista Quad Adventure: Shipwreck & Viana Desert

North of Boa Vista Quad Adventure: Shipwreck & Viana Desert

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.

Boa Vista: Guided Day Trip with Shipwreck and Santa Mónica

Boa Vista: Guided Day Trip with Shipwreck and Santa Mónica

After being picked up, start your day with a visit to the stunning Morro de Areia nature reserve. This area is famous for its magical sand dunes that stretch down to the sea, creating a unique, surreal and captivating natural spectacle. Next, head to the Varandinha Cave, a must-see for its breathtaking landscapes and photo opportunities. These limestone caves, sculpted by the relentless forces of sea erosion, reveal a mesmerizing array of textures and shapes. Continue to Santa Mónica beach, considered the most beautiful beach of the archipelago and one of the most stunning beaches in the world, whether permitting, swim in the turquoise waters and relax on the white sand. Take a break for a delicious lunch in Sal Rei, and enjoy the local cuisine before a drive to the Cabo de Santa Maria Shipwreck. Hear of how this old boat has been stranded for 50 years and became a symbol of inspiration for local painters and photographers. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation, leaving you with lasting memories of the island's natural wonders and cultural highlights.

Sal Rei: Boa Vista Island Full-Day North to South Discovery

Sal Rei: Boa Vista Island Full-Day North to South Discovery

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".

Santa Monica, Cave, san dunes & Shipwreck, Sal Rei Town

Santa Monica, Cave, san dunes & Shipwreck, Sal Rei Town

You will be picked up at your accommodation, not in the lobby but we will be waiting for you outside at the main entrance here are some of the points we will visit: Varandinha beach / Sand cave It is a peaceful beach located in the southwest of the island of Boa Vista. It is considered a paradisiacal beach, being cut by rocks that divide its extensive sand into smaller areas. Santa Monica beach The most beautiful beach in Cape Verde. The beach is very long (18 miles) and deserted. Here you will walk barefoot on the immense deserted white sand beach and relax from the stress of the cities. Take time to watch young sea turtles and sharks swimming on the coast (Seasonal) Viana desert Huge white sand dunes. With small oases where you will find acacia bushes, palm trees, coconut and date palms. Nature is pure, just as it should be. The Viana desert is an extension of the famous Sahara desert, but now on an island in the middle of the Atlantic. A beautiful landscape which is worth a visit. Take a ride and visit a deserted 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! Visit the city town and take a time to swim or chill on the main beach of Sal Rei At the end we will drop you back to your accommodation

Boa Vista Island: Northwest & Deserto de Viana 4x4 Adventure

Boa Vista Island: Northwest & Deserto de Viana 4x4 Adventure

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.

Boa Vista Island: Guided Santa Monica Beach & Caves Tour

Boa Vista Island: Guided Santa Monica Beach & Caves Tour

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.

Shipwreck, Fatima Chapel, Viana Desert & Rabil Pottery

Shipwreck, Fatima Chapel, Viana Desert & Rabil Pottery

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.

Shipwreck; Viana Desert; Fatima Chapel & Pottery

Shipwreck; Viana Desert; Fatima Chapel & Pottery

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.

Boavista: Rabil, Shipwreck, City, Snacks & Drinks - 4x4 Tour

Boavista: Rabil, Shipwreck, City, Snacks & Drinks - 4x4 Tour

Explore the Northern of Boavista, the different side on our comfortable 4x4 vehicles. Dive yourself into this adventure and get surprised along the way! It’s not just about beautiful places, there’s always something else… This trip was designed to be soft and relaxable in a comfy way even by off-road, which the goal is obviously a sightseeing enjoyment where holiday’s spirit is on. During our journey you will have chance to visit Pottery school at Rabil village, Shipwreck, Fatima’s Chapel, Sal Rei city for a No Stress visit, local specialities like snacks and drinks made in Boavista's island at Colonial House of Memory - Sodade Restaurant. Pottery is a Handicraft very popular in Cape Verde and Boavista is known as the best provider in the all country. The only one mini factory exists in Rabil village for several years managed by few locals from the same community. The Shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria or Atalanta’s beach, it’s reminds us about pirates and treasures or even Jack Sparrow. 1st September 1968 was the day it wrecked in that beach full of merchandise due mechanic functionality problems. This beach is protected from June till October during Loggerhead sea turtle spawning season, where few thousands females visit the beach at night to lay their eggs. Sal Rei city will be last stop for enhancing the local machine. Everything happens in Sal Rei, for example: secondary school, petrol station, hospital, banks, government institutions etc are only located in Sal Rei. The city is a mix culture between Capeverdeans, Afrikans from the continente and Europeans, meanly Italians. After enjoying the town, is time for a local experience by trying our snacks and drinks Homemade in the best Restaurant of Boavista called Sodade - House of Memory. Isn’t that a great opportunity to explore Boavista!!!

Boa Vista: North-South Tour (guided tour in German)

Boa Vista: North-South Tour (guided tour in German)

We spend the morning in the north, where we tell you the exciting story of Boa Vista The tour begins with a visit to the pottery school in Rabil, followed by sandboarding in the Viana Desert. Summer tobogganing is great fun for everyone! We then head to the shipwreck of the Santa Maria, which ran aground in 1968 and is one of Boa Vista's landmarks. We continue to Sal Rei (the island's capital), where we stop for lunch. Later we head south, where you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and beaches and take lots of great photos in this beautiful setting. We continue to the breathtaking dune landscape of Morro D'Arreia, followed by turtle watching from a rock in Turtle Bay. Afterwards, you can visit the Varandinha rock caves to take great vacation photos and spot seabirds such as ospreys and tropicbirds! The final visit to the picturesque Santa Monica Beach is a MUST DO on Boa Vista. If the swell and current allow, you can enjoy a wonderful swim here or simply relax with a cold drink. Show less

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What people are saying about Praia da Atalanta

Overall rating

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars
(45 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

The activity was amazing. The group was quite organised. I loved the outfits we got for the adventure . Beautiful sceneries. Very professional lot!!!! Definitely recommend

5 out of 5 stars

We had a great day and our friendly guide Edy drove well, took very good care of us and told us many interesting things about Cabo Verde.

5 out of 5 stars

Great family activity with two children aged 10 and 8, Marvin (our guide) was super cool and spoke perfect French! A big thank you

5 out of 5 stars

the guide didn't say very much but it was a good amount of time on the quads with three stops.

5 out of 5 stars

Great guide who made sure we saw all the sites and more