Sal Rei
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Sal Rei

Boa Vista: Shark, Turtles, Cave, Sandboarding & Tasting Tour

Boa Vista: Shark, Turtles, Cave, Sandboarding & Tasting Tour

We would love to take you on a trip to show you the most beautiful landscapes Boa vista has to offer! We'll take you to see the sharks and turtles in their natural habitat, see the caves at praia varandinha, glide over sanddunes and experience local culture by trying grogue, pontche and risois. What can you expect during the tour? - The tour starts by us coming to pick you up at the hotel around 09:00. (When booking the tour with us we'll message you as soon as the booking comes through. We'll double check pick up time and location with you) - We'll start the tour by going to the sanddunes of Morro de Arreia. Here we'll have time to enjoy the beautiful landscape. It is one of the most unique landscapes of Bpa vista. Here we'll also go sandboarding! - We continue to the Turtle bay. The turtles are year round to be seen in the turtle bay. Mostly you can see Loggerhead and green turtles in the bay. The bay is the place where they go to eat. After the turtle bay we go to the Shark bay. On this side of the island there is a lemon shark nursery. The (baby) sharks are here year round. Black tip Sharks can be often seen here as well. - The next stop are the caves at praia varandinha. If you enjoy taking pictures this is the place for you! This location is also a good location for bird watching enthousiast. - Now we continue to the most beautiful beach on the island. Santa Monica beach. Here you are surrounded by completely unspoiled nature. Here you'll have time to walk around and our guides are happy to make pictures of you here (No extra cost haha). - After Santa Monica beach we continue to Povoçao velha. Povoçao velha is the first village of Boa vista and is located between two mountains. Right now it is mostly inhabited by Fishermen and farmers. Here we'll take you to a local bar/restaurant where you can try local rum (Pontche & Grogue) and snacks (Risois). - Lastly we personally will take you back to the hotel. You will rougly be back at the hotel around 13:00. We hope to see you soon and to show you all the beautiful things Boa Vista has to offer!

Boa Vista: Whale Watching Trip with Motoryacht

Boa Vista: Whale Watching Trip with Motoryacht

Boa Vista is a hotspot for whale activity. The impressive humpback whales (adult size approx. 15 m) stay around Boa Vista from March till May to mate or give birth to their babies. Your chance for unforgettable experiences! This half-day cruise takes you into the waters around the island to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Start with pickup from your hotel and travel to the port of Sal Rei. From there, transfer to the yacht by dinghy. Board the yacht and meet your crew, which can draw on over 12 years of experience with whale watching tours at Boa Vista. Receive a detailed briefing with many interesting facts about the humpback whales. All tours are accompanied by local biologists, so you can learn as much as possible about the amazing wildlife. After the briefing, start your quest to find the humpback whales. From March until May, the whales are abundant in the waters of Boa Vista as they migrate to the region to mate and give birth to their offspring. With patience and some luck try to spot some whales in their natural habitat as they swim, play, and put on dazzling, natural acrobatic shows. After about 3 hours on the ocean, return to the port of Sal Rei and you will be driven back to your hotel.

Whale Watching Boa Vista, Speed Boat & Small Groups

Whale Watching Boa Vista, Speed Boat & Small Groups

During the whale watching activity in Boa Vista, Cape Verde, the experience already begins with the transfer from the hotel. A comfortable, air-conditioned minivan will pick you up, allowing you to enjoy the local landscape along the way to the boarding point. Throughout the journey, your guide will share information about the island's marine wildlife and history, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. Upon arriving at the dock, the excitement builds. After a brief introduction by the expert guides, participants will board the boats, ready to set sail towards the open sea. The turquoise waters and splendid beaches of Boa Vista will be the setting for this unique adventure. As the boat heads towards the viewing areas, the guides will tell fascinating stories about the whale species you may encounter. As soon as the whales emerge from the surface, it will be a moment of pure wonder. Participants will have the opportunity to observe spectacular leaps, majestic splashes and, with a bit of luck, even listen to whales singing underwater. The thrill of sharing these moments with other nature enthusiasts will create an unforgettable sense of community. At the end of the excursion, a transfer will take you back to your hotel, allowing you to reflect on an experience that goes beyond whale watching: it is a journey of connection with nature and with oneself, enriched by new memories and emotions that they will remain in the heart.

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.

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.

Sal Rei: Boa Vista North 4x4 Jeep Expedition 4h

Sal Rei: Boa Vista North 4x4 Jeep Expedition 4h

The Tour starts with the pick up at your hotel with our Toyota Landcruiser, after which you will be taken to discover the North of Boa Vista Island. Once everyone is on board, the tour will start passing through the Via Pitoresca, an off-road path in the middle of an Oasis, to then reach the Panorama Point Ponta do Sol, where with good weather you will be able to see the South of Boa Vista together the shipwreck in Cabo Santa Maria. Here you will stop for a few minutes to relax and take some pictures. After the stop at the Panorama Point, the tour continues to reach Cabo Santa Maria beach to see from close the Spanish cargo ship that ran aground on 1968. This will be the second stop of the tour, where you will be able to take some other pictures of the ship and you can enjoy the beautiful colours of the beach. Next on the list is the Bofareira, a picturesque bay that capture the attention of the visitors for its natural beauty and tranquility. After taking some pictures you will head to the Espingueira where you can enjoy a complimentary refreshment. The last part of the tour is to go see the amazing sandy dunes of the Viana Desert and the Chimney of Praia de Chaves, once used for artisanal pottery and ceramic works. The tour ends back at your hotel.

Boa Vista: Santa Monica, Dunes, Caves and Village 4x4 Tour

Boa Vista: Santa Monica, Dunes, Caves and Village 4x4 Tour

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!!!

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

Sal Rei: Bay Snorkeling Trip

Sal Rei: Bay Snorkeling Trip

Discover the beauty of snorkeling in Boa Vista, Cape Verde! Our snorkeling trip takes you to Djeu Island or to the Zans wreck in the bay. It is only a 2-5 mins boat ride from the Diving Center to these amazing snorkeling spots. These gorgeous, 1-6 meters shallow places let everyone join the waterworld without diving. Friendly fish, inquisitive turtles, naughty yellowtail snappers and maybe even baby sharks will greet those who want to peek into the busy life of a coral community. For more fun, after snorkeling, we stop at Djeu Island for a short stroll or relax on the sandy beach. You can see the lovely lighthouse and the cannons that are left there from the Portuguese times.

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What people are saying about Sal Rei

Overall rating

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.6 out of 5 stars
(62 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

Unfortunately the weather/mother nature didn't allow for the snorkeling with sharks/turtles on the day of my trip. The tour operator was honest about it and offered other options. The island is a gem that must be explored! The tour guide was kind and informative. A must do tour while visiting Boa Vista!

5 out of 5 stars

really great tour, picked up from right outside reception on time. friendly and personable tour guide, great driver felt safe the whole time. really enjoyed the tour, saw turtles!!!! ended with some lovely grogue sampling. would definitely recommend

5 out of 5 stars

Was amazing got told loads about the culture and history of the island, saw turtles and finished the trip with shots, the tour guides were also very nice

5 out of 5 stars

Really good tour that we enjoyed as a group. Sand boarding is tiring but great fun and we saw some turtles.

5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic experience watching the whales, very impressive. Not suitable for people who get seasick haha.