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

If you’re heading to Boa Vista and want to see the island beyond just lounging on the beach, this full-day adventure offers a fantastic way to soak in the island’s natural beauty and history. Based on multiple glowing reviews, this tour combines stunning landscapes, engaging storytelling from guides, and authentic local encounters—all packed into approximately seven hours.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the personalized small-group vibe, the opportunity to see loggerhead turtles, and the chance to wander across one of Cape Verde’s most impressive deserts. The main downside? With so much packed in, it’s a long day, so travelers who prefer relaxing beach days might find it a bit intense. Still, if you’re after a well-rounded taste of Boa Vista’s wild side, this tour is an excellent fit.

It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy nature, history, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple, or a small group, you’ll get a good sense of the island’s diverse landscapes, local culture, and untouched beaches.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Exploration: Covers major highlights including villages, beaches, salt mines, and deserts.
• Authentic Encounters: Meet locals, learn about the island’s history, and see endangered loggerhead turtles.
• Small Group Comfort: Up to 8 travelers ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Value for Price: At $92.32, the tour offers a full day packed with diverse experiences, including transportation, guide, and insurance.
• Flexible & Convenient: Hotel pickups and drop-offs make logistics simple.
• Active Day: Expect a mixture of sightseeing, walking, and swimming—ideal for active travelers.

Starting Point: Seamless Hotel Transfers & Early Morning Pickup

The tour kicks off early, with pickup options from key hotels around Sal Rei, such as Riu Touareg, Estoril, Karamboa, and Iberostar. From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Jane and Clayton are praised for their friendly, informative approach. One traveler remarked, “Jane was full of history and such an absolute joy to be around,” highlighting how the guides go beyond just pointing out sights—they bring the island’s stories to life.

With a maximum of 8 travelers, you’re not lost in a crowd, which makes the experience more engaging. The transportation is air-conditioned and comfortable, making those early starts more bearable.

Visiting São Jorge and Fonte Vicente Oasis

The first notable stop is at São Jorge, where you’ll explore Fonte Vicente Oasis. Here, the lush greenery offers a stark contrast to the island’s arid landscape, and you’ll get to see local fruit trees like fig, almond, and tamarind, along with the iconic baobab. Guides often share insights into the flora and fauna, making this more than just a photo op—it’s an educational glimpse into the island’s ecosystem.

Travelers mention that this stop is free of admission fees, giving you a chance to enjoy unspoiled nature and ask plenty of questions. It’s a calm start to the day, setting the tone for the ecological variety to come.

Discovering Curral Velho: An Abandoned Salt Village

Next, the tour heads to Curral Velho, a ghost village that once thrived on salt mining but was abandoned due to long droughts and pirate threats. This stop is often cited as a highlight, with guides sharing tales of the past. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to walk through the deserted streets and imagine what life was like before the exodus.

One reviewer specifically mentioned learning about the salt mine’s history, which adds a layer of cultural depth to the visit. The hauntingly quiet village feels like a step back in time, making it a poignant reminder of the island’s resilience and history.

Off-Road Adventure to João Barrosa Beach

From there, it’s a thrilling ride over rugged terrain to reach João Barrosa, a pristine wild beach. The off-road journey itself is a fun adventure, with guides often sharing local anecdotes along the way. Once at the beach, you’ll have time to relax, take photos, or even dip your toes in the Atlantic.

Travelers note that the beach’s untouched beauty makes it a perfect spot for a swim, provided sea conditions are favorable. The reviews specifically highlight the beach as a highlight, with one guest mentioning “a swim on a beach where sea turtles come to lay eggs,” emphasizing the chance to witness nature’s marvels.

Turtle Sanctuary & Ervatão Beach

The next stop is Ervatão, known for being a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles. Here, you may have the chance to observe these incredible creatures laying eggs or helping hatchlings reach the sea—an experience many find unforgettable. It’s a rare glimpse into nature that’s both peaceful and exhilarating.

Guests have said, “the opportunity to swim in the clear waters of this paradise,” makes the visit even more rewarding. Keep in mind, swimming depends on sea conditions, so flexibility is key.

Lunch at Fundo das Figueiras: A Taste of Local Life

After some beach time, the tour moves inland to Fundo das Figueiras, a small village dedicated to agriculture and dairy farming. The highlight here is sampling local goat cheese, a regional specialty that’s often praised by visitors.

One reviewer called it “a delicious lunch,” emphasizing the authentic, homegrown flavors. The village atmosphere offers a chance to see how locals live and work, making it a genuine cultural experience.

Viana Desert: Cape Verde’s White Dunes Wonder

The centerpiece of the tour for many is the Viana Desert, a vast expanse of white sand dunes stretching over 10 kilometers. Walking along these dunes, you’ll understand why it’s considered one of Cape Verde’s natural wonders.

Guests frequently mention how stunning and surreal the landscape is. One reviewer called it “fabulous,” and another described it as a “must-see” when visiting Boa Vista. The wide-open space offers fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Wrapping Up at Sal Rei

The day winds down with a return to your hotel, usually around 4:30 PM. This allows some downtime after a full day of sightseeing.

For $92.32 per person, the tour covers transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and insurance—offering a lot of bang for your buck. The inclusion of hotel pickup simplifies logistics, especially for travelers unfamiliar with local transport options. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and engage with guides like Jane, Clayton, or Alex.

While the tour involves a long day, many reviews highlight how worthwhile the effort is. The chance to see endangered sea turtles, explore deserted villages, and walk amidst enormous dunes makes it a comprehensive and memorable experience.

This adventure is ideal for active travelers who love nature, wildlife, and cultural sites. If you’re interested in history, enjoy scenic drives and walking, or want to see Cape Verde’s raw landscapes, this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s also great for those wanting an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience away from busy tourist hotspots.

However, if you prefer relaxing beach days without much walking or change of scenery, this might be a full day of more exploration than you’re after.

This full-day tour of Boa Vista offers an excellent way to experience the island’s diverse sights: from lush oases and abandoned villages to sweeping deserts and nesting turtles. The guides’ friendliness and local knowledge shine through, elevating what is already a beautifully curated itinerary. It’s a combination of adventure, culture, and nature—delivered with good value and genuine authenticity.

If you’re eager to explore and want a day that showcases the island’s wild beauty, this tour will leave you with lasting memories. Just be prepared for a day packed with walking, scenic drives, and incredible vistas—perfect if you’re ready for a full-immersion Cape Verde experience.

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers round-trip transportation from selected hotels in Sal Rei, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, starting around 9:00 AM and returning to your hotel around 4:30 PM.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience and personalized attention.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and a swimsuit if you plan to swim at Ervatão Beach. A hat and camera are also recommended.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included in the price, but a delicious meal is served at Fundo das Figueiras, and you can also bring your own snacks.

What is the cost of the optional pick-up at Riu hotels?
It costs around 30 Euros if you wish to be picked up from the Riu Touareg hotel.

Can children participate in this tour?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of activity. Check with the provider if traveling with very young children.

What’s the best time of year to book?
Most travelers book about 19 days in advance, but the tour runs year-round, subject to weather conditions. Good weather is essential for a smooth experience.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded, memorable introduction to Boa Vista’s natural wonders and local culture. Perfect for adventurous spirits eager to see Cape Verde’s wild side with the comfort of a guided, small-group experience.