Boa Vista: Beautiful Beaches, Turtles & Djeu Island Snorkel

If you’re heading to Boa Vista in Cape Verde and want to see the island’s true highlights without the hassle of planning every detail, a guided tour like this one from Gil Taxi & Tours Boa Vista is worth considering. With a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural insight, this experience promises a full day of fun—whether you’re a snorkel enthusiast or simply love beautiful landscapes.

From the moment you hop into the comfortable vehicle, the guides set the tone with their friendly, personable approach. They’re knowledgeable, passionate about the island, and eager to share their local insights. We particularly appreciate the combination of activities—snorkeling in calm waters, exploring untouched islands, and sandboarding on towering dunes—giving you a well-rounded taste of Boa Vista.

That said, due to its reliance on natural conditions, there’s no 100% guarantee you’ll see sharks or turtles. Weather or sea conditions can influence sightings, but even without a guaranteed animal encounter, the diverse scenery and activities make this tour a fantastic value. It’s best suited for travelers looking for an active, scenic day with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and stunning coastal views.

Key Points

• Authentic and Friendly Guides: Guides like Joshua and Axurance make the experience memorable with their energy and local knowledge.
• Diverse Activities: Snorkeling, exploring uninhabited islands, sandboarding, and sightseeing from viewpoints.
• Wildlife Encounters: Possible sightings of turtles and lemon sharks in their natural habitats, though not guaranteed.
• Beautiful Landscapes: From Santa Monica Beach to Morro de Areia Dunes, each stop offers unique scenery.
• Value for Money: At $100 per person, it includes transport, snorkeling gear, and a boat ride, making it a comprehensive day out.
• Flexible and Relaxed: The itinerary is laid-back, with plenty of time to enjoy each site and take photos.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Early Start

The adventure kicks off with hotel pickups between 8:30 am and 9:30 am, depending on where you’re staying. This flexibility ensures comfortable transportation from your accommodation, which is appreciated—especially after a night of travel or if you’re staying outside the main town. The vehicle is typically a 4×4, perfect for off-road excursions and reaching the more remote spots.

Snorkeling at Djeu Island

After a short 10-15 minute boat ride from Sal Rei, you’ll arrive at Djeu Island, which breaks the current and calms the waters, creating ideal conditions for snorkeling. This little island, in front of Sal Rei’s bay, offers a peaceful environment where the water is shallow and clear, often attracting a variety of fish, colorful coral, and sometimes even juvenile sharks and sea turtles.

All snorkeling equipment is included, removing any hassle. Guides like Joshua are praised for their personable approach and extensive knowledge. One reviewer noted that “Joshua is a very smart guy and knows a lot about Cap Verde,” which adds a layer of comfort for first-time snorkelers or curious travelers.

During your 1.5-hour stay, you’ll have ample time to explore underwater life and the surrounding island. The star of the show is often the sea turtles and lemon sharks, though sightings depend on the weather and sea conditions. Many guests, like Molly, appreciated the chance to see both turtles and sharks, making it a real highlight.

Lunch at a Beach Bar

Back on the main island, a relaxed lunch at a beachside restaurant is included in the trip. You’re free to choose a meal that suits your budget—ranging from budget-friendly snacks to more elaborate options. Reviewers consistently mention the quality of the food, with one noting it was “delicious with a great selection of reasonably priced food.” This break provides a good chance to unwind, soak in the scenery, and chat with fellow travelers.

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Exploring Sal Rei and Surroundings

Post-lunch, the tour heads to Santa Monica Beach, often heralded as the most beautiful beach on the island. Here, you’ll have time to stroll along the pristine sands, dip your toes in the ocean, and let the guides take some photos. Reviewers like Celina commend the guides for their enthusiasm and effort to capture memories of your day.

From Santa Monica, the group heads to the lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the bay and the coastline. The vistas here are ideal for snapping photos and appreciating the island’s natural beauty.

Caves at Praia Varandinha

Next stop: the caves at Praia Varandinha. This spot is a favorite among photographers and nature lovers alike. The caves provide interesting photo opportunities and a chance to explore more of Boa Vista’s geological features. The reviews highlight the picturesque nature of this stop, with Jörg mentioning the local market and caves as “additional highlights” during their day.

Shark Bay and Turtle Bay

The tour then visits the Shark Bay, a lemon shark nursery that’s active year-round. Though the sharks here are small and harmless, seeing them in their natural environment is a memorable experience—something that Darryl found particularly enjoyable. The turtles at Turtle Bay are a regular sight, with loggerhead and green turtles often spotted swimming lazily in the waters. Reviewers like Molly and Joanne describe seeing these creatures as “a truly magical experience,” and for many, this is a major reason to choose this tour.

Sandboarding at Morro de Areia Dunes

The day wraps up at the Morro de Areia sand dunes, one of Boa Vista’s most striking landscapes. The towering sands are perfect for sandboarding, and the guides are happy to offer instructions and encouragement. It’s a fun, adrenaline-pumping way to end the tour, with Jörg praising the activity as “a lot of fun and a great photo opportunity.”

Return to Your Hotel

After an action-packed day, the guides will personally drop you back at your hotel around 4:30 pm, giving you time to relax or continue exploring on your own. The relaxed pace and friendly service leave many guests feeling satisfied and eager to recommend the experience.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $100 per person, the tour covers a lot: transportation, all snorkeling gear, a boat trip, lunch, and guided visits to several iconic spots. Feedback from travelers underscores the value—many mention the knowledgeable guides, especially Joshua and Axurance, who make the day engaging with stories, singing, and photography tips.

The inclusion of activities like sandboarding and sightseeing from viewpoints adds to the overall worth, especially since you get to enjoy authentic, off-the-beaten-path locations that are hard to access alone. Plus, the flexible payment option lets you reserve now and pay later, which is convenient for planning your trip.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Bring swimwear and a towel for snorkeling and beach stops.
• Avoid intoxication during the tour, as safety is a priority.
• Since sightings of sharks and turtles are not guaranteed, enjoy the underwater scenery and wildlife from a distance if they appear.
• Lunch is not included but is available at the beach bar—so you can choose meals that match your budget.
• The tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers, but floatation devices and life jackets are provided.
• Dress comfortably and be prepared for sun exposure, especially during outdoor stops like Santa Monica Beach and the dunes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling gear included? Yes, all snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour.

What if I don’t see sharks or turtles? Sightings depend on weather and sea conditions, so while many guests do see them, they can’t be guaranteed. The underwater environment is still beautiful and worth exploring regardless.

How long is the boat ride to Djeu Island? It’s approximately 10 to 15 minutes, making it a smooth start to your underwater adventure.

Can I participate if I’m not a strong swimmer? Yes, snorkeling in Djeu is suitable even for less confident swimmers, thanks to calm waters and provided life jackets.

What is the lunch like? The lunch is at a beach bar, with options to suit all budgets. Many guests rate the food as delicious and plentiful.

Are the guides knowledgeable? Absolutely. Reviewers praise guides like Joshua for their friendliness and local insights, which enhance the overall experience.

Is the tour suitable for families? While the tour is generally family-friendly, non-swimmers and very young children might find some activities challenging. Check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

What is the best time of year to do this tour? Weather impacts sightings, but generally, the tour runs reliably year-round, with no specific season mentioned as less suitable.

How do I book and pay? You can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

Final Thoughts

This Boa Vista tour from Gil Taxi & Tours offers a well-rounded day filled with scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and fun activities. Whether you’re snorkeling alongside turtles, exploring caves, or sandboarding on towering dunes, you’ll leave with lasting memories of the island’s natural splendor.

It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who appreciate a mix of active exploration and relaxing beach time. The guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge make all the difference, turning a sightseeing day into an engaging journey.

While sightings of sharks and turtles aren’t guaranteed, the chances are good enough to make it worthwhile—and even if you don’t see them, the diverse landscapes and pristine beaches more than compensate. It’s a genuine opportunity to experience Boa Vista’s most iconic sights in one easy, fun-packed tour.

In summary, if you’re after an authentic, value-packed day with plenty of photo-worthy moments, friendly guides, and a taste of everything Boa Vista has to offer, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, wildlife watching, and beautiful coastal scenery, all wrapped into a relaxed, well-organized package.

You can check availability for your dates here: