Boavista: Turtle, Shark, Santa Monica, Sandboard & Tasting

If you’re seeking a well-rounded adventure in Cape Verde’s stunning island of Boavista, this half-day tour promises an exciting mix of wildlife encounters, adrenaline-pumping sandboarding, and cultural flavor. While it’s a packed itinerary, it offers great value for those eager to see the island’s natural beauty and local life in just a few hours.

Three things we love about this experience are: the chance to see green turtles and lemon sharks in their natural environment, the thrilling sandboarding activity on the dunes, and the delicious local tastings in a cozy village setting. A slight consideration is that sea conditions can sometimes prevent shark sightings, but even then, other parts of the trip deliver memorable moments. Perfect for adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a taste of Cape Verde’s wild landscapes and local culture.

Key Points

• Wildlife Spotting: Get close to green turtles and lemon sharks—nature is unpredictable, but guides do their best to find these creatures.
• Adrenaline and Fun: Sandboarding on the dunes offers a childlike thrill and a unique way to experience the island’s mini Sahara.
• Cultural Experience: Taste local specialties in a welcoming traditional village, adding a genuine flavor to your trip.
• Scenic Highlights: Santa Monica beach with white sands and crystal waters is a highlight for relaxation and photos.
• Expert Guides: Well-reviewed guides like Fredy and Evandro are known for their friendliness, knowledge, and care.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours before, making planning easy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Convenient Hotel Pickup

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup in a 4×4 vehicle, setting the tone for an off-road adventure. The vehicle is well-suited for tackling the island’s uneven terrain, ensuring that you’ll comfortably reach each destination. This transport mode allows access to some of the more secluded spots, making the experience feel exclusive and personalized.

Morro de Areia: The Mini Sahara

Our first stop is at the Morro de Areia mountain of sand, which genuinely resembles a mini Sahara. The vast dunes stretch out before you, offering a stark contrast to the island’s lush coastline. Here, the highlight is the sandboarding activity, a fun experience that appeals to all ages. The reviews consistently mention how “sandboarding was great fun”, and it’s clear that this activity injects excitement into the trip.

For many, this is a chance to feel free like a child, zooming down the dunes with giggles and adrenaline. The guide usually explains safety tips, ensuring many can enjoy the experience despite it being their first time. Remember to bring sunglasses and water—both essentials in this sunny, sandy environment.

Wildlife Encounters at Baía de Tartaruga and Baía de Tubarão

Next, the tour takes us to Baía de Tartaruga (Turtle Bay), where sightings of green turtles are common. Watching these creatures feed and swim in their natural habitat offers a grounded, authentic experience. Tour guides like Fredy and Anna are praised for their knowledge and ability to find the turtles, which adds a layer of excitement—”Fredy found us great spots, so we were lucky enough to see both sharks and turtles,” one reviewer notes.

Just a few minutes drive away is Baía de Tubarão, or Shark Bay, where, depending on sea conditions, you might be lucky enough to see lemon sharks. Unfortunately, as some reviews point out, sea roughness can sometimes prevent sharks from appearing, but guides often make dedicated efforts to locate them. Even if sharks aren’t spotted, the bay itself provides a stunning backdrop of wild, unspoiled ocean.

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Santa Monica Beach: The Crown Jewel

Moving to Santa Monica beach is a highlight of this trip—described as the most beautiful beach of Cape Verde. Its 12 kilometers of white sands and clear waters make it an ideal stop for relaxing, taking photos, or just soaking up the sun. Many reviews mention how “views are breathtaking” and how it’s perfect for a quick swim or beach walk.

The guides often allow some free time here, letting you wander along the shore or enjoy a snack while listening to the waves. This part of the tour is relatively relaxed compared to the dune activity, offering a perfect balance.

Cultural Stop in Povoação Velha

The final stop is at Povoação Velha, the island’s oldest village. Here, you’ll experience a slice of local life—fishermen, farmers, and goat herders still call this place home. The tour includes a chance to sample local specialties, including the famous Grogue (rum) and Pontche (liqueur). Reviewers mention that tasting these drinks after a few shots “makes you speak Crioulo,” adding a humorous and authentic touch.

The village visit also offers a glimpse into traditional Cape Verdean culture, and guides like Anna are praised for their friendly, informative approach. Expect to see simple, rustic architecture and friendly locals, giving you a real taste of island life.

How the Tour Flows

The entire tour lasts about half a day, making it accessible even for travelers with limited time. Starting early with hotel pickup, it moves through several scenic and cultural stops, with enough time to enjoy each without feeling rushed. The vehicle size tends to be small to medium, creating an intimate atmosphere where guides can give personalized attention.

What’s Included and What You Should Bring

For $76, the package covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, sandboarding, a 4×4 safari, and local snacks and drinks. Pack sunglasses and water—both are essential, especially under the sun while exploring dunes and beaches. The tour also offers flexible booking with the option to reserve now and pay later, plus a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Real Experiences from Other Travelers

Reviewers consistently commend the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Charlotte mentions that her guide “was really friendly and personable,” enhancing the experience. Aaron highlights that the tour efficiently covers many of the island’s main sights without feeling rushed, calling it “one of the highlights of the trip.”

Several travelers, like Zuzanna, appreciated the care taken to find wildlife, and many praised the local tastings—”the sampling menu was exceptional,” or “after three shots, you start speaking Crioulo.” Notably, some visitors mention that sea conditions can influence shark sightings, but guides do their best to maximize the chances.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for wildlife lovers, as it offers chances to see turtles and sharks in their natural habitat. Those who enjoy adrenaline and outdoor fun will relish the sandboarding, while culture seekers will appreciate the village visit and local tastings. It’s also a good choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive, yet quick glimpse of Boavista’s diverse landscapes and culture.

If you’re someone who values expert guides and a well-organized itinerary, this trip ticks those boxes. Just keep in mind that wildlife sightings depend on nature, so patience is key. The mix of nature, adventure, and cultural flavor makes this tour a well-rounded, authentic day out.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Boavista, making it convenient to start your adventure stress-free.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses and water to stay comfortable during the outdoor activities. Sunscreen is also a good idea, given the exposure to sun and sand.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What are the chances of seeing sharks?
Sightings depend on the sea level and conditions, and while guides do their best, sharks do not always appear. If they don’t, the other experiences still make the trip worthwhile.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about half a day, making it manageable even for travelers with tight schedules or other plans.

Are the activities suitable for children?
Most activities, like sandboarding and beach visits, are family-friendly. However, check with the provider about specific age restrictions for safety.

What is the cost, and is it good value?
At $76 per person, the tour offers a good balance of wildlife encounters, adventure, and cultural exposure, especially considering the inclusions and personalized guides praised in reviews.

The Bottom Line

This tour offers an energetic, authentic taste of Boavista in just a few hours. With opportunities to see marine wildlife, carve down dunes, and sample local drinks, it’s a well-crafted experience for those wanting to combine adventure and culture. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge greatly enhance the trip, making it more than just a sightseeing outing.

While wildlife sightings can be weather-dependent, the adventure, scenery, and local flavor make this a worthwhile addition to any Cape Verde itinerary. Perfect for active travelers, wildlife lovers, or those eager to explore beyond the beaches, this tour packs a punch in a short time.

If you’re looking for a lively, varied day out that captures the essence of Boavista, this experience is a solid choice—making treasured memories and offering a genuine slice of island life.

You can check availability for your dates here: