Boa Vista 4x4: Sharks, Turtles, Caves, Sandboard & Tasting tour

Boa Vista , Cape Verde

Boa Vista 4x4: Sharks, Turtles, Caves, Sandboard & Tasting tour

Active

(28 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the beautiful landscapes of Boa Vista on our half-day tour. Experience sandboarding on the Morro de Arreia sanddunes, and get up close with turtles and (baby) lemon or nurse sharks in their natural habitats at Turtle Bay and Shark Bay. Stand in de beautiful caves at Praia Varandinha and white sandy beach of Santa Monica. Finish of the tour with a tastings of traditional (alcoholic) drinks like Grogue and Pontche at a village bar in the first settlement.

This tour is the ideal combi of the most beautiful landscapes of the island, wildlife and culture, with round-trip hotel transport included for your convenience.

- Half-day tour showcasing Boa Vista's natural beauty and wildlife
- Visit Turtle Bay and Shark Bay to see turtles and (baby) lemon/nurse sharks in their natural habitat
- Enjoy sandboarding on the Morro de Arreia sanddunesdunes
- Taste grogue & pontche in Boa Vista's first village, Povoçao Velha
- Friendly local guides, who help you make memories of a lifetime

Available options

Boa Vista 4x4: Sharks, Turtles, Caves, Sandboard & Tasting tour

Pickup included

Private tour

Pickup included

What's included

Sandboard is included

The snacks (risois) tried during the tasting are included.

The grogue & Pontche tried during the tasting are included.

Pick up and drop-off at your accomodation

Detailed itinerary

Morro de arreia are the sanddunes located on Praia de Chaves. This is one of the most beautiful landscapes of the island. The view of the sanddunes going over into the ocean is breathtaking. This is also the location where we go sandboarding.

After the sanddunes we go first to the turtle bay and Shark bay. Here you can watch the turles and sharks in their natural habitat. Most turtles that can be seen are green turtles. Sometimes loggerhead turtles. At the shark bay you generally get to see lemon or nurse sharks. This is also the location where the baby sharks grow up until they are big enough before heading out to the deep waters.

After the turtle bay and shark bay, we go to praia varandinha. This location is vamous for the ancient caves and where the loggerhead turtles nests during the nesting season.

After the caves we continue to santa monica beach. Santa monica beach is considered ass the most beautiful beach of Cape verde and certainly of Boa vista. With kilometers of untouhed and unspoiled white sandy beach. This beach is part of a nature reserve and nothing can be build here.

Povoação Velha is the first settlement of Boa vista. The old town is located between two mountains. They build the town here to protect themselves from raiding pirates. Nowadays it is a sleep town and still very traditionals.

We start with a visit at Fabiana's bar/restaurant. Normally a place where only locals come. Here we' ll do the tasting of the local spirits such as grogue and pontche. We also try Fabiana's home made risois.

After the tasting there is still time to go souvenir shopping on the tour square at the friendly local vendors.

What's not included

100% guarantee of seeing turtles and sharks

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN NL

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

18 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Boa Vista

Boa Vista, known as the 'Island of Dunes,' is a picturesque island in the Barlavento group of Cape Verde. It is famous for its stunning beaches, dramatic sand dunes, and rich marine life, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities.

Top Attractions

Deserto de Viana

Deserto de Viana is a stunning desert landscape with towering sand dunes, offering a unique and otherworldly experience. It's a popular spot for sandboarding and quad biking.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate (activities may require additional fees)

Praia de Santa Maria

Praia de Santa Maria is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Verde, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Estoril Beach

Estoril Beach is a picturesque beach with a natural pool formed by volcanic rocks. It's a great spot for snorkeling and enjoying the island's natural beauty.

Beach Half day Free

Salina Beach

Salina Beach is a tranquil and less crowded beach, perfect for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing experience. The beach is known for its clear waters and beautiful sunset views.

Beach Half day Free

Cruz do Leme

Cruz do Leme is a historic cross that marks the spot where the first settlers arrived on Boa Vista. It's a significant cultural and historical landmark on the island.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Lagoa de Salina

Lagoa de Salina is a saltwater lagoon surrounded by sand dunes and natural vegetation. It's a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the island's natural beauty.

Nature Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cachupa

A traditional stew made with corn, beans, and various meats or fish. It's often considered the national dish of Cape Verde.

Main Dish Contains meat or fish, may be vegetarian if made without

Canja

A hearty chicken and rice soup, often flavored with vegetables and spices.

Soup Contains chicken, may be vegetarian if made without

Pastel

A deep-fried pastry filled with spiced meat, fish, or vegetables. It's a popular street food in Cape Verde.

Snack Contains meat or fish, may be vegetarian if made without

Morabeza

A refreshing cocktail made with rum, fruit juices, and sometimes coconut milk. It's a popular drink in Cape Verde, symbolizing the local concept of hospitality and warmth.

Drink Contains alcohol, may be made without for a non-alcoholic version

Popular Activities

Sandboarding Quad biking Snorkeling Scuba diving Surfing Sunbathing Swimming Beach walks

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the peak tourist season with ideal weather conditions for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the island's natural beauty. The island is bustling with tourists during this period.

24°C to 28°C 75°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu)
English: Limited (English is not widely spoken, but some people in tourist areas may speak basic English)

Currency

Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)

Time Zone

GMT-1 (Greenwich Mean Time minus 1 hour)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe (Boa Vista is generally safe, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.)

Boa Vista is generally safe, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or isolated areas. Keep valuables secure and be cautious when using ATMs.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or isolated areas
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious when using ATMs
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers of help or services

Getting there

By air

Rabil Airport • 5 km from the city center

By bus

Boa Vista Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are an affordable way to get around, but schedules can be irregular and services are limited.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sal Rei Santa Maria Estoril Salina Cruz do Leme Atalanta

Day trips

Deserto de Viana

10 km from the city center • Half day to full day

A stunning desert landscape with towering sand dunes, offering a unique and otherworldly experience. It's a popular spot for sandboarding and quad biking.

Estoril Beach

15 km from the city center • Half day

A picturesque beach with a natural pool formed by volcanic rocks. It's a great spot for snorkeling and enjoying the island's natural beauty.

Lagoa de Salina

20 km from the city center • Half day

A saltwater lagoon surrounded by sand dunes and natural vegetation. It's a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the island's natural beauty.

Festivals

Festival de Música da Boa Vista • June Carnaval da Boa Vista • February or March (varies by year) Festival de São João • June 23-24

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Rent a car or use guided tours to explore the island's attractions and natural beauty
Try local dishes and visit local markets for an authentic culinary experience
Respect local customs and traditions, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites
Be cautious of petty crime and scams, especially in tourist areas, and keep valuables secure