Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista full-day 4x4 island tour with beachfront lunch

from

£84.00

Free cancellation

Language: German, English, Polish

Mobile voucher accepted

Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours

Guided tour

Instant confirmation

Meal included

E-Voucher

Why you’ll love this…

You can tick off Boa Vista's top sights during an off-road 4x4 tour
You'll climb Viana Desert's sand dunes and stop to see one of the island's famous shipwrecks
There's a traditional Cape Verdean lunch at a beachfront restaurant in Sal Rei included
You can see what local life is like in one of Cape Verde's oldest settlements, Povoaçao Velha
Your trip will be guided by a local expert who knows Boa Vista and its people inside out

What to expect

The fun kicks off in the Viana desert. Feel the wind in your hair as you rumble over the sand dunes in a 4x4. Then, you're off to discover the rusting shipwreck of Cabo de Santa Maria – a symbol of Boa Vista. Roberto says, ‘There are about 150 shipwrecks on the islands of Cape Verde, but this one is the most mysterious of all. It's a great place to snap a selfie, too.' You'll have a quick stop in Sal Rei for a glimpse at the capital's fishing pier, before a locally-sourced lunch is served at a nearby beach restaurant.

Next up is a pit stop in Povoaçao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around this isolated hamlet and enjoy a look into local life, before our final stop, Santa Monica beach. Boasting 15km of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder it was voted one of the world's top 10 beaches. The perfect place to end the tour.

What's included

Transport
Guide
4x4 tour
Lunch

What to remember

Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
Not suitable for expectant mothers or guests with back problems
Bring bathing gear and sunblock
Bring a towel
Bring a hat
Bring suitable footwear
Subject to weather conditions

Provider

TUI CAPE VERDE

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.3 /5

Based on 1120 reviews from verified customers

Review categories

Staff

4.7/5

Service

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Value for money

4.2/5

T
The Goldsmiths
Verified booking
3.8
20 January 2026
Travelled as a couple
The trip was overpriced for what it was. Asked for lunch order twice (chicken) but was given steak. Hemmed in at 2 locations by souvenir vendors and would have preferred not to stop in Sal Rei as didn’t feel particularly safe there. Have bruises from the extremely bumpy ride in places. The tour guide was very good though, personable and knowledgeable. TUI should make it very clear that this trip is only suitable for the young and fit, we returned to the hotel feeling exhausted and battered!
S
Susan allen and david
Verified booking
4.2
19 January 2026
Travelled as a couple
It was alittle scary first of all as drivers go fast and terrain is very bumpy. Byt you relax into it as you go along and uts very e joyabke.. its a long way. Nit for very elderly ir legs tgat done vend fully. But tge day was brluant. Covered alot of island santa Monica beach lovely. Sal rei not so much but tve lunch so relaxing and goid standard. Everyone tge drivers tge tour guides tge waiters the bar staff so lovely. . Talk if island very informative and numerous staff .Safe and looked after
M
mandy
Verified booking
3.8
17 January 2026
Travelled as a couple
sand boarding good food at restuarant good sal rei good the visit to the chapel nothing there would replace it with something else santa monica beach stunning
G
George
Verified booking
3
14 January 2026
Travelled with a group of friends
Enjoyed the meal and beach didn’t enjoy the ride very uncomfortable crammed into 4x4 with uncomfortable seats and no grab handles to steady yourself or leg room
R
Red petronella
Verified booking
3.4
14 January 2026
Travelled as a couple
Not that much of interest to see. Cramped and bumpy ride. Very little useful commentary
K
Kath
Verified booking
3.8
11 January 2026
Travelled as a couple
Positive: Hugo was a brilliant guide, funny, friendly and knowledgable. The highlight was the lovely restaurant with the best vegetarian food we ate during our holiday! The vibe was really nice here and they were very well organised. Negative: The 'sandboarding' was very limited, we enjoyed it but was very quick, most people only went once. It seems more like an opportunity for local vendors to encourage tourists to visit their 'shop' - was uncomfortable & intrusive. Time on beach very short.

Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista beachside sunset dinner with live music experience

The west coast of Boa Vista usually provides stunning sunsets across the South Atlantic. Admire the colours of dusk with your special someone over a delicious dinner, followed by some live drumming and mellow tunes on the beach. Carlo, one of our expert local guides, says: ‘Cape Verde's music is one of the most important strands of our heritage and culture. There are a variety of styles unique to the islands, and you will hear a mix of some of our traditional music together with international tunes performed after dinner by local musicians.'You'll be whisked off to the island-renowned Morabeza Beach Club well before the sun begins its descent over the water. Take your seat and while away the time with a glass of the local cocktail, Ponche, in your hand and the sound of the waves in your ears. The beach club has a natural theme and a stress-free vibe, with tables directly on the beach. The beautiful tropical sunset would be all the visual entertainment needed, but there are plenty of treats to come.As the light dims, a bonfire is lit and African drummers start to provide a soundtrack of infectious beats giving you a flavour of the local culture. Then it's time to sit down and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, with a selection of grilled meats, vegetables, and freshly-caught fish - plus a drink to wash it all down. A live band will play laid-back music during your meal, and up the tempo later on, so you can dance the night away with the sand between your toes.

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Activities

Sandboarding session on Morra de Areia’s dunes in Boa Vista

With bright coastal views, the rippling desert of Morro de Areia is the perfect place to get the adrenaline pumping with a 90-minute sandboarding experience. Boa Vista, which means "good view" in Portuguese, is the easternmost island of Cape Verde. It's known for its great beaches and patches of desert landscape. Jose, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Prepare to get very sandy on this exhilarating trip into Boa Vista's beautiful seaside nature reserve. But getting sandy is all part of the fun as you whizz down and clamber up the dunes.'Morro de Areia is one of the most prominent dune systems on the island and is especially known for its pristine and shifting sands. The scenic sand dunes that line the coast of Boa Vista have the added advantage that you can often see the coast from the higher dunes, and Morro de Areia is no exception. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you drive out across the sands, it's an exciting trip for both adults and kids as you roar across the dunes. The wild surroundings and fabulous views make the perfect backdrop for some unbridled fun. After a safety briefing and demonstration from your friendly instructors, have a go at surfing the dunes yourself. It's a brilliant way to get out into nature and see a different side of the island while enjoying a new experience which will have all the family whooping with excitement. Half-time refreshments are provided so you can rest and enjoy the sea view.

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Excursions & day trips

Half-day southern Boa Vista 4x4 tour with Viana Desert

This fun-filled tour gives you the chance to delve into some of Boa Vista's top spots. Spend a morning exploring inland villages and roaming the Viana desert in a 4x4, before ending up on one of the island's most pretty beaches. Roberto, one of our local guides, says, ‘It probably wasn't their intention but the souvenir shops of Povoação Velha and Rabil have become unwitting social media stars. Their colourful, kitsch and carefree displays are massive Instagram hits.'This morning-long adventure kicks off with a visit to Rabil – Boa Vista's second-largest town. From its vibrant streets to traditional architecture, the town reflects the island's tough yet resilient spirit. Here, you'll visit a ceramic factory, where you'll see the handiwork of local artisans and might be able to grab yourself a souvenir of local pottery. You'll also get to taste Cape Verde's national dish, catchupa, a rich stew of corn, beans, pork and vegetables – through ingredients change, not just from island to island or village to village, but house to house.Next, hold on tight as you zoom through the dusty landscape of the Viana desert. Our next stop is Povoação Velha, the oldest settlement on the island. Wander its rustic streets before kicking back on the 11km-long Santa Monica beach. Its sugar-white sand contrasts against fluorescent blue waters like an image from a postcard. If you're an adventure seeker, you can even try your hand at sandboarding.

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de, en, fr, nl, pl

Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista full-day 4x4 island tour with beachfront lunch

Off-road through luscious landscapes and be charmed by Boa Vista's untouched beauty on this action-packed 4x4 tour. Roberto, one of our local guides, says, ‘The Viana desert is Boa Vista's very own chunk of the Sahara. Its sand is blown in from western Africa, creating huge dunes, which we'll rally up and down.' Leave no stone unturned as you visit the shipwreck on Santa Maria beach, before stopping in Sal Rei village and Povoaçao Velha. Plus, there's lunch by the sea in a beachfront restaurant.The fun kicks off in the Viana desert. Feel the wind in your hair as you rumble over the sand dunes in a 4x4. Then, you're off to discover the rusting shipwreck of Cabo de Santa Maria – a symbol of Boa Vista. Roberto says, ‘There are about 150 shipwrecks on the islands of Cape Verde, but this one is the most mysterious of all. It's a great place to snap a selfie, too.' You'll have a quick stop in Sal Rei for a glimpse at the capital's fishing pier, before a locally-sourced lunch is served at a nearby beach restaurant.Next up is a pit stop in Povoaçao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around this isolated hamlet and enjoy a look into local life, before our final stop, Santa Monica beach. Boasting 15km of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder it was voted one of the world's top 10 beaches. The perfect place to end the tour.

free cancellation

Available in:

en, pl

Excursions & day trips

Sal Rei Sightseeing Tour with Local Speciality Tastings

With its blend of African, Brazilian and European influences, Cape Verde's unique culture is one to experience. On this tour, taste traditional food, visit the vibrant local markets and take a guided tour of Sal Rei, the capital of Boa Vista.

free cancellation

Available in:

de, en, fr, nl

Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista family catamaran cruise

Set sail on a journey around Boa Vista and Sal Rei on this half-day catamaran cruise. You'll be welcomed on board by your friendly crew with a quick safety briefing, before casting off along the coast. Joao, our expert local guide, says “the beauty of these islands is best seen from the deck of a catamaran as you drift over the waves – it's like stepping into a postcard."As we cruise along this stretch of sea, you'll get a front-row view of the coastal landscapes – think endless golden beaches and chunky rock formations jutting out of the sea. You'll get a good look at Sal Rei, too, which means Salt King in Portuguese, a nod to its history of salt production. It's home to the Fort of the Duke of Braganca, originally built to fend off pirates. This fort stands out against the ocean backdrop, making it easy to spot as you sail by.On board, you'll find a selection of snacks and drinks. Whether you fancy sipping on a cool beverage or nibbling on tasty treats, you'll be perfectly pampered as you cruise. Then, you'll drop anchor for a swim in the sea – ideal if you fancy cooling off. Alternatively, you can relax on the nets near the front of the catamaran and catch some rays.

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Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista adults-only catamaran cruise

Set sail on this adults-only, half-day catamaran cruise around Boa Vista and the islet of Sal Rei. You'll kick things off with a safety briefing from your crew, before heading out along Boa Vista's coastline. Miguel, our expert local guide says “as you cruise around Boa Vista and Sal Rei, you'll get an eyeful of the kind of views that never get old – there are miles of golden beaches and intriguing rock formations all along the coast.”Drifting by the islands, you'll be treated to endless coastal views. As you glide past Sal Rei, keep an eye out for the Fort of the Duke of Braganca– this place was originally built to defend the area against pirates. Sal Rei was also an epicentre for salt production. In fact, the place is called Salt King in Portuguese to reflect this deep-rooted history.On board, you'll have plenty to keep your energy levels up, with all-inclusive drinks and snacks. Take your pick from the refreshing drinks or tasty nibbles – whatever you go for, you'll be well taken care of by your friendly crew. Then, you'll drop anchor. If you fancy cooling off with a dip in the sea, this is your chance. Alternatively, kick back on board, snap some photos, or work on your tan.

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Excursions & day trips

Full-day 4x4 tour of Boa Vista’s northern villages with lunch

There's no shortage of great views in Boa Vista, and this 4x4 tour shows you just how photogenic the island is. You'll discover the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, visit Fundo das Figueiras, stop to sample local food in Rabil and visit a goat farm and local Local Biodiversity centre, too. Stephane, one of our local guides, says, ‘The shipwreck is one of Boa Vista's most iconic sights. When the ship ran aground in 1968 the crew escaped unharmed. Strong tugs were sent from neighbouring islands to try to move the ship, but it was stuck fast. It took nearly a year to unload the cargo and take it by mule to Sal Rei.'We'll kick off in true Boa Vista style, travelling by 4x4 to Rabil, where we'll try some local delicacies and have a look around the village. Next, we'll make our way to the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, where the rusting hulk of a Spanish cargo ship still sits where it ran aground over 50 years ago. It's a striking contrast to the natural beauty of the beach, and you'll get some great photos.A stop at the colourful village of Bofareira follows, where you'll call in at a goat farm to watch local cheese in production. You'll get to try some, too. Next, you'll head for Fundo das Figueiras village for a lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-owned restaurant. In the afternoon, there's some free time before a visit to a soap-making project ran by the Association of Northern Woman – an organisation specialising in equality. We'll round off the day at the Local Biodiversity Centre for an insight into the fascinating marine life of the island.

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Excursions & day trips

Adults-only Boa Vista 4x4 island adventure with local guide

You'll feel like you know every corner of little Boa Vista island after this adults-only off-road adventure. With a knowledgeable guide to show you around, you'll find out about the history and culture of the area, too. Leave no stone unturned as you visit Viana desert and the shipwreck at Cabo de Santa Maria, before exploring Povoacao Velha. Plus, there's lunch at a beachside restaurant to enjoy. Manuel, one of our expert local guides, says ‘The beach with the shipwreck is a very evocative spot, one of the most beautiful on the island. The ship ran aground in 1968 and has been here ever since.'Setting off towards the Viana desert, prepare to be charmed by Boa Vista's untouched scenery on this action-packed 4x4 tour. Feel the wind in your hair as you rumble over the sand dunes in a 4x4. Then, you're off to discover the rusting shipwreck of Cabo de Santa Maria – a symbol of Boa Vista. Chamine de Chaves is our next stop, before we slow things down with lunch in a beachside restaurant.Next up is Povaocao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around the small town and take a glimpse into local life, before we head to our final stop, Santa Monica beach. If it's dreamy Caribbean colours and empty sands you are looking for, you've found it. Have your camera ready because this blissful beach is one of the most photographed spots on the island. Boasting 18 kilometres of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder that the sandy strip was voted one of the top ten in the world.

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Excursions & day trips

Catamaran Cruise with Lunch at beach restaurant

You'll see Boa Vista's coastal beauty from a new perspective on this morning catamaran cruise - perfect for everyone, including families. Admire the shore from your spot on deck before you disembark for a beachside lunch and time to relax. Your day begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel, from where you'll be whisked away to the harbour where your luxury catamaran, SODADE II, awaits. As one of our seasoned local guides puts it, "SODADE II is designed for comfort and relaxation, offering plenty of shaded areas and nets for sunbathing - the ideal setting for families and anyone seeking a blissful day out at sea."You'll set sail around the island of Boa Vista and the islet of Sal Rei, immersing yourself in views of clear waters and coastal landscapes. Indulge in tempting snacks and drinks onboard, and then it's time to drop anchor for a bit of fun in the sun - dive into the waves or simply relax on the nets, basking in the sunshine.The excitement continues when you step ashore to be transferred to the beach restaurant where a tasty lunch awaits. Savour local cuisine and cool off with a drink, all while enjoying the sound of the waves and the beachside panorama. Spend the rest of your afternoon unwinding on the sandy shores, swimming in the sea or soaking up the sun. Finally, end your day with a smooth transfer back to your hotel.

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