Boa Vista Tours

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.

A chance to delve into some of the Boa Vista's top spots. Spend a morning roaming the Viana desert in a 4x4 and exploring inland towns before ending up on one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Rabil, the Viana desert, Povoação Velha and Santa Monica beach are among the attractions you'll discover.

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.

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.

There's no shortage of great views in Boa Vista, and this 4x4 tour shows you just how picturesque it is. You'll discover the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, visit Fundo das Figueiras, stop to sample local food in Rabil and visit a visit a Local Biodiversity centre, too.

A blend of African, Brazilian and Portuguese influences make Boa Vista's capital, Sal Rei, a riot of colour. On this tour, you'll sample Cape Verdean specialities, visit markets vibrant with local life and enjoy a guided tour of the town's most interesting locations. First up is a trip to the recently restored Fatima chapel – a windswept sanctuary with a beautiful simplicity on a rocky bluff just north of Sal Rei. From here, you can take in the views over the coast towards the capital. Next, we'll explore the island's past in both the Sea and Shipwreck Museums. Admire a collection of exhibits from underwater archaeological finds and artworks that reflect on the history of the island.We dial the volume up a bit next with a visit to the market. Mingle with locals as you browse the handmade jewellery, clothing and fresh produce on display. Then, it's on to Sodade House of Culture for a chance to taste some local specialities, before some free time. You'll round off with lunch and some more exploration time at your disposal – visit the pretty church of St Isabel or head to one of Sal Rei's great beaches for a paddle or a coffee with a view.

It's all about immersing yourself in Cape Verdean culture on this 4x4 tour. You'll be entertained by traditional Boa Vista dances in Fundo das Figueiras, visit Morro Negro lighthouse for panoramic views and see a turtle nesting site. What's more, you'll learn how catchupa, Cape Verde's national dish, as well as get to try it for yourself. Rodrigo, one of our local guides, says, ‘Nothing brings the family together like catchupa stew. Each household has its own version – corn, pork, cabbage, sweet potato, yam and carrots are indisputable, but the type of beans used can be a topic of hot debate.'Kick off by rolling through farmland to learn about local crops and agricultural methods in Fundo das Figueiras. There'll be a warm welcome from the villagers, who'll greet you with a drink and invite you to watch traditional dances and live music. You'll also learn the secrets behind how to make a classic Cape Verdean dish, catchupa. It's off to Cabeça de Tarafes next – a tiny village with just 60 inhabitants. Afterwards, it's over to the recently restored lighthouse at Morro Negro, where you'll swap four wheels for your feet and hike to the top. After racking up your step count, you'll hear about its history while taking in panoramic views of the east coast. Hop back into your 4x4 and continue to the golden arch beach of Porto Ferreira, a protected turtle-nesting site where, weather permitting, you can dive into the water for a swim. Rounding off the day is a visit to a local restaurant for a hearty lunch of catchupa.