Boa Vista Island: Full-Day Wild Beaches & Viana Desert Experience
From ghost villages and oasis groves to sea turtle beaches and sweeping desert dunes
This Boa Vista island tour takes you across one of Cape Verde's most dramatic and varied landscapes in a single full day, combining off-road adventure, natural history, and coastal swimming into one carefully sequenced itinerary.
The route moves from lush oasis to abandoned fishing village, continues across rough terrain to a remote beach, and culminates at the Viana Desert, a protected expanse of white sand dunes stretching more than ten kilometres across the interior of the island.
A local guide accompanies the group throughout, providing context on the island's ecology, colonial history, and the agricultural traditions that still sustain small communities in the northeast. The day ends with drop-off at your accommodation.
Tour Highlights
Explore the Fonte Vicente Oasis and observe fig, almond, tamarind, and baobab trees alongside local fauna.
Walk through the ghost village of Curral Velho, deserted after centuries of drought and pirate raids.
Swim in the turquoise waters of Ervatão Beach, the island's most important loggerhead sea turtle nesting site.
Enjoy a traditional lunch in Fundo das Figueiras, a village celebrated for its locally produced goat cheese.
Walk the vast white dunes of the Viana Desert, one of Cape Verde's seven official natural wonders.
Travel sections of the route off-road to reach João Barrosa Beach, accessible only by 4x4 vehicle.
Itinerary
1
Hotel Pickup & Fonte Vicente Oasis
The day begins with pickup from your hotel and a drive to the Fonte Vicente Oasis. Your guide introduces the local flora, including fig, almond, tamarind, and baobab trees, and explains the ecological role this rare water source plays on an otherwise arid island.
2
Curral Velho Ghost Village & Salt Mine
The group moves on to the ruins of Curral Velho, a fishing settlement abandoned due to persistent drought and repeated pirate attacks. You will explore the remains of its former salt mine and hear the history of the community that once lived here.
3
João Barrosa Beach & Ervatão Beach
An off-road track leads to the wild beach of João Barrosa, followed by a stop at Ervatão Beach, the principal loggerhead sea turtle spawning ground on Boa Vista. Weather permitting, guests are invited to swim in its clear turquoise waters.
4
Lunch at Fundo das Figueiras
The tour pauses in the small agricultural village of Fundo das Figueiras for a traditional lunch. The village is known across the island for its artisan goat cheese and its commitment to small-scale pastoral farming.
5
Viana Desert & Return
The final stop is the Viana Desert, where guests walk among white sand dunes stretching over ten kilometres. The group then returns to the hotel zone for drop-off at each accommodation.
What Is Included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional local guide
Off-road vehicle transport
Lunch at Fundo das Figueiras
Swimming opportunity at Ervatão Beach (weather permitting)
Not Included
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities for guide and driver
Additional drinks beyond those included
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Important Information
This tour involves off-road driving on unpaved tracks. Participants should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and bring sun protection. Swimming is subject to sea conditions on the day.
Duration
Approximately 7 hours including all stops, lunch, and return transfer to your accommodation.
What to Bring
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit and towel, comfortable walking shoes, and a small amount of cash for additional purchases.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are displayed at the time of booking. It is recommended to review the policy before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
The tour includes off-road driving and walking on sand dunes. It is not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations. Contact the operator before booking if you have specific accessibility requirements.
Age Range
The tour is suitable for most ages. The difficulty level is rated Easy. Parents should assess suitability for young children given the off-road and outdoor nature of the experience.
Ready to Explore Boa Vista?
Secure your place on this full-day island circuit and discover the wild coast, living oases, and desert landscapes that define Boa Vista's remarkable character.
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included. A list of covered hotels is provided; guests staying elsewhere may enter their address during the booking process.
Will I definitely be able to swim at Ervatão Beach?▼
Swimming at Ervatão Beach is included in the itinerary but is subject to weather and sea conditions on the day of the tour. The guide will advise on safety at the time.
Is the Viana Desert suitable for children?▼
The Viana Desert section involves walking on loose sand dunes and is rated Easy overall. Parents should consider the age and stamina of younger children before booking.
What is the significance of Ervatão Beach for sea turtles?▼
Ervatão Beach is the most important loggerhead sea turtle nesting site on Boa Vista Island and one of the key spawning beaches in the Atlantic. Conservation efforts are active in the area.
What type of vehicle is used for the off-road sections?▼
The off-road sections of the tour are completed in a 4x4 vehicle appropriate for the unpaved tracks leading to remote beaches such as João Barrosa.
Is lunch included in the tour?▼
Yes, lunch is included and is served in the village of Fundo das Figueiras, known for its traditional goat cheese and agricultural heritage.
Boa Vista Island TourCape VerdeViana DesertErvatão BeachLoggerhead Sea TurtlesOff-Road AdventureGhost VillageCurral VelhoFonte Vicente OasisFull Day TourWild BeachesCape Verde Seven Wonders
This tour takes place on Boa Vista Island, one of the eastern islands of the Cape Verde archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 570 kilometres off the coast of West Africa. Boa Vista is known for its vast sand dunes, remote beaches, and warm semi-arid climate. The itinerary covers the southern coast near Curral Velho, the northeastern agricultural villages including Fundo das Figueiras and the main hub of Sal Rei, and the protected interior dune landscape of the Viana Desert. Ervatão Beach, on the eastern coast, is internationally recognised as a critical nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles. The Viana Desert is designated as one of Cape Verde's seven natural wonders.
Destination: Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde | Tour Type: Full-Day Island Circuit | Environment: Desert, Beach, Oasis, Rural Village | Activity Level: Easy | Region: Cape Verde Archipelago, Atlantic Ocean, West Africa
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