Travelers splash in Atlantic surf on Boa Vista wild beach, part of full-day beaches and Viana Desert tour
Group wading along turquoise shoreline and sand dunes on Boa Vista, a stop on the Wild Beaches & Viana Desert day trip
Lone swimmer near rolling Atlantic wave on Boa Vista Island, showcasing wild beaches on the Viana Desert full-day excursion
Rocky cove and turquoise surf on Boa Vista island wild beaches tour, Cape Verde coastal scenery
Travelers jumping in the shallows on Boa Vista wild beach, Cape Verde full-day island adventure
Old stone house near Viana Desert on Boa Vista island, Cape Verde, stop on full-day 4x4 tour
Tour group briefing on Boa Vista Island 4x4 safari, exploring wild beaches and Viana Desert landscapes
Travelers stopping at a lone acacia tree on Boa Vista Island full-day tour, en route to Viana Desert and beaches
Guests walking across Boa Vista coastal flats toward a lagoon on the wild beaches and Viana Desert day trip
Palm-lined oasis and sandy tracks in Boa Vista, a scenic stop on the wild beaches and Viana Desert tour
Traveler on a swing under a sprawling tree in Boa Vista, a fun photo stop on the full-day island adventure
Visitors standing atop golden dunes in Viana Desert, Boa Vista Island, during a full-day wild beaches excursion
Traveler overlooks Boa Vista wild beach on full-day tour, turquoise Atlantic waves and volcanic rocks
Guests trekking the Viana Desert dunes on Boa Vista full-day experience, sandscape adventure in Cape Verde
Listing ID : 20999

Activity

Duration7 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtHotel Pickup
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese
Full-Day Island Tour · Boa Vista, Cape Verde

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.
Meeting Point
Pickup is available from Hotel Rio Touareg, Hotel Estoril, Hotel Rio Karamboa, Iberostar Club Boa Vista, Hotel Rio Palace, Ca Madeira Deluxe, and Sal Rei. Guests at unlisted accommodations may note their location during the booking process.
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.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour price?
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
Last updated: 2025-07-10 | Product ID: boavista-fullday-viana-desert

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

7 hours

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Spanish - Speaking Guide

French - Speaking Guide

Italian - Speaking Guide

Portuguese - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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