We Rank Boa Vista Island’s 16 Top Tours & Things To Do

Boa Vista Island in Cape Verde is a playground for those seeking more than just lounging on a beach. Its vast desert landscapes, breathtaking beaches, and marine life make it a standout destination for outdoor adventures and unique experiences.

We particularly love the Buggy Adventures that let you zoom across sand dunes and explore remote areas, or the turtle watching tours which offer a rare chance to witness these ancient creatures nesting.

For those interested in marine life, the whale watching trip with a biologist provides an unforgettable look at humpback whales in their natural habitat. With so many options, Boa Vista offers a perfect mix of thrill, culture, and nature.

Quick Overview

This guide covers a variety of tours suitable for different interests and physical levels, from adrenaline-filled buggy rides to relaxing turtle watching and scenic 4×4 excursions. Whether you prefer exploring desert dunes, hidden caves, or enjoying local cuisine, you’ll find something that fits your style.

For example, the Boa Vista: 2-Hour Buggy 1000cc North Island Adventure is perfect for a quick thrill, while the Full-Day Wild Beaches & Viana Desert Tour offers a comprehensive day on the island’s most stunning spots. Read on for detailed insights into each option.

1. Boa Vista: 2-Hour Buggy 1000cc North Island Adventure

At number 1, this 2-Hour Buggy North Island Adventure offers a high-energy way to explore Boa Vista’s northern terrains. For around $153, you get to drive a powerful 1000cc 4×4 buggy with a professional local guide, making this a perfect option for those craving adrenaline and scenery.

The tour includes stops at the famous Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck, which is a dramatic photo op, and the Viana Desert, with its sweeping sand dunes.

The panoramic view from Ponta do Sol is stunning during the drive. Reviewers love the exciting route and the knowledgeable guides, with a 4.9/5 rating from 113 reviews.

The tour’s shorter length makes it ideal for travelers with limited time but big on adventure.

Bottom line: This tour delivers a quick, thrilling taste of Boa Vista’s wild landscape, perfect for thrill-seekers.

2. Boavista: Turtle, Shark, Santa Monica, Sandboard & Tasting

Number 2 on the list is a half-day Turtle, Shark, Santa Monica, Sandboard & Tasting, offering a well-rounded experience for just $76 per person. This trip combines wildlife encounters—including observing green turtles and lemon sharks—with sandboarding on dunes, which is a fun, surf-like experience without the ocean.

You will visit Santa Monica Beach, Cape Verde’s longest beach, renowned for its pristine sands, and enjoy local culinary specialties. The tour’s 4.7 rating from 190 reviews underscores its popularity.

It’s especially suitable for those who want a mix of adventure, wildlife, and local flavor in a manageable time frame.

Bottom line: A fantastic value for travelers wanting both nature and fun with some tasty local bites.

3. Boa Vista: Santa Monica, Dunes, Caves and Village 4×4 Tour

Ranked third, this Santa Monica, Dunes, Caves and Village 4×4 Tour offers an immersive day exploring Boa Vista’s southern coast. At $76 per person, you’ll venture through the Viana Desert, stop at Varandinha caves, and relax at Santa Monica Beach.

This tour is ideal for those who love geology and local villages, giving insight into Cape Verdean life while enjoying exhilarating off-road driving. With a 4.7/5 rating from 122 reviews, visitors praise its scenic stops and authentic experiences.

It’s great for families or anyone wanting a balance of nature, culture, and adventure.

Bottom line: A well-rounded tour that showcases Boa Vista’s iconic landscapes and local charm.

4. From Boa Vista: Turtle Watching and Nesting Evening Tour

Number 4 is the Turtle Watching and Nesting Evening Tour, priced at $94 per person. During nesting season, you’ll witness loggerhead turtles laying eggs on the beach, just centimeters from these massive females.

This intimate, eco-friendly experience is a highlight for nature lovers, offering a chance to support turtle conservation. The tour is highly rated at 4.8/5 from 49 reviews, emphasizing its unique and meaningful nature.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a calming but profound connection with nature.

Bottom line: An extraordinary chance to see ancient turtles in their natural nesting process—ideal for nature enthusiasts.

5. Boa Vista: 3h Turtle Watching Expedition

Number 5, the 3-Hour Turtle Watching Expedition, is a shorter option for around $76. It takes you to Pesqueiro Grande beach, one of the best nesting spots for Caretta Caretta turtles. The tour includes guidance from experts and educational commentary on turtle behavior and conservation. The experience of observing turtles up close is powerful, especially when combined with conservation insights.

Reviewers mention how easy it was to see the turtles in their habitat, making this a must-do for wildlife lovers.

Bottom line: A concise but impactful tour for those interested in marine life and conservation.

6. Boa Vista: Buggy Death Valley Adventure 2h

Ranking sixth, the Buggy Death Valley Adventure gives you a mysterious route through Cape Verde’s Death Valley. For $153 per group, you drive a powerful buggy with a guide who takes you through Rabil and into the deserted, hauntingly beautiful landscape of the Death Valley.

The tour includes a visit to the Oasis, Fonte Vicente, and the Baobab Tree, giving you a taste of Cape Verdean wilderness. Reviewers love the thrill of the drive and the unique scenery.

It’s best suited for adventure travelers with a sense of curiosity about the less visited parts of the island.

Bottom line: An exciting, atmospheric ride through one of Boa Vista’s most mysterious landscapes.

7. Boa Vista: Whale Watching Trip with Motoryacht

Number 7 is the Whale Watching Trip with Motoryacht, priced at $94. With a biologist guide, you’ll search for humpback whales in their natural environment. This marine tour is highly rated at 4.3/5 from 115 reviews, praised for the close-up wildlife sightings and educational aspect. It’s perfect for those who love marine biology or want a relaxing half-day surrounded by ocean views and whale songs.

The tour offers a small-group experience that enhances personalized wildlife viewing.

Bottom line: An exceptional, educational wildlife experience, perfect for lovers of marine life.

8. 4×4 Boa Vista South Jeep Expedition 4h

Number 8’s South Jeep Expedition takes you on a 4-hour journey exploring Boa Vista’s southern beaches. For $65 per person, you’ll visit Verandinha Beach, known for its stunning natural cave, and get a local perspective on Cape Verde’s cultural and natural sites. The tour is rated 4.8/5 from 27 reviews, highlighting its off-road thrills and authentic local insights.

It’s suitable for those who want a shorter adventure with a focus on scenery and culture rather than long hikes.

Bottom line: A solid choice for a half-day of off-road exploration with a local flavor.

9. Boavista: 4×4 Island Tour, Santa Monica, Dune, Caves & Lunch

Ranking ninth, this Full-Day 4×4 Island Tour offers a comprehensive exploration for $135. It includes stops at Santa Monica Beach, shipwrecks, Varandinha caves, and sandboarding on dunes, topped off with a tasty local lunch. It’s perfect for travelers who want a full day of diverse experiences that showcase the island’s most iconic sights. Reviewers praise its fun mix of adventure, scenery, and culture.

The tour provides excellent value for money, especially for those wanting a full immersion into Boa Vista’s diverse landscapes.

Bottom line: An excellent all-in-one tour for those with full-day energy and a desire to see everything.

10. Boa Vista: 4-Hour Buggy 1000cc South Island Adventure

Number 10 is the South Island Buggy Adventure, which takes you along Boa Vista’s desert coast for about four hours. For $292 per group, you’ll pass Chaminé in Praia de Chaves, visit Verandinha caves, drive through Santa Monica beach, and see Curral Velho ruins.

This tour specializes in combining scenic drives with cultural stops and is ideal for adventure travelers who want a longer, more comprehensive experience.

The guide’s expertise makes the drive safe and enjoyable, with many reviewing it as worth the price.

Bottom line: A thorough, scenic, and culturally rich ride for those who want more time and variety.

11. Boavista: Rabil, Shipwreck, City, Snacks & Drinks – 4×4 Tour

At number 11, this Rabil, Shipwreck, City Tour combines shopping for local crafts, visiting a pottery school, and seeing the shipwreck at Santa Maria. Plus, you’ll stop at Fatima’s Chapel and Sal Rei for snacks and drinks.

For $106, it’s a great way to experience local culture and history with a relaxed pace. With a 4.8/5 rating from 13 reviews, the tour offers authentic insights and easy exploration.

It’s suitable for those who want a cultural connection mixed with scenic views.

Bottom line: A relaxed cultural tour blending history, local products, and scenic stops.

12. Boa Vista Mystical Wonders: Santa Monica Beach and Caves

Number 12 is a tour focused on Santa Monica Beach and Varandinha Caves. For $93, you can enjoy swimming at Santa Monica, explore the caves, and see the Cabo Santa Maria Shipwreck. This tour emphasizes natural beauty and is perfect for relaxation and photo opportunities.

Reviewers highlight how beautiful and peaceful the beaches and caves are, making it a must-do for nature lovers.

Bottom line: An ideal choice for travelers wanting relaxing scenic time and natural wonders.

13. Boa Vista Island: Full-Day Wild Beaches & Viana Desert Tour

Number 13 offers an entire day on the island with Wild Beaches & Viana Desert. For $100, you’ll swim at Ervatão, famous for turtle nesting, and explore the Viana Desert, one of Cape Verde’s seven wonders. The tour includes lunch at Fundo das Figueiras. It’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive day of beach and desert scenery, with a focus on wild landscapes and local wildlife.

Reviewers praise its diverse stops and value.

Bottom line: Great for nature lovers seeking a full immersion in Boa Vista’s untouched scenery.

14. From Boa Vista: Sandboarding Adrenaline down the big Dunes

Number 14 is the Sandboarding tour, where you surf down massive dunes for $85. This activity is perfect for adventure seekers who want a thrilling experience and to connect with nature in a fun, active way. It’s a hands-on experience—literally!—and provides fun for kids and adults alike.

Reviewers mention that it’s “like skiing on sand” and a highlight of their trip.

Bottom line: The go-to activity for adrenaline junkies and family fun in Boa Vista.

15. Boa Vista: Shipwreck, 4×4 Ride & Caves Day Tour with Lunch

Number 15 offers a full-day experience combining shipwreck viewing, scenic 4×4 rides, and cave exploration. For $100, you’ll visit the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck, shop local crafts, and enjoy a scenic drive with a delicious lunch in Sal Rei. Reviewers note the tour’s comprehensive nature and value for money.

It’s perfect for travelers wanting a long, varied day with cultural, scenic, and historic elements.

Bottom line: An all-in-one day that combines history, nature, and local flavor—great for full-day explorers.

16. Turtle watching in Boa Vista Island

Finally, number 16 is a simple but profound experience: turtle watching during the nesting season. For $82, you’ll witness loggerhead turtles nesting, an experience of a lifetime. It’s best from July to September and offers an authentic look at one of the oldest species in their natural process. Reviewers describe it as “a magical moment” and highly recommended for nature lovers.

It’s suited for those who seek a calm, meaningful encounter with wildlife.

Bottom line: A must-do for environmentally-minded travelers and wildlife enthusiasts.

How to Choose the Best Tour for You

When selecting among these fantastic options, think about your interests, budget, and available time. If you’re after a thrilling ride, the Buggy North Island Adventure or the Death Valley buggy ride are perfect picks.

For wildlife lovers, the turtle watching tours and whale watching are unmatched. Those wanting a full day of exploration should consider the full island tour or the wild beaches and desert experience.

If your schedule is tight, the shorter turtle or wildlife tours offer rich experiences without taking up your entire day.

Booking early is wise, especially during high season (July to September for turtle nesting), and some tours fill quickly. Consider your fitness level—most tours involve driving or walking, but some are more active than others. Finally, think about the kind of scenery you prefer—dunes, caves, beaches, or desert landscapes—and choose a tour that highlights your interests.

Boa Vista offers an array of experiences for all types of travelers. Whether it’s the exhilaration of buggy rides, the serenity of turtle nesting, or the beauty of wild beaches, this island has something to match your adventure style.

For the best experience, pick a tour that suits your energy level and curiosity. Many of these tours can be booked online in advance, so don’t wait too long—Boa Vista’s treasures won’t wait.