Quad the Edge: Riding Boa Vista’s Shipwreck Coast and Viana Desert
Four hours of coast, rust, and wind-sculpted dunes—an ATV loop that puts Boa Vista’s best scenery within reach.
The engine thrums beneath you like a heartbeat. Salt smells of the Atlantic, sharp and immediate, and a rusted hull—half-buried in the sand—gives a sentence-long history to the coastline: the Cabo Santa Maria, a Spanish cargo ship that ran aground in 1968, now a photo-ready ruin against a bright, tropical sky. You kick the throttle and the quad answers, tires finding purchase on a skin of compacted sand and coral gravel. In one direction is the open ocean, a band of startling blue; in the other is the Viana Desert, an expanse of white dunes that seems to have been plucked from the Sahara and dropped onto Cape Verde.
Trail Wisdom
Start early or late
Ride in the cooler morning or late afternoon for better light and less wind-driven sand.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Sand, shells, and coral fragments demand sturdy footwear—sneakers or light hiking shoes are best.
Protect your eyes
Goggles or wraparound sunglasses prevent sand from stinging your eyes on open stretches.
Respect nesting zones
Avoid designated sections of beach during turtle nesting season and follow your guide’s instructions.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Praia de Santa Monica - a long, almost empty west-coast beach ideal for a quiet walk
- •Ervatão (Turtle Beach) - an important nesting site with guided evenings and local conservation efforts
Wildlife
Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), Coastal and migratory shorebirds (sanderlings, herons)
Conservation Note
Boa Vista’s beaches are critical for turtle nesting—stay on designated tracks, avoid disturbing nests, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
The Spanish cargo ship Cabo Santa Maria ran aground in 1968; over decades it became a local landmark and photographic subject.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temperatures, Calmer seas, Good light for photos
Challenges: Occasional winds, Sporadic tourism peaks
Spring delivers mild days and good light; wind can pick up, so plan for gusty stretches near the coast.
summer
Best for: Warmer water for beach stops, Long daylight hours, Active birdlife
Challenges: Strong sun and heat, Loggerhead turtle nesting (July–Oct)
Summer is hot and bright—good for beach stops but be mindful of nesting turtles and bring sun protection.
fall
Best for: Fewer tourists, Comfortable temperatures, Stable riding conditions
Challenges: Occasional rain squalls, Variable winds
Fall often means quieter trails and comfortable riding; bring a light wind layer for exposed runs.
winter
Best for: Dry, stable weather, Easier wind conditions, Excellent visibility
Challenges: Cooler mornings, Higher tourist demand in peak months
Winter is the island’s high season—dry, clear, and ideal for quadding, but book pickups and hotels in advance.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-toe trail shoesEssential
Protects feet from sand, coral, and the quad’s footrests.
UV sunglasses or gogglesEssential
Keeps wind-blown sand out of your eyes on coastal stretches.
Reusable water bottle (1–1.5L)Essential
Stay hydrated—guides may refill but carry your own for the ride.
High-SPF sunscreen and lip balmEssential
Sun is strong year-round; protect skin on exposed arms and face.
Common Questions
How long is the quad tour?
The full experience runs about four hours, including pickup from hotels in Sal Rei, a safety briefing, and photo stops.
Do I need prior ATV experience?
No—operators provide instruction and guide riders throughout; basic coordination helps, but beginners are welcome.
Is the trip family-friendly?
Children may ride as passengers depending on age and operator policy—check with the tour provider for minimum age requirements.
Are helmets provided?
Yes—helmets and goggles are provided by the operator as part of the equipment package.
Can we stop at the shipwreck for photos?
Yes—the itinerary includes time at the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck and other scenic stops for photography.
Are there age or weight limits?
Specific limits vary by operator; confirm during booking but most companies impose standard safety-based restrictions for drivers and passengers.
What to Pack
Closed-toe shoes for protection; UV sunglasses/goggles to keep sand out; 1–1.5L water bottle to stay hydrated; high-SPF sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Did You Know
The Cabo Santa Maria ran aground in 1968 and remains a weathered landmark on Boa Vista’s northern shore; the nearby Viana Desert is made up of Saharan sands blown across the Atlantic and is listed among Cape Verde’s notable natural sites.
Quick Travel Tips
Book early-morning or late-afternoon departures; confirm pickup with your hotel the night before; bring cash for local purchases; respect turtle nesting signs and local guides’ instructions.
Local Flavor
After the ride, head back to Sal Rei for grilled tuna or cachupa and a cold beer. Try local flavors—including fresh seafood and the sugarcane spirit grogue—at beachfront bars and simple family-run restaurants near the harbor.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Aristides Pereira International Airport (Rabil/BVC); Driving time to Sal Rei: ~20–30 minutes from the airport; Tour pickup: hotels in Sal Rei; Cell service: generally good in town, intermittent in dune areas; Permits: none required for tourists.
Sustainability Note
Boa Vista’s sands and nesting beaches are fragile—stick to established tracks, avoid night lighting near nesting sites, and pack out any trash to protect turtle habitat and dune vegetation.