Spend a day on Boa Vista’s raw southern and northern edges in a 4x4—sandboard down towering dunes, watch nesting loggerhead turtles, explore cliffside caves, and photograph the abandoned Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A gust of Atlantic wind pushes the 4x4 across a palette of ochre and white—dunes rising like slow waves, the ocean a pale cutaway at the horizon. On Boa Vista this full-day loop stitches together vast desert sands, cliff faces that drop into surf, and a rusting shipwreck beached on a remote cape.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for casual walkers who can manage short sandy and rocky strolls; no sustained hiking fitness required
Wildlife
History
Boa Vista’s economy evolved from 19th-century salt pans and small-scale fishing; Rabil pottery reflects a long-standing local craft tied to limited natural resources.
Conservation
Turtle nesting areas are protected seasonally—keep to marked paths, avoid flash photography at nests, and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the 4WD Boa Vista group day tour south and north with sandboarding today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Protect from the sun
Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and UV sunglasses—shade is rare and reflection off sand intensifies exposure.
Bring sturdy shoes
Closed-toe shoes for rocky coves and loose-sand footwear for dune climbs will keep you comfortable during short walks.
Stay hydrated
Carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person; guides provide bottled water but desert wind dehydrates quickly.
Camera ready for wildlife
Binoculars and a fast lens help with tropicbirds and distant turtle sightings—keep noise low near nesting zones.
Sunscreen and hat
Protects against intense equatorial sun that reflects off sand and sea.
summer
Closed-toe shoes
Useful for rocky shore stops and footing on uneven surfaces.
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
Optional for swimming at Santa Monica Beach if conditions allow.
summer
Binoculars or zoom camera lens
Helps spot nesting birds and distant marine life from cliff viewpoints.