THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A single-day circuit that pairs wild Atlantic beaches with desert dunes and ghost-village history on Boa Vista. Expect beach swims, a village lunch and guided walks through turtle-nesting areas and the Viana sand sea.
A single-day circuit that pairs wild Atlantic beaches with desert dunes and ghost-village history on Boa Vista. Expect beach swims, a village lunch and guided walks through turtle-nesting areas and the Viana sand sea.
You step from the van onto bone-white sand while the Atlantic pulls at your feet, a wind that tastes of salt and sun guiding you toward a ribbon of turquoise at Ervatão.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bu Country Tours · Sal Rei, Boa Vista
You step from the van onto bone-white sand while the Atlantic pulls at your feet, a wind that tastes of salt and sun guiding you toward a ribbon of turquoise at Ervatão.
The full-day loop around Boa Vista threads coastal shores, ghost villages and dunes. Begin at Fonte Vicente, a surprising oasis where fig, tamarind and an exotic baobab punctuate an otherwise arid island — a reminder that Cape Verde’s landscape is shaped by volcanic uplift and persistent trade winds. At Curral Velho the ruined stone houses and old salt pans tell of harsh droughts, maritime trade and occasional pirate raids that emptied this settlement decades ago. João Barrosa and Ervatão are wild beaches: Ervatão is a key nesting ground for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), so visits are timed and respectful of wildlife.
After a seaside swim (conditions permitting) and a village lunch in Fundo das Figueiras—where goats’ milk cheese is a local staple—the tour crosses the Viana Desert. The dunes here were formed by sand carried by northeasterly winds and now stretch more than 10 km of mobile white sand, offering short walks and broad views back toward Sal Rei.
Practical notes: expect several easy walks and off-road driving in a shared vehicle; bring sun protection, a refillable water bottle and sturdy sandals for sandy terrain. Follow guide instructions around turtle nesting sites, carry out all waste and plan for midday heat by scheduling swims and shade breaks in the cooler hours.
easy.
7 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires getting in/out of vehicles, short undulating walks on sand and uneven village terrain.
Loggerhead turtles nest mostly between June and October; tours may adjust access to nesting beaches and follow strict protection measures during this period.
Yes—this tour is rated easy and accepts families, but infants must sit on laps during transport and beach areas have limited shade and facilities.
Yes, the itinerary includes a beach stop at Ervatão with time for swimming if sea conditions permit; bring a quick-dry towel and a cover-up for changing in open areas.
Pickup is included from major hotels in Sal Rei; for a full refund cancel at least 24 hours before departure per the operator’s policy and check weather-related changes the morning of the tour.
Curral Velho was a small fishing and salt-mining settlement abandoned over decades due to drought and coastal insecurity; remnants reveal past livelihoods tied to the sea and salt trade.
Ervatão is an important protected nesting site; visitors should avoid disturbing dunes, adhere to marked areas and pack out all trash to limit impact on fragile habitats.
Bu Country Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step from the van onto bone-white sand while the Atlantic pulls at your feet, a wind that tastes of salt and sun guiding you toward a ribbon of turquoise at Ervatão.
You step from the van onto bone-white sand while the Atlantic pulls at your feet, a wind that tastes of salt and sun guiding you toward a ribbon of turquoise at Ervatão.
The full-day loop around Boa Vista threads coastal shores, ghost villages and dunes. Begin at Fonte Vicente, a surprising oasis where fig, tamarind and an exotic baobab punctuate an otherwise arid island — a reminder that Cape Verde’s landscape is shaped by volcanic uplift and persistent trade winds. At Curral Velho the ruined stone houses and old salt pans tell of harsh droughts, maritime trade and occasional pirate raids that emptied this settlement decades ago. João Barrosa and Ervatão are wild beaches: Ervatão is a key nesting ground for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), so visits are timed and respectful of wildlife.
After a seaside swim (conditions permitting) and a village lunch in Fundo das Figueiras—where goats’ milk cheese is a local staple—the tour crosses the Viana Desert. The dunes here were formed by sand carried by northeasterly winds and now stretch more than 10 km of mobile white sand, offering short walks and broad views back toward Sal Rei.
Practical notes: expect several easy walks and off-road driving in a shared vehicle; bring sun protection, a refillable water bottle and sturdy sandals for sandy terrain. Follow guide instructions around turtle nesting sites, carry out all waste and plan for midday heat by scheduling swims and shade breaks in the cooler hours.