The 15 Best Desert & Dune Tours in Cape Verde

1.2h SSV Buggy Desert Adventure – 1000cc or 500cc

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews Our pick

Drive a two-person automatic SSV buggy from Santa Maria across dunes, salt flats, and volcanic beaches. Guides such as Edy, Jota, and Jason have earned praise for their friendly, safety-focused approach. Bring your original driving license, wear closed shoes, and expect dust, ocean views, and a lively ride.

“Ne pensez pas vous amuser ou passer du bon temps, c’est une sortie militaire, notre guide nous a pris de haut en nous disant que c’était lui le chef celui qui n’est pas content c’est pareil🤣, le ton est donné, pas d’explication pendant l’excursion….quelque tour pour s’amuser Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Shark, Turtles, Cave, Sandboarding & Tasting Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 328 reviews · 4 hours - 270 minutes · from $70

Join guides such as Veronique, Joshua, or Gil for a half-day 4x4 trip across Boa Vista. You will sandboard at Morro de Arreia, look for turtles and lemon sharks, visit Varandinha caves and Santa Monica Beach, then sample grogue and ponche in Povoação Velha. Wildlife sightings depend on weather and nature.

“We were a group of 6, our guide Veronica made our tour fun. She’s so interactive and made us all feel so comfortable. The tour itself self was amazing, from start to finish. We would definitely recommend to anyone. Thank you Veronica and Gil for an awesome experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.2-Hour Buggy Desert Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 328 reviews · 2 hours · from $170

You’ll drive a 1000cc buggy from Santa Maria across salt flats, dunes, Kite Beach, Serra Negra, and desert tracks, with stops at Palha Verde Oasis and Ponta Preta. Guides including Patrick, Jota, Primo, and Ricardo lead small groups in several languages. Expect dust, strong views, safety briefings, and a lively two-hour ride.

“The drive itself was really good! We got to see so much of the island in just two hours. Spectacular views! 💪The guides were really good and the trip was very well planned allowing all participants to get used to the cars before advancing yo greater hills and tops. I HIGHLY recommend this! If I were to pinpoint one minor things on transport: The company should inform about exact pickup time: we were in the lobby 13:40 by accident and just happened to see the truck. We assumed that the pickup time was 14:00. This might have solved the other minor issue: the delay when starting. People could've gotten there…”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.2-Hour ATV Quad Desert Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 244 reviews · 2 hours · from $106

Take a guided 500cc ATV ride from Santa Maria across salt flats, dunes, Kite Beach, Serra Negra, Palha Verde, and Ponta Preta. Guides such as Rastaman, Primo, David, and Jota have led past tours, with hotel pickup, safety gear, water, and photo stops included. A valid driving license and closed shoes are required.

“We did the Quad tour and it was such a great experience! I loved it. Jota was auch a great guid and managed everything so well! He gave me tips and helped me out when I had some issues. We can really recommend no limits adventure. Thanks to the team in Cape Verde”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Turtle, Shark, Santa Monica, Sandboard & Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 228 reviews · 4 hours · from $76

Spend four hours crossing Boa Vista’s west coast in a 4x4 with guides such as Fredy, Evandro, Anna, and Cristiano. Sandboard at Morro de Areia, look for green turtles and lemon sharks, pause at Santa Monica Beach, then taste snacks, grogue, and pontche in Povoação Velha. Shark sightings depend on tide and sea conditions.

“We had a great day. The hosts were very nice, and had a lot of helpful information. We got to see the turtles and the sand boarding was a fun unique experience! Unfortunately we didn’t get to see any sharks but I’m still happy with the value for money! They also took lots of photos that are available to download.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Santa Monica, Dunes, Caves and Village 4×4 Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 137 reviews · 4 hours · from $76

Take a four-hour guided 4x4 trip across Boa Vista’s south coast, from the white dunes of Viana and village life in Povoação Velha to Varandinha’s sea caves and Santa Monica Beach. Guides such as Freddy, Evandro, Nielson, and Julie are praised for clear explanations and confident off-road driving. Hotel pickup, drop-off, and a beach-club cocktail are included.

“Freddy was a really nice tour guide. We enjoyed it a lot :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Boa Vista Jeep Expedition: Shipwreck & Viana Desert (4-Hour)

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 134 reviews · 4 hours · from $64

Ride a Toyota Landcruiser across northern Boa Vista with a local guide such as Vagner, Hendrick, Fabrizio, or Silvano. You’ll stop at Ponta do Sol, the 1968 Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck, Bofareira Bay, Espingueira, Viana Desert, and the Chimney of Praia de Chaves. Water, hotel transport, and a refreshment are included.

“Our guide Hendrick Lima was absolutely brilliant. He was courteous, friendly and helpful. He went out of his way to ensure we all had a great time. We met local people, who were really friendly and welcoming. I would recommend this trip if you want to see another side of the island.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.2h ATV 500cc 4×4 Quad Desert Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 123 reviews

Take a two-hour 500cc 4x4 quad ride from Santa Maria across Sal’s rough tracks and beaches. Your guide provides safety instruction, helmet, suit, belt, glasses, and water, with stops at Serra Negra and Ponta Preta. Drivers must be 18 or older and carry an original valid driving license.

“Brilliant experience! Picked up right on time and didn’t take long to get to ‘no limits’. We were provided with water and all safety equipment, it was very organised. Had an amazing time out on the quads, our guide was lovely and good fun. The tRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Boa Vista Quad Tour: Shipwreck & Viana Desert (2-Hour)

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 121 reviews · 2 hours

Take a guided quad ride from Sal Rei to Cabo Santa Maria’s 1968 shipwreck, then cross the white dunes of Viana Desert. No-Limits Adventure provides fuel, equipment, water, hotel pickup, and safety guidance. Guides including Vagner, Fabrice, Fabricio, and Mauru have helped beginners gain confidence, though the short tour leaves limited time for desert riding and detailed explanations.

“Excellent from start to finish our tour guide was Fabricio and he was Great, knowledgeable and took some good pictures for us, highly recommend I would do it again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Boa Vista Island: Northwest & Deserto de Viana 4×4 Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 113 reviews · 4 hours · from $53

Take a four-hour 4x4 tour through northwest Boa Vista, with stops at Rabil’s handicraft workshop, the Deserto de Viana dunes, Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck, Praia da Atalanta, and Our Lady of Fatima Chapel. Your guide explains the island’s sights in English, Spanish, French, Italian, or Portuguese. Pickup and drop-off are included, except at Hotel Riu Touareg.

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Sal Rei, Santa Monica Beach, Caves, Dunes & Shipwreck Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 67 reviews · 6 hours · from $94

Travel across Boa Vista in an air-conditioned, certified vehicle with a local guide such as Nicole, stopping at Varandinha Cave, Santa Monica Beach, the Viana Desert, and the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck. You’ll have time for photos, a beach walk, and Sal Rei, with several languages and private or small-group options available.

“Unser Tourguide Nicole hat uns perfekt durch den Tag geführt. Genau die richtige Mischung aus atemberaubender Landschaft , Kultur und jeder Menge Spass! Defnitiv zu empfehlen!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Boa Vista Tour: Santa Mónica, Desert & Shipwreck

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 58 reviews · from $91

See Boa Vista’s wild side on a six-hour small-group 4x4 tour from Sal Rei. Visit Morro de Areia, Varandinha’s sea caves, Santa Monica Beach, Viana Desert, and the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck. Guides such as Lory, Clayton, Alex, Momo, and Amandio share local stories. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and patience for bumpy roads.

“Great way to explore and experience some of the wonders Boa Vista has to offer! Our guide was very informative, so friendly and gave us a great insight into the island and life here. Would highly recommend, can't praise enough! As an FYI most of this tour is off road and a bit bumpy going, completely fine for us but worth knowing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.4×4 Tour – Sandboard, Shark & Green Turtle’s Bay, Snacks & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · from $79

This 4.5-hour Boa Vista outing combines a 4x4 ride, seated sandboarding at Morro de Areia, wildlife stops at Turtle Bay and Shark Bay, and local snacks in Povoação Velha. Guides including Fredy and Christian lead small groups of up to eight, with hotel pickup and a 9:00 am start.

“Exceptional guide who made the trip totally amazing, with an excellent knowledge. Sand boarding was amazing just not walking back up the dune🤣. Seeing both turtles and sharks in natural habitat was perfect.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.4WD Boa Vista group day tour south and north with sandboarding

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $104

Spend about seven hours touring Boa Vista by 4WD with a small private group. Your day includes sandboarding at Morro de Areia, turtle watching, Varandinha caves, Santa Monica Beach, Rabil pottery, lunch with water, and the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck. Pickup is offered, and guide Celine has been praised for clear island explanations and friendly service.

“Fantastic trip exploring the beautiful island of Boa Vista. Celine was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain about the island and the different points of interest. Would definitely recommend. Would say you should definitely ensure you bring lots of water though as it can be hot with not a lot of cover.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Boa Vista Jeep Expedition: Santa Monica & Desert (4-Hour)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 36 reviews · 4 hours · from $64

Ride a Toyota Landcruiser through southern Boa Vista with a local guide, stopping at Praia de Chaves, Morro de Areia, Verandinha’s natural arch, Santa Monica Beach, and Boca Beach. Guides may include Fabrício or Marvin. You get water, hotel pickup, and time for a swim.

“la dernière halte près de l'hôtel Mélia non terminé”

Check availability →Read our full review