Your day on Boa Vista hits two extremes, wild water and wide sand. This tour strings together Ervatão Beach and the Deserto de Viana with an expert guide, so you get more than just a resort bubble. One consideration though: it is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone with mobility impairments.

I especially like that you travel with a local guide who actually explains what you’re seeing, from fruit trees at Fonte Vicente Oasis to the abandoned fishing area of Curral Velho. Guides such as Damaris or Jayson (plus a friendly driver like Jo, in at least one account) are praised for staying upbeat and making the day feel low-stress. The day also comes with a practical catch: lunch is not included, so you’ll need to budget for it.

Key Points You’ll Remember

• Ervatão Beach swim area tied to loggerhead sea turtle nesting, with a chance to swim when conditions allow
• Deserto de Viana walk over white sand dunes that stretch for more than 10 km
• Curral Velho ghost fishing village history, including an old salt mine shaped by drought and pirate attacks
• Fonte Vicente Oasis stop with fig, almond, tamarind, and an exotic baobab tree
• Small-group or private options, with shared groups needing at least 2 participants

A Seven-Hour Loop of Wild Beaches and Big Sand Dunes

This is a day tour built for people who want Boa Vista to feel real, not staged. You’ll go from oasis shade and desert scrub to off-road beach access, then finish with a long, sandy walk in the Deserto de Viana.

What works best is the pacing. You get swim time on the coast, a proper lunch stop at Fundo de Figueiras, then a calm final stretch where your main job is to watch the wind shape the dunes.

Price and Logistics, Including Pickup in Rabil or Sal Rei

The price is $100 per person for about 7 hours. For a guided circuit with transport and pickup included, it’s usually good value if you want convenience and don’t feel like planning your own route across remote areas.

Pickup depends on where you’re staying. You can have it from Rabil or Sal Rei, and the provider lists two drop-off options as well, Sal Rei and Rabil. For most hotels, pickup is included, but there’s a specific warning for guests staying at Hotel Riu Touareg, where pickup and drop-off cost extra.

You’ll also want to be ready on time. The instructions say to wait in the hotel lobby about 10 minutes before pickup, and the driver will hold at most 5 minutes after the scheduled time. That sounds strict until you realize it helps keep the whole day moving.

If you’re booking a shared group version, remember it depends on there being at least 2 participants. If not, you may be offered an alternative date, a private-run upgrade for an extra fee, or a full refund. That flexibility is useful if your schedule is tight.

Fonte Vicente Oasis: Fruit Trees, Birds, and Quiet Nature

Your day starts with a drive toward the Fonte Vicente Oasis, a stop designed to show you Boa Vista’s inland side. It’s one of those places where the scenery feels calmer than the coast, and your guide can point out details you’d likely miss without local eyes.

Expect to see fruit trees such as fig, almond, and tamarind, plus an exotic baobab tree. The guide also covers local fauna, so this isn’t just a photo stop. It’s a chance to understand what survives in this dry environment.

Practical tip: wear comfortable shoes even if you’re tempted to keep things casual. This is the first stop, so you’ll set your whole comfort level for the rest of the day.

Curral Velho: A Ghost Fishing Village and an Old Salt Mine

Next comes Curral Velho, a settlement that was abandoned as drought dragged on and pirate attacks added pressure. The name alone hints at a place you can feel in the empty spaces, and the guided explanation makes it more than a scenic stop.

The tour includes a guided visit of Curral Velho plus time to explore the former salt mine. Salt-making history matters here because it connects the dots between the coastline, the harsh climate, and why people once tried to make this area work.

This stop is also where you’ll notice the value of a good guide. Even when the ruins don’t look dramatic, the stories make the location click. Guides like Jayson have been specifically praised for giving plenty of explanations, which is exactly what you want on days like this.

João Barrosa Beach: A Wild Stop for Swimming Time

After Curral Velho, you head to the coast by off-road route. One beach stop is Praia de João Barrosa, built into the day as a swimming option.

Because it’s a wild beach setting, conditions can change. You’ll want to follow your guide’s call on water entry and watch for practical safety cues like currents or rougher patches.

Even if you don’t swim, this is a great place to reset. Salt air, a break from the inland heat, and an easy moment to enjoy the day without rushing.

Ervatão Beach and Loggerhead Turtles: A Swim With Meaning

The big coastal highlight is Ervatão Beach, described as one of the most important spawning points for loggerhead sea turtles. That doesn’t mean you’ll see turtles on cue, but it does change how you experience the beach.

Weather permitting, you can swim in the turquoise water near this shoreline. When it works, it’s one of the best “how is this real” moments on Boa Vista, because the beach feels untamed and the water looks almost too bright for ordinary days.

This stop has two sides. The first is pure fun, a swim in warm water when conditions cooperate. The second is respectful awareness, knowing the beach matters for wildlife reproduction.

What to bring matters here. Have your swimwear ready, plus sunscreen and a sun hat. You’ll also want comfortable clothes for the minutes after your swim, because you may go from beach to walking and driving pretty quickly.

Fundo de Figueiras Lunch Break: Plan for Food You Choose

Lunch is part of the schedule at Fundo de Figueiras, but it’s not included in the tour price. In other words, you get the break and the location, you pay for your own meal.

That’s actually helpful if you’re picky. You can choose what you feel like eating that day rather than getting forced into a set menu.

From the accounts you provided, the meal at the local restaurant is often described as delicious and satisfying. So while you should budget extra, you can also expect this to be more than a rushed snack stop.

Practical move: treat lunch as your energy reset before the dune walk. That final leg in the sun uses your legs and your patience, so arriving fed makes a difference.

Deserto de Viana: White Dunes and a Long Walk Over More Than 10 km

The day ends in the Deserto de Viana, one of Cape Verde’s seven wonders. The highlight here is scale: you’ll walk across white sand dunes, with over 10 km of dunes to experience.

This is not a quick stroll on flat ground. Sand is slower than you think, and the sun can make everything feel warmer. Your guide’s job is to set a pace you can manage, and to help you appreciate how the dunes shift and form over time.

Because this is outdoors, it helps to have the basics handled early. You already did the swim stage, so now it’s about staying comfortable. Wear shoes that won’t punish your feet. Bring water if you usually need it, and keep sunscreen close.

If you like taking your time, you’ll enjoy this part. If you hate walking, you might find it tiring, but the views and the sheer size of the dunes are what make it worth the effort.

What Makes the Guides Matter on This Tour

This tour leans hard on interpretation, not just transportation. The stops are real places with real context, so the guide changes the whole experience.

In the feedback you shared, local guides like Damaris and Jayson are praised for clear explanations and a good vibe. There’s also a repeated theme of a no-stress feel, meaning you’re not being yanked from point to point like a checklist.

There’s one more subtle advantage. If you’ve already visited certain spots, the route may shift to include multiple villages instead. That flexibility helps you get value even if you’re repeating parts of the island.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This tour fits travelers who:

• want a full-day circuit that covers coast, inland nature, and dunes
• enjoy a guided explanation, especially for local history and wildlife context
• like a bit of walking, including the dune section
• want either a small-group vibe or the ease of a private tour

It’s not a fit if:

• you’re pregnant
• you have back problems
• you have mobility impairments

Also, consider the lunch detail. You’ll need to pay for food, so if you prefer all-in pricing, that’s something to account for.

Tips to Make the Day Easier in Real Life

Here’s how to set yourself up for success without overthinking it.

• Bring comfortable shoes. You’ll do walking at Fonte Vicente Oasis and especially on the dunes.
• Pack a sun hat and sunscreen. Boa Vista sun can hit hard during the dune part.
• Bring swimwear and plan for weather. The Ervatão swim is described as weather permitting, so it’s not guaranteed.
• Bring comfortable clothes for the transitions. Wet-to-dry can feel chilly if conditions change, even when it’s sunny.
• Expect off-road driving. Comfortable clothes and shoes help you feel steady and relaxed.

One more idea: ask your guide questions. The tour is built around explanation, and your curiosity is likely to be rewarded.

Should You Book Boa Vista Full-Day Wild Beaches and Viana Desert?

Book it if you want a day that mixes the best of Boa Vista in one loop: a wild beach swim zone at Ervatão, the historical weight of Curral Velho, and a proper walk through the white dunes of the Deserto de Viana. The guided approach and the small-group or private options add real value.

Skip it or choose another option if walking on sand is a challenge for you, or if you fall into the stated non-suitable categories. And if you dislike budgeting for meals, remember lunch is not included, even though it’s part of the day’s plan.

If your ideal vacation day looks like coast plus inland plus dunes, with a guide who can explain the why behind the where, this tour is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Boa Vista full-day tour?

The duration is 7 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

It includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, transportation, a tour guide, and liability insurance.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup options are Rabil and Sal Rei, with drop-off at Sal Rei or Rabil.

Which languages are available for the live tour guide?

The tour guide is available in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, and Italian.

Can I book a private or small-group tour?

Yes. Private or small groups are available, and there is also a shared group option with a minimum of 2 participants.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments.

Is there extra pickup cost for Hotel Riu Touareg?

Yes. For guests staying at Hotel Riu Touareg, pickup and drop-off are not included in the tour price, and an extra fee is required.