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- Deserto de Viana (Viana Desert) — A pocket of Saharan sand blown ashore that looks like a mini desert planted in the middle of the island. It’s great for wandering across rippled dunes, watching light change in late afternoon, and getting that otherworldly photo without a long hike.
- Praia de Santa Mônica — One of the island’s longest, empty white-sand beaches: vast, quiet and perfect for long walks. It’s also an important nesting beach for loggerhead turtles, so if you’re there in the warmer months you might see conservation work or even tracks in the sand at dawn.
- Praia de Chaves — Broad dunes meet blue water and steady winds, which makes this stretch popular with locals, kitesurfers and nesting turtles. The dunes and shifting sandfields here give you dramatic views and easy, flat hikes
- Deserto de Viana (Viana Desert) — A pocket of Saharan sand blown ashore that looks like a mini desert planted in the middle of the island. It’s great for wandering across rippled dunes, watching light change in late afternoon, and getting that otherworldly photo without a long hike.
- Praia de Santa Mônica — One of the island’s longest, empty white-sand beaches: vast, quiet and perfect for long walks. It’s also an important nesting beach for loggerhead turtles, so if you’re there in the warmer months you might see conservation work or even tracks in the sand at dawn.
- Praia de Chaves — Broad dunes meet blue water and steady winds, which makes this stretch popular with locals, kitesurfers and nesting turtles. The dunes and shifting sandfields here give you dramatic views and easy, flat hikes along the shore.
- Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck — That rusting freighter half-buried in sand is the island’s most iconic landmark: photogenic, a little eerie, and easy to reach from Sal Rei. It’s a sharp contrast to the natural landscape and a favorite sunset spot.
- Monte Estância — The island’s highest point and the best short climb for sweeping panoramas: you can see volcanic cones, plains and the coastline from the top. It’s not technical—just a sweaty, satisfying hike with a big payoff.
- Praia da Varandinha and the cliffs — Jagged cliffs, sea-cut coves and basalt rock formations make this one of Boa Vista’s most dramatic coastal sections. Great for coastal walks, sunset views and spotting seabirds; the terrain feels rugged in a good way.
- Ilhéu de Sal Rei & coastal birdlife — The little islet off Sal Rei and the nearby tidal pools attract seabirds and make for calm snorkeling or birdwatching trips. Combine a walk around the bay with a boat or kayak ride and you’ll see the island’s marine side up close.
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Boa Vista Buggy Tour: Santa Monica & South Desert (4-Hour)
Boa Vista Buggy Tour: Shipwreck & Viana Desert (2-Hour)
Guided turtle tour in a group in Boa Vista
4WD Boa Vista group day tour south and north with sandboarding
Boa Vista Catamaran Tour: All Inclusive Bay Cruise
Boa Vista 4x4: Sharks, Turtles, Caves, Sandboard & Tasting tour
Boa Vista Quad Tour: Shipwreck & Viana Desert (2-Hour)
Boa Vista Buggy Tour: Death Valley Adventure (2-Hour)
Boa Vista Jeep Expedition: Shipwreck & Viana Desert (4-Hour)
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.