How to Plan Your Half-Day Quad Tour to Santa Monica Beach in Boa Vista Island

Boa Vista Island is an amazing place to explore, with its historic villages, beautiful beaches, and local crafts. One way to discover the island’s many wonders is to take a half-day quad tour to Santa Monica Beach. This tour by a third-party company will take you through some of the island’s most beautiful spots, while also giving you a chance to meet local artisans and learn about the island’s history. In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your own half-day quad tour in Boa Vista Island.

Experience

The half-day quad tour to Santa Monica Beach promises to be an amazing experience with some stunning highlights. These include:

• Visit the local handicraft workshop and meet local artisans
• Explore the historic village of Povoação Velha
• Visit the caves of Varandinha
• Explore the most beautiful beaches of the island

Full Description

The tour begins in Rabil village, where you’ll be given instructions on how to operate the quad vehicle by the tour company. From there, you’ll pass through Povoação Velha, a historic village full of charm and character. The village is home to some still-intact houses made with handmade clay bricks and thatched roofs, which testify to Boa Vista’s early history as the first settlement on the island.

After visiting Povoação Velha, the tour will take you to the local handicraft workshop, where you’ll have a chance to meet local artisans and see their crafts. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about local cultural traditions and see some beautiful handicrafts, such as ceramics, baskets, and textiles.

The tour will then stop at the caves of Varandinha, an impressive geological formation that was once used as a hideout by pirates. The caves are accessed by a small path that winds down to the coast, and you’ll have a chance to explore inside and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this beautiful place.

Finally, the tour will head to Santa Monica Beach, one of the most beautiful and remote beaches on the island. Here you can relax, swim or just enjoy the beauty of the landscape, before heading back to Rabil village and the end of the tour.

Includes

The quad tour to Santa Monica Beach includes:

• Transportation
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Liability insurance
• Lunch or drinks (these are not included, but you can bring your own or purchase them along the way)

How to Book

If you’re interested in taking this tour, you can book it online at the tour company’s website. The tour costs X and lasts for approximately Y hours. You’ll receive confirmation of your booking along with instructions on where and when to meet your tour guide. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen and water for the trip.

Book Your Tour Now

A half-day quad tour to Santa Monica Beach is an amazing way to explore Boa Vista Island and experience its many wonders. With the chance to visit local handicraft workshops, explore historic villages, and see beautiful beaches and landscapes, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boa Vista Island

Visiting Boa Vista Island and unsure of what to expect? Here are some common questions and answers to help you plan your trip.

1. Where is Boa Vista Island located?

Boa Vista Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 450 km off the coast of West Africa. It is a part of Cape Verde, an island country that consists of 10 volcanic islands.

2. What is the best time to visit Boa Vista Island?

The best time to visit Boa Vista Island is between November and March when temperatures are milder and the skies are clear. Cape Verde experiences warm temperatures year-round, but the rainy season lasts from August to October.

3. What activities can I do on Boa Vista Island?

Boa Vista Island has a range of activities available for visitors. Some popular options include:

• Beach-hopping: Boa Vista Island has numerous beaches with clear waters and soft sand, including Santa Monica Beach and Praia de Chaves.
• Water sports: Visitors can try their hand at activities such as windsurfing, kite surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
• Nature excursions: Boa Vista Island has a diverse range of wildlife and visitors can take guided tours to see turtles, whales, and dolphins.
• Quad biking: For a more adventurous activity, visitors can rent quad bikes and explore the island’s interior and scenic landscapes.

4. What is the currency of Boa Vista Island?

The official currency of Boa Vista Island is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), but Euros are widely accepted by most establishments.

5. Do I need to get vaccinated before visiting Boa Vista Island?

It is recommended that visitors to Boa Vista Island receive vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding vaccinations.

6. How do I get to Boa Vista Island?

Boa Vista Island has an international airport (Aristides Pereira International Airport) that receives flights from various locations, including Lisbon and other European cities. Visitors can also take a ferry from Praia, the capital city of Cape Verde.

7. What is the official language of Boa Vista Island?

The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese, but Cape Verdean Creole is the most widely spoken language among the local population. English is also spoken by many locals, especially those in the tourism industry.

8. What are some must-try dishes on Boa Vista Island?

Cape Verdean cuisine is a unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. Some must-try dishes on Boa Vista Island include:

• Cachupa: a stew made with corn, beans, and vegetables with meat or fish.
• Pedra: grilled tuna or wahoo served with boiled vegetables.
• Lagosta grelhada: grilled lobster served with rice and vegetables.
• Funchi: a cornmeal pudding often served as a side dish.

9. Can I use my credit card on Boa Vista Island?

Credit cards are not widely accepted on Boa Vista Island, so it is important to carry cash or use ATMs to withdraw money.

10. What is the culture like on Boa Vista Island?

The culture of Boa Vista Island is heavily influenced by African, Portuguese, and Brazilian traditions. Music and dance play a significant role in Cape Verdean culture, with genres such as morna and funana being popular among locals. Cape Verdeans are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and visitors can expect to experience warm hospitality during their stay.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Boa Vista Island

Boa Vista is an island in Cape Verde, located off the West African coast. It’s known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant culture. If you are planning a trip to Boa Vista Island, here’s how you can make the most of your time.

1. Visit the Praia de Santa Monica

Description

Praia de Santa Monica is one of the most popular beaches on Boa Vista Island. It’s a long stretch of white sand that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The waters are clear and warm, making it an ideal place for water sports as well.

What to Do Here

Here, you can rent a sunbed and umbrella to lounge on the beach. You can also hire a local guide to take you on a horseback ride along the beach. If you are feeling adventurous, there are various water sports activities like surfing, windsurfing, and jet skiing to try out.

Things to Keep in Mind

While visiting Praia de Santa Monica, always remember to stay hydrated and use sunscreen, as the sun can be intense. It’s also a good idea to carry cash for renting beach equipment or purchasing refreshments from the vendors.

2. Explore the Viana Desert

Description

The Viana Desert is a unique and stunning natural wonder that you don’t want to miss. The desert is home to sand dunes that extend as far as the eye can see. It’s a popular spot for photographers due to its mystical beauty.

What to Do Here

While here, you can go on guided walks or jeep safaris. You can also try sandboarding on the sand dunes. If you’re into stargazing, you can visit the desert at night when the stars are bright and visible.

Things to Keep in Mind

If plan to visit the Viana Desert, be sure to wear comfortable footwear because walking on the sand dunes can be exhausting. It’s also important to carry enough water to stay hydrated as the desert can get hot during the day.

3. Tour the Rabil Village

Description

Rabil village is a charming and serene location that provides insight into the local life and culture of Cape Verde. The village is located just a few kilometers from the capital city of Sal Rei.

What to Do Here

While in Rabil, you can visit a traditional pottery workshop and watch skilled artisans create beautiful handcrafted pottery. You can also explore the village and learn about the history of Cape Verde.

Things to Keep in Mind

It is advised to dress modestly while visiting Rabil, as it is a conservative village. You should also ask for permission before taking photos of the locals as a sign of respect.

4. Take a Boat Tour to Ilhéu de Sal Rei

Description

Ilhéu de Sal Rei is a small, uninhabited island just a few kilometers away from Boa Vista Island. The island boasts crystal clear water, diverse marine life and is a popular spot for various water sports.

What to Do Here

You can explore the island and discover the stunning flora and fauna of this tropical paradise. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving in the surrounding waters to witness the beautiful marine life of Cape Verde.

Things to Keep in Mind

Boat tours to Ilhéu de Sal Rei can be booked from local tour operators. It’s best to check the weather conditions before you go to ensure it’s safe to take the boat tour.

5. Enjoy the Cape Verdean Cuisine

Description

No trip to Cape Verde would be complete without trying some of the local cuisine. The Cape Verdean cuisine has a mix of African and Portuguese influences, giving it a unique and delicious flavour.

What to Do Here

You can try the traditional dish of “cachupa”, which consists of a mix of beans, corn, and vegetables with meat or fish. Another must-try dish is the “grilled lobster” freshly caught from the waters of Boa Vista Island.

Things to Keep in Mind

There are many restaurants and local eateries that serve Cape Verdean cuisine. It’s important to ask the locals for recommendations and try their food to have an authentic experience.

Book Your Tour Now

Boa Vista Island is a unique and enchanting place that offers a lot of adventure and exploration opportunities. From stunning beaches and sand dunes to delicious cuisine and local culture, there is something for everyone. By following this guide, you can make the most of your time in Boa Vista Island and have a memorable trip.