Boa Vista: 4x4 Desert, Rabil Village & Shipwreck Tour Pickup

Summary

Discover Rabil crafts, Viana Desert sands & shipwreck stories

You’ll ride out across Boa Vista by 4x4 with a local guide, meeting artisans in Rabil village before crossing the Viana Desert’s shifting sands barefoot if you want. Stand beside the haunting Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck and pause at Fatima Chapel for sweeping coastal views — all with hotel pickup included so you can just focus on what you’re feeling right then.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the road out of Sal Rei when I realized how different Boa Vista feels from anywhere I’ve been. Our guide, Paulo, had this easy laugh — he pointed out the goats nibbling acacia by the roadside and said they’re “the real locals.” First stop was Rabil. The air smelled faintly of clay and something sweet from a bakery nearby. We ducked into a tiny workshop where two women shaped bowls from Barreiro clay. I tried to say “obrigado” but probably mangled it; they just smiled and handed me a warm piece to hold. It felt rough, honest — like the island itself.

The Viana Desert came up fast after that. Sand everywhere, pale gold under a sky that looked almost too big for one island. Paulo let us hop out barefoot — sand was warm but not burning, soft enough to sink in if you stood still. Wind carried this dry, salty smell (not unpleasant), and I swear you could hear nothing but your own breath for a minute. Someone in our group rolled down a dune and came up laughing with grit in their teeth. The main keyword here is “Viana Desert tour Boa Vista,” but honestly it felt less like a tour and more like wandering through someone’s dream.

Then there was the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck — rusted bones of an old boat half-swallowed by sand. Paulo told us stories about storms and sailors; I tried to imagine what it must’ve looked like fifty years ago, new and proud before it got stuck here for good. The beach was empty except for us and some fishermen further down, mending nets with quick hands. There’s something about seeing history just sitting there, no fences or signs — just part of the landscape now.

Last stop: Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima above Sal Rei. Newly painted walls against black volcanic rock, sea wind tugging at my shirt while we looked out over coves below. I didn’t expect to feel much standing there but… well, sometimes places surprise you. On the way back to our hotel I kept thinking about those dunes and that quiet moment in the desert — still can’t quite shake it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Boa Vista Island highlights

• Pickup at hotel
• Visit Rabil village and handicraft center
• Explore Viana Desert dunes
• See Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck and beach
• Visit Fatima Church in Sal Rei
• Drop off at accommodation

Top questions

How long is the Boa Vista 4x4 desert & shipwreck tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

Does this day trip include visiting Rabil village?

Yes, you’ll visit Rabil village and meet local artisans working with Barreiro clay.

Is transportation included in the Viana Desert tour Boa Vista?

Yes, transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is included in the tour price.

Can children join this Boa Vista island tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What do you see at Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck?

You’ll have time to explore the rusted remains of the historic shipwreck on Santa Maria beach.

Are guides local on this day trip from Sal Rei?

Yes, tours are led by knowledgeable local guides familiar with Boa Vista’s culture and history.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by 4x4 vehicle, guidance from a local expert throughout each stop — from Rabil’s artisan workshops to Viana Desert dunes and Cabo Santa Maria beach — plus liability insurance so you can relax into each moment without worrying about logistics.