Boa Vista: 4x4 Shark & Turtle Bays, Sandboarding & Drinks

Summary

Sandboard Boa Vista dunes see turtles & sharks then sip grogue

You’ll ride across Boa Vista by 4x4, carving down Morro de Arreia’s dunes on a sandboard before spotting turtles and baby sharks at Turtle Bay and Shark Bay. Explore Praia Varandinha’s ancient caves, then unwind with homemade grogue and pontche in Povoação Velha’s oldest bar. It’s raw, lively, and leaves you tasting salt and sugar on your lips.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Boa Vista's nature and culture

• Sandboard at Morro de Arreia dunes
• Visit Turtle Bay and Shark Bay
• Explore caves at Praia Varandinha
• Relax at Santa Monica beach
• Taste grogue and pontche in Povoação Velha
• Shop souvenirs at local vendors

Top questions

Can you really see turtles at Turtle Bay on this tour?

Yes, most visitors spot green turtles at Turtle Bay; loggerhead turtles are also possible depending on season.

Is sandboarding included or do you pay extra?

Sandboarding is included as part of the tour experience at Morro de Arreia dunes.

What kind of sharks do you see at Shark Bay?

You usually see lemon or nurse sharks (often babies) in shallow waters at Shark Bay.

Do you visit Santa Monica beach during this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Santa Monica beach where you can walk along its untouched white sands.

Are drinks included in Povoação Velha?

The tasting of local spirits like grogue and pontche is included during the stop at Fabiana's bar in Povoação Velha.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Boa Vista tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

How long does this 4x4 tour take?

This is a half-day tour covering several key sites across Boa Vista island.

Are there any food tastings besides drinks?

You’ll also get to try Fabiana’s homemade risois (savory pastries) during the tasting stop.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup by 4x4 vehicle, all sandboarding equipment for Morro de Arreia dunes, stops to watch turtles and baby sharks in their natural habitats, entry to Praia Varandinha caves and Santa Monica beach nature reserve, plus tastings of local grogue, pontche, and homemade risois before heading back to your accommodation.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the edge of those pale sand dunes when I realized I’d never actually tried sandboarding before. The wind whipped up little stings of grit against my ankles as our guide, Paulo, grinned and handed me a board. “Just lean back,” he said — easier said than done. I slid down, half-laughing, half-panicking, and ended up with sand in my teeth but honestly? Worth it. The ocean just kind of melts into the dunes here at Morro de Arreia — you can smell salt and something sweet in the air that I still can’t name.

After that we rattled over to Turtle Bay. Paulo pointed out green turtles poking their heads above the water — he said sometimes you get loggerheads too if you’re lucky. It was quiet except for waves slapping rocks and some kids shouting somewhere behind us. At Shark Bay, I squinted into the shallows and there they were: these tiny lemon sharks darting around our ankles (Paulo promised they don’t bite). I didn’t expect to feel so weirdly calm watching them — like you’re part of their world for a second.

Praia Varandinha’s caves felt cool after all that sun — dark stone under your fingers, echoey inside. We didn’t stay long because Santa Monica beach was calling; it’s just this endless sweep of white sand with nothing built on it. No umbrellas or hotels or anything, just wind and sea and a few footprints. Felt kind of wild.

Povoação Velha was our last stop — first settlement on Boa Vista, tucked between two mountains so pirates couldn’t find it (Paulo told us that story twice). Fabiana poured us grogue and pontche at her bar while her daughter fried risois in the back. I tried saying “obrigado” with my mouth full; everyone laughed. The drinks are strong but go down easy after a day like that. I still think about Fabiana’s smile when she handed me that glass.