Boa Vista: Jeep Tour to Shipwreck, Viana Desert & Oasis Route

Jeep ride through boa vista’s shipwrecks desert & oasis

You’ll ride off-road through Boa Vista’s oasis trails, visit the haunting Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck up close, watch colors shift across Viana Desert dunes, and hear local stories from your guide along the way. Expect relaxed stops for photos or just silence—and maybe a moment that lingers longer than expected.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Sal Rei or nearby areas, fuel for your journey across Boa Vista’s north coast tracks and deserts, plus all taxes and fees already covered so you can just focus on what’s outside your window.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore North Boa Vista highlights

• Pass Via Pitoresca off-road path
• Stop at Panorama Point Ponta do Sol
• View South Boa Vista and shipwreck
• Visit Cabo Santa Maria beach shipwreck
• Photograph ship and beach colors
• See Bofareira picturesque bay
• Explore Viana Desert sandy dunes
• Visit Chimney of Praia de Chaves

The Experience

Our driver, Paulo, had to double back almost immediately because I’d left my sunglasses in the hotel lobby—classic me. He just grinned and said “no rush, we have desert time here.” That set the tone for this whole jeep tour around the north of Boa Vista. The road out of Sal Rei turned bumpy fast, with palm trees giving way to this wild, sandy track called Via Pitoresca. It smelled faintly green from the oasis—like wet earth and something sweet I couldn’t place.

We stopped at Panorama Point (Ponta do Sol), where the sky looked huge and empty. Paulo pointed south, tracing a line with his finger: “On clear days you see almost all of Boa Vista.” We squinted until he laughed and told us to look for the rusted bones of Cabo Santa Maria instead. That shipwreck just sits there on the sand like it’s waiting for someone to remember it. I tried to imagine what it was like when it crashed in 1968—waves must’ve sounded different then. The beach felt quiet except for some kids chasing each other by the waterline.

Bofareira was next—a sleepy bay where goats wandered near old stone walls. Not much happened there but that’s kind of what I liked about it. After that came the Viana Desert, which honestly surprised me. I thought “desert” meant endless heat, but it was cool and windy, sand so fine it squeaked under my shoes. The light kept shifting; one minute everything looked gold, then suddenly pale blue shadows stretched across the dunes. We ended up at an old chimney by Praia de Chaves—Paulo said local families once fired pottery here but now it’s just a marker against all that sand.

I still think about that view from Panorama Point sometimes—the way you can see both emptiness and memory in one sweep. If you’re into places that feel half-forgotten but full of stories, this day trip from Sal Rei is worth waking up early for…even if you forget your sunglasses.

Top questions

How long does the Boa Vista jeep tour last?

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

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can I see the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck up close?

Yes, there is a stop at Cabo Santa Maria beach to view the shipwreck closely.

Are there any stops in the Viana Desert?

Yes, you’ll stop to explore the sandy dunes of Viana Desert during the tour.

Is this jeep tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are infants or service animals allowed on this tour?

Specialized infant seats are available and service animals are allowed.

What should I bring on this Boa Vista day trip?

Sunglasses (don’t forget them!), sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and water are recommended.