Sal Island: 2h ATV Quad Desert & Beach Adventure Tour

Summary

Ride ATVs through Sal’s shifting sands, salt flats & wild coastlines

You’ll ride an ATV across Sal Island’s wild beaches, salt flats, and dunes with a local guide leading the way. Expect gritty air, shifting sands under your wheels, quiet moments at Serra Negra’s lunar landscape, and a glimpse of both surfers and turtles’ world—plus hotel pickup and all gear sorted so you can just focus on soaking it in.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you’ve driven one of these before?” our guide grinned at me as I fumbled with the helmet strap. The quad looked bigger than I’d pictured — 500cc, automatic, but still kind of intimidating. Sand dust already clung to my shoes and the air smelled sharp, almost metallic from the salt flats nearby. We set off in a line, engines rumbling louder than I expected, and right away I felt that weird mix of nerves and excitement — like you’re about to do something you’ll remember.

The first stretch was all golden sand and this endless blue sky overhead. Our guide (I think his name was Paulo?) kept waving us to slow down near the dunes — apparently it’s easy to get stuck if you gun it too hard. At Kite Beach he pointed out some kitesurfers carving up the waves even though it wasn’t windy season; he said in summer the loggerhead turtles come instead, which is wild to imagine with all that empty space now. The salt flats around Santa Maria glimmered under the sun — not pretty exactly, more raw, like another planet. My hands got gritty from the handlebars and my mouth tasted like sea air by then.

We stopped at Serra Negra for water (it’s included — thank god) and just stood there for a minute looking out at this black mountain against pale sand. Paulo told us it’s called “the lunar landscape” locally and honestly I could see why. There weren’t many words; just wind in your ears and that feeling when you realize how far from home you are. The beach below looked almost untouched except for some old turtle tracks fading into the surf.

Ponta Preta was our last stop — black volcanic rocks everywhere, surfers messing around with what little swell there was. The beach changes completely with the seasons here; Paulo tried to explain but I was mostly distracted by how weirdly soft the sand felt under my boots after all that rattling on the quad. On the way back my arms were sore but I didn’t really care — I kept thinking about those empty stretches of desert and how small we looked crossing them together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 2-hour guided ATV desert adventure

• Drive automatic ATV 500cc 4x4
• Explore salt flats of Santa Maria
• Visit kite beach and observe kitesurfers
• See Loggerhead Turtles nesting area
• Stop at Serra Negra mountain viewpoint
• Admire lunar landscape from mountain top
• Visit wild beach at mountain base
• Explore Ponta Preta beach and volcanic rocks

Top questions

How long is the ATV tour on Sal Island?

The ATV tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included in this ATV adventure?

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

Do I need a driving license for this quad tour?

A valid original driving license is required to participate as a driver.

What should I wear for an ATV tour on Sal?

You must wear closed toe shoes; helmets, suits, belts, glasses are provided.

Are children allowed on this Sal Island ATV tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 6 years old; drivers must be at least 18.

How many people can join each group or vehicle?

Group size can be up to 16 people; each ATV holds maximum two passengers per booking.

What happens if minimum numbers aren’t met?

If minimum numbers aren’t met after booking confirmation, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Sal Island, use of an automatic 500cc quad bike with helmet and safety gear provided by your local guide (who might share a story or two), plus bottled water along the route so you can focus on riding instead of logistics before heading back in one sandy piece.