Sal Island: Buggy Adventure Coast-to-Coast with Local Guide

Summary

Buggy ride Sal Island dunes, Serra Negra views, fishing villages

You’ll speed across Sal Island’s coast in a 1000cc buggy with a local guide, feeling grit and sea spray as you cross dunes and volcanic landscapes. Meet Cape Verdeans in colorful Palmeira village, watch lemon sharks glide past your feet in Shark Bay, and catch that strange Terra Boa mirage shimmering in the heat. This tour leaves you sandy, smiling, and maybe a little changed.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked up dust the second we left Santa Maria — engines humming, helmets a bit too big for my head. Our guide Nuno waved us on, grinning like he’d done this a thousand times (he probably has). The buggy felt wild but safe, and I could taste salt in the air before we even hit Murdeira Bay. There were turtles nesting somewhere nearby, Nuno said, but all I saw was this mountain shaped like a sleeping lion. It did look like one if you squinted. I kept thinking how weirdly quiet it was when we stopped — just wind and our laughter echoing off the rocks.

The next stretch to Fontona was rougher than I expected — sand flying up, sun on my neck. My hands got gritty from the wheel and I didn’t care. We passed kids waving near Palmeira, that fishing village with houses painted every color you can imagine (one was bright pink with green shutters). Nuno chatted with an old man by the port in Creole for a minute; I caught maybe three words but felt welcome anyway. Somewhere between Regona’s natural pool and Terra Boa’s “mirage” (which really does trick your eyes), I realized how far we’d come from anything familiar.

I tried to pronounce “Serra Negra” right and Li laughed at me — probably butchered it. Standing up there though, looking over that black volcanic rock and wild beach below, it felt like being on another planet. The light kept changing as clouds moved fast overhead. On the way back we stopped at Shark Bay; just shallow water and these lemon sharks gliding around our ankles. I still think about that view from Serra Negra sometimes — not sure why it stuck with me so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coast-to-coast buggy island tour

• Start at Murdeira Bay
• Stop at Monte Leao mountain
• Pass by Fontona Oasis
• Visit Palmeira fishing village
• Stop at Regona natural pool
• Explore Terra Boa and see mirage
• Visit salty water crater
• Walk with lemon sharks at Shark Bay
• Admire Serra Negra mountain
• See kitesurfers and turtles beach

Top questions

How long is the Sal Island buggy adventure?

The buggy adventure lasts approximately 4 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sal Island tour?

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

Do I need a driving license to join the buggy tour?

Yes, you need to bring a valid original driving license to participate as a driver.

Can children join the Sal Island buggy adventure?

The tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old.

What kind of buggies are used on this tour?

You can choose between 500cc or 1000cc automatic buggies for the adventure.

Are safety helmets provided during the buggy ride?

Yes, helmets along with suits, belts, and glasses are provided for safety.

Will we visit Buracona or Regona on this tour?

The actual stop is at Regona natural swimming pool near Buracona due to site limitations.

Is bottled water provided during the trip?

Bottled water is included as part of your tour package.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Sal Island, bottled water to keep you going under that strong sun, plus all your safety gear—suit, helmet, belt and glasses—so you can just focus on driving (or holding on). A local guide leads every step of the way before dropping you back at your hotel sandy but happy.