Sal Island: Buggy Desert Adventure & Kite Beach Tour

Summary

Race across Sal’s wild south coast in a buggy with stops at kite beach, black mountain and volcanic sands

You’ll drive your own 1000cc buggy across Sal Island’s southern desert with a local guide leading the way. Feel the rush on Kite Beach where kitesurfers ride wild winds, stand atop Serra Negra for lunar views, and watch waves crash at Ponta Preta’s volcanic shore. Includes hotel pickup and all gear—just bring your sense of adventure.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you’ve driven one of these before?” our guide grinned, handing over the keys to the buggy. I laughed — honestly, I hadn’t, but how hard could it be? The helmet felt snug and the engine rumbled under me, kind of thrilling. We set off in a little convoy, dust swirling behind us as we left Santa Maria. The salt flats shimmered white in the sun, and there was this faint tang of minerals in the air — almost metallic. I kept glancing sideways at my friend, both of us grinning like idiots.

Kite Beach came up fast — you could hear the snap of kites before you saw them. Even in June, there were a few diehards out there zigzagging between waves. Our guide, Paulo, pointed out where loggerhead turtles come up to nest when it’s quieter. He told us if we came back at night in summer, we might see them crawling up the sand. I tried to imagine that: all those tiny tracks under moonlight. The wind picked up here and whipped grit against my arms — not painful but sharp enough to wake you up.

We bumped along toward Serra Negra after that. Black rock everywhere — it really does look lunar up close. Paulo said locals call it “the sleeping giant.” From the top you get this wild view: dunes fading into sea on one side, empty beach on the other. Murdeira Bay was next — quick stop for photos with Lion Mountain in the background (it actually does look like a lion if you squint). Ponta Preta was our last stop; waves crashing hard against black volcanic sand. In winter surfers come from everywhere for these waves; right now it was just us and a fisherman mending his net, nodding when we passed.

I didn’t expect to feel so much energy from just driving around — maybe it’s something about all that open space and salt air. Or maybe I’m just not used to seeing so many colors shift so fast: gold sand to black rock to turquoise water then back again. On the way back my shoes were full of grit and my hair stuck straight up from the helmet but I couldn’t stop smiling. Still think about that view from Serra Negra sometimes… you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 2-hour guided buggy desert tour

• Drive automatic dune buggy
• Explore salt flats of Santa Maria
• Pass by kite beach
• Visit Serra Negra mountain
• See wild beach at Serra Negra base
• Pass by Murdeira Bay views
• Stop at Ponta Preta beach

Top questions

How long is the Sal Island buggy desert adventure?

The buggy tour lasts about 2 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sal Island buggy tour?

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

Can two people share one buggy?

Yes, each buggy can carry two passengers maximum per booking.

What do I need to drive a buggy on Sal Island?

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid original driving license with you.

Are children allowed on this Sal Island desert tour?

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

What should I wear for the buggy adventure?

Closed toe shoes are recommended for safety during the ride.

Is water provided during the buggy tour?

A bottle of water is included as part of your tour package.

How many people are in each group?

The group size can be up to 16 people total per departure.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Santa Maria or nearby areas, use of a 1000cc automatic dune buggy (with space for two), safety gear like suit, helmet, belt and glasses provided by your local guide, plus bottled water along the route before returning back after two hours exploring Sal’s wild south coast.