Santa Monica Beach Tour

Santa Monica Beach is the star, but the best part of this four-hour Boa Vista outing is the variety packed around it. You move from high dunes and sea views to limestone caves, possible turtle sightings, and a long sweep of sand where you can swim or simply sit with a drink.

I like the route for two clear reasons: Varandinha’s caves give you something to explore beyond the beach, and the small-group format keeps the day more personal. Guides such as Fabian and Bernardo explain the island and leave enough time at the stops. The main consideration is that wildlife sightings and snorkeling depend on conditions, while the exposed beaches offer little shade.

Key points to know before you book

• Morro d’Areia starts the day with dune views over Praia de Chaves and optional sand sledding.
• Turtle Bay and Shark Bay are brief coastal stops, with wildlife possible but never guaranteed.
• Praia de Varandinha has limestone caves and rocky formations that make it one of the strongest photo stops.
• Santa Monica Beach gives you 12 kilometers of sand for swimming, relaxing, and a beach-bar drink.
• The group is limited to 10 people, though one recent outing had 12 participants, so confirm the exact group size when booking.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but some resorts charge an extra cash transfer fee and pickup is outside the security gate.

Why this four-hour tour works well

Boa Vista is known for open beaches and dry, sandy scenery, and this trip gives you a useful first look at several different sides of the island. You are not spending four hours at one resort beach. Instead, the route links dunes, wildlife areas, rock formations, and Santa Monica’s wide shore.

The pace also suits a short holiday. You get a taste of the southern and western coast without committing to a full-day trip. I would choose this tour early in a stay if I wanted to see the major beach sights and decide where I might return later.

The tour is sold for $47 per person. That is a fair price when you count the transport, guide, several stops, and a drink at the beach bar. You are paying for a moving sightseeing day rather than just a transfer to Santa Monica Beach. Food is not included, and tips are extra, so bring some cash if you want a snack or would like to thank your guide.

Morro d’Areia and the first run through the dunes

The outing begins around Morro d’Areia, where you get broad views toward Praia de Chaves and its large sand dunes. This is a good opening stop because it immediately shows you the dry, open character of Boa Vista.

The vehicle also drives through the dunes, adding a little adventure to what could otherwise be a simple sightseeing ride. If you want to try sand sledding, there is an opportunity here. It is a lighthearted activity, not a major sports session, but it gives the first stop more purpose than simply taking photographs.

You should expect sun, loose sand, and very little shelter. Wear sunscreen and bring water. The tour asks you not to bring luggage or large bags, so pack only what you need for the half-day: a small personal item, swimwear, sunscreen, and water.

Turtle Bay and Shark Bay along the coast

After the dunes, the route follows the coast toward Turtle Bay. This stop matters because the natural appeal is not only the beach itself. With good timing and luck, you may see turtles in the water or along the shore.

A sighting is never promised, and you should treat this as a chance to observe rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter. That is the right way to approach any animal stop. Keep your expectations flexible, and you will still have a worthwhile coastal view if no turtles appear.

The tour also makes a short visit to Shark Bay. The name may sound dramatic, but the stop is brief, and sightings of these shy marine animals are not guaranteed. This part of the route works best for you if you enjoy quick nature stops and changing scenery. If you want long beach time at every location, the schedule may feel more active than relaxed.

Praia de Varandinha and its limestone caves

For me, Varandinha is one of the strongest reasons to book this particular route. The beach has a wilder feel than a developed resort shore, with limestone caves and rougher rock formations along the coast.

You can explore the cave areas and look for unusual angles in the rock. This is the stop where your camera is likely to get the most variety: dark openings, pale stone, open sea, and broad sand. The coast also gives you a sense of Boa Vista beyond the polished image of a perfect beach.

Take care with your footing around the rocks and caves. The supplied information does not promise a formal cave walk, so think of this as casual exploration with time for photographs rather than a technical excursion. Comfortable shoes are useful here, although you will also want sandals or swimwear later at Santa Monica.

The stop has another benefit. It breaks up the beach visits. After the dunes and coastal wildlife areas, Varandinha gives you solid ground, rock shapes, and a more rugged setting before the final swim and rest period.

Santa Monica Beach and the final hour of easy beach time

The tour finishes at Santa Monica Beach, the main attraction and the place where you get the most time to slow down. The beach stretches for about 12 kilometers, with pale sand and clear-looking turquoise water.

Do not expect a tightly organized activity here. The point is to relax. You can walk along the shore, swim if conditions allow, or sit at the beach bar with the included soft drink or beer. Bring your swimwear, since this is the natural time to get into the water.

A snorkel mask may be available from the tour company, depending on weather conditions. Snorkeling is not always possible, so do not book the trip mainly for underwater viewing. The stronger promise is beach time and the chance to enjoy Santa Monica after seeing several other coastal places.

The beach can also feel exposed. Sun protection matters, and water is essential. If you are sensitive to heat, use your beach-bar stop wisely and avoid treating the final stop as a long unbroken swim session.

The guides and the value of a small group

The guide can make a short island tour feel either rushed or worthwhile. Fabian and Bernardo are specifically named as guides who explain the history of Boa Vista and the places along the route. That matters because the stops themselves are easy to photograph but harder to understand without local context.

You should expect the guide to explain the areas and answer questions during the day. One recent outing was praised for giving people enough time at each stop, while another had a relaxed guide who took time with questions. That suggests the experience is not built around racing from one photo point to the next.

The advertised group size is limited to 10 people. One recent departure had 12 participants, so I would ask for the expected number if a very small group is important to you. Even 10 or 12 people is still a manageable size for a half-day vehicle tour, especially compared with a large coach excursion.

The languages offered are English, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. When booking, choose the language that will make explanations easiest for you, particularly if learning about the island is as important as seeing the beaches.

Pickup details that can affect your morning

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but you need to follow the meeting instructions closely. Wait outside your resort, in front of the security barrier, rather than inside the property. If you are staying in an apartment, send the exact name and wait on the street.

Drivers will wait no longer than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time. That makes punctuality important. Do not assume the vehicle can enter a gated resort or circle back if you are late.

There is also conflicting information about the extra transfer charge from RIU Touareg. One part of the information says €10 per person, paid in cash to the guide on the day. Another says €5 per person at pickup. Ask Rotcha Tours to confirm the current amount before you travel. This is a small issue, but it is exactly the sort of surprise that is easy to avoid.

The general location information also needs checking. The activity is described as a Boa Vista tour, with stops at Praia de Chaves, Varandinha, Turtle Bay, Shark Bay, and Santa Monica Beach. The headline location says Sal, Cape Verde, which does not match that route. Confirm that your hotel is on Boa Vista and that the pickup details are correct before paying.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack lightly. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and you will have an easier time moving between sand, rock, and beach with only the basics.

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• Water
• Swimwear
• A small personal bag
• Cash for optional food, tips, and any resort transfer fee
• Footwear suitable for both sand and rocky ground

One drink at the beach bar is included, either a soft drink or beer. Food and snacks are not included, so eat beforehand or ask about buying something at the beach bar. The available information does not confirm a full meal stop, so do not count on lunch being provided.

Who should book this Boa Vista beach tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a compact introduction to Boa Vista’s coast. It suits couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who likes seeing several places without planning transport independently.

It is also a good match if you want a balance of light activity and rest. You can ride through dunes, try sand sledding, walk around caves, look for wildlife, then finish with a swim and a drink. None of those activities requires a full day or specialist equipment.

You may want another option if your top priority is guaranteed snorkeling, a long wildlife encounter, or an extended stay at Santa Monica Beach. The tour covers several stops in four hours, so each location has a defined amount of time. Wildlife depends on luck, snorkeling depends on the sea, and the caves are for casual exploring rather than a long guided underground visit.

People who dislike bumpy vehicle rides should also ask about the transport before booking. The route includes driving through sand dunes, which is part of the fun for many people but may not suit everyone.

Is the $47 price good value?

At $47, I see this as good value for a half-day outing, especially if your hotel is included in the regular pickup area. Transport alone can be useful on an island where several major sights are spread along the coast. Add a guide, dune driving, Varandinha, Santa Monica, and one drink, and the price compares well with arranging separate rides.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors. You get an efficient overview and can later return to a favorite place if you have more time. The value is weaker if you mainly want a long, quiet stay at one beach, since you are paying for the whole route and not just Santa Monica.

Remember the limits. Food, snacks, and tips are not included. The RIU Touareg transfer charge may also apply, and the current amount should be confirmed before the day of the tour.

Final verdict: book it if variety matters more than guarantees

I would book the Santa Monica Beach Tour if I wanted to see a broad slice of Boa Vista in four hours, with enough free time to swim and relax. The caves at Varandinha, the dune drive, and the final beach stop give the trip a good rhythm, while Fabian, Bernardo, and the other multilingual guides add useful local context.

Book with realistic expectations. You might see turtles or other marine life, but you might not. You might snorkel, but weather may prevent it. Confirm the pickup point, group size, island location, and RIU Touareg fee before you go.

If those details are clear and your priority is a relaxed coastal sampler rather than a single-purpose beach day, this is a practical and enjoyable choice.

FAQ

Where does the Santa Monica Beach Tour take place?

The route is described as a Boa Vista tour in Cape Verde. It includes Morro d’Areia, Praia de Chaves, Turtle Bay, Shark Bay, Praia de Varandinha, and Santa Monica Beach. The headline location also says Sal, so confirm the correct island before booking.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts four hours.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with one drink at the beach bar. The drink is either a soft drink or beer.

Is food included?

No. Food and snacks are not included, so bring water and plan to buy food separately if needed.

Can I swim at Santa Monica Beach?

Yes, you can swim if conditions allow. You should bring swimwear. The tour finishes at Santa Monica Beach, where you can also relax at the beach bar.

Is snorkeling available?

Snorkel masks are provided depending on weather conditions. Snorkeling is not always possible.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Turtle and shark sightings are not guaranteed and depend on conditions and luck.

Where should I wait for hotel pickup?

Wait outside the hotel gates, in front of the security barrier. Apartment guests should provide the exact apartment name and wait on the street. Drivers will wait no longer than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time.