Motoquad Sul: An 18‑km coastal run from Povoação Velha to the Varandinha sea caves

ESPARGOS GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Motoquad Sul: An 18‑km coastal run from Povoação Velha to the Varandinha sea caves

A four‑hour guided moto‑quad and 4x4 tour around southern Boa Vista that visits Povoação Velha, Praia de Santa Mónica and the Varandinha caves.

Motoquad Sul: An 18‑km coastal run from Povoação Velha to the Varandinha sea caves.

Duration
4 Horas
Location
Espargos
Operator
Menzel Cabo Verde
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This four‑hour guided excursion threads desert trails and shorelines on southern Boa Vista. Riders leave the hotel and make a short on‑foot visit to the historic village of Povoação Velha before driving along tracks to the sweep of Praia de Santa Mónica — an 18‑kilometre beach where there’s a planned stop for a swim — then exploring the natural sea‑carved caves at Praia da Varandinha and finishing in the village of Rabil.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE VILLAGE

Povoação Velha on foot

The route includes a visit to the historic village of Povoação Velha with an opportunity for a brief walk through its streets, giving riders a compact, local encounter before the coastal run.

THE BEACH

Praia de Santa Mónica — 18 kilometres of sand

Riders travel along trails to Praia de Santa Mónica, an extensive 18‑kilometre beach where the tour stops for a swim at one of the island’s most scenic stretches of sand.

THE CAVES

Varandinha’s sea‑sculpted grottos

The excursion visits Praia da Varandinha (also called Praia das Grutas), where the shore is marked by natural caves and formations sculpted by the erosive force of the sea among the dunes.

What the day feels like

What the four‑hour ride feels like

The tour is a compact coastal circuit: after hotel pickup, participants ride to Povoação Velha for a short, free walking visit, then continue along sandy tracks to the long sweep of Santa Mónica for a refreshing swim. From there the route moves to the Varandinha area to view the naturally formed caves before the return leg that concludes in the village of Rabil.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits — and who should rethink it.

1
Licensed ridersIdeal for riders who hold a category B driving licence and are comfortable handling a moto‑quad; drivers must be at least 18 years old.
2
Families with older childrenSuitable for families provided passengers meet the minimum age of 7; younger children cannot participate as passengers.
3
Guests staying on Boa VistaBooking confirmation is valid only for clients accommodated on Boa Vista, so the tour fits visitors based on local lodging.
4
Safety‑minded ridersBest for travelers willing to comply with strict route rules (no overtaking, no zigzagging, no deviations) and the mandatory equipment policy (closed shoes).

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Closed shoes are mandatory for all participants.

Attire

Wear sturdy, closed footwear and clothing suitable for a beach stop and open‑air riding.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The excursion lasts approximately four hours.

Where do I meet the group?

Pickup is arranged at the hotel where the client is staying.

Are there age limits?

Yes: the minimum age for drivers is 18 years; the minimum age for passengers is 7 years.

Do I need a driving licence?

Drivers are required to hold a category B driving licence.

Are there any mandatory safety or equipment rules?

Closed shoes are mandatory; riders must follow the operator’s rules — no zigzagging, no overtaking and no deviations from the designated route.

Who can confirm the booking?

Excursion confirmation is valid for clients accommodated on Boa Vista.