SANTA MARIA RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Across Sal’s Volcanic Spine: a 2‑hour quad ride from Santa Maria to the golden dunes of Ponta Preta
A compact, two‑hour quad tour that threads Santa Maria’s village streets, visits Igrejinha and Kite Beach, crosses the island’s colored volcanic interior and finishes at Ponta Preta’s unique golden dunes.
Across Sal’s Volcanic Spine: a 2‑hour quad ride from Santa Maria to the golden dunes of Ponta Preta.
Adventure brief
Across Sal’s Volcanic Spine: a 2‑hour quad ride from Santa Maria to the golden dunes of Ponta Preta
The Motoquad • Quad Tour begins in Santa Maria and follows narrow village lanes to Igrejinha, a southern shore where dark rock meets a long sweep of white sand. From there the route runs up the east coast to Kite Beach — famous with kitesurfers and ideal for surfers from June through November — then crosses Sal from east to west, revealing interiors of red, green and yellow volcanic soils before descending to Murdeira and the wind‑sculpted golden dunes of Ponta Preta.
Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Menzel Cabo Verde in Cape Verde, the Motoquad 2-hour tour delivers a pulse-pounding ride through diverse terrains. Starting in Santa Maria, a lively village with colorful streets and welcoming locals, adventurers gear up for an action-packed journey that reveals the island's raw beauty. From here, the route winds through lush, volcanic landscapes, past craggy hills and rugged lava formations that tell stories of the island's fiery origins. The thrill peaks as riders reach the famous Igrejinha beach, where golden sands meet crashing surf—ideal for a quick break or a scenic photo. Crossing the island’s vibrant terrain, the tour continues to Ponta Preta, a striking spot known for its expansive sand dunes shaped by Sahara winds. These dunes’ shimmering gold contrasts sharply with the deep blue Atlantic, creating spectacular vistas for photography enthusiasts. This tour isn’t just about adrenaline; it’s an immersive experience, giving visitors a chance to understand the island’s geological history and local culture. The business stands out for its friendly guides, well-maintained quads, and authentic local insights, making it a preferred choice for thrill-seekers wanting to combine adventure with cultural discovery. With stunning views, dynamic terrain, and a dose of Cape Verde’s island spirit, this ride guarantees an engaging outdoor adventure. Perfect for young travelers and seasoned thrill-seekers alike, it offers a unique perspective on Cabo Verde’s volcanic island landscape. Whether you're looking for a quick adrenaline fix or a deeper connection with local scenery, the Motoquad tour delivers unforgettable moments in a stunning setting. This experience underscores the thrill of off-road exploration in a region famed for its contrasting natural features and welcoming vibe.
Route Schematic
Route schematic — key stops
Stops trace a westward arc from Santa Maria along the east coast, across the volcanic interior, and down the island’s west coast to Ponta Preta.
Santa Maria (village run)
A brief passage through Santa Maria’s lanes at the start of the tour.
Igrejinha Beach
A southern coastal stretch where rocky shore meets a long, white sandy beach.
Kite Beach
A stop on the east coast known for kitesurfing and suitable for surfers, especially active June–November.
Murdeira and the island interior
Crossing Sal from east to west reveals interiors of red, green and yellow volcanic soils before reaching the west coast.
Ponta Preta (dunes)
The tour concludes at Ponta Preta, where golden dunes — carried by the northeast winds from the Sahara — sit atop Sal’s original volcanic sands.
Confirmation of the excursion is issued only to guests accommodated on the island of Sal; operators may alter the route for safety or conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Santa Maria and Igrejinha
The tour opens with a short run through Santa Maria’s village streets before reaching Igrejinha, where rocky coastline meets a long white sandy beach — a compact taste of Sal’s coastal contrasts.
Kite Beach — a surfers’ landmark
Known for kitesurfing, Kite Beach is a focal stop on the east coast and a reliable spot for surfers — particularly active from June through November — making it a natural midway pause on the route.
Ponta Preta’s golden dunes
On the west coast the ride reaches Ponta Preta, notable on Sal as the place where Sahara‑borne sands have formed golden dunes atop the island’s original black volcanic shores.
What the day feels like
What the two‑hour ride feels like
The itinerary is compact and varied: a swift village run, coastal stretches and an island crossing that exposes a palette of volcanic soils and shoreline types, ending where northeasterly winds have deposited Saharan sand to form Ponta Preta’s dunes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this short quad tour fits — and who it does not.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The organized experience runs for approximately 2 hours.
Participants should carry something to protect the mouth and nose from dust, such as a cloth scarf; if you don’t have one you can purchase one before the activity begins.
Meet and departure logistics are handled from Caboquad; note that excursion confirmations are valid only for clients accommodated on the island of Sal.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Motoquad • Quad Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
Where is the meeting point?
Participants meet at Caboquad.
What places does the route visit?
The ride passes through Santa Maria, visits Igrejinha and Kite Beach, crosses the island via Murdeira and finishes at Ponta Preta.
What should I bring to the tour?
Bring something to protect your mouth and nose from dust, such as a cloth scarf; you can also buy one before the activity begins if needed.
Can anyone book this tour?
No — confirmations for this excursion are issued only to clients accommodated on the island of Sal.
Is Kite Beach suitable for beginners?
Kite Beach is a well‑known spot for kitesurfing and is described as suitable for surfers; it is particularly active from June through November.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:12:28.828Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.