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.
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.
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.