BOA VISTA · ICONIC LANDMARK
Cabo Santa Maria
A legendary shipwreck stranded on Boa Vista’s wild northern coast since 1968, surrounded by sand, Atlantic waves and one of the island’s most unforgettable landscapes.
LOCATION
North-western Boa Vista
SIZE
Approx. 10 km coastline
FROM SAL REI
Approx. 6 km
BEST TIME
All year round
01 · THE LOCATION
Where is Cabo Santa Maria?
Cabo Santa Maria lies on Praia de Atalanta, along the wild northern coast of Boa Vista. The remote beach is famous for the remains of the Spanish cargo ship Cabo Santa Maria, which ran aground here in September 1968.
Today, the rusting structure surrounded by sand and Atlantic waves has become one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks and a favourite location for photographers and visitors exploring northern Boa Vista.
Located on the wild northern coast of Boa Vista
Home to the famous 1968 shipwreck
One of the island’s most photographed landmarks
How to reach Cabo Santa Maria
Cabo Santa Maria is reached through sandy and unpaved tracks, making an off-road vehicle the most practical option. The final approach crosses remote coastal landscapes where standard cars are not recommended.
A guided quad or 4×4 excursion is the easiest way to visit the wreck while combining it with other highlights of northern Boa Vista.
01
By quad
Cross sandy tracks and wild coastal routes on one of the most adventurous ways to reach the shipwreck.
02
By 4×4
Travel comfortably from Sal Rei across beaches and desert landscapes before reaching Santa Maria Beach and the wreck.
03
With a north island tour
Combine Cabo Santa Maria with places such as the Viana Desert, Rabil, Bofareira and Sal Rei during a wider exploration of northern Boa Vista.
What to do at Cabo Santa Maria
Cabo Santa Maria combines history, adventure and dramatic coastal scenery. Reach the wreck by quad or 4×4, explore Boa Vista’s wild north and photograph one of Cape Verde’s most distinctive landmarks.
04 · CURIOSITIES
What makes Cabo Santa Maria unique?
Behind the rusting remains lies a remarkable story of navigation, survival and more than half a century of Atlantic storms.
Stranded since 1968
The Cabo Santa Maria ran aground on a sandbank at Praia de Atalanta in September 1968. The exact cause of the accident was never officially established.
A journey to South America
Built in Cartagena in 1957, the Spanish freighter was travelling from Genoa towards Buenos Aires when its journey unexpectedly ended on Boa Vista.
Slowly reclaimed by the ocean
More than half a century of waves, storms and corrosion has dramatically reduced the original structure, and the appearance of the wreck continues to change with time.
05 · WHEN TO VISIT
The best time to visit
Cabo Santa Maria can be visited throughout the year. Morning and late afternoon generally offer more comfortable temperatures and softer light, particularly for photography.
Because the site is remote and exposed to the Atlantic, access conditions can vary with weather, tide and the state of the sandy tracks. Guided tours may adapt their route when necessary.
Time of day
Morning or late afternoon
Softer temperatures and atmospheric light are ideal for exploring and photography.
Recommended duration
30–60 minutes
Enough time to see the wreck and coastline; allow longer when visiting as part of a quad or 4×4 tour.
What to bring
Sun & wind protection
Bring water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable closed shoes.
Sea & Weather
Conditions may vary
Wind, waves and tides can affect how close visitors can safely approach the wreck.
06 · FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before you go