01 · THE LOCATION
Where is Santa Monica Beach?
Santa Monica Beach stretches along the south-western coast of Boa Vista and is one of the island’s most impressive natural landscapes.
With more than 11 kilometres of pale sand, open Atlantic Ocean and very little development, the beach offers a sense of space that is increasingly rare. Even when excursions are visiting the area, its size makes it easy to find quiet stretches surrounded almost entirely by nature.
Located on Boa Vista’s south-western coast
More than 11 km of white sand
Known for its wild scenery and powerful Atlantic waves
How to reach Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica lies far from Boa Vista’s main paved roads, and the final routes cross sandy and uneven tracks. A 4×4, pick-up or quad is therefore one of the easiest ways to reach the beach, particularly for first-time visitors. A guided excursion also makes it possible to combine Santa Monica with other highlights in the south of the island.
01
By guided 4×4 tour
A comfortable option for reaching Santa Monica while discovering other remote landscapes and attractions across southern Boa Vista.
02
By quad or buggy
Follow off-road tracks through villages, dunes and wild landscapes before reaching Santa Monica Beach.
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With an island excursion
Santa Monica can be included in a wider island itinerary, combining the beach with natural landmarks, villages and panoramic stops.
What to do at Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica is not just a place to stop for a photograph. Its enormous coastline makes it perfect for exploring, walking and simply enjoying one of Boa Vista’s wildest Atlantic landscapes.
04 · CURIOSITIES
What makes Santa Monica unique?
With its immense coastline, untouched surroundings and powerful Atlantic scenery, Santa Monica represents the wild and open character of Boa Vista.
An extraordinary coastline
Santa Monica stretches for more than 11 kilometres, creating one of the longest and most impressive continuous stretches of sand on Boa Vista.
A truly wild landscape
Despite being one of the island’s best-known beaches, its enormous size means that large areas still feel remote and surrounded by untouched nature.
The Atlantic shows its strength
Unlike the calmer waters around Sal Rei, Santa Monica is directly exposed to the Atlantic, and powerful waves are common throughout the year.
05 · WHEN TO VISIT
The best time to visit
Santa Monica Beach can be visited throughout the year, with warm temperatures and sunshine characteristic of Boa Vista.
Conditions on the Atlantic coast can vary considerably, however. Winter months are generally windier, while during summer the sea can sometimes become calmer. Early morning and late afternoon also offer softer light and more comfortable conditions for walking and photography.
Time of day
Early morning or late afternoon, softer light, comfortable temperatures and beautiful conditions for photography.
Recommended duration
1–3 hours. Enough time to walk along the beach, relax and enjoy the landscape. Longer visits are easy to combine with an island excursion.
What to bring
Water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable footwear.
With children
Suitable with care. Families can enjoy Santa Monica, but children should always be supervised near the water because Atlantic conditions can change.
06 · FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before you go