Cabo de Santa Maria, Historic shipwreck site at Praia de Atalanta, Cape Verde.
Cabo de Santa Maria is a shipwreck site along the northern shore of Boa Vista island, surrounded by small sand dunes and shallow clear water. The remains of the Spanish cargo vessel lie scattered across the beach, easily visible from the shore.
The Spanish cargo ship was built in 1957 and ran aground in September 1968 while carrying luxury goods from South America to Spain. The wreck has remained on this beach ever since.
Local people once used donkeys to salvage cargo from the wreck and repurposed the recovered materials in their everyday routines. This resourceful practice was vital to the community during periods of limited supplies.
You can reach the wreck through organized quad tours or 4x4 expeditions from Sal Rei, following coastal paths. Visit during calmer weather conditions, as wind and waves can make access difficult.
The metal hull continuously deteriorates and transforms under salt water and wind, creating different silhouettes against the beach landscape over time. This ongoing change means the wreck looks different during each visit.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
