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Boa Vista, Cabo Verde - Things to Do in Boa Vista

Things to Do in Boa Vista

Boa Vista, Cabo Verde - Complete Travel Guide

Boa Vista, the easternmost island of Cabo Verde, is a pristine paradise known for its endless stretches of white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic desert landscapes. This circular island offers a unique blend of Saharan-like dunes, volcanic formations, and some of the most spectacular beaches in the Atlantic Ocean, including the famous Santa Monica Beach that stretches for over 20 kilometers. The island's relatively flat terrain and consistent trade winds make it a haven for water sports enthusiasts, particularly kitesurfers and windsurfers. Despite being one of the larger islands in the archipelago, Boa Vista maintains a laid-back, authentic atmosphere with a small population centered around the charming town of Sal Rei. The island serves as an important nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, offering visitors the rare opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures during nesting season. With its year-round sunshine, diverse landscapes ranging from salt flats to oases, and rich Cape Verdean culture, Boa Vista provides an ideal escape for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in an unspoiled setting.

Top Things to Do in Boa Vista

Turtle Watching at Turtle Beach

Experience one of nature's most incredible spectacles by observing loggerhead sea turtles nesting on Boa Vista's pristine beaches. During nesting season (June to October), these magnificent creatures come ashore at night to lay their eggs, while hatching occurs from August to December. This unforgettable wildlife encounter offers insight into marine conservation efforts and the island's crucial role in protecting endangered species.

Booking Tip: Book turtle watching tours through certified operators (€25-40 per person) who follow strict conservation guidelines. Best viewing is during new moon phases when beaches are darker. Tours typically start around 8 PM and require advance booking, especially during peak season.

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Take advantage of Boa Vista's consistent trade winds and perfect conditions for wind sports at spots like Sal Rei Bay and Praia de Cruz. The island offers ideal conditions for both beginners and advanced riders, with steady winds averaging 15-25 knots and calm, shallow waters in protected bays. Professional instruction and equipment rental are readily available from several established schools.

Booking Tip: Kitesurf lessons cost €40-60 per hour with equipment included. Book multi-day packages for better rates (€200-300 for 5 days). Peak wind season is November to May. Choose IKO-certified schools for quality instruction and safety standards.

Island Safari and Viana Desert

Explore Boa Vista's diverse landscapes on a 4x4 safari adventure through the Viana Desert, salt flats, and remote villages. These tours showcase the island's unique geography, from Sahara-like sand dunes to volcanic rock formations and hidden oases. You'll visit traditional communities, learn about local culture, and witness stunning panoramic views from elevated viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Full-day safaris cost €35-50 per person including lunch and typically run 8-9 hours. Choose small group tours (maximum 8 people) for a more personalized experience. Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a camera for the spectacular desert landscapes.

Santa Monica Beach Day Trip

Visit one of the world's most beautiful beaches, where 22 kilometers of pristine white sand meet crystal-clear Atlantic waters. Santa Monica Beach offers perfect conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, with its protected location providing calmer waters than the windward side of the island. The beach remains largely undeveloped, maintaining its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Organize transport through your hotel or rent a car (€25-35 per day) as the beach is 45 minutes from Sal Rei. Pack food, water, and shade as facilities are limited. Best visited during morning hours to avoid afternoon winds. Some tour operators offer beach day packages for €20-30 including transport.

Sal Rei Cultural Walk and Local Markets

Discover the authentic Cape Verdean culture in Boa Vista's charming capital, Sal Rei, with its colorful colonial architecture, friendly locals, and vibrant market scene. Explore the town's historic sites including the old salt pier, traditional fishing harbor, and local artisan workshops where you can see pottery and textile production. The experience provides insight into daily island life and Cape Verdean traditions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free, but guided cultural tours cost €15-25 per person and provide valuable local insights. Visit the market early morning (7-10 AM) for the best selection of fresh produce and local crafts. Friday and Saturday are the most vibrant market days.

Getting There

Boa Vista is accessible via Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC), which receives direct flights from major European cities including Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, London, and several German cities during peak season. TAP Air Portugal, Cabo Verde Airlines, and TUI operate regular services with flight times of 6-7 hours from Europe. Inter-island flights connect Boa Vista with other Cape Verde islands, particularly Praia (Santiago) and Sal, with flights taking 30-45 minutes. Ferry services also connect the islands, though schedules can be irregular and weather-dependent.

Getting Around

Getting around Boa Vista requires planning as public transportation is limited to a few daily buses connecting Sal Rei with nearby villages. Car rental is the most convenient option for exploring the island independently, with 4x4 vehicles recommended for accessing remote beaches and desert areas (€25-40 per day). Taxis are available in Sal Rei for short trips around town (€5-10), while organized tours provide transportation to major attractions. Many hotels offer bicycle rentals for exploring the immediate area, and walking is pleasant within Sal Rei's compact town center.

Where to Stay

Sal Rei Town Center
Santa Monica Beach Area
Praia de Chaves
Ervatao Beach
Praia de Cruz
Bofareira Village

Food & Dining

Boa Vista's dining scene centers around fresh seafood, traditional Cape Verdean cuisine, and international options catering to tourists. Sal Rei offers the best variety with local restaurants serving grilled lobster, tuna steaks, and the national dish cachupa (a hearty stew). Beach restaurants and hotel dining rooms provide international cuisine alongside local specialties, while small local eateries offer authentic experiences at budget-friendly prices (€8-15 per meal). Don't miss trying the local grogue (sugar cane rum) and fresh tropical fruits. Most restaurants accept euros, and dinner reservations are recommended during peak season.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Cabo Verde

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Meky's Burger Bar

4.7 /5
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Art Kafé, Santa Maria

4.7 /5
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Restaurante Sodade Casa da Cultura

4.7 /5
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Casa Rosa

4.7 /5
(412 reviews) 2
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Mar Adentro

4.7 /5
(252 reviews)

Bar di Nôs Augusto

4.6 /5
(256 reviews) 1
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Boa Vista is during the dry season from November to June, when you'll enjoy sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and perfect conditions for beach activities and water sports. This period also coincides with optimal trade winds for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Turtle nesting season (June-October) offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities despite being the rainy season, though rainfall is generally light and brief. Temperatures remain pleasant year-round (24-29°C), making Boa Vista a viable destination in any season. Peak tourist season runs December through April, so expect higher prices and more crowds during this period.

Insider Tips

Book turtle watching tours well in advance during peak season (July-September) as spots fill up quickly and tours are limited to protect nesting sites
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and sun protection as the combination of Atlantic winds and intense sun can be deceiving - you can burn quickly even when feeling cool
Learn basic Portuguese or Creole phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas, and locals greatly appreciate the effort to communicate in their language

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