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

Boa Vista

Boa Vista, Cabo Verde - Complete Travel Guide

Boa Vista, the third-largest island in Cabo Verde, is a impressive desert great destination known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic lunar-like landscapes. This easternmost island offers an authentic Cape Verdean experience with its charming colonial architecture in Sal Rei, the island's main town, and endless stretches of untouched coastline perfect for relaxation and water sports. The island's unique geography features vast sand dunes, salt flats, and volcanic rock formations that create an otherworldly atmosphere. Despite being less developed than neighboring Sal, Boa Vista has emerged as a premier destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. The island is famous for its exceptional kitesurfing and windsurfing conditions, turtle nesting sites, and some of the most beautiful beaches in West Africa. With its year-round warm climate, friendly local culture, and relatively unspoiled natural environment, Boa Vista offers visitors an authentic island experience where traditional Cape Verdean life meets impressive natural beauty.

Top Boa Vista

Santa Monica Beach Experience

Discover one of Africa's most spectacular beaches with 22 kilometers of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. This remote great destination offers perfect conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, with dramatic cliffs and sand dunes providing a impressive backdrop. The beach remains largely undeveloped, offering visitors a true sense of isolation and natural beauty.

Booking Tip: Most visits are arranged through day trips from Sal Rei costing €25-40 per person including transportation. Book with local operators who provide 4WD vehicles as the beach requires off-road access. Best visited during morning hours to avoid afternoon winds.

Desert Safari Adventure

Explore Boa Vista's unique desert landscape on an exciting 4WD safari through the Viana Desert, visiting the island's interior sand dunes and oases. The tour includes stops at traditional villages, salt flats, and the famous Olho de Agua oasis where you can swim in natural pools. This adventure showcases the island's diverse ecosystems and geological formations.

Booking Tip: Full-day desert safaris cost €40-60 per person and include lunch and refreshments. Choose operators with experienced local guides who can share insights about the island's ecology and culture. Morning departures are recommended to avoid peak heat.

Turtle Watching Experience

Witness the incredible spectacle of loggerhead sea turtles nesting on Boa Vista's beaches during the nesting season from June to October. These nighttime excursions offer the rare opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures laying eggs or watch baby turtles making their first journey to the ocean. The experience is both educational and deeply moving.

Booking Tip: Turtle watching tours cost €35-50 per person and must be booked with certified operators to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife. Tours run from 8 PM to midnight during nesting season. Book in advance as group sizes are limited for conservation purposes.

Sal Rei Cultural Walking Tour

Explore the charming capital town of Sal Rei with its colorful colonial buildings, local markets, and historic sites including the old fort ruins. The walking tour provides insight into Cape Verdean culture, history, and daily life while visiting traditional craft workshops and local gathering spots. You'll experience authentic island hospitality and learn about the island's fascinating past.

Booking Tip: Guided walking tours cost €15-25 per person and typically last 2-3 hours. Local guides offer the most real feel and can be arranged through hotels or tourism offices. Early morning or late afternoon tours are most comfortable.

Kitesurfing and Water Sports

Take advantage of Boa Vista's world-class wind conditions for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and other water sports along the island's expansive beaches. The consistent trade winds and shallow lagoons create perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced riders. Professional instruction and equipment rental are available at several beach locations.

Booking Tip: Kitesurfing lessons cost €40-80 per session with equipment included. Multi-day packages offer better value at €200-350 for a week. Choose IKO-certified schools for quality instruction and safety standards. Best conditions are typically from November to May.

Getting There

Boa Vista is accessible via Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC), located about 5 kilometers from Sal Rei. The airport receives direct flights from major European cities including Lisbon, Spain, Saint Vincent, and United Kingdom, with flight times ranging from 5-6 hours. TAP Air Portugal, Cabo Verde Airlines, and TUI offer regular services to the island. Alternatively, you can fly to Sal island and take a short 20-minute domestic flight to Boa Vista, or travel by ferry, though ferry services are less frequent and weather-dependent. Most European visitors do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days, but it's advisable to check current requirements before travel.

Getting Around

Getting around Boa Vista is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options available. Rental cars and 4WD vehicles are popular choices for exploring the island independently, with several agencies operating from the airport and Sal Rei. Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer journeys; always agree on fares beforehand. Many hotels and resorts offer shuttle services to popular beaches and attractions. For budget travelers, aluguers (shared minibuses) provide affordable transportation between Sal Rei and other villages, though schedules can be irregular. Walking is pleasant within Sal Rei, as the town is compact and pedestrian-friendly.

Where to Stay

Sal Rei Town Center
Praia de Chaves
Praia de Santa Monica Area
Rabil Village
Praia do Estoril
Norte Bay Area

Food & Dining

Boa Vista's dining scene centers around fresh seafood, traditional Cape Verdean cuisine, and international options catering to tourists. In Sal Rei, you'll find excellent restaurants serving grilled lobster, tuna steaks, and cachupa (the national dish), with many establishments offering beachfront dining experiences. Local eateries called 'tascas' provide authentic and affordable meals, while resort restaurants offer international cuisine with fusion influences. Don't miss trying the local specialty of grilled fish with tropical fruits, and be sure to sample Cape Verdean coffee and grogue (local rum). Many restaurants source ingredients locally, including fresh fish caught daily and tropical fruits grown on the island.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Caboverde

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

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Meky's Burger Bar

4.7 /5
(665 reviews) 2

Art Kafé, Santa Maria

4.7 /5
(637 reviews)

Restaurante Sodade Casa da Cultura

4.7 /5
(606 reviews) 2
Montenegro museum

Casa Rosa

4.7 /5
(412 reviews) 2

Mar Adentro

4.7 /5
(252 reviews)

Bar di Nôs Augusto

4.6 /5
(256 reviews) 1

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Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Boa Vista is during the dry season from November to June, when temperatures are pleasant (24-29°C) and rainfall is minimal. This period offers ideal conditions for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the island's attractions. The peak tourist season runs from December to April, bringing higher prices but guaranteed sunny weather and calm seas. July to October marks the rainy season, though rainfall is still limited; this period offers lower prices and fewer crowds but higher humidity and potential for brief showers. For turtle watching, visit between June and October, while kitesurfing conditions are optimal from November to May when trade winds are strongest.

Insider Tips

Book turtle watching tours well in advance during nesting season as spots are limited and fill up quickly
Bring sun protection and plenty of water when exploring the desert areas, as shade is scarce and temperatures can be intense
Learn a few basic Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole phrases - locals greatly appreciate the effort and it enhances cultural interactions

Activities in Boa Vista