Discover Boa Vista
The island that is called "Beautiful view"
The Island Boa Vista in Cabo Verde
The island of Boa Vista lives up to its name, which means “beautiful view” in English. Boa Vista is the easternmost island of Cabo Verde and the third largest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Long, white sand beaches and crystal clear, turquoise waters – Boa Vista is a true tropical paradise. Go kite surfing on the azure sea, dive near one of the shipwrecks or watch turtles and whales. Or just enjoy the sun on the white beach and the luxury in the hotel complex.
If you just want to relax, enjoy the sun in the many beach clubs or at the swimming pool of the luxurious hotel resorts.
The History of Boa Vista
Boa Vista was originally called São Cristovão and known for little more than its Salt production. For the last hundred years, the island was hit by droughts, famines, and plagues of locusts, which led to emigration. Only recently due to modernization Boa Vista has started to breath, and tourism brings new opportunities to the island and its local people.
The Weather in Boa Vista
Boa Vista has guaranteed tropical temperatures all year round. The warmest months are usually August, September and October. It almost never rains in Boa Vista, but you can expect some showers from July to September. When it rains, the temperature doesn’t drop because it only lasts a few hours. Honestly, the best time to visit Boa Vista is from November to July. This makes it the perfect winter vacation destination to relax and enjoy the beach in this exotic atmosphere.
More information about the weather in Cabo Verde.
Boa Vista how to get there?
There are direct international charter flights from the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Scandinavia.
Also there are scheduled flights with TACV and weekly flights with TAP from Lisbon. Other flights from Portugal require a stopover in Praia or Sal or even both. There weekly flights to and from Sal with TACV. As with all domestic flights, it is best to book well in advance to get a seat.
Flights to Boa Vista
Boa Vista Airport
The airport is located 6 km south of the capital Sal Rei, near the town of Rabil. For an airport, it’s an attractive place, with relaxed architecture and an endearing welcome sign in the arrivals hall: “This airport loves you. We hope you love us too?
- The UK - London Gatwick LGW | Manchester MAN | Bermingham BHX
- Germany - Düsseldorf DUS | Hannover HAJ |Stuttgart STR | Munich MUC | Frankfurt FRA
- The Netherlands - Shiphol Amsterdam AMS
- Italy - Malpensa MXP
- Belgium - Brussels BRU
- Luxemburg LUX
- France - Paris Orly ORY
- Portugal - Lisbon LIS
- Switzerland - Zürich ZRH
- Morocco - Marrakech RAK
Transportation by sea to Boa Vista
Take a ferry to Boa Vista
Unfortunately, ferries are regular and reliable. This means that they do not have a schedule and if you book a ferry, make sure you get there ahead of time. Sometimes the ferries arrive too early, when they are ready to depart, they leave regardless of the scheduled time. You can book a ferry at the Anavmar agency located in the northeast of Sal Rei city. They offer ferries from Sal Rei to Sal and Praia. Travel time is about 4 and 9 hours, respectively. Prices are around $2,500 for Sal and $3,500 for Praia.
Take a yacht to Boa Vista
The waters off Sal Rei offer very good anchorage. Most people anchor between the southern end of the island and the coast. Port officials are usually located at the breakwater. There are few facilities for yachts, but you can ask around the harbor.
Getting around in Boa Vista
Taxi
Renting a Taxi Is easy in Boa Vista. You will find them at the airport, in the city center of Sal Rei and just out site of the main gate at the luxury hotels. An indication of the fee you can expect to pay from the airport to Rabil 7005$ – To Santa Mónica 5000$ – to Morre Negro 7000$. A day trip around the island will cost you about 12000$.
Renting a car
You can rent a car through your travel agent or tour operator or through your hotel. If you want to explore the island, you should definitely rent an off-road vehicle, as you will need it if you want to visit places like the “Viana Desert” or the “Morro Negro Lighthouse”, just to name a few examples.
Things to do in Boa Vista
Whether you want to sunbathe and relax with a refreshing cocktail at the Beach Club. Water sports are the main attraction in Boa Vista. From windsurfing, kiteboarding, bodyboarding, snorkeling, and diving. If you love water sports, Boa Vista is undoubtedly the place for you. There are also many opportunities to go on an excursion or explore on your own.
- Kitesurfing
- Diving & snorkeling
- Turtle watching
- Whale spotting
Quad & 4x4 adventure tours in Boa Vista
Beach tours in Boa Vista
Things to see in Boa Vista
Besides the main town Sal Rei and Rabil at the Airport. There are just a few small villages scattered around Boa Vista.
- Praia de Chaves
- Praia Santa Monica
- Cabo Santa Maria
The many shipwecks in Boa Vista
Boa Vista is known for the many ships that met their end on the reefs off the coast. In most cases, this was a relief for the locals who searched for food and goods in the wrecks.
Festivals at Boa Vista
Like every island in Cabo Verde, Boa Vista has its own festivals every year. Locals and tourists come together to enjoy the festivities.
Boa Vista’s Santa Isabel (Municipality Day) – 4 July – Celebrating the patron saint of the island, Saint Isabel, with processions, swimming, a public ball, and more.