TO DO IN
Things to do in Boa Vista
Boa Vista is the perfect place to enjoy water sports. From windsurfing, kiteboarding, bodyboarding, snorkeling and diving. If you want to explore Boa Vista on your own by car, we recommend a 4×4 or quad, as only the main road is in good condition. You can only reach the most interesting and beautiful places in Boa Vista by driving off the road. There are many organized excursions you can book if you just want to enjoy the ride.
Beaches & swimming in Boa Vista
Known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and miles of white sand beaches. In Boa Vista there are endless possibilities for sunbathing, diving, swimming, and other water sports. Estoril Beach, across from Ilhéu do Sal Rei, is an excellent option for children or beginners who want to learn a water sport. The water is never more than 2 meters deep and there are no big waves. Also, there are many beach clubs nearby where you can get something to eat and drink or rent equipment. Another option near Sal Rei is Praia da Cruz beach, just before the Marine Club Hotel beach and separated from it by a small headland.
- Estoril beach
- Praia de Chaves
- Praia Santa Monica
- Cabo Santa Maria
Beach at Praia de Chaves
Praia de Chaves is considered by many to be one of the finest beaches in Cabo Verde. This beach has white sand, blue water, and amazing dunes, and is surrounded by some of the most luxurious hotels in Boa Vista. It also has all the modern facilities you need, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and toilets. The beach is also famous for having some of the best hotels in Cabo Verde.
Kite & windsurfing in Boa Vista
The conditions are perfect for kiting and windsurfing on Boavista. With varying conditions, the island offers enough challenge for the experienced surfer. As a beginner, it is better to stay close to Sal Rei. The equipment for surfing and kitesurfing is easily available from various rental companies.
- Baia Varandinha
- Sal Rei
- Cabral
- Chaves
- Curral Velho
Diving & Snorkeling in Boa Vista
Boa Vista features an impressive variety of corals and marine life and is one of the top 10 diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Snorkeling tours are available at high tide in the shallower waters of the reef. You will see thousands of colorful fish, sea turtles and some sharks, which are relatively small and harmless to humans. Diving enthusiasts can practice both free diving and scuba diving to explore the amazing seabed.
Turtle watching in Boa vista
Boa Vista is one of the most important places in the world where Caretta Caretta turtles lay their eggs. Thousands of turtles nest on Boavista every year. From mid-June to the end of October, the turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs. The most important nesting sites are located on the northwest coast at Praia de Ervatao and Sal Ral beaches.
Between the end of August and December, the young turtles give birth and return to the sea. With over 20,000 nests, it is possible to admire these beautiful creatures both on land and underwater. In Boa Vista it is almost guaranteed to see a turtle.
Whale watching in Boa vista
Besides Turles, Boa Vista is excellent for whale watching and seeing dolphins. Santa Monica Beach or Sal Rei Bay are the best places to see whales. The giant mammals regularly visit these places to give birth to their young. The humpback whale appears in the ocean off Boa Vista in December. However, the best time to see a whale is from March to June, when the local humpback whales are in shallower waters. Excursions/tours are offered to observe these giants up close while swimming and playing in the water with a small group of people. Strict rules are followed so as not to disturb the whales.
Hiking in Boa Vista
One of the most popular hiking trails in Boa Vista is the Riu Karamboa to Sal Rei trail, which follows the coastline for about 3 miles. This trail offers fantastic views of the ocean, the sand dunes, and the colorful fishing boats. You can walk on the soft sand or on the paved road, depending on your preference. The trail is easy and suitable for all levels of hikers. Along the way, you can stop at some of the beach bars for a drink or a snack. The trail ends at Sal Rei, the main town of Boa Vista, where you can explore the local culture and history.
Another great hiking trail in Boa Vista is the Praia de Chaves – Morro de Areia trail, which starts from the beautiful beach of Praia de Chaves and leads to the summit of Morro de Areia, a hill on the west coast of the island. This trail is about 9 miles long and has an elevation gain of 974 feet. It is a moderate trail that requires some stamina and skill to navigate the sand dunes and the rocky terrain. The reward is a spectacular view of the ocean, the desert, and the island from the top of the hill1. You can also see some wildlife along the way, such as birds, lizards, and turtles. This trail is best done in the morning or evening, as there is no shade and it can get very hot during the day.
Places to Visit in Cabo Verde
Sal Rei - The main city
The charming capital of Boavista where the locals enjoy life. They have a drink in the shade at the beach, children play in the sand, the fishermen paint their colourful boats. Sal Rei has not been overrun by tourists and has retained its authentic atmosphere with coloured houses. It is not big, but nice to see. You will find a pleasant square, cozy streets with shops, a buzzing market with fruit and vegetables, an old Portuguese fortress and a pier on the coast with some beaches for a picnic.
Explore Rabil Oasis
Boa Vista has some green places, unlike Sal, which is mostly sandy. One of them is the Rabil Oasis, which lies along the River Rabil and shows a different kind of landscape.
The land is very dry, but you can see many palm trees and other desert plants. The most beautiful spot might be the wetland near the river mouth, which is a significant natural area. The Rabil lagoon hosts many kinds of birds, such as Eurasian spoonbills and rufous-backed sparrows. You can also find native lizards, like the Cape Verde leaf-toed gecko.
Wetlands Boa Vista has one of the largest wetlands of Macaronesia (all volcanic islands immediately west of Africa), which is rare with the drought and the sand dunes. This unique ecosystem is home to many special birds that come from Europe or West Africa. A lovely wetland area is near the ruins of Curral Velho on the south coast of Boa Vista. Another lovely wetland area is at the Rabil Lagoon. These are very good places to see many special birds, especially in winter.
The Vienna dessert
Boa Vista gives you the chance to feel the Sahara desert. The sand from the Sahara is carried by the trade winds and some of it lands on Boa Vista, creating the Viana desert on the island. The desert covers a large part of the island and consists of hills of fine and white sand. They form a chain as far as the eye can see. It is a pure beauty. The Viana desert is special and it is one of the seven natural wonders of the Cape Verde Islands. It is a place to see and it gives you a unique experience.
The Viana Desert is located in the north-western part of the island, opposite to Praia de Santa Monica. It is a place unlike any other. You can easily get here from Sal Rei or Rabil to see the ever-changing landscape made of white sand dunes.
The dunes are mixed with sparse vegetation and black volcanic rocks, creating a surreal landscape. The alien feel is increased by the absence of any artificial sounds. This is the place to visit to recharge your energy or meditate! What makes it even better is that the desert is very close to civilization. You don’t have to worry about deadly animals or quicksand, and walking here is absolute bliss. The Viana Desert is part of any Boa Vista island tour.