Welcome to Boa Vista, Cape Verde, a beautiful destination that promises a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Known for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life, this island paradise is a haven for beach lovers and water enthusiasts alike.
But Boa Vista offers so much more than just sun and sand. Its rugged interior is adorned with towering dunes, barren landscapes, and dramatic rock formations, creating a mesmerizing contrast to the coastal beauty. As you navigate through its charming towns and villages, you’ll encounter warm and friendly locals who are eager to share their vibrant culture, traditions, and stories.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, soul-soothing relaxation, or a deep dive into local heritage, Boa Vista has it all, and this travel guide is here to help you prepare the perfect itinerary for an extraordinary journey.
Key Takeaways
- Boa Vista is home to some of the most pristine white sandy beaches in the Atlantic, best explored alongside the dramatic Viana Desert on a guided buggy or 4×4 tour
- The island is one of the most important loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites in the world, with guided tours available June through October
- November through June is the best time to visit for optimal weather, with Sal Rei serving as the ideal base for accommodation and excursions
Best Time to Visit Boa Vista, Cape Verde
The best time to visit Boa Vista is between November and June, when the island enjoys dry, sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F–82°F). This is peak season, so expect more visitors and slightly higher prices, particularly around Christmas and New Year.
July through October brings the Harmattan winds from the Sahara, which can carry dust and reduce visibility. While it’s still warm during this period, the hazy skies and stronger winds make it less ideal for beach holidays.
That said, the season you choose depends on what you want to do:
- Whale watching: February through April is the best window for spotting humpback whales in the waters around the island.
- Sea turtle nesting: June through October is nesting season, making it the only time guided turtle watching tours are available.
- Kite surfing and windsurfing: November through July offers the most consistent trade winds.
- Budget travel: Visiting in May, June, or October gives you good weather at lower prices than peak winter months.
How to Get to Boa Vista, Cape Verde
You can get to Boa Vista by both plane and ferry. There are a lot of large European cities that offer direct flights to Boa Vista and other islands like Sal and Santiago, Cape Verde.
If you plan on traveling to other Cape Verdean islands in this west African archipelago (which I highly suggest you do), you can either go by plane or ferry.
While there are a few fast ferry options between islands, these operate every few days and aren’t very reliable. Even if the ferries are on time, they can take eight or more hours just to travel a short distance.
I highly suggest booking your flights directly with Best Fly if you are traveling between islands so you can ensure that you have no delays or issues on the day of your departure. Make sure you book at least a few weeks ahead of time as bookings for this airline tend to fill up quickly.
Where to Eat and Drink in Boa Vista, Cape Verde
The majority of Boa Vista’s restaurants and bars are concentrated in Sal Rei, making it another good reason to base yourself in town. The local food scene is simple but satisfying, leaning heavily on fresh seafood and traditional Cape Verdean cooking.
What to eat: The dish you’ll see on almost every menu is cachupa, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, and fish or meat that is considered the national dish of Cape Verde. Fresh grilled fish and lobster are also must-tries given how abundantly available they are on the island.
Where to eat: Sal Rei has a solid mix of local restaurants and tourist-friendly spots lining the main square and waterfront. For the most authentic experience, look for smaller family-run restaurants away from the main tourist drag where you’ll find better value and more traditional cooking.
Beach bars: Several beach bars line the shores of Praia do Estoril, making them the perfect spot for a cold drink after a morning in the water. Most serve light food and snacks throughout the day.
Best Beaches in Boa Vista, Cape Verde
Boa Vista is widely regarded as having the best beaches in the Cape Verde archipelago, with miles of undeveloped white sand coastline stretching in every direction. Here are the top beaches to add to your itinerary.
Praia de Chaves is the island’s most iconic beach, a vast, unspoiled stretch of white sand running for several kilometers along the northwest coast. The water is calm, clear, and ideal for swimming, and it’s where you’ll find the Riu Karamboa and Riu Palace Boavista resorts. It’s also one of the best snorkeling spots on the island.
Praia de Santa Monica is the most remote and arguably the most beautiful beach on the island. Located on the southeastern coast, it can only be reached via guided 4×4 or buggy tour, which makes it feel like a true hidden gem. Expect dramatic dunes, crashing Atlantic waves, and almost no other visitors.
Praia do Estoril is the main town beach in Sal Rei and the most accessible on the island. It’s ideal for a casual beach day, with several beach bars and water sports rental shops within easy walking distance.
Praia da Ervatão sits on the northeastern tip of the island and is one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the Atlantic. It’s quiet, wild, and best visited as part of a guided tour during nesting season.
Curral Velho Beach sits at the southern tip of Boa Vista island near the ruins of an old fishing village of the same name. It’s a dramatic, windswept stretch of coastline that feels completely off the beaten track and rewards those willing to make the journey.
Tip: Several of Boa Vista’s most beautiful beaches are only reachable by guided 4×4 or buggy tour. Trying to reach them independently on unmarked dirt roads is not recommended.
Sea Turtle Nesting in Boa Vista
Boa Vista is one of the most important loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites in the entire Atlantic Ocean, making it a truly special destination for wildlife lovers. Every year between June and October, thousands of female loggerhead turtles come ashore on beaches like Praia da Ervatão and Praia de Santa Monica to lay their eggs.
The best way to experience this is through a guided evening tour run by SOS Tartarugas, a local conservation organization dedicated to protecting the island’s turtle population. Their tours allow visitors to witness nesting activity up close without disturbing the turtles.
If sea turtle watching is a priority for your trip, plan your visit between July and September for the highest chance of witnessing nesting activity firsthand.
Good to know: Never approach turtles independently on the beach at night. Always go with a certified guide to protect both yourself and the turtles.
Villages & Towns to Explore in Boa Vista
While Sal Rei is the main hub, venturing beyond it gives you a much richer sense of Boa Vista’s history and Cape Verdean culture. As one of the most easterly islands in the Cape Verde archipelago, sitting just 450km off the northwest coast of the African continent, Boa Vista has a fascinating history shaped by trade, salt production, and fishing.
Povoação Velha is one of the oldest settlements on the island and well worth a stop on any guided tour. The village has a timeless, unhurried feel with traditional architecture and a small church that dates back several centuries.
João Galego is a quiet, traditional fishing village on the northeastern coast where you can get a genuine glimpse into everyday Cape Verdean life away from the tourist trail.
Fundo das Figueiras is a small inland village surrounded by a surprising patch of greenery, making it one of the more unexpected and picturesque stops on a guided island tour.
Santa Isabel is a small settlement worth passing through for its authentic character and views over the surrounding landscape.
Morro Negro Lighthouse sits at the northernmost tip of the island and is one of Boa Vista’s most striking landmarks. It’s a popular stop on guided tours and offers dramatic views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Salt Production: Boa Vista has a long history of salt harvesting, and the remnants of old salt flats can still be seen around the island. Salt was historically one of Cape Verde’s most important exports and played a central role in shaping the island’s economy and identity.
Tip: All of these sites are best visited as part of a guided island tour, as many are located on unmarked dirt roads that are difficult to navigate independently.
How to Get Around Boa Vista
If you are staying in Sal Rei, you will easily be able to walk to Praia do Estoril, the local beach that offers long stretches of white sand and plenty of beach bars to visit during your stay.
Taxis are the main form of transportation and can easily take you from one point to another. You can also rent cars or motorcycles if you want a little more freedom while exploring the island.
However, something that you’ll want to be aware of is that getting to the main attractions like Cabo de Santa Maria can be very dangerous on your own. There are only a few main roads around the island, the rest are rocky, dirt paths that are not well marked or easy to find.
For this reason, you will need to take a guided tour either by 4×4 quad, truck, or buggy. Not only is this by far the safest option, but you definitely get to see so much more compared to if you tried to do it alone.
One of the most popular ways to see the island is by taking a quad tour. Quad zone offers a number of different tours depending on what you want to see.
If you are planning on coming during peak season or a holiday weekend, book ahead of time to secure your spot. They can also set up a private car tour here as well.
Where to Stay in Boa Vista, Cabo Verde
The main town to stay in is called Sal Rei. This is where you will find the majority of the Boa Vista, Cape Verde hotels, Airbnbs, and restaurants.
While there are other towns throughout the island, there’s not much to see or do outside of Sal Rei. I recommend staying in town so you can easily walk to restaurants or the beach without depending on transportation.
9 Things to Do in Boa Vista
With miles and miles of untouched coastline, deserts, and sand dunes, this island is the perfect vacation spot for both land and sea adventure seekers alike.
While you can easily spend a week lounging on the beach enjoying the white sand and crystal blue waters, it would be an absolute shame if you didn’t take the time to explore this island’s more rugged and wild landscapes. Below are some of the top things to do in Boa, Vista Cape Verde.
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Snorkeling: Immerse Yourself in an Underwater Wonderland
Snorkling in Cabo Verde is one of the most popular activities to do across all the islands, but especially in Boa Vista. With a quick snorkel trip you’ll be able to plunge into the azure waters and discover the vibrant marine life that resides beneath the surface. I suggest going to some of Boa Vista’s pristine snorkeling spots, such as Sal Rei Beach and Praia de Chaves, to explore this island’s underwater beauty.
2. Scuba Diving: Explore the Depths of the Atlantic Ocean
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner eager to discover the beauty beneath the waves, the island’s dive sites have something for everyone. From graceful rays gliding through the water to colorful schools of tropical fish and sea turtles, Boa Vista offers diverse marine life just waiting to be explored.
3. Deserto de Viana: Unleash Your Inner Adventurer
Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled escapade when venturing into the captivating Deserto de Viana. Tour groups organize sturdy dune buggy or pick-up truck excursions that allow you to explore this vast desert landscape. We did the pick-up truck excursion and it truly was the highlight of our trip. The Viana desert creates a stark contrast from the island’s coastline and is like a small hidden gem in the middle of Boa Vista.
4. Boat Trip Tours: Discover Hidden Gems along the Coastline
You can also embark on a boat trip tour along Boa Vista’s picturesque coastline and unveil hidden treasures along the way. Cruise through the turquoise waters, stopping at secluded coves and white sand beaches that are inaccessible by land. A boat excursion offers a unique perspective of Boa Vista’s coastline and is the perfect opportunity to relax, sunbathe, and snorkel in the cool waters.
5. Whale Watching: Witness Majestic Giants in Their Natural Habitat
Boa Vista is blessed with being a prime location for whale watching, and encountering these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an experience of a lifetime. Join a whale watching tour and set sail into the Atlantic Ocean, where you can witness humpback whales as they breach the surface and splash in the waters.
6. Buggy Excursions: Navigate the Rugged Terrain in Style
Embarking on a buggy excursion is the perfect way to unleash your inner adventurer as you navigate the rugged terrains of Boa Vista. From sandy beaches to rocky hillsides, the buggies will take you on an exhilarating ride, allowing you to soak in the stunning views and embrace the spirit of adventure.
7. Stand-Up Paddle Surfing & Kayaking: Glide Across the Calm Waters
There are plenty of shops where you can rent stand-up paddle boards or kayaks. These are just two of many water activities to participate in while visiting Boa Vista. You will find plenty of shops along the beaches of Sal Rei renting equipment for a variety of water sports and activities.
8. Windsurfing and Kite Surfing: Ride the Wind and Waves
With its constant trade winds and favorable water conditions, Boa Vista is a haven for windsurfing and kite surfing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to learn, the island offers a range of spots suitable for all levels of expertise. There are plenty of kite surfing and windsurfing schools along the shores if you are a first timer looking to learn or rent gear.
9. Guided Beach Tours: Discover the Best of Boa Vista’s Shores
You might be wondering why you would need a guided beach tour, however, there are several beaches around Boa Vista that are so remote and difficult to get to that the only way to see them is by doing a guided tour. From the famous Praia Santa Monica to the pristine Praia da Chave and the picturesque Praia de Santa Monica, these guided tours will lead you to the island’s most beautiful stretches of white sand. Plus you’ll even be able to see hidden coves, learn about the unique flora and fauna, and really get a good feel for all the island’s ever-shifting landscapes.
You can easily book any tours ahead of time with this website or through Quad Zone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boa Vista, Cape Verde
What is Boa Vista, Cape Verde known for?
Boa Vista is best known for its white sandy beaches, the Viana Desert, and towering sand dunes. It is also one of the most important loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites in the world, and a top destination for water sports like kite surfing, windsurfing, and snorkeling.
Is Boa Vista worth visiting?
Yes. Boa Vista offers a rare combination of pristine beaches, dramatic desert landscapes, rich marine life, and warm Cape Verdean culture, all in one place. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or outdoor adventure, the island delivers.
How many days do you need in Boa Vista?
5 to 7 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to explore the beaches, take a guided desert excursion, do a boat trip, and experience the local culture in Sal Rei.
When is the best time to visit Boa Vista?
November through June offers the best weather, with dry and sunny days averaging between 22°C and 28°C. If whale watching is a priority, February through April is the peak window for humpback whale sightings.
Which airport do you fly into?
Boa Vista is served by Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC), with direct flights available from several major European cities including London, Lisbon, and Amsterdam.
Can you see sea turtles in Boa Vista?
Yes. Nesting season runs from June through October, and guided turtle watching tours are available in the evenings during this period. SOS Tartarugas runs conservation-focused tours that allow visitors to witness nesting responsibly.
Is Boa Vista good for families?
Yes. The calm, shallow waters at beaches like Praia de Chaves and Praia do Estoril are safe for children, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities including boat trips, snorkeling, and buggy excursions.
Is kite surfing good in Boa Vista?
Boa Vista is one of the best kite surfing destinations in the Atlantic, thanks to consistent northeast trade winds that are strongest between November and July. Several schools along Sal Rei’s beaches offer lessons and gear rental for all skill levels.
Is Boa Vista safe for tourists?
Boa Vista is generally safe. The main safety consideration is off-road driving, the interior roads are rocky and poorly marked, which is why guided 4×4 or buggy tours are strongly recommended over attempting to self-navigate.
Should You Visit Boa Vista?
Boa Vista is a stunning destination that is certainly worth a visit. If you’re craving an unforgettable escape filled with natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and a rich cultural tapestry, then Boa Vista is the perfect destination for your next summer getaway. With its pristine beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted locals, this hidden gem in Cape Verde is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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