Welcome to Boa Vista, 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.
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.
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.
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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