Boa Vista

Things to do in Boa Vista

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Sandboarding session on Morra de Areia’s dunes in Boa Vista
Activities

Sandboarding session on Morra de Areia’s dunes in Boa Vista

With bright coastal views, the rippling desert of Morro de Areia is the perfect place to get the adrenaline pumping with a 90-minute sandboarding experience. Boa Vista, which means "good view" in Portuguese, is the easternmost island of Cape Verde. It's known for its great beaches and patches of desert landscape. Jose, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Prepare to get very sandy on this exhilarating trip into Boa Vista's beautiful seaside nature reserve. But getting sandy is all part of the fun as you whizz down and clamber up the dunes.'Morro de Areia is one of the most prominent dune systems on the island and is especially known for its pristine and shifting sands. The scenic sand dunes that line the coast of Boa Vista have the added advantage that you can often see the coast from the higher dunes, and Morro de Areia is no exception. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you drive out across the sands, it's an exciting trip for both adults and kids as you roar across the dunes. The wild surroundings and fabulous views make the perfect backdrop for some unbridled fun. After a safety briefing and demonstration from your friendly instructors, have a go at surfing the dunes yourself. It's a brilliant way to get out into nature and see a different side of the island while enjoying a new experience which will have all the family whooping with excitement. Half-time refreshments are provided so you can rest and enjoy the sea view.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Boa Vista full-day 4x4 island tour with beachfront lunch
Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista full-day 4x4 island tour with beachfront lunch

Off-road through luscious landscapes and be charmed by Boa Vista's untouched beauty on this action-packed 4x4 tour. Roberto, one of our local guides, says, ‘The Viana desert is Boa Vista's very own chunk of the Sahara. Its sand is blown in from western Africa, creating huge dunes, which we'll rally up and down.' Leave no stone unturned as you visit the shipwreck on Santa Maria beach, before stopping in Sal Rei village and Povoaçao Velha. Plus, there's lunch by the sea in a beachfront restaurant.The fun kicks off in the Viana desert. Feel the wind in your hair as you rumble over the sand dunes in a 4x4. Then, you're off to discover the rusting shipwreck of Cabo de Santa Maria – a symbol of Boa Vista. Roberto says, ‘There are about 150 shipwrecks on the islands of Cape Verde, but this one is the most mysterious of all. It's a great place to snap a selfie, too.' You'll have a quick stop in Sal Rei for a glimpse at the capital's fishing pier, before a locally-sourced lunch is served at a nearby beach restaurant.Next up is a pit stop in Povoaçao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around this isolated hamlet and enjoy a look into local life, before our final stop, Santa Monica beach. Boasting 15km of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder it was voted one of the world's top 10 beaches. The perfect place to end the tour.

free cancellation
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en, pl 

Adults-only Boa Vista 4x4 island adventure with local guide
Excursions & day trips

Adults-only Boa Vista 4x4 island adventure with local guide

You'll feel like you know every corner of little Boa Vista island after this adults-only off-road adventure. With a knowledgeable guide to show you around, you'll find out about the history and culture of the area, too. Leave no stone unturned as you visit Viana desert and the shipwreck at Cabo de Santa Maria, before exploring Povoacao Velha. Plus, there's lunch at a beachside restaurant to enjoy. Manuel, one of our expert local guides, says ‘The beach with the shipwreck is a very evocative spot, one of the most beautiful on the island. The ship ran aground in 1968 and has been here ever since.'Setting off towards the Viana desert, prepare to be charmed by Boa Vista's untouched scenery on this action-packed 4x4 tour. Feel the wind in your hair as you rumble over the sand dunes in a 4x4. Then, you're off to discover the rusting shipwreck of Cabo de Santa Maria – a symbol of Boa Vista. Chamine de Chaves is our next stop, before we slow things down with lunch in a beachside restaurant.Next up is Povaocao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around the small town and take a glimpse into local life, before we head to our final stop, Santa Monica beach. If it's dreamy Caribbean colours and empty sands you are looking for, you've found it. Have your camera ready because this blissful beach is one of the most photographed spots on the island. Boasting 18 kilometres of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder that the sandy strip was voted one of the top ten in the world.

free cancellation
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en 

Full-day 4x4 tour of Boa Vista’s northern villages with lunch
Excursions & day trips

Full-day 4x4 tour of Boa Vista’s northern villages with lunch

There's no shortage of great views in Boa Vista, and this 4x4 tour shows you just how photogenic the island is. You'll discover the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, visit Fundo das Figueiras, stop to sample local food in Rabil and visit a goat farm and local Local Biodiversity centre, too. Stephane, one of our local guides, says, ‘The shipwreck is one of Boa Vista's most iconic sights. When the ship ran aground in 1968 the crew escaped unharmed. Strong tugs were sent from neighbouring islands to try to move the ship, but it was stuck fast. It took nearly a year to unload the cargo and take it by mule to Sal Rei.'We'll kick off in true Boa Vista style, travelling by 4x4 to Rabil, where we'll try some local delicacies and have a look around the village. Next, we'll make our way to the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, where the rusting hulk of a Spanish cargo ship still sits where it ran aground over 50 years ago. It's a striking contrast to the natural beauty of the beach, and you'll get some great photos.A stop at the colourful village of Bofareira follows, where you'll call in at a goat farm to watch local cheese in production. You'll get to try some, too. Next, you'll head for Fundo das Figueiras village for a lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-owned restaurant. In the afternoon, there's some free time before a visit to a soap-making project ran by the Association of Northern Woman – an organisation specialising in equality. We'll round off the day at the Local Biodiversity Centre for an insight into the fascinating marine life of the island.

free cancellation
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en 

Desert Delight
Excursions & day trips

Desert Delight

For a truly celestial holiday experience, it's hard to beat this evening dinner in Boa Vista's Viana desert. We'll pick you at your hotel and bring you to the middle of nowhere, far away from light pollution, for an unrivalled view of the Milky Way in its full glory. What's more, there's also a tasty buffet dinner to enjoy.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Boa Vista Buggy Tours by Quad Zone
Activities

Boa Vista Buggy Tours by Quad Zone

Inject your holiday with a healthy dose of adrenaline-pumping adventure with this dirt buggy tour. Driving your own off-road vehicle, you'll zoom down dusty tracks, trails and up and over rolling sand dunes to discover all the best bits of Boa Vista.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Boa Vista Catamaran Cruise with Beach Afternoon and Lunch
Activities

Boa Vista Catamaran Cruise with Beach Afternoon and Lunch

Relaxation is the name of the game on this downtempo nautical excursion. Spend a morning exploring the west coast of Boa Vista and the islet of Sal Rei aboard your catamaran before heading for a beach restaurant lunch. Then, spend an afternoon on the golden sands of Praia da Chaves.As your skipper steers you out of port, you'll sail to the islet of Sal Rei and around it before gliding back to port – spending about three hours at sea. You'll then be transferred to the virgin sands of Praia da Chaves on the west coast of Boa Vista – just in time for lunch.You'll be served a tasty lunch at the popular Perola de Chaves Beach restaurant. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in cool and calm waters.

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Barbecue Night at Perola de Chaves
Excursions & day trips

Barbecue Night at Perola de Chaves

This night out features all the extra touches to make your holiday extra special. Spend an evening at Perola de Chaves, which serves up an indulgent barbecue dinner on the beach, with a side order of live music and entertainment. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a typical welcome drink, before it's time to feast on an unlimited barbecue dinner on the beach. Savour an array of expertly grilled meats, fish, and vegetables and accompany your meal with a variety of freshly made desserts that will leave your tastebuds tingling.As the sun sets, the atmosphere intensifies with live music that beckons you to the dance floor. Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Cape Verde as you dance the night away around a roaring bonfire. The combination of delicious food, enchanting music, and the serene beach setting makes for a truly magical evening.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, es, en, fr, pt 

Boa Vista Death Valley Two-hour Buggy Adventure
Activities

Boa Vista Death Valley Two-hour Buggy Adventure

This thrilling off-road adventure takes in Cape Verde's Death Valley on Boa Vista Island. Begin with a briefing at base before setting off to explore the rugged terrain of the valley, rumbling through Rabil village and calling at an oasis. Visit Fonte Vicente and the iconic Baobab Tree before returning to the starting point where your adventure wraps up.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Northern Boa Vista Two-hour Buggy Adventure by No-Limits
Activities

Northern Boa Vista Two-hour Buggy Adventure by No-Limits

Rev up for adventure with this buggy safari exploring Boa Vista's rugged north. Leave the beaten path behind as you race along dusty trails and paths, uncovering viewpoints and landmarks along the way. You'll pass through Via Pitoresca to reach Miradouro Ponta do Sol, offering iconic views of the south. Next up is the historic shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, before rounding off grabbing pics and exploring the Viana Desert.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Boa Vista Turtle Watching Tour
Activities

Boa Vista Turtle Watching Tour

Cape Verde is home to third largest population of loggerhead turtles, and during the months between June and October, they come to the shores of Boa Vista to lay their eggs. This night-time tour takes you to the nesting beaches with a marine biologist where you'll learn about and witness these creatures in their habitat.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Boa Vista Fishing Boat Trip
Activities

Boa Vista Fishing Boat Trip

Fishing aficionados will love this half-day fishing tour. After setting off into the bay around Sal Rei, you'll drop anchor to spend the morning or afternoon waiting for a catch. One thing's for sure - you'll fall hook, line and sinker with fishing in Boa Vista.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Where to go

Cape Verde

Things to do in Boa Vista

As they named it ‘good view’, it’s likely that the Portuguese explorers who first set sight on Boa Vista were smitten by their find. Fast forward five centuries, and the island hasn’t changed much looks-wise – the silk-smooth beaches and Mars-like deserts are pretty much intact. As a bonus, there are a handful of pit stop-worthy towns and villages on the island. Must-sees include the Viana desert, which is shielded by the oasis of the River Rabil basin, the Atalanta beach shipwreck, the village of Fundo das Figueiras and Sal Rei, the capital. Top six things to do in Boa Vista 1. Explore the Viana desert The Viana desert is one of the top places to visit on Boa Vista. Its wavy dunes are hemmed in by the bright-green basin of the River Rabil to the west and the rock-strewn Amador to the east. And among the best activities on the island is a safari tour. Whether you explore this made-for-off-roading desert by 4x4, buggy or quad bike is up to you – whichever activity you choose, it’ll get your adrenaline flowing. 2. Go on a daytrip to Sal Rei As capitals go, Sal Rei is on the small side. But its mix of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences gives it an exotic groove. One of the most popular attractions is the ocean-view Fatima chapel. Then there’s the beach scene – Cabral and Estoril boast long stretches of sand, and Diante features colourful fishing boats anchored off the pier. They’re all definitely worth a daytrip. 3. See the Santa Maria shipwreck Although it’s been of Boa Vista’s most iconic landmarks for more than 50 years, the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck won’t be around for ever, as the Atlantic’s waves are slowly eroding it. So, make sure you pay Atalanta beach a visit when you’re on the island. It’s a fixture on the itineraries of most excursions taking in northern Boa Vista, especially off-road safaris. 4. The deep south The south of Boa Vista’s definitely a magnet for beachgoers, because of the almost-endless Santa Monica beach. But it also has two of the most interesting villages on the island. There’s the abandoned Curral Velho, where you can poke around the crumbling homes and take photos of its amazing beach and salt pan. The other must-visit southern village is Povoação Velha. It’s the oldest settlement on the island and lies in the shadow of a craggy hill. Many popular Boa Vista excursions visit both villages. 5. Visit Fundo das Figueiras Fundo das Figueiras might be the prettiest village on Boa Vista. Thanks to the stream that flows through it, it has more vegetation than other settlements on the island. It’s famed for its flowers and tree-lined cobblestone streets fringed with colourful houses. The oh-so-pretty whitewashed parish church also makes for a great selfie background. 6. Try genuine catchupa stew Catchupa is Cape Verde’s national dish, so it’s no surprise that every island in the archipelago claims that it serves up the best. Boa Vista’s no exception. If you want to try genuine homemade catchupa stew – made of meat, beans, vegetables and spices – book an excursion including a catchupa cooking demonstration in a local home followed by a slap-up lunch. And, for dinner, check out the Morabeza Beach Club, which is famed for its sunset dinners, including drummers, bonfires and the works.
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