Things to do in Boa Vista

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.