Updated July 21, 2025 – field‑tested by the VayCay Couple.
Boa Vista means “beautiful view” – and the name fits. Picture 55 km of blonde sand, Sahara‑dust dunes that ripple like silk, and Atlantic water warm enough to skip the wetsuit. We (the VayCay Couple) have clocked more than three months across Cape Verde, and Boa Vista still pulls us back with its mix of turtle hatchlings, Creole smiles and zero‑hurry vibe. Read on to discover the beauty of this African island in our Boa Vista travel guide!
Why visit Boa Vista?
- Remote island charm yet direct flights from Europe (5 h 30 m from Manchester).
- Wildlife hotspots, loggerhead turtles (Jun–Oct) & humpback whales (Mar–May).
- Dunes, desert quad trails, lagoons for beginner kite‑surfers.
- Friendly morabeza spirit; you’ll feel it when a stranger hands you grilled corn at sunset.
Boa Vista Highlights
| Experience | Best Month | Cost (€/pp) | Insider Tip |
| Turtle patrol on Santa Monica | Jul–Sep | 25 (donation) | Carry a red‑light torch; white light scares turtles |
| Whale‑watch cruise | Mar–May | 60 | Pick a morning tour—calmer seas & better breaching pics |
| Quad safari in Viana Desert | Year‑round | 55 | Wrap a bandana over face; quartz dust gets everywhere |
| Sunset at Cabo Santa Maria wreck | Year‑round | Free | Golden hour 17:30; dunes glow amber |
| Beginner kite class, Praia de Chaves | Nov–Mar | 75 | Wind 18‑24 kt; lagoon waist‑deep & safe |
| Dive Montes Passos reef | Oct–Dec | 90 | Visibility 25 m; lookout for nurse sharks |
Top 10 Things to Do on Boa Vista
- Beach‑hop the west coast – Walk from Praia de Chaves to Verandinha arches; sandstone caves frame turquoise surf.
- Night Turtle Patrol (Jun–Oct) – Small‑group walks with Marine Turtle Foundation. Watch females nest; later in season, release hatchlings.
- Humpback Whale Watching (Mar–May) – Boats depart 09:00 from Sal Rei pier; hydrophones let you hear whale songs.
- Quad or 4×4 Viana Desert – Surf dunes like the Sahara in miniature; stop at the oásis Fonte Vicente for date palms.
- Snorkel at Ilhéu de Sal Rei – Shallow reef, colourful parrotfish; rent kayak to reach the islet (15 min paddle).
- Sal Rei Old Town Walk – Browse Mercado Municipal, sip grogue caipirinhas, watch fishermen mend nets.
- Visit Rabil Pottery Co‑op – Pick up hand‑painted bowls; your euros support the island’s last pottery tradition.
- Shipwreck MV Cabo Santa Maria – Iconic rusted cargo ship stranded since 1968, photogenic at low tide.
- Kite & Wind‑surf Campus – Praia de Chaves and Praia de Varandinha offer steady NE trade winds Nov–Mar.
- Star‑gazing in the Desert – Zero light pollution; download SkyView app, lie on a dune, spot Milky Way.
Best Beaches in Boa Vista
| Beach | Vibe | Why Go | Facilities |
| Praia de Chaves | Active | Dunes + turquoise surf, kite hub, beach bars | Sunbeds, toilets, rentals |
| Santa Monica | Wild | 22 km untouched shore, turtle nests, epic sunset | None—bring water/snacks |
| Praia de Estoril | Chill | Sheltered lagoon, family‑friendly, snorkel gear hire | Cafés, loungers |
| Praia de Verandinha | Photo | Sandstone arches, dramatic waves | Dirt‑track access only |
| Praia de Atalanta | Iconic | Shipwreck backdrop, quad‑track fun | No services |
5‑Day Boa Vista Sample Itinerary
Here’s a 5‑Day Boa Vista Sample Itinerary. If you’re interested in an island-hopping adventure across Cape Verde, click here for the full itinerary.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| 1 | Land, settle at Praia de Chaves | Beach walk, first swim | Sunset drinks at Perola D’Chaves bar |
| 2 | Quad tour Viana Desert | Rabil pottery + Oasis village | Seafood dinner Sal Rei (Ca’Mira) |
| 3 | Whale‑watch cruise | Snorkel Ilhéu de Sal Rei | Live morna at Morabeza Beach Club |
| 4 | Turtle patrol rest morning | Shipwreck MV Cabo Santa Maria | BBQ on Estoril beach kiosks |
| 5 | Kite lesson Praia de Chaves | Souvenir shopping Mercado Municipal | Airport transfer |
| Swap Day 3/4 order if visiting in turtle high season to maximise chance of hatchling release. |
Where to Stay
| Area | Good For | Example Stay | Price (€/night) | Notes |
| Praia de Chaves | Resorts, water sports | Riu Palace Boa Vista (AI) | 190 | Adults & family wings, swim‑up bar |
| South Coast (Morro de Areia) | Seclusion | Riu Touareg (AI) | 150 | Adults‑only wing, 30 min to town |
| Sal Rei town | Local vibe, budget | Cala da Lua (apts) | 55 | Kitchenette, 5 min to pier |
| Rabil | Proximity to airport | Vilamor Apartments | 60 | Quiet village base, car needed |
Tip: Book sea‑view rooms, dunes shift, so ground‑floor views can get sand‑blocked.
Food & Drink: What to Eat in Boa Vista
| Dish | What It Is | Where to Try |
| Cachupa Rica | Slow‑cooked corn, beans, sausage stew | Blue Marlin, Sal Rei breakfast only |
| Lapas grelhadas | Limpets grilled in garlic butter | Bar Aquarius, Santa Maria pier pop‑up |
| Pastel com diabo dentro | Spiced tuna pastry | Beach vendors, 1 € each |
| Grilled Wahoo | Local game fish fillet | Ca’Mira Restaurante, oceanfront terrace |
| Caipirinha de Grogue | Lime, sugar, Cape Verde rum | Any kiosk, ask for “pouco açúcar” for less sweet |
Vegetarian? Look for cachupa sem carne, bean soups, avocado salads. Larger resorts mark vegan items.
Getting Around Boa Vista
| Mode | Cost | Notes |
| Taxi airport → Sal Rei | 10–12 € | Fixed fare; negotiate before entering |
| Aluguer minivan | 1 € Rabil↔Sal Rei | Leaves when full; fun local experience |
| Quad rental | 65 €/day | Helmet included; avoid turtle‑nest areas |
| 4×4 with driver | 80 €/day | Great for south‑coast dirt tracks |
| Bicycle | 15 €/day | Possible around town, but dunes block long rides |
Flights: Sal island ↔ Boa Vista 25 min (BestFly). Ferries irregular; flying is easier.
Weather & Seasons in Boa Vista
| Season | Air Temp °C | Sea Temp °C | Rain | Wind | Best For |
| Nov–Jun (dry) | 22–28 | 23–24 | <5 mm | NE trade 18–24 kt | Kiting, clear skies |
| Jul–Oct (humid) | 24–30 | 25–26 | 20–60 mm (brief showers) | SE 10 kt | Turtles, greener dunes |
No cyclones; UV index high, reef‑safe SPF 50 is your friend.
Responsible Travel & Sustainability
- Stay off dunes signed as turtle nesting zones.
- Use reef‑safe sunscreen to protect coral off Ilhéu.
- Carry your own bottle—free refill taps in Sal Rei plaza.
- Buy crafts at Rabil Pottery; keeps tradition alive.
Budget Snapshot for Boa Vista
| Item | Daily € (mid‑range) | Shoestring € | Notes |
| Hotel (double) | 80 | 40 hostel or guest‑room | Season swings ±20 € |
| Meals | 25 | 12 (street eats) | Fish dishes cost less than imported meat |
| Activities | 30 | 10 (self‑guided) | Turtle patrol donation fixed |
| Local transport | 6 | 2 | Walk Sal Rei to Estoril |
| Average / day | ≈ 141 € | ≈ 64 € |
Boa Vista is simple pleasure; dunes under bare feet, turtle tracks at dawn, Creole rhythms after dark. Use this guide as your compass, then follow your own tide. If you spot the VayCay Couple sharing caipirinhas on Estoril pier, come say “bom noite.” Stories taste better shared.
Where exactly is Boa Vista?
Northern Cape Verde, 450 km west of Senegal; 30 min domestic flight south of Sal. Coordinates ≈ 16.1° N, -22.8° W.
What is the best month to visit?
Dry skies Nov–Jun; turtles peak Jul–Sep; whales peak Mar–May. Pick your wildlife.
Is Boa Vista good for kids?
Yes, calm Estoril lagoon, resort kids’ clubs, low crime. Bring rash‑vests; sun is fierce.
Can I pay by card?
Cards work in resorts & supermarkets; small bars prefer cash. ATMs: BCA in Sal Rei & airport.
How safe is the water for swimming?
Santa Monica has strong rip currents, swim waist‑deep. Estoril & Chaves are safest.
Can I rent a car?
Limited fleet; 65 €/day; roads mostly sand. Quad or 4×4 with driver easier.
What power plugs are used?
European two‑pin, 220 V. Bring adapter if from UK/US.
