5 things to Do in Boa Vista, Cape Verde

by letygoeson3, Jan, 2016Cape Verde, Travel Itineraries, Travel Tips

Boa Vista is a unique desert island with a special charm!

Boa Vista is the second most famous and tourist-friendly island in Cape Verde, the small but diverse island nation off the coast of West Africa. The main settlement on Boa Vista is Sal Rei, often confused with the much busier and more tourist-centric island of Sal.

Choosing Boa Vista, in my opinion, was the best decision: it’s still a tourist destination with all-inclusive hotels, but the surrounding landscape remains untouched and wild enough to offer comfort, nature, and adventure—a perfect escape from routine!

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How to Plan Your Trip to Boa Vista

Boa Vista has seen a rise in luxury resorts over the years.

The sun always shines, the sea is warm year-round, and the beaches are so white they create incredible colors where the waves break. These features, along with affordable flights from many European cities, make Cape Verde an appealing destination for luxury travelers.

However, if you’re like me and not interested in resorts or luxury travel, Boa Vista offers enough authenticity to immerse yourself in local life. The locals are friendly, and once you strike up a conversation, you’ll be introduced to their friends, family, and even their favorite local liquor sellers.

Now, let’s explore some key spots for an unforgettable trip to Boa Vista.

What to Do in Boa Vista

Boa Vista is famous for its dunes and long sandy beaches. Since many of them are isolated (and sometimes hard to access), mass tourism hasn’t negatively impacted the island. You’ll find stunning spots amidst quite and wild nature!

While these are the must-see highlights of Boa Vista (and many companies offer daily quad tours to these places), I must warn you that swimming here can be tricky due to the currents and constant winds.

There are certainly calm beaches, but don’t expect perfectly still waters every day. After all, we’re in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean!

Some of the stunning beaches I recommend visiting are Praia de Chaves, Santa Monica, Praia de Curralinho, Praia de Varadinha, Boca, and Curral Velho, where you can try kitesurfing, swim, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery and local life.

Keep in mind that most of these beaches don’t have proper roads, and even with a quad or jeep, the ride can be challenging. I suggest hiring a local taxi driver to help you find your way.

Another popular activity in Boa Vista is visiting the beaches where sea turtles lay their eggs. With its sandy stretches, the island is a perfect nesting spot for baby sea turtles!

Every resort on the island organizes tours to reach these areas, so finding a group to join won’t be difficult.

Please be cautious, though: since there are no proper infrastructures, even with warning signs, the nests are scattered across the sandy beaches and can be hard to spot if you’re driving. I recommend parking your vehicle and continuing on foot.

Sal Rei

Spend some time in Sal Rei, the island’s main town. It has a mix of local charm and tourist spots, with cafés, guesthouses, small beaches, local markets, and seafood restaurants.

Sal Rei has a laid-back vibe that takes a little time to absorb. Its small central square is lively both day and night. Elderly locals play chess in the streets under the colorful “No Stress” signs, while children run freely past their feet. Life moves at a slow pace here—do your best to keep up!

Visit the Cabo Santa Maria Shipwreck

Located on Praia de Atlanta, north of the island, this shipwreck might look close to Sal Rei on the map (it’s only about 6 km away), but since there’s no road, it can take over half an hour to reach!

Most people book a guided tour (the safest and smartest choice) and combine it with a visit to the surrounding dunes.

The ship has been stranded here since 1968, and it’s incredible to see how it’s endured the harsh conditions. The wind is strong, and the sea constantly crashes against the wreck—it’s both fascinating and a bit creepy.

Rent a Quad and Go Adventuring

Renting a quad was, without a doubt, my favorite experience in Boa Vista.

I say this despite the fact that our quad broke down in the middle of the desert (I tell the whole story here).

Even so, it’s the best way to explore the island in total freedom!

Traditional Shows and Live Music

This is undoubtedly the most touristy activity on the list! Some beachside restaurants offer live dancing and traditional shows designed for tourists, but they’re quite fun to watch.
At Varandinha Beach, the “Morabeza” Restaurant and Bar often hosts dance nights and small parties!

I also recommend it for tasting the local food—it’s absolutely delicious!