Boa Vista is made for travellers looking for wide-open beaches, warm weather and a slower pace of life. From the sweeping sands of Praia de Chaves and Santa Monica Beach to turtle watching, whale watching and desert adventures, the island combines effortless relaxation with memorable experiences.
Explore our hand-picked Boa Vista hotels and speak to our Cape Verde specialists to find the right holiday for you.
There’s much more to Boa Vista than beautiful beaches. From wildlife encounters and sweeping desert landscapes to shipwrecks, watersports and colourful Sal Rei, the island offers plenty to explore away from your hotel. Whether you want to discover Boa Vista by 4x4, spend the day on the coast or experience some of Cape Verde’s remarkable wildlife, these are some of the best things to do during your stay.
Head inland to the Deserto de Viana, a striking landscape of pale sand dunes in the north-west of Boa Vista. Formed from sand carried across the Atlantic by the wind, the dunes create one of the island’s most distinctive landscapes. Exploring by 4x4 or quad bike is a popular way to experience this quieter side of Boa Vista and see a very different landscape from the island’s beaches.
On Boa Vista’s north coast, the remains of the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck have become one of the island’s best-known landmarks. The Spanish cargo ship ran aground in 1968 and its rusting remains can still be seen just offshore. The remote location is part of the appeal, with most visitors reaching the site as part of a guided 4x4 or island tour.
Santa Monica Beach is one of Boa Vista’s most impressive stretches of coastline, with miles of soft sand and Atlantic Ocean views. Its relatively undeveloped setting makes it ideal for travellers looking to experience the quieter, more natural side of the island. Bring your camera, enjoy a walk along the shore or simply take some time to appreciate the space and scenery.
Closer to many of Boa Vista’s resort hotels, Praia de Chaves combines a long sandy beach with dramatic dunes and clear Atlantic waters. It’s a popular spot for relaxing, walking and enjoying the island’s year-round sunshine, while several of Boa Vista’s best-known hotels are positioned along this part of the coast.
Boa Vista is one of the world’s important nesting locations for loggerhead turtles. During the nesting season, guided evening excursions offer the chance to learn about these remarkable animals and the conservation work taking place on the island. Visits should always be made with a responsible, authorised guide so the turtles and nesting sites are protected.
Jacquie Cozens
Wildlife lovers may also have the opportunity to see humpback whales in the waters around Boa Vista during the seasonal migration period. Boat excursions operate at certain times of year, although sightings can never be guaranteed. For visitors travelling during whale season, it can be one of the most memorable experiences available on the island.
With sandy tracks, desert landscapes and remote beaches, Boa Vista is perfectly suited to exploring by quad bike, buggy or 4x4. Guided excursions can take you beyond the main resorts to dunes, small villages, viewpoints and stretches of coastline that would otherwise be difficult to reach. It’s one of the best ways to get a broader feel for the island in a single day.
Sal Rei is Boa Vista’s main town and offers a welcome contrast to the island’s resort areas. Wander through its streets, stop for a drink or meal, browse local shops and experience a little more of everyday island life. The town also provides a useful starting point for exploring nearby beaches and the northern part of Boa Vista.
Want to see more of Boa Vista? Explore our Boa Vista excursions and experiences or speak to our Cape Verde specialists about the best activities to include in your holiday.
Please find below a selection of our hotels in Boa vista.
Occidental Boa Vista Beach
Call To Book
Oasis White Hotel
Orquidea Guest House
Robinson Boa Vista
Spinguera Eco Lodge