White beaches, clear waters, a pleasant climate and friendly locals make Boa Vista one of Cape Verde’s most popular destinations.
The island of Boa Vista, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is part of the Cape Verde archipelago. The exotic and always sunny destination attracts holidaymakers with its white sandy beaches and great water sports.
Exotic beach resort
The Cape Verde archipelago is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about 500 kilometers off the coast of West Africa. Cape Verde has thirteen distinctive islands, of which Boa Vista is one of the most popular.
Boa Vista is an almost circular island with a diameter of only about 30 kilometers. The soil of the island is barren, almost desert-like. Despite the drought and harshness, the island is beautiful and culturally rich. For the residents of Boa Vista, music is important where kindness and hospitality are.
Above all, travel to Boa Vista for a beach holiday. White fine sand beaches, crystal clear sea shimmering like turquoise, always shining sun combined with a peaceful stress-free lifestyle guarantee a successful break from everyday life.
Boa Vista is a holiday destination for adults who love the sun and a relaxing beach holiday. In addition, friends of water sports will enjoy Boa Vista. The island is also suitable for families with children, but it is good to note that there are no amusement parks on the island, for example. The most significant sights are based on the wonders of nature.
Always sunny
Cape Verde is known as a sunny resort. It is possible to travel there all year round. The wind from the sea keeps the temperatures at comfortable readings around 20 and 30 degrees. Thanks to the wind, the air does not feel as hot as on the African continent.
In the Cape Verde Islands, it rains only in the fall and even then rarely. In winter, the evenings may be a little cooler, so it’s a good idea to pack long-sleeved and long-legged clothes in your suitcase.
Beach holidays and water sports
Boa Vista’s stunning beaches and warm climate make it a pleasant beach holiday destination. You can easily find your own quiet place on the beaches, but if you wish, you can sunbathe on a sun lounger near the hotel and its restaurant.
Sal Rei is the largest residential concentration on the island and is also home to the majority of services. There are plenty of restaurants in the area serving fresh seafood. There are also events as well as some nightlife. Boa Vista’s shopping opportunities are mainly limited to local crafts as well as equipment needed for various sports.
Boa Vista is an ideal place for a variety of water sports. The winds are favorable for surf enthusiasts. However, beginners should attend the course before plunging into the waves. Other popular water sports include swimming, snorkelling and diving. You can also go to the sea to fool bigger prey fish.
Good to know
A visa is required when traveling to Cape Verde and Boa Vista. Up-to-date information on entry regulations can be obtained from the tour operator or the country’s own authorities, for example from the nearest mission.
Dengue fever and malaria occasionally occur in the islands of Cape Verde. It is therefore worth protecting against mosquitoes. Only bottled water should be drunk on the island. In addition, comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN BOA VISTA
Arrived on a package or on your own
Boa Vista Island has its own airport and can be flown there via several European cities. There is at least one stopover, sometimes several. At the shortest, the flight length will be about 10 hours. Round-trip flights cost around 800 to 1100 euros.
Boa Vista Island can also be traveled on a package in winter. The island is part of Finnmatka’s selection, for example. The tour operator operates to Boa Vista via Tenerife .
Accommodation on the island of Boa Vista
Most accommodation on the island of Boa Vista is in Sal Re. The accommodations are mainly traditional hotels of different levels. Many also offer an all-inclusive option. There are also apartments for rent, where it is possible to cook yourself.
The price level of Boa Vista is cheaper than in Finland.
Getting around on site
In Sal Re, everything is within walking distance. You can get around the island by taxi and minibus.
You can also explore the island by renting a four-wheel drive car or ATV. You can also romp over the dunes on a guided ATV safari.
If you want to go from Boa Vista to explore the other islands of Cape Verde, you can do so by boat or by plane. Both options are affordable, but you should be prepared for delays.
BOA VISTA ATTRACTIONS
Viana’s desert
The Viana Desert is located in the northwestern part of the island. The desert is about a mile wide and five miles long. Vegetation adapted to the harsh conditions is growing in the area. In addition, a few species of animals live there.
You can explore Viana’s rugged nature and sand dunes on your own or with a guided walk. For the first time, it is recommended to take part in a guided tour: although the desert is small in size, it should be treated like a large desert. The area is also a protected area, so you are not allowed to move there by motor vehicle.
Santa Monica beach
Northwest of Boa Vista is the 22-kilometer-long Santa Monica Beach. The beach is popular with tourists, but still there it is possible to feel as if you are alone in the middle of nature. A wide variety of birds can be spotted on the beach, as migratory birds stop on the island of Boa Vista. In the spring you can happily see humpback whales from the beach.
The waves of the Atlantic make the beach of Santa Monica a Mecca for experienced surfers. For a beginner, the intensity of the waves in the place may be too much, so caution should be exercised.
So far, there aren’t plenty of hotels on the beach in Santa Monica, but there are plans to build resorts. So Santa Monica is worth a visit even when it is an almost untouched area.
A star trip under the African sky
Boa Vista is one of the best places to watch the night starry sky. In clear weather, the entire Milky Way is clearly visible. You can admire the beautiful starry sky from the hotel’s balcony, but if you want to learn more about the stars and get to see them with a telescope, you should take part in the excursion. Romantic and at the same time educational trips to the observatory last about three hours and are suitable for the whole family.
Wreck of Santa Maria
The symbol of Boa Vista has been the wreck of the Spanish cargo ship Cabo Santa Maria, washed up in the northern part of the island. The ship drifted ashore in the 1960s and has been in those positions ever since. The wreck is fragile year after year, but is still, in its own way, a fascinating attraction to see as part of a visit to Boa Vista.
Morro Negro
Boa Vista is a shallow island whose highest point rises to only about 400 meters. The 155 meter high hill of Morro Nergo is located on the east coast. An old abandoned lighthouse makes the place worth a visit.
THE BEST OF BOA VISTA
The best attractions in Boa Vista
- Santa Monica beach
- Wreck of Santa Maria
- Viana desert
- Morro Negro lighthouse
- The village of Sal Rein
The best activities in Boa Vista
- Beach vacation
- Surfing
- Diving
- ATV safari
- Excursion to the observatory