Boa Vista, Cape Verde: Best Things To Do & Travel Guide

Dreaming of golden sand dunes, endless sandy beaches, and a little adventure? Welcome to Boa Vista, one of Cape Verde’s most beautiful beach destinations!

Located off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde offers year-round sunshine and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down and switch off. Just a six-hour flight from London, Boa Vista has plenty to offer beyond its beautiful beaches. During my visit, I explored the island on a 4×4 tour, travelled across the Viana Desert, visited the famous Cabo Santa Maria Shipwreck, and discovered the local atmosphere in Sal Rei.

In this Boa Vista travel guide, I’ll share the best things to do, where to stay, tours worth considering, and practical tips to help you plan your trip. Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventurous getaway, or a little bit of both, here’s how to make the most of your time on Boa Vista. You ready?

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Welcome to Boa Vista! The ‘No Stress’ Island.

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Quick Summary: Boa Vista

🩵 Best for: Beautiful beaches, desert landscapes, and all-inclusive holidays

🩵 Where it is: Cape Verde, an island country in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.

🩵 Main town: Sal Rei, with food spots, shops, and a taste of local island life.

🩵 Best time to visit: Year-round sunshine, with generally drier weather from November to June.

🩵 How long to stay: Around 5-10 days for a relaxing beach holiday with excursions.

🩵 Getting around: Taxis, organised excursions, and 4×4 tours are popular ways to explore the island.

🩵 Flight time from London: Approximately 6 hours, depending on your route and flight.

🩵 Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Card acceptance varies (mainly tourist spots), so carry some cash.

🩵 Language: Portuguese is the official language, while Cape Verdean Creole is widely spoken.

🩵 Time difference: Cape Verde is usually 1 hour behind the UK in winter, and 2 hours behind in summer.

Best Time to Visit Boa Vista, Cape Verde

One of the best things about Boa Vista is that you can enjoy warm weather year-round, making it a brilliant choice for a sunshine escape. However, depending on whether you’re dreaming of lazy beach days, exploring the island, or trying some watersports, some months may suit you better than others.

November to June. Best for: Sunshine & Beach Holidays

November to June is generally the best time to visit Boa Vista if you’re looking for warm, dry weather and plenty of sunshine. Rainfall is typically low, making these months ideal for relaxing on the beach, exploring the Viana Desert, and taking excursions around the island.

December to March is particularly popular with visitors escaping the British winter. Just be prepared for breezier conditions, especially between January and April, when the winds can be stronger.

July to October. Best for: Warmer Weather & Fewer Crowds

July to October is generally hotter and more humid, with a greater chance of occasional rainfall, particularly from August to October. That doesn’t mean your holiday will be a washout, though; showers are often brief, and Boa Vista still enjoys plenty of sunshine.

These months may appeal if you’d prefer to avoid the busiest travel periods. They’re also within the sea turtle nesting season, which generally runs from June to October. If you’d like to see turtles, choose a responsible guided excursion that follows local wildlife protection rules.

Ultimately, Boa Vista is a year-round destination, so the best time for your trip depends on your budget, preferred activities, and the kind of holiday you’re after.

Where to Stay in Cape Verde

Choosing the right area to stay in Boa Vista depends on the kind of holiday you’re after. Whether you want an all-inclusive resort, a base close to local restaurants, or a peaceful escape beside a golden-sand beach, there are options to suit different travel styles.

📍Sal Rei. Best for: Local Life & Independent Stays

Sal Rei is Boa Vista’s main town and a great option if you’d like to explore beyond the hotel. You’ll find local food spots, cafes, shops, and access to nearby beaches, giving you more flexibility to experience everyday island life. It’s particularly suited to independent travellers and anyone who enjoys having amenities within easier reach.

🩵 Hotel RIU Touareg – A beautiful beachfront resort with a palace-like design, exceptional service, multiple bars, great spas, delicious restaurants, and nighttime entertainment.

📍Praia de Chaves & the Resort Coast. Best for: Beach Holidays

If you’re dreaming of long sandy beaches, swimming pools, and resort facilities, Boa Vista’s resort areas are worth considering. Praia de Chaves is known for its sweeping coastline and larger resorts, while other resort areas offer a quieter, more secluded atmosphere. These locations are ideal for a relaxing beach escape, especially if you’d prefer an all-inclusive package.

For a more detailed comparison of accommodation areas and hotel recommendations, read my guide: Where to Stay in Cape Verde.

Cape Verde entrance to the airport and Hotel RIU Toureg Resort

Best Things To Do in Boa Vista

Boa Vista might be famous for its golden beaches and all-inclusive resorts, but there’s plenty to explore if you fancy getting out and discovering more of the island. From desert adventures and shipwrecks to colourful local towns and beautiful coastal scenery, you can experience a completely different side of Cape Verde beyond the poolside.

During my visit, I explored Boa Vista mainly on 4×4 excursions, which was a brilliant way to discover some of the island’s most memorable landscapes in one trip. If you’re wondering what to add to your itinerary, here are some of the best things to do in Boa Vista that I experienced myself and highly recommend.

Santa Monica, Desert & Shipwreck Tour

Do the Santa Monica, Desert, & Shipwreck Tour for an epic tour around Boa Vista. We cruised through the Viana Desert in a 4×4 and had an absolute blast sand surfing down the golden dunes. I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous at first, but it turned out to be such a fun first-time experience! The vibes were amazing, and the staff were super friendly, which made it even better.

I couldn’t resist picking up some artwork from one of the local artists set up nearby; it’s such a great way to support the community and grab a one-of-a-kind souvenir. After soaking up the desert energy, we headed to the next stop on the tour: the Santa Maria Shipwreck.

Sand-surfing on sun dunes and the artwork I purchased in Cape Verde

Cabo Santa Maria Shipwreck

We arrived at this gorgeous landmark beach, where a rusting cargo ship has been standing proudly in the sea since 1968. This Spanish vessel ran aground on the coast while carrying luxury goods, including sports cars and gifts meant for Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. Thankfully, everyone on board survived, and the items were safely recovered and returned to their owners.

Over time, the shipwreck has become a striking symbol of Boa Vista’s beauty and a hotspot for photographers, painters, and anyone chasing that perfect Instagram shot. More than 50 years later, the shipwreck continues to slowly fade into the ocean, yet its story still fascinates visitors.

We spent some time wandering along the beach, snapping photos and taking in the shipwreck scenery. A few friendly locals sold colourful scarves and handmade souvenirs, adding to the spot’s charm. After around half an hour, it was time to head off to our next stop on the tour, Sal Rei.

Cabo Santa Maria Shipwreck Beach, which is a popular Instagram spot

Sal Rei

Our next stop was Sal Rei. Half of the island’s 12,000 population lives here, and it is the most developed location in Cape Verde. It was interesting to see how the locals hang out. We had time to explore Sal Rei Town and came across small market stalls where African traders sold colourful goods. The artwork made from butterflies impressed me the most in Sal Rei; it left me in awe of how talented they are.

Although Sal Rei may be tiny compared to the UK, it boasts a travel agent shop, a bank, a chemist, a post office, and some restaurants. After refreshments and a toilet break, it was time to leave Sal Rei and have lunch at Bahia Beach.

White Sand Bahia Beach

Lunch on the beach is always a great idea, so the scenic environment of Baiha Beach was perfect. Our tour price included our three-course meal: chicken pate on bread for starters, steak salad and chips for mains, and an unusual but yummy dessert. After an hour of relaxing with good vibes at Baiha Beach, we set off for our next destination, Provacao Velha.

Pretty views from Bahia Beach

Provacao Velha

After repenting of our sins, we walked through the town toward our 4×4. We waved to the locals and stopped for refreshments. Then we went to our last stop, Praia Santa Monica.

Inside and outside of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Church in Provacao Velha

Praia Santa Monica Beach

We reached our final destination, Praia Santa Monica Beach, renowned as Boa Vista’s longest beach. Be sure to visit the stunning beach ASAP, as large resorts are set to be constructed here soon. I recently went to an event where they were showcasing some of the building plans. The massive complex will remove most access to Praia Santa Monica Beach.

Upon arriving at Praia Santa Monica Beach, we were free to roam, relax, and enjoy refreshments at the bar at the beach entrance. We enjoyed this scenic beach and sunbathed; it was an excellent way to end the tour.

Enjoying the views of Praia Santa Monica Beach

Boa Vista Sunset Tour

Do the Sunset Tour for an amazing evening away from your resort! We were picked up from our resort and taken to the beach bar-restaurant Morabeza. Morabeza means open spirit, welcoming, hospitable, and relaxed; the name lived up to that! Upon our arrival, we received a shot of something tasty and were free to roam and enjoy the sunset while the food was being prepared.

At the Morabeza Beach Bar and Restaurant

The meal was delicious, and the sun was setting, but it wasn’t over yet. We were treated to an evening of fantastic entertainment from African Drummers and a bonfire. They put on a great interactive show. We danced around the bonfire as they sang to the infectious beating of their drums. If you enjoy it, bring some petty cash for a small tip at the end; they’ll appreciate it.

After burning some calories from dancing, the evening slowly ended. As we relaxed, live music entertained us until our pick-up arrived. The night concluded on a high note, leaving us with cherished memories; this Sunset Tour should be a priority if you visit Boa Vista.

That’s A Wrap!

Boa Vista was such a fun and unexpected adventure. From exploring the golden dunes and shipwrecks to chilling on postcard-perfect beaches, every stop had something exciting to offer. The energy was relaxed yet full of life, the kind of place that makes you completely forget about time.

If you’re planning a trip to Cape Verde, make sure Boa Vista is on your list. It’s got that perfect mix of culture, sunshine, and adventure that makes travel so special. Whether you’re going solo, with friends, or on a relaxing getaway on a mum-daughter trip, Boa Vista will make you fall in love with island life all over again. You ready to explore? GO!