Things to do in Boa Vista

Boa Vista beachside sunset dinner with live music experience

The west coast of Boa Vista usually provides stunning sunsets across the South Atlantic. Admire the colours of dusk with your special someone over a delicious dinner, followed by some live drumming and mellow tunes on the beach. Carlo, one of our expert local guides, says: ‘Cape Verde's music is one of the most important strands of our heritage and culture. There are a variety of styles unique to the islands, and you will hear a mix of some of our traditional music together with international tunes performed after dinner by local musicians.'You'll be whisked off to the island-renowned Morabeza Beach Club well before the sun begins its descent over the water. Take your seat and while away the time with a glass of the local cocktail, Ponche, in your hand and the sound of the waves in your ears. The beach club has a natural theme and a stress-free vibe, with tables directly on the beach. The beautiful tropical sunset would be all the visual entertainment needed, but there are plenty of treats to come.As the light dims, a bonfire is lit and African drummers start to provide a soundtrack of infectious beats giving you a flavour of the local culture. Then it's time to sit down and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, with a selection of grilled meats, vegetables, and freshly-caught fish - plus a drink to wash it all down. A live band will play laid-back music during your meal, and up the tempo later on, so you can dance the night away with the sand between your toes.

Southern Boa Vista Four-hour Quad Tour by Quad Zone

Off-road adventure is the name of the game on this action-packed excursion. Spend four adrenaline-pumping hours carving up the sands and exploring the trails of Boa Vista's stunning south coast. You can choose whether you want your own quad or whether you're happier to be a passenger – and let your partner do all the hard work.

Boa Vista family catamaran cruise

Set sail on a journey around Boa Vista and Sal Rei on this half-day catamaran cruise. You'll be welcomed on board by your friendly crew with a quick safety briefing, before casting off along the coast. Joao, our expert local guide, says “the beauty of these islands is best seen from the deck of a catamaran as you drift over the waves – it's like stepping into a postcard."As we cruise along this stretch of sea, you'll get a front-row view of the coastal landscapes – think endless golden beaches and chunky rock formations jutting out of the sea. You'll get a good look at Sal Rei, too, which means Salt King in Portuguese, a nod to its history of salt production. It's home to the Fort of the Duke of Braganca, originally built to fend off pirates. This fort stands out against the ocean backdrop, making it easy to spot as you sail by.On board, you'll find a selection of snacks and drinks. Whether you fancy sipping on a cool beverage or nibbling on tasty treats, you'll be perfectly pampered as you cruise. Then, you'll drop anchor for a swim in the sea – ideal if you fancy cooling off. Alternatively, you can relax on the nets near the front of the catamaran and catch some rays.

Catamaran Cruise with Lunch at beach restaurant

You'll see Boa Vista's coastal beauty from a new perspective on this morning catamaran cruise - perfect for everyone, including families. Admire the shore from your spot on deck before you disembark for a beachside lunch and time to relax. Your day begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel, from where you'll be whisked away to the harbour where your luxury catamaran, SODADE II, awaits. As one of our seasoned local guides puts it, "SODADE II is designed for comfort and relaxation, offering plenty of shaded areas and nets for sunbathing - the ideal setting for families and anyone seeking a blissful day out at sea."You'll set sail around the island of Boa Vista and the islet of Sal Rei, immersing yourself in views of clear waters and coastal landscapes. Indulge in tempting snacks and drinks onboard, and then it's time to drop anchor for a bit of fun in the sun - dive into the waves or simply relax on the nets, basking in the sunshine.The excitement continues when you step ashore to be transferred to the beach restaurant where a tasty lunch awaits. Savour local cuisine and cool off with a drink, all while enjoying the sound of the waves and the beachside panorama. Spend the rest of your afternoon unwinding on the sandy shores, swimming in the sea or soaking up the sun. Finally, end your day with a smooth transfer back to your hotel.

Half-day southern Boa Vista 4x4 tour with Viana Desert

This fun-filled tour gives you the chance to delve into some of Boa Vista's top spots. Spend a morning exploring inland villages and roaming the Viana desert in a 4x4, before ending up on one of the island's most pretty beaches. Roberto, one of our local guides, says, ‘It probably wasn't their intention but the souvenir shops of Povoação Velha and Rabil have become unwitting social media stars. Their colourful, kitsch and carefree displays are massive Instagram hits.'This morning-long adventure kicks off with a visit to Rabil – Boa Vista's second-largest town. From its vibrant streets to traditional architecture, the town reflects the island's tough yet resilient spirit. Here, you'll visit a ceramic factory, where you'll see the handiwork of local artisans and might be able to grab yourself a souvenir of local pottery. You'll also get to taste Cape Verde's national dish, catchupa, a rich stew of corn, beans, pork and vegetables – through ingredients change, not just from island to island or village to village, but house to house.Next, hold on tight as you zoom through the dusty landscape of the Viana desert. Our next stop is Povoação Velha, the oldest settlement on the island. Wander its rustic streets before kicking back on the 11km-long Santa Monica beach. Its sugar-white sand contrasts against fluorescent blue waters like an image from a postcard. If you're an adventure seeker, you can even try your hand at sandboarding.

Desert Delight

For a truly celestial holiday experience, it's hard to beat this evening dinner in Boa Vista's Viana desert. We'll pick you at your hotel and bring you to the middle of nowhere, far away from light pollution, for an unrivalled view of the Milky Way in its full glory. What's more, there's also a tasty buffet dinner to enjoy.

Boa Vista full-day 4x4 island tour with beachfront lunch

Off-road through luscious landscapes and be charmed by Boa Vista's untouched beauty on this action-packed 4x4 tour. Roberto, one of our local guides, says, ‘The Viana desert is Boa Vista's very own chunk of the Sahara. Its sand is blown in from western Africa, creating huge dunes, which we'll rally up and down.' Leave no stone unturned as you visit the shipwreck on Santa Maria beach, before stopping in Sal Rei village and Povoaçao Velha. Plus, there's lunch by the sea in a beachfront restaurant.The fun kicks off in the Viana desert. Feel the wind in your hair as you rumble over the sand dunes in a 4x4. Then, you're off to discover the rusting shipwreck of Cabo de Santa Maria – a symbol of Boa Vista. Roberto says, ‘There are about 150 shipwrecks on the islands of Cape Verde, but this one is the most mysterious of all. It's a great place to snap a selfie, too.' You'll have a quick stop in Sal Rei for a glimpse at the capital's fishing pier, before a locally-sourced lunch is served at a nearby beach restaurant.Next up is a pit stop in Povoaçao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around this isolated hamlet and enjoy a look into local life, before our final stop, Santa Monica beach. Boasting 15km of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder it was voted one of the world's top 10 beaches. The perfect place to end the tour.

Sal Rei Sightseeing Tour with Local Speciality Tastings

With its blend of African, Brazilian and European influences, Cape Verde's unique culture is one to experience. On this tour, taste traditional food, visit the vibrant local markets and take a guided tour of Sal Rei, the capital of Boa Vista.

Sandboarding session on Morra de Areia’s dunes in Boa Vista

With bright coastal views, the rippling desert of Morro de Areia is the perfect place to get the adrenaline pumping with a 90-minute sandboarding experience. Boa Vista, which means "good view" in Portuguese, is the easternmost island of Cape Verde. It's known for its great beaches and patches of desert landscape. Jose, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Prepare to get very sandy on this exhilarating trip into Boa Vista's beautiful seaside nature reserve. But getting sandy is all part of the fun as you whizz down and clamber up the dunes.'Morro de Areia is one of the most prominent dune systems on the island and is especially known for its pristine and shifting sands. The scenic sand dunes that line the coast of Boa Vista have the added advantage that you can often see the coast from the higher dunes, and Morro de Areia is no exception. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you drive out across the sands, it's an exciting trip for both adults and kids as you roar across the dunes. The wild surroundings and fabulous views make the perfect backdrop for some unbridled fun. After a safety briefing and demonstration from your friendly instructors, have a go at surfing the dunes yourself. It's a brilliant way to get out into nature and see a different side of the island while enjoying a new experience which will have all the family whooping with excitement. Half-time refreshments are provided so you can rest and enjoy the sea view.

Boa Vista Snorkelling Experience

The underwater world of Boavista is a marvel. Cape Verde is a hot spot for coral biodiversity, and although there are no reefs, there are several sites rich in different varieties of coral. Combining calm conditions for safe snorkeling with the perfect habitat for coral to thrive, the coast of Boa Vista makes an excellent place to explore the underwater world.You'll see a diverse range of species, from tropical fish and crustaceans to – if you are very lucky - marine turtles. First, you'll be picked up for the transfer to Sal Rei fishing port, from where a small boat will take you to the waters around Sal Rei Islet.Prepare for your snorkeling experience with a comprehensive safety briefing, then it's time to don your mask and discover the vibrant marine ecosystem, guided by professionals. After snorkeling, you'll visit the historic Duque de Bragança fort on the islet itself. Finally, relax on a serene white sand beach with calm, clear waters.

Santa Maria Beach Two-hour Quad Tour by Quad Zone

With innumerable sandy dunes and a fairly desolate interior, Boa Vista is heaven for quad bikers. Spend two hours blasting along the island's deserted trails, with some memorable pit stops in between. Take the wheel yourself or choose a double quad and you can relax as the passenger.

Boa Vista Horse Riding Experience

Galloping along the golden sands of Boa Vista's beaches is as exhilarating as it gets. You can choose from an hour-long horse ride for beginners, or a 90-minute adventure for intermediates. It's an experience that gets you back in touch with nature the environmentally-friendly way.