Excursions in Boa Vista: What to Do and See During Your Stay?
Endless beaches, sand dunes, and turquoise ocean: here are the top experiences not to miss during your stay in Boa Vista, Cape Verde.
With its light sand beaches, turquoise waters, wind-sculpted dunes, and wild landscapes, Boa Vista is one of Cape Verde's must-visit destinations. The island offers a wide diversity of experiences, ranging from maritime excursions to cultural discoveries, 4x4 tours, and marine wildlife watching.
Looking for what to do in Boa Vista, which places to visit, or which excursions to book during your vacation? Here are the main spots to discover and top activities to enjoy during your stay on the island.
Why Visit Boa Vista in Cape Verde?
Boa Vista captivates above all with the contrast of its landscapes. Just a few kilometers apart, you can go from a beach bordering the Atlantic Ocean to a desert of dunes, then visit a traditional village or a rocky coast.
The official Cape Verde tourism board highlights Santa Mónica and Lacacão beaches, the Viana desert, the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck, Rabil, Povoação Velha, as well as boat excursions and water sports among the main attractions of the island.
This diversity makes Boa Vista an ideal destination for couples, families, nature lovers, and travelers seeking adventure.
1. Discover Sal Rei, the Heart of Boa Vista
A visit to Boa Vista often starts in Sal Rei, the island's main town. Its peaceful atmosphere, small streets, market, shops, and waterfront allow you to discover a more local side of Cape Verde.
Take the time to stroll through the center, observe the architecture, meet the locals, and taste some Cape Verdean specialties. Sal Rei is also a convenient starting point for many boat excursions in Boa Vista, snorkeling trips, and land tours. The official tourism portal describes Sal Rei as a welcoming city with rustic charm and a peaceful vibe.
From the bay, the view opens up toward the islet of Sal Rei, situated opposite the town. This maritime scenery is particularly enjoyable late in the afternoon, as the light softens.
2. Explore the Viana Desert
The Viana desert is one of Boa Vista's most astonishing landscapes. Its light sand dunes offer an almost surreal backdrop, just a few kilometers from Rabil.
An excursion into the desert allows you to walk across the dunes, photograph the views, and enjoy the silence of this natural environment. The site can be explored via a 4x4 tour, buggy, or quad bike, depending on the chosen itinerary. Official Boa Vista tourism recommends being accompanied on your first visit, as tracks and landmarks can be difficult to navigate.
To protect this fragile ecosystem, it is essential to stay on authorized paths, leave no litter behind, and follow the guide's instructions.
3. Enjoy Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica beach in Boa Vista is one of the island's most iconic landscapes. Its vast stretch of light sand, bordered by the deep colors of the Atlantic, offers a sense of open space and tranquility.
Located in the southwest of Boa Vista, it is regularly included in southern beach excursions. It can be combined with a visit to Povoação Velha, Varandinha, or the Morro de Areia nature reserve. The national tourism website lists Santa Monica as one of the top beaches and postcard views of Boa Vista.
The beach is perfect for walking, taking photos, or simply enjoying the scenery. However, swimming conditions can vary depending on swells and wind. It is therefore crucial to follow the recommendations of local professionals on-site.
4. Admire the Varandinha Caves
Varandinha beach is known for its rock formations and natural sea caves. The contrast between dark rock, sand, and turquoise waters makes it a particularly photogenic location.
The caves can be discovered during an excursion through southern Boa Vista, often combined with the Morro de Areia dunes and Santa Monica beach. Access depends on sea conditions and tides: caution is advised, and guide instructions should always be followed.
Varandinha offers a wilder, more mineral coastline, distinct from the long open beaches found elsewhere on the island.
5. See the Cabo Santa Maria Shipwreck
The Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck is one of Boa Vista's most famous sites. This Spanish cargo ship, stranded in 1968, stands right off Praia de Atalanta. Over time, erosion transformed the ship into a spectacular rusted shell that has become an iconic symbol of the island.
Visiting the shipwreck is often part of an excursion covering Sal Rei and northern Boa Vista. The spot is popular among photographers, offering a striking contrast between the metallic structure and the wild environment of the northern coast.
6. Go Snorkeling and Discover the Underwater World
Snorkeling in Boa Vista is an accessible activity that lets you explore the underwater world with a mask and snorkel. Spot locations vary based on visibility, swells, currents, and sea state.
Even when an area appears calm, the Atlantic Ocean can feature strong currents. It is always best to practice this activity as part of a guided excursion and never stray away from the boat or group alone.
Snorkeling and diving are offered across several islands in Cape Verde, including Boa Vista, and can be enjoyed at different times of the year when sea conditions permit.
Always respect marine life: do not touch corals or sea creatures, and leave no trash in the water.
