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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Adults-only Boa Vista 4x4 island adventure with local guide

You'll feel like you know every corner of little Boa Vista island after this adults-only off-road adventure. With a knowledgeable guide to show you around, you'll find out about the history and culture of the area, too. Leave no stone unturned as you visit Viana desert and the shipwreck at Cabo de Santa Maria, before exploring Povoacao Velha. Plus, there's lunch at a beachside restaurant to enjoy. Manuel, one of our expert local guides, says ‘The beach with the shipwreck is a very evocative spot, one of the most beautiful on the island. The ship ran aground in 1968 and has been here ever since.'Setting off towards the Viana desert, prepare to be charmed by Boa Vista's untouched scenery on this action-packed 4x4 tour. 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. Chamine de Chaves is our next stop, before we slow things down with lunch in a beachside restaurant.Next up is Povaocao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around the small town and take a glimpse into local life, before we head to our final stop, Santa Monica beach. If it's dreamy Caribbean colours and empty sands you are looking for, you've found it. Have your camera ready because this blissful beach is one of the most photographed spots on the island. Boasting 18 kilometres of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder that the sandy strip was voted one of the top ten in the world.

Full-day 4x4 tour of Boa Vista’s northern villages with lunch

There's no shortage of great views in Boa Vista, and this 4x4 tour shows you just how photogenic the island is. You'll discover the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, visit Fundo das Figueiras, stop to sample local food in Rabil and visit a goat farm and local Local Biodiversity centre, too. Stephane, one of our local guides, says, ‘The shipwreck is one of Boa Vista's most iconic sights. When the ship ran aground in 1968 the crew escaped unharmed. Strong tugs were sent from neighbouring islands to try to move the ship, but it was stuck fast. It took nearly a year to unload the cargo and take it by mule to Sal Rei.'We'll kick off in true Boa Vista style, travelling by 4x4 to Rabil, where we'll try some local delicacies and have a look around the village. Next, we'll make our way to the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, where the rusting hulk of a Spanish cargo ship still sits where it ran aground over 50 years ago. It's a striking contrast to the natural beauty of the beach, and you'll get some great photos.A stop at the colourful village of Bofareira follows, where you'll call in at a goat farm to watch local cheese in production. You'll get to try some, too. Next, you'll head for Fundo das Figueiras village for a lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-owned restaurant. In the afternoon, there's some free time before a visit to a soap-making project ran by the Association of Northern Woman – an organisation specialising in equality. We'll round off the day at the Local Biodiversity Centre for an insight into the fascinating marine life of the island.

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 Catamaran Cruise

Even when you're on an idyllic tropical island like Boa Vista, it's lovely to get out on the water. Get a different perspective from the deck of your sleek sailing catamaran on this relaxed adults-only afternoon cruise – served up with ice cold drinks.

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 Buggy Tours by Quad Zone

Inject your holiday with a healthy dose of adrenaline-pumping adventure with this dirt buggy tour. Driving your own off-road vehicle, you'll zoom down dusty tracks, trails and up and over rolling sand dunes to discover all the best bits of Boa Vista.

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.