Things to do in 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.

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 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 Catamaran Cruise with Beach Afternoon and Lunch

Relaxation is the name of the game on this downtempo nautical excursion. Spend a morning exploring the west coast of Boa Vista and the islet of Sal Rei aboard your catamaran before heading for a beach restaurant lunch. Then, spend an afternoon on the golden sands of Praia da Chaves.As your skipper steers you out of port, you'll sail to the islet of Sal Rei and around it before gliding back to port – spending about three hours at sea. You'll then be transferred to the virgin sands of Praia da Chaves on the west coast of Boa Vista – just in time for lunch.You'll be served a tasty lunch at the popular Perola de Chaves Beach restaurant. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in cool and calm waters.

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.

Boa Vista Death Valley Two-hour Buggy Adventure

This thrilling off-road adventure takes in Cape Verde's Death Valley on Boa Vista Island. Begin with a briefing at base before setting off to explore the rugged terrain of the valley, rumbling through Rabil village and calling at an oasis. Visit Fonte Vicente and the iconic Baobab Tree before returning to the starting point where your adventure wraps up.

Boa Vista Turtle Watching Tour

Cape Verde is home to third largest population of loggerhead turtles, and during the months between June and October, they come to the shores of Boa Vista to lay their eggs. This night-time tour takes you to the nesting beaches with a marine biologist where you'll learn about and witness these creatures in their habitat.

Beginners’ scuba diving session in Boa Vista

The waters around the island of Boa Vista, in Cape Verde, are teeming with wildlife and reefs. Don't miss the chance to see them up close with this introductory scuba-diving session, which is run at a professional dive centre with certified guides. Transfers are included, so you'll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel. You can choose from morning or afternoon sessions – each one consists of a safety briefing and two dives, including one in open water.

Boa Vista Fishing Boat Trip

Fishing aficionados will love this half-day fishing tour. After setting off into the bay around Sal Rei, you'll drop anchor to spend the morning or afternoon waiting for a catch. One thing's for sure - you'll fall hook, line and sinker with fishing in Boa Vista.

Full-day Sal Rei Sightseeing Tour with Local Speciality Tastings

A blend of African, Brazilian and Portuguese influences make Boa Vista's capital, Sal Rei, a riot of colour. On this tour, you'll sample Cape Verdean specialities, visit markets vibrant with local life and enjoy a guided tour of the town's most interesting locations. First up is a trip to the recently restored Fatima chapel – a windswept sanctuary with a beautiful simplicity on a rocky bluff just north of Sal Rei. From here, you can take in the views over the coast towards the capital. Next, we'll explore the island's past in both the Sea and Shipwreck Museums. Admire a collection of exhibits from underwater archaeological finds and artworks that reflect on the history of the island.We dial the volume up a bit next with a visit to the market. Mingle with locals as you browse the handmade jewellery, clothing and fresh produce on display. Then, it's on to Sodade House of Culture for a chance to taste some local specialities, before some free time. You'll round off with lunch and some more exploration time at your disposal – visit the pretty church of St Isabel or head to one of Sal Rei's great beaches for a paddle or a coffee with a view.