Boavista, a desert island of abandoned white sandy beaches, sand dunes, shipwrecks and date palms.

The closest island to the African mainland and the one most affected by the hot winds blowing in from the Sahara, this is one of the hottest and driest islands in the Archipelago.
Away from the crowds at Sal Rei, this island has more to offer than you would imagine.  The white sand beaches are stunning and the Estoril dunes are so big you feel you can ski down them especially if you take an exciting quad bike tour over them!  From the tops of the high dunes on the south west you are greeted by spectacular sweeping views of Praia da Chave beach.  Although arid and mainly flat, there are a few volcanic formations rising to Monte Estancia at 387m, and date palms pepper the otherwise barren landscape. Most inland villages have been abandoned with the exception of Povoação Velha, the oldest settlement on Boavista, which is still thriving and friendly and worth visiting.
The capital, Sal Rei, is laid back and during the day you’ll find most locals either in the main square buying and selling their produce or down at the harbour tending their fishing boats and nets, playing a game of cards or enjoying a swim. There are a number of restaurants and cafés off the main square and the town really livens up in the evenings when you’ll hear the sad melodic songs of the Morna everywhere!

Population: 4,000 Elevation: 387 m (Monte Estância) Area: 620 km²
Don’t miss :The beautiful sandy beach at Santa Mónica, the best beach on the island and named after its Californian namesake.
Look out for: Loggerhead turtles. Boavista is the third most important nesting site in the world for this endangered species. Each year around 3000 turtles come ashore between May to September to lay their eggs on the beaches.  With the help of locals and volunteers, nesting beaches are patrolled and loggerheads are logged and tagged to track their migratory routes.

Turtle project
Every year, from late May to September, more than 3,000 loggerhead turtles come ashore on Cape Verde’s beaches, particularly at Ervatao beach on Boavista, the third most important loggerhead nesting site in the world after sites in Oman and Florida.
With marine turtles among the most endangered species on the planet, a Spanish organisation, Natura 2000, is working on Boavista to assess the status, distribution, and abundance of the turtles in Cape Verde. The team of scientists and volunteers have tagged thousands of loggerheads on the beaches of the island and some are being equipped with satellite transmitters that will enable researchers to track their migratory routes and feeding areas. Natura 2000 also regularly offers training to turtle specialists from Cape Verde and other West African countries.

As a company, we contribute annually to this project, but also When you book a visit with us, a significant percentage of the cost of your trip goes directly to help fund this important conservation project.

Sao Vicente - Cape Verde Institute for Children and Adolescents

Fogo - Medical Centre in Cha das Caldeiras

Santo Antao - Kindergarten in a remote village

Santiago - Education project for children

The best way to explore this island of white dunes and sandy trails, we offer 1.5 – 3.5 hour guided excursions. Take in the Saharan landscape, the turquoise sea breaking on the rocks or sand beaches all under the tropical sun. This really is an exhilarating way to get to Boavista’s remotest places.

With water 1-2m deep and no currents but great swell, this is an ideal spot for windsurfers of all abilities. The bay where the school/hire centre is located is stunning with white sand and turquoise seas, a great surf shop and beach restaurant – all you have to do is avoid the whales and turtles (Feb to May)! Surf safaris are also available.

 

Best time : Beginners – All year, Medium to Advanced – December to March.

Boa Vista has it all: heavenly shallow waters, easy entry into the waves and a wealth of places to kite surf. The endless white sand beaches (the best in Cape Verde), the warm sea and the ever present winds make this one of the most beautiful kite surf spots in the world. All abilities can be catered for with lessons and/or hire at this wonderful centre just 30m from the sea.

 

Best time : Beginners – All year, Medium to Advanced – December to March.