21 Best Things to Do in Boa Vista, Cape Verde
Best things to do in Boa Vista Cape Verde: dunes, Santa Monica Beach, shipwreck, turtles/whales, plus quick 2 or 3 day routes.
Contents
- Top 5 Unmissable Activities in Boa Vista
- 21 Best Things to Do in Boa Vista (Complete List)
- Desert & Land Adventures: 4×4, Quad & Buggy Tours
- Boa Vista’s Most Famous Sights & Landmarks
- 5) The Cabo Santa Maria Shipwreck (Praia de Atalanta)
- 6) Nossa Senhora de Fátima Chapel (Viewpoint)
- 7) Sal Rei (The Island Capital)
- 8) Fundo de Figueiras (Colorful Village + Garden Lunch)
- 9) Curral Velho Ruins & Salinas
- 10) Povoação Velha (The Oldest Village)
- 11) Rabil (Former Capital & Pottery School)
- 12) Morro Negro Lighthouse (Why a 4×4 Helps)
- The Best Beaches & Water Sports
- Wildlife Encounters: Boa Vista’s Biggest Draw
- Other activities to do in Boa Vista Cape Verde
- 2-3 Day Itineraries by Area (North, East & South)
- Where to Eat in Sal Rei (Tried & Tested)
- How to Plan Your Trip to Boa Vista
- Frequently Asked Questions About Boa Vista
If you’re hunting for things to do in Boa Vista, Cape Verde, here’s my guide based on my own island trip. I arrived by ferry, rented a car (quads were fully booked, book them early), based myself in Sal Rei, and spent 2–3 days circling the north, east and south. Below you’ll find quick answers, detailed routes, beaches, wildlife, logistics, and where I actually ate: everything I wish I’d had in one place. Use it as your Boa Vista travel guide whether you prefer resorts or DIY road-tripping.
Top 5 Unmissable Activities in Boa Vista
(Quick answers: what to do in Boa Vista at a glance)
- Visit the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck (Praia de Atalanta): atmospheric and easy to combine with the north.
- Get lost in the Viana Desert (Deserto de Viana): dunes, views, and photos.
- Relax on Santa Monica Beach (Praia de Santa Mónica/Curralinho): empty, endless, spectacular.
- Watch Loggerhead turtles (Jul–Oct): one of Cape Verde’s icons.
- Explore Morro Negro Lighthouse. The east coast cliffs feel a world away from the resorts.
“The ferry from Praia took about eight hours, long, but part of the adventure. Once on Boa Vista, a car gave us total freedom.”
| Place | Drive time* | Time needed | My tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck | ~20–30 min from Sal Rei | 40–60 min | Go early for soft light; don’t climb the wreck; beware currents. |
| Viana Desert | ~20–25 min | 45–90 min | Best 1 hr after sunrise / before sunset; footprints vanish fast. |
| Santa Mónica (Curralinho) | ~60–75 min (south) | Half–full day | Bring water/shade; pair with Varandinha dunes for photos. |
*Approx. from Sal Rei in normal conditions.
21 Best Things to Do in Boa Vista (Complete List)
Desert & Land Adventures: 4×4, Quad & Buggy Tours
1) The Viana Desert (Deserto de Viana)
A compact Saharan dreamscape in the island’s heart. You can roll in on a 4×4 or join a quad/buggy run. Dunes shift with the wind, so views change day by day. Sunrise or late afternoon gives beautiful light (and less heat) for photos.
Dune crests move with trade winds, footprints vanish fast. Best light: 1 hr after sunrise / 1 hr before sunset.
2) Full Island Tours (North vs. South)
If you’re short on time, pick a direction.
- North/West loop: Fátima Chapel (a photogenic coastal perch) -> Praia de Atalanta for the shipwreck -> Praia de Cabral for sunset.
- East loop: Fundo de Figueiras (bright, colorful houses) -> Morro Negro Lighthouse (vast ocean views).
- South loop: Curral Velho (ruins + salinas) -> dunes around Varandinha/Curralinho → endless beaches and no crowds.
“For Morro Negro, a 4×4 helps. The tracks rattle you a bit, but the views are worth every bump.”
3) Varandinha/Curralinho Dunes
Sculpted sands and “end-of-the-world” vibes for photos. Easy to combine with Santa Mónica.
4) Quad Biking & Buggy Rentals
Things to do on Boa Vista Cape Verde often start with quads and for good reason: they’re fun on sand and tracks. But they are quickly fully booked. If quads top your list, reserve in advance (even before landing). Otherwise, a rental car gets you almost everywhere at your own pace.
Boa Vista’s Most Famous Sights & Landmarks
5) The Cabo Santa Maria Shipwreck (Praia de Atalanta)
A haunting, photogenic wreck stranded on a wide, wild beach. Go with respect (no climbing, watch for currents) and pair it with the Fátima Chapel and dunes nearby. It’s a staple for anyone searching Boa Vista island things to do.
This mysterious shipwreck is a Spanish vessel that sank en route to Brazil, reportedly carrying a holy cargo. If you want to know more, watch my Instagram reel below.
6) Nossa Senhora de Fátima Chapel (Viewpoint)
We stopped in this photogenic seaside chapel for coastal panoramas. A short, satisfying stop; perfect to pair with the shipwreck.
7) Sal Rei (The Island Capital)
Base camp for many travelers, with beaches, shops, ATMs and restaurants. I liked walking Praia de Cabral at sunset, easy end to an active day.
8) Fundo de Figueiras (Colorful Village + Garden Lunch)
Colorful pastel houses and local rhythm.
“We had lunch at Restaurante Mansão, a cozy garden spot; simple, tasty and very friendly.”
9) Curral Velho Ruins & Salinas
Another highlight of this island, an abandoned village and saltpans on the south coast: raw and beautiful. Near the famous Riu Touareg resort area.
“We wandered Curral Velho’s ruins in total silence; pure Cabo Verde.”
10) Povoação Velha (The Oldest Village)
A sleepy, low-slung village with traditional charm: perfect for a coffee and a slow wander between south-coast stops.
11) Rabil (Former Capital & Pottery School)
Drop by for local ceramics and an older-town feel. It breaks up the drive nicely if you’re crossing the island.
12) Morro Negro Lighthouse (Why a 4×4 Helps)
The east coast cliffs feel a world away from the resorts. I loved it in the afternoon, although no sunset here (it faces east), but the light and emptiness are magic. It was a perfect spot for my drone footage; just note Boa Vista is very windy.”
The Best Beaches & Water Sports
13) Santa Monica Beach (Praia de Santa Mónica / Curralinho)
This is Boa Vista must see territory: long, pristine, and often empty. The combination of dunes + turquoise water makes it one of the places that truly lives up to the photos. Bring water and sun protection.
The beach runs for kilometres; cell signal can be patchy; download offline maps. Pair with Varandinha dunes for a full day in the south of the Island.
14) Praia de Chaves
Closer to resorts and Sal Rei, with an easier access. Great for a relaxed day when you don’t want a long drive.
15) Praia de Cabral (Sunset)
My favorite end-of-day stroll near Sal Rei.
“We watched the sun drop at Praia de Cabral and walked back into town for dinner; easy and safe.”
16) Kitesurfing & Windsurfing (Best Spots & Seasons)
Boa Vista gets reliable winds, especially in winter and spring. Launch points vary by operator and conditions; ask locally in Sal Rei for the day’s best spot. Even if you don’t ride, watching the sails race across the turquoise water is a show.
17) Snorkeling & Diving
Expect Atlantic conditions: clear on calmer days, fish life over rock and reef, and potential for bigger marine animals in season. If diving is a priority, anchor your plan around wind forecasts and operator advice.
Wildlife Encounters: Boa Vista’s Biggest Draw
18) Loggerhead Turtle Watching (Jul-Oct)
If “what is there to do in Boa Vista Cape Verde” is your question, turtle watching sits near the top. In peak season, guided night walks (with red lights and strict protocols) let you observe nesting loggerheads without disturbing them. Expect late starts, warm layers for the breeze, and a patient pace with the guides. I recommend booking at least a day in advance; tours sell out in high season.
19) Humpback Whale Watching (Feb–May)
During late winter to spring, humpback whales migrate near Boa Vista. Swell and wind can be strong, so pick a calm window and a reputable operator. If you’re prone to seasickness, plan accordingly. It’s one of the best things to do in Boa Vista Cape Verde for families and wildlife lovers when conditions are right.
Other activities to do in Boa Vista Cape Verde
20) Local Food.
Go beyond the resorts and try to visit local restaurants in Sal Rei where you can taste the local fish from the day. See below my favourite restaurants that I tried.
21) Visit other Cape Verde Island:
Do not miss the opportunity of visiting Praia (Santiago), Sal island, or Pico do Fogo, you have more information on this blog from my personal travels.
2-3 Day Itineraries by Area (North, East & South)
If you want a quick guide about what to do each day, I will elaborate below how exactly i visited Boa Vista island during my travel to Cape Verde. Boa Vista and Fogo were my two favourite islands during my Cape Verde trip.
Day 1: North & West (Shipwreck + Sunset)
- Fátima Chapel for coastal views and a short stop.
- Praia de Atalanta for the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck.
- Praia de Cabral for sunset near Sal Rei.
“We watched the sun drop at Praia de Cabral and walked back into town for dinner, easy and safe.”
Day 2: East (Villages + Lighthouse)
- Fundo de Figueiras (colorful houses, relaxed lunch; I liked the restaurant with a garden-style spot).
- Morro Negro Lighthouse (take a 4×4; bumpy tracks, big views).
- Back to Sal Rei for evening drinks.
Day 3: South (Ruins + Dunes + Wild Beach)
- Curral Velho for ruins and salinas: eerie and beautiful.
- Dunes near Varandinha/Curralinho for photos.
- Santa Mónica Beach to close the loop with a long, quiet beach day.
“We wandered Curral Velho’s ruins in total silence; pure Cabo Verde.”
(Short on time? Combine a half-day Viana Desert run with the North & West loop.)
Where to Eat in Sal Rei (Tried & Tested)
I rate these three after some meals and good vibes:
- El Mirador de Boavista (Spanish tilt, quality seafood; reserve ahead).
- Cabo Baby (small, partly Italian; casual and friendly).
- Porton di nos Ilha (bigger menu, tourist, seafood options).
“We ended up back at El Mirador more than once; worth the reservation.”
How to Plan Your Trip to Boa Vista
Best Time to Visit Boa Vista (Weather & Activities)
Windier months suit kitesurfing/windsurfing; Feb–May brings whales, Jul–Oct brings turtles. For calmer seas and beach time, aim for shoulder periods. Always check local forecasts; conditions change fast on Atlantic islands.
How to Get to Boa Vista (Flights & Island Hopping)
Most visitors fly directly. I arrived by ferry from Praia (Santiago); about 8 hours. It’s scenic but long; flights are quicker if you’re hopping islands.
How to Get Around (Taxi, 4×4 Rentals)
Taxis work for point-to-point days, but I loved the freedom of a rental car. If you’re eyeing quads/buggies, book early—they sell out, especially in high season.
Where to Stay (Sal Rei vs. All-Inclusive Resorts)
- Sal Rei: walkable, local food, sunset beaches, easy logistics. I stayed in the Ouril Hotel Agueda (3 star hotel); good quality and affordable.
- Resorts (e.g., south coast): all-in comfort, beach on the doorstep, tours from the lobby.
But I would happily base in Sal Rei again for restaurants and sunsets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boa Vista
Yes. You can self-drive in a regular car and take the final sandy track slowly. Park well back from the water, don’t climb the wreck, and watch the Atlantic currents and shorebreak.
Recommended. The approach includes bumpy tracks where extra clearance helps. If you don’t want to drive, book a 4×4 tour; the views from the lighthouse cliffs are the payoff.
2 or 3 days cover the highlights (Viana Desert, shipwreck, Santa Mónica). Add 1 or 2 days extra if you want watersports or to time both whales (Feb–May) and turtles (Jul–Oct).
For most travelers: Viana Desert, Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck, Santa Mónica beach day, plus turtles (Jul-Oct) or whales (Feb-May). If you want it all fast, pick a full-island tour; if you prefer freedom, rent a car and follow the 2-3 day plan above.
Boa Vista = wilder beaches, dunes, fewer towns, more sandscapes. Sal = bigger town vibe in Santa Maria, more nightlife and watersports shops. If you want space and dune deserts, Boa Vista wins; if you want more cafés and evening buzz, go Sal; or do both.
I felt comfortable driving and walking around the main areas and beaches in daylight. Use standard travel common sense at night, especially on empty beaches; stick to lit streets in Sal Rei and keep valuables subtle.
