Excursions & day trips in Boa Vista

Boa Vista - Desert Delight with optional transport

For a truly celestial holiday experience, it's hard to beat this evening dinner in Boa Vista's Viana Desert. In the middle of nowhere, far away from light pollution, you'll get an unrivalled view of the Milky Way in its full glory. With the ever-changing moon phases, this is sure to be a unique experience at any time of the year.On arrival at the Viana Club, you'll be handed a welcome drink before listening to a briefing on what to expect of the evening. Dinner will then be ready - a buffet of traditional Cape Verdean dishes for you to feast on.And after eating, there's another treat - you'll head outside for an exhilarating view of the heavens. Gaze into the stars and planets with your naked eyes and with the help of telescopes – it's simply amazing. The kids are also well looked after, as there are some gravity-centred activities for them to take part in.

Boa Vista - Boa Vista off-road quad bike adventure

Kick up some sand and blaze through Boa Vista's best spots on a quad bike. You'll start at No Limits Garage to gear up and get the safety lowdown before hitting the trail. You can choose a two-hour ride north to check out the epic 1968 shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria and carve through the Viana Desert. Or, go big with a four-hour ride south through beachy highlights like Praia de Chaves, Varandinha's sea caves, 18 kilometres of Santa Monica Beach and a pit stop at the island's oldest village, Povoacao Velha.

Boa Vista - Sunset catamaran cruise with live music and open bar

Late afternoons in Boa Vista don't get much more relaxing than this adults-only catamaran cruise aboard the Sodade II. Setting sail along the island's coastline, you'll leave the busy beaches behind and settle into a slower pace. You'll have the opportunity to stretch out on the nets, feel the sea breeze on your skin and take in views of the Atlantic as chill-out music sets the tone for the evening.A stop near Baia de Chaves gives you time to soak up the scenery while a local musician performs live on board, creating the perfect soundtrack to your time at sea. Back on the water, a complimentary Caipirinha, plus an open bar serving beer, wine, soft drinks and water, keeps refreshments flowing, while a selection of local snacks and bites adds a taste of Cape Verde to the journey.As the sun begins to sink towards the horizon, the sky transforms into a mix of orange, pink and gold. With great photo opportunities, a relaxed adults-only atmosphere and music continuing as you sail back to the harbour, it's an evening made for unwinding, sharing good company and taking in Boa Vista at its most beautiful.

Boa Vista - Boa Vista deep-sea fishing experience

Picture yourself watching the coastline fade away as you head out from Boa Vista on a deep‑sea fishing adventure designed for pure excitement. With expert guides, modern equipment and a comfortable boat as your base, you'll have the opportunity to target prized species like amberjack and yellowfin tuna, using professional techniques suited to all experience levels. Whether you're new to fishing or already fully hooked, you can choose any that make it easy to enjoy the experience your way, whether that's solo or as part of a group.

Boa Vista - Lobster dinner at a seaside restaurant in Boa Vista with transfers

For an evening that's a little bit extra, you can't beat a lobster dinner by the sea. For this dining experience, you'll be picked up from your hotel and whisked over to Restaurant Pescador in Sal Rei, in the north-west of the island. You'll be met with a welcome drink, before sitting back and tucking into a three-course dinner. There are plenty of fresh fish dishes to choose from and their lobster's legendary – there are other options, too, if you're not a seafood fan. If the food and ocean setting isn't enough to make this a night to remember, then the live music will seal the deal. Best of all, you don't have to worry about who's driving home – we are, so you can relax and enjoy your evening.

Boa Vista - Catamaran Cruise with Lunch at beach restaurant

You'll see Boa Vista's coastal beauty from a new perspective on this morning catamaran cruise - perfect for everyone, including families. Admire the shore from your spot on deck before you disembark for a beachside lunch and time to relax. Your day begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel, from where you'll be whisked away to the harbour where your luxury catamaran, SODADE II, awaits. As one of our seasoned local guides puts it, "SODADE II is designed for comfort and relaxation, offering plenty of shaded areas and nets for sunbathing - the ideal setting for families and anyone seeking a blissful day out at sea."You'll set sail around the island of Boa Vista and the islet of Sal Rei, immersing yourself in views of clear waters and coastal landscapes. Indulge in tempting snacks and drinks onboard, and then it's time to drop anchor for a bit of fun in the sun - dive into the waves or simply relax on the nets, basking in the sunshine.The excitement continues when you step ashore to be transferred to the beach restaurant where a tasty lunch awaits. Savour local cuisine and cool off with a drink, all while enjoying the sound of the waves and the beachside panorama. Spend the rest of your afternoon unwinding on the sandy shores, swimming in the sea or soaking up the sun. Finally, end your day with a smooth transfer back to your hotel.

Boa Vista - Boa Vista family catamaran cruise

Set sail on a journey around Boa Vista and Sal Rei on this half-day catamaran cruise. You'll be welcomed on board by your friendly crew with a quick safety briefing, before casting off along the coast. Joao, our expert local guide, says “the beauty of these islands is best seen from the deck of a catamaran as you drift over the waves – it's like stepping into a postcard."As we cruise along this stretch of sea, you'll get a front-row view of the coastal landscapes – think endless golden beaches and chunky rock formations jutting out of the sea. Between mid‑March and mid‑May, the warm waters become an important breeding and calving area for humpback whales, so as we sail along, you could spot them in their natural habitat. You'll get a good look at Sal Rei, too, which means Salt King in Portuguese, a nod to its history of salt production. It's home to the Fort of the Duke of Braganca, originally built to fend off pirates. This fort stands out against the ocean backdrop, making it easy to spot as you sail by.On board, you'll find a selection of snacks and drinks. Whether you fancy sipping on a cool beverage or nibbling on tasty treats, you'll be perfectly pampered as you cruise. Then, you'll drop anchor for a swim in the sea – ideal if you fancy cooling off. Alternatively, you can relax on the nets near the front of the catamaran and catch some rays.

Boa Vista - Boa Vista adults-only catamaran cruise

Set sail on this adults-only, half-day catamaran cruise around Boa Vista and the islet of Sal Rei. You'll kick things off with a safety briefing from your crew, before heading out along Boa Vista's coastline. Miguel, our expert local guide says “as you cruise around Boa Vista and Sal Rei, you'll get an eyeful of the kind of views that never get old – there are miles of golden beaches and intriguing rock formations all along the coast.” Drifting by the islands, you'll be treated to endless coastal views. As you glide past Sal Rei, keep an eye out for the Fort of the Duke of Braganca– this place was originally built to defend the area against pirates. Sal Rei was also an epicentre for salt production. In fact, the place is called Salt King in Portuguese to reflect this deep-rooted history. Between mid‑March and mid‑May, the warm waters become an important breeding and calving area for humpback whales, so as we sail along, you could spot them in their natural habitat. On board, you'll have plenty to keep your energy levels up, with all-inclusive drinks and snacks. Take your pick from the refreshing drinks or tasty nibbles – whatever you go for, you'll be well taken care of by your friendly crew. Then, you'll drop anchor. If you fancy cooling off with a dip in the sea, this is your chance. Alternatively, kick back on board, snap some photos, or work on your tan. What is the itinerary for this experience?This experience is available as a morning or afternoon tour, so the itinerary timings change depending on which one you pick.Morning option:- 8:30am to 9:20am – pick-up from your hotel and drive to the harbour in Sal Rei- 9:30pm – board the catamaran SODADE II and have a safety briefing- 10:00am – sail around Boa Vista and Sal Rei with drinks and snacks- 11:30am to 12:15pm – swimming stop- 12:30pm – return to harbour- 1:00pm – transfer back to your hotel----------Afternoon option:- 12:30pm to 1:20pm – pick-up from your hotel and drive to the harbour in Sal Rei- 1:30pm – board the catamaran SODADE II and have a safety briefing- 2:00pm – sail around Boa Vista and Sal Rei with drinks and snacks- 3:30pm to 4:15pm – swimming stop- 4:30pm – return to harbour- 5:00pm – transfer back to your hotel Please note, the times and stops may vary slightly on the day.

Boa Vista - Family-friendly 4x4 buggy tour of southern Boa Vista

Get behind the wheel of an off-road, four-seater buggy and explore the south of Boa Vista Island, in Cape Verde, on this outing that's great for couples, solo travellers and families alike. Feel the thrill of ripping across the dunes of Morro de Areia and head past the towering chimney of the old ceramics factory at Chaves Beach. It harks back to the days when the area was an industrial hub on the island in the 19th century. You'll then ride to Verandinha and see its caves and arching cliffs, before stopping at Cape Verde's longest beach, Santa Monica. Then, it's on to see the ruins of Cabo Curral Velho, an old, abandoned fishing village, before finishing your tour with a look at Fonte Vicente's famous baobab tree.

Boa Vista - Family-friendly off-road buggy tour of northern Boa Vista

Kick off your day with an adrenaline-pumping tour of northern Boa Vista in a four-seater, off-road buggy. The adventure begins with a rumble along Via Pitoresca, a stretch with sea views and palm trees aplenty, before reaching Ponta do Sol. From there, on a clear day, you'll see your next stop, the island's famous shipwreck, Cabo Santa Maria. The grand finale? A family photo op in the sand dunes of the Viana Desert before it's back to the comfort of your hotel.

Boa Vista - Boa Vista buggy night tour with optional dinner

Get behind the wheel of a 4x4 buggy on this night tour, zooming across the Viana Desert, stopping there to admire an unforgettable view of one of the seven wonders of Cape Verde. From here, you'll continue across Via Pitoresca, which means ‘picturesque route' in English – we think you'll agree it's worthy of the name – before making your way over the sandy paths to the restored chapel of Our Lady of Fatima. To round off the adventure, you'll zip through Sal-Rei – that's ‘king of salt' in Portuguese – which was named as a sign of respect towards the importance of salt production on the island. There's a dinner option available to book, too.

Boa Vista - Chaves Bay boat cruise in Boa Vista with swim stop

Set sail for some island fun in Boa Vista. After boarding the Zodiac ‘Ocean Blue' at Sal Rei Port, feel the gentle breeze in your hair as you enjoy a slow harbour cruise, heading out towards Chaves Bay and the dunes of Morro d'Areia. Get ready to snap up pics as you glide along this impressive coastline, soaking up the views along Varandinha and Santa Monica. You'll then enjoy some speed cruising, where before you know it, you'll arrive at Djeu for a refreshing swim stop in its calm, sparkling waters.

Boa Vista - 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 - Boa Vista Diving Experiences

With its diverse marine life, tropical coral reefs and volcanic rocks, the underwater world of Boa Vista is waiting to be explored. After a safety briefing with your fully qualified instructor, you'll dive straight in to spot snappers, moray eel, parrotfish and even sting rays. There's a range of different dives to suit all abilities.

Boa Vista - Boa Vista turtle nesting beach tour with exclusive transfer

Buckle up for a nighttime adventure with the turtles on this unforgettable Boa Vista beach walk. After hotel pick up, you're heading to one of the world's top nesting beaches, where loggerhead turtles – the OG Caretta caretta – have been laying their eggs for centuries. It's not just any beach – it's the third-largest nesting spot on the planet, so you know you're in for something special.Once you arrive, your guide will spill all the deets on these incredible creatures. You'll get the lowdown on why Boa Vista is a turtle paradise and how the locals are working hard to keep it that way. Then comes the main event. With the stars lighting the way, you'll stroll down to the beach with a biologist, ready to watch these amazing creatures do their thing. It's pure magic as you see the turtles nesting under the night sky – prepare to be seriously wowed. You'll then head back to camp, buzzing from the experience, before being whisked back to your hotel.

Boa Vista - Turtle nesting night experience in Boa Vista

Experience a nighttime beach visit in Boa Vista to see one of the world's largest nesting spots for loggerhead turtles. Your guide will give you the inside scoop on these amazing creatures -- also known as Caretta caretta -- before you experience the starlit beach with a biologist to show you the turtles nesting. Get ready to be completely mesmerised.

Boa Vista - 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 - Northern Boa Vista two-hour buggy adventure

Rev up for adventure with this buggy safari exploring Boa Vista's rugged north. Leave the beaten path behind as you race along dusty trails and paths, uncovering viewpoints and landmarks along the way. You'll pass through Via Pitoresca to reach Miradouro Ponta do Sol, offering iconic views of the south. Next up is the historic shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, before rounding off grabbing pics and exploring the Viana Desert.

Boa Vista - Southern Boa Vista four-hour buggy tour

Whizz your way through Cape Verdean countryside on this buggy safari. Venture off-the-beaten-track, zooming along dusty trails and paths to discover the south's most stunning viewpoints and intriguing landmarks. Morro de Areia dunes, Praia da Verandinha caves and Cabo Curral Velho are all on the cards, as well as a stop at Boa Vista's longest beach – Santa Monica. This is adrenaline at its finest.

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.