Day Trips & Excursions: Boa Vista

Nearby Destinations

Boa Vista has many places to visit on a day trip:

Deserto de Viana: Sand dunes reachable by 4x4.
Cabo Santa Maria Shipwreck: Iconic rusting ship, needs 4x4.
Praia de Santa Monica: Large beach, 4x4 for full exploration.
Ponta Varandinha & Caves: Impressive rock formations.
Inland Villages: João Galego, Fundo das Figueiras, Cabeça dos Tarafes offer traditional life glimpses.

Transportation for these places:

Organized Tours: Most popular, use 4x4 vehicles, include local guides.
Rental Car: Self-driving a 4x4 is an option, but navigation can be hard.
Taxis: Can be hired for full or half-day trips, agree on price first.

Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel

Organized tours offer local guide knowledge and provide safety for off-road areas.
Tours often include meals. You learn about the island's history and ecology.
Less flexible, with a fixed itinerary and group pace.
Independent travel means challenging navigation on unpaved roads and risk of getting stuck.

Natural Escapes

Boa Vista is a paradise for nature lovers, with protected areas and stunning scenic views.

Parks and Nature Reserves

The island has several protected zones, safeguarding its natural wealth:

Reserves

Parque Natural do Norte covers the northern part, including Viana Dunes.
Reserva Natural da Boa Esperançan is near the shipwreck, important for bird species.
Reserva Natural das Tartarugas on southern beaches protects loggerhead turtles.

Diverse Landscapes

The island features a striking mix of white sand beaches, volcanic rock formations, and desert-like dunes.

Areas to Visit

Beaches like Praia de Santa Monica, Praia de Chaves, and Praia de Ervatão.
Morro Negro, the island's highest point, offers panoramic views.
Rural Areas: Villages like João Galego, Fundo das Figueiras, and Cabeça dos Tarafes.

Seasonal Natural Events

Turtle Nesting & Hatching

June to October, with peak activity in August and September.
Witnessing this event is a profound experience.
Access to nesting sites is strictly regulated.
Only allowed with authorized guides during nesting season for protection.

Humpback Whale Migration

March to May, whales migrate through Boa Vista’s waters.
Boat tours offer chances to observe these majestic creatures.
Weather conditions can influence tour availability.
Always book with reputable operators.

Suggested Itineraries Time Required

North Island Tour:Half-day to full-day
Covers:Shipwreck, Viana Dunes, Sal Rei surrounds
South Island Tour:Half-day to full-day
Covers:Santa Monica, Ponta Varandinha, Curral Velho

Full-day Island Tours:Many operators combine highlights
Result:A complete overview of Boa Vista's attractions
Booking:Book Day Trips on GetYourGuide
Benefit:Local guides offer valuable insights

Tip: Explore with a Guide

When venturing into remote areas or engaging with specific wildlife, consider an organized tour. Local guides share knowledge and handle logistics.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond natural beauty, Boa Vista has cultural excursions connecting you with the island’s rich heritage and local life.

Curral Velho

A deserted village in the south, offering a poignant historical site with abandoned structures.

Old Chapel in Rabil

Near the airport, a small, charming chapel. A historical and spiritual focal point.

Forte Duque de Bragança

Fort ruins on the islet off Sal Rei. A short boat trip provides access.

Rural Villages

Visiting villages like João Galego, Fundo das Figueiras, and Cabeça dos Tarafes offers local culture insights.

Experiences

Observe small-scale farming practices.
Experience the quiet rhythm of community life.
Opportunity for authentic interactions with residents.

Pilgrimage Sites

Religious pilgrimage is not a main feature of tourism on Boa Vista.

Local Churches

Local churches like Igreja de Santa Isabel in Sal Rei.
Many small chapels across the island.
Serve as centers for community religious life and welcome respectful visitors.

Multi-Day Extensions

Recommendations:Add 1-3 days on Sal or Santiago.

Sal (SID):Most tourist-developed island.

Santiago (RAI):Largest, "African" island, home to Praia and Cidade Velha (UNESCO site).

Logical next destinations:Sal for resorts/water sports, Santiago for history/culture/hiking.

Transportation connections:Inter-island flights (Cabo Verde Airlines), book in advance. Ferries are slower.

Suggested route:Combine islands, conclude with 2-3 days on Santiago for history and hiking.

Cultural Tip

Engage with locals.
Try a few Kriolu phrases.
Visit local markets for authentic items.
Respect local customs.
Support local artisans.

Day Trips & Excursions