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Getting Around Boa Vista

Getting Around Boa Vista

Boa Vista Cabo Verde Travel Guide

Public Transportation Aluguers

Aluguers are typically white minibuses or pickup trucks fitted with benches in the back. They operate on set routes between towns and villages, mainly radiating from Sal Rei. You will not find fixed timetables for aluguers; they depart when they are full. This indicates you might wait a short while for enough passengers to gather. The central square in Sal Rei (Praça de Sal Rei) and the resident market area serve as common pick-up points for aluguers. Here, you come across vehicles heading to different parts of the island.

Fares for aluguers have payment directly to the driver in cash (CVE) upon boarding or near the end of your journey. Fares are fixed for specific routes, making budgeting for local travel straightforward. Always carry small denominations of Cape Verdean Escudos to pay for your ride. Aluguers operate mainly during daylight hours, roughly from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Frequency varies with passenger supply and route popularity. More services with high frequency appear during morning and late afternoon commutes. Services become less frequent in the late afternoon and evenings. Accessibility information for aluguers indicates they aren't wheelchair accessible. Their design and shared nature can make them crowded, making them unsuitable for travelers with significant mobility challenges or those needing extra space.

Aluguer Tips

  • Ask locals for the correct aluguer to your destination. They are usually helpful.
  • Be prepared for a slower journey. Aluguers stop frequently for passengers.
  • Always carry small CVE denominations for fares. Drivers may not have change for large bills.
  • Confirm your destination with the driver before boarding.

Shared Experience

Aluguers offer an authentic, shared travel experience with locals.

Fixed Fares

Fares are set for specific routes, simplifying budgeting.

Daytime Operation

Mainly run during daylight hours; less frequent at night.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services
  • Licensed taxis are typically yellow or white cars, available in Sal Rei, hotels, and the airport.
  • Fares are negotiable before starting the journey, as meters are rare.
  • Payment is usually in cash (CVE or EUR).
Ride-Sharing & Safety
  • No major international ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt) operate on Boa Vista island.
  • Taxis are generally safe. Agree on the fare beforehand to avoid disputes.
  • Aluguers are safe but it's possible to be crowded. Keep belongings secure.

Airport Taxi Service

Availability

Readily available outside BVC terminal.

Fare to Sal Rei

Typically €10-€15.

Negotiation

Fares are fixed or easily negotiated.

Convenience

Quick and direct transfer to accommodation.

Rental Options

Explore Boa Vista island at your own pace with various transportation for rent.

Car Rental Information

  • Requirements: Valid national driving license; AN idp is advised. Passport and credit card for deposit. Minimum age typically 21-25.
  • Vehicle Types: off-road vehicles (e.g., Suzuki Jimny, pick-up trucks) have strong recommendations for unpaved roads and sandy tracks. Standard cars are only for paved routes.
  • Companies: Local agencies like Boa Vista island island Rent a Car and Valdo Tours are present. Booking in advance is advisable, especially for 4x4s during high season.
  • Insurance: Obtain comprehensive insurance coverage for your rental vehicle.

Other Rentals & Specialty Vehicles

  • Motorcycles/Scooters: Limited availability, mainly scooters in Sal Rei. Less practical for island-wide exploration due to road conditions.
  • Bicycles: No formal sharing programs. Certain hotels or local people shops rent bicycles. Cycling outside Sal Rei is challenging due to powerful winds and variable roads.
  • Unique Vehicles: Quad Bikes/ATVs and Dune Buggies are popular for guided tours. Rental for independent use is sometimes possible but less common.
  • Road Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are generally low.

Driving Conditions & Safety

  • Paved roads connect Sal Rei with some major resorts and villages.
  • Many other roads are sandy, corrugated, or rocky. Sand accumulation on roads is possible.
  • Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals (goats, donkeys).
  • Night driving outside Sal Rei has no recommendation due to poor lighting and unpredictable conditions.
  • Parking is generally easy in Sal Rei and at famous shores; no formal paid zones.
  • Fuel depots are mainly in Sal Rei. Plan fuel stops.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Sal Rei the heart of the town and shoreline areas are compact and simple to explore on foot.

Beach Walks

Long, sandy beaches like Praia of Saint (feminine) Monica are ideal for extended, leisurely walks.

Guided Tours

Native guides give walking tours of Sal Rei, focusing on itthe area's history and culture.

Specialized Transportation

Boa Vista has unique modes of transportation for tours and specific excursions.

Tour Transfers

  • No sightseeing bus-on-hop-off bus services operate.
  • Tour operators organize transfers to attractions via minibuses or Four-wheel drive vehicles.
  • These tours offer convenient ways to see island highlights without independent navigation.
  • Cable cars, funiculars, or other unique area transport options do not exist.

Boat & Water Transport

  • Boat trips are popular for excursions, like to Ilhéu de Sal Rei for snorkeling, fishing, or whale watching.
  • No regular water taxi services between points on the island.
  • Boat trips are typically organized for specific activities rather than general transport.
  • Fishing charters and diving excursions frequently depart from Sal Rei harbor.

Accessibility Information

Limited Services

Accessibility services for travelers with mobility needs are limited on Boa Vista island.

Infrastructure not adapted for mobility challenges.

Terrain Obstacles

Uneven pavements in Sal Rei, sandy terrain, and a general lack of ramps can pose obstacles.

Be prepared for varied ground conditions.

Resort Access

Some big resorts may offer better accessibility within their premises, but this is not universal island-wide.

In in direct contact with businesses for specific requirements is best.

Cycling & Walking Safety

Cycling Challenges
  • Limited dedicated bicycle infrastructure.
  • A Road cycling helmet has recommendations for safety.
  • Fat bikes are better for sandy terrain.
Safety Zones
  • Avoid walking or cycling on unlit, isolated roads at night.
  • Remote desert areas are not for solo foot or by bicycle exploration without a guide.
  • Disorientation plus a shortage of water are risks in isolated environments.

Important Considerations for All Modes

  • Always confirm prices before starting any journey.
  • A basic understanding of Kriolu or Portuguese can assist communication.
  • Keep a map (digital or physical) handy for navigation.
  • Carry emergency contact information.
  • Have small denominations of currency for local transport.
  • Keep your phone charged for emergencies and maps.
  • Factor in extra time for delays, notably with aluguers or inter-island-hopping ferries.
  • For long walks, carry plenty of h2o and sun protection.

Navigating Boa Vista

Boa Vista island island's transport options match different travel preferences, from authentic local shared taxis to personal car rentals for exploration.

Getting Around Boa Vista. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental