Local Transportation: Boa Vista

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 means you might wait a short while for enough passengers to gather. The central square in Sal Rei (Praça de Sal Rei) and the local market area serve as common pick-up points for aluguers. Here, you discover vehicles heading to different parts of the island.

Fares for aluguers have payment directly to the driver in cash (CVE) upon boarding or at 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 demand and route popularity. More frequent services appear during morning and late afternoon commutes. Services become less frequent in the late afternoon and evenings. Accessibility information for aluguers indicates they are not 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 ready 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 operate during daylight hours; less frequent in evenings.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services

Licensed taxis are typically yellow or white cars, available in Sal Rei, hotels, and 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.
Taxis are generally safe. Agree on the fare beforehand to avoid disputes.
Aluguers are safe but can 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 at your own pace with various rental vehicles.

Car Rental Information

Requirements: Valid national driving license; IDP recommended. Passport and credit card for deposit. Minimum age typically 21-25.
Vehicle Types: 4x4 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 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. Some hotels or local shops rent bicycles. Cycling outside Sal Rei is challenging due to strong winds and variable roads.
Specialty 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 popular beaches; no formal paid zones.
Fuel stations are mainly in Sal Rei. Plan fuel stops.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Sal Rei town center and waterfront areas are compact and easy to explore on foot.

Beach Walks

Long, sandy beaches like Praia de Santa Monica are excellent for extended, leisurely walks.

Guided Tours

Local guides offer walking tours of Sal Rei, focusing on its history and culture.

Specialized Transportation

Boa Vista presents unique transportation methods for tours and specific excursions.

Tour Transfers

No hop-on-hop-off bus services operate.
Tour operators organize transfers to attractions via minibuses or 4x4 vehicles.
These tours offer convenient ways to see island highlights without independent navigation.
Cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local 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.

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 larger resorts may offer better accessibility within their premises, but this is not universal across the island.

Direct contact with establishments 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 bicycle exploration without a guide.
Disorientation and lack 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, specifically with aluguers or inter-island ferries.
For long walks, carry sufficient water and sun protection.

Navigating Boa Vista

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

Local Transportation