Boa Vista Cabo Verde Travel Guide
Boa Vista features a wide range of outdoor adventures, using its stunning landscapes and constant winds.
Long walks along extensive sandy spots like Praia of Saint (feminine) Monica or Praia de Chaves. These present kilometers of uninterrupted shoreline for leisurely strolls.
Hikes to Farol de Morro Negro involve uphill rocky terrain. Exploring the undulating landscape of the Viana Dunes has a moderate challenge due to soft sand.
Boa Vista holds no highly challenging mountain treks. Some remote coastal trails can be hard due to deep sandy shores and uneven terrain. Always use a guide for longer or remote hikes.
For all adventure activities, especially quad bike tours and hikes in remote areas, booking through trustworthy companies is highly recommended for your safety and local area knowledge. Always follow guide instructions.
Cultural immersion on Boa Vista island enriches travel beyond natural beauty. Engage with local traditions and individuals.
Assist local companies by eating at small, family-run restaurants, buying products from local markets, and choosing locally owned guesthouses. These ventures mean your tourism dollars directly benefit the community.
Formal courses in a language are rare, but engaging with locals presents opportunities to pick up basic Kriolu or Portuguese phrases. Locals appreciate language attempts. Consider bringing a Portuguese phrasebook.
Santa Isabel Festival (July 4th) is Boa Vista island's major local celebration, with religious services, music, dancing, and community gatherings in Sal Rei.
Tours to inland villages provide interaction with locals and a comprehension of their daily lives.
Choosing locally owned guesthouses and buying from local markets directly benefits the community.
Embrace spontaneous cultural experiences, especially during community gatherings or local parties.
Boa Vista holds opportunities for relaxation and wellness, especially for those seeking tranquility by the ocean.
Large resorts feature extensive pool complexes and direct beach access with sun loungers, ample space for relaxation.
Smaller beach bars in Sal Rei possess a more relaxed atmosphere, sometimes with sunbeds, a casual setting to unwind by the ocean.
Several restaurants and bars in Sal Rei (e.g., Blu Marlin, Toca da Garoupa) regularly feature live Cape Verdean music. Enjoy traditional genres like Morna, Funaná, and Coladeira, especially on weekends.
Nightclub options are limited. Some Sal Rei bars may have small dance floors for locals and tourists. All-inclusive resorts often have discos or evening entertainment for guests.
The waterfront region in Sal Rei is a concentration of bars and restaurants, the main hub for evening socializing. No formal pub crawls exist. People move between a few favorite spots.
Purchase CDs by Cape Verdean artists (Morna, Funaná). Carved wood, shell jewelry (responsibly sourced), traditional fabrics, and small sculptures are meaningful souvenirs.
Bottles of local sugarcane rum (Grogue) or fruit liqueur (Pontche) are authentic gifts or for personal enjoyment.
While not grown on Boa Vista, Cape Verdean coffee from different islands is popular and causes a good gift.
Boa Vista island is not a destination for luxury or high-end boutique shopping. Focus remains on local crafts and fundamental necessities. Do not expect international designer brands.
When engaging in activities, choose responsible operators who prioritize environmental conservation and just community practices. This helps preserve Boa Vista's unique natural beauty and supports its people.
