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Boa Vista 4x4 Tour with Catchupa Demonstration and Lunch
Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista 4x4 Tour with Catchupa Demonstration and Lunch

It's all about immersing yourself in Cape Verdean culture on this 4x4 tour. You'll be entertained by traditional Boa Vista dances in Fundo das Figueiras, visit Morro Negro lighthouse for panoramic views and see a turtle nesting site. What's more, you'll learn how catchupa, Cape Verde's national dish, as well as get to try it for yourself. Rodrigo, one of our local guides, says, ‘Nothing brings the family together like catchupa stew. Each household has its own version – corn, pork, cabbage, sweet potato, yam and carrots are indisputable, but the type of beans used can be a topic of hot debate.'Kick off by rolling through farmland to learn about local crops and agricultural methods in Fundo das Figueiras. There'll be a warm welcome from the villagers, who'll greet you with a drink and invite you to watch traditional dances and live music. You'll also learn the secrets behind how to make a classic Cape Verdean dish, catchupa. It's off to Cabeça de Tarafes next – a tiny village with just 60 inhabitants. Afterwards, it's over to the recently restored lighthouse at Morro Negro, where you'll swap four wheels for your feet and hike to the top. After racking up your step count, you'll hear about its history while taking in panoramic views of the east coast. Hop back into your 4x4 and continue to the golden arch beach of Porto Ferreira, a protected turtle-nesting site where, weather permitting, you can dive into the water for a swim. Rounding off the day is a visit to a local restaurant for a hearty lunch of catchupa.

free cancellation
Guided Tour
Boa Vista 4x4 Tour with Local Culture and Island Flavours
Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista 4x4 Tour with Local Culture and Island Flavours

There's no shortage of great views in Boa Vista, and this 4x4 tour shows you just how picturesque it is. You'll discover the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, visit Fundo das Figueiras, stop to sample local food in Rabil and visit a visit a Local Biodiversity centre, too.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Boa Vista Beachside Sunset Dinner with Live Music
Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista Beachside Sunset Dinner with Live Music

The west coast of Boa Vista usually provides stunning sunsets across the South Atlantic. Admire the colours of dusk with your special someone over a delicious dinner, followed by some live drumming and mellow tunes on the beach. Carlo, one of our expert local guides, says: ‘Cape Verde's music is one of the most important strands of our heritage and culture. There are a variety of styles unique to the islands, and you will hear a mix of some of our traditional music together with international tunes performed after dinner by local musicians.'You'll be whisked off to the island-renowned Morabeza Beach Club well before the sun begins its descent over the water. Take your seat and while away the time with a glass of the local cocktail, Ponche, in your hand and the sound of the waves in your ears. The beach club has a natural theme and a stress-free vibe, with tables directly on the beach. The beautiful tropical sunset would be all the visual entertainment needed, but there are plenty of treats to come.As the light dims, a bonfire is lit and African drummers start to provide a soundtrack of infectious beats giving you a flavour of the local culture. Then it's time to sit down and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, with a selection of grilled meats, vegetables, and freshly-caught fish - plus a drink to wash it all down. A live band will play laid-back music during your meal, and up the tempo later on, so you can dance the night away with the sand between your toes.

free cancellation
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Southern Boa Vista 4x4 Tour with Viana Desert and Villages
Excursions & day trips

Southern Boa Vista 4x4 Tour with Viana Desert and Villages

A chance to delve into some of the Boa Vista's top spots. Spend a morning roaming the Viana desert in a 4x4 and exploring inland towns before ending up on one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Rabil, the Viana desert, Povoação Velha and Santa Monica beach are among the attractions you'll discover.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, fi, fr, sv 

Sal Rei Sightseeing Tour with Local Speciality Tastings
Excursions & day trips

Sal Rei Sightseeing Tour with Local Speciality Tastings

With its blend of African, Brazilian and European influences, Cape Verde's unique culture is one to experience. On this tour, taste traditional food, visit the vibrant local markets and take a guided tour of Sal Rei, the capital of Boa Vista.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, fr, nl 

Boa Vista Full Day 4x4 Island Tour with Beachfront Lunch
Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista Full Day 4x4 Island Tour with Beachfront Lunch

Off-road through luscious landscapes and be charmed by Boa Vista's untouched beauty on this action-packed 4x4 tour. Roberto, one of our local guides, says, ‘The Viana desert is Boa Vista's very own chunk of the Sahara. Its sand is blown in from western Africa, creating huge dunes, which we'll rally up and down.' Leave no stone unturned as you visit the shipwreck on Santa Maria beach, before stopping in Sal Rei village and Povoaçao Velha. Plus, there's lunch by the sea in a beachfront restaurant.The fun kicks off in the Viana desert. Feel the wind in your hair as you rumble over the sand dunes in a 4x4. Then, you're off to discover the rusting shipwreck of Cabo de Santa Maria – a symbol of Boa Vista. Roberto says, ‘There are about 150 shipwrecks on the islands of Cape Verde, but this one is the most mysterious of all. It's a great place to snap a selfie, too.' You'll have a quick stop in Sal Rei for a glimpse at the capital's fishing pier, before a locally-sourced lunch is served at a nearby beach restaurant.Next up is a pit stop in Povoaçao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around this isolated hamlet and enjoy a look into local life, before our final stop, Santa Monica beach. Boasting 15km of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder it was voted one of the world's top 10 beaches. The perfect place to end the tour.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Adults Only Boa Vista 4x4 Island Tour with a Local Guide
Excursions & day trips

Adults Only Boa Vista 4x4 Island Tour with a Local Guide

You'll feel like you know every corner of little Boa Vista island after this adults-only off-road adventure. With a knowledgeable guide to show you around, you'll find out about the history and culture of the area, too. Leave no stone unturned as you visit Viana desert and the shipwreck at Cabo de Santa Maria, before exploring Povoacao Velha. Plus, there's lunch at a beachside restaurant to enjoy. Manuel, one of our expert local guides, says ‘The beach with the shipwreck is a very evocative spot, one of the most beautiful on the island. The ship ran aground in 1968 and has been here ever since.'Setting off towards the Viana desert, prepare to be charmed by Boa Vista's untouched scenery on this action-packed 4x4 tour. Feel the wind in your hair as you rumble over the sand dunes in a 4x4. Then, you're off to discover the rusting shipwreck of Cabo de Santa Maria – a symbol of Boa Vista. Chamine de Chaves is our next stop, before we slow things down with lunch in a beachside restaurant.Next up is Povaocao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around the small town and take a glimpse into local life, before we head to our final stop, Santa Monica beach. If it's dreamy Caribbean colours and empty sands you are looking for, you've found it. Have your camera ready because this blissful beach is one of the most photographed spots on the island. Boasting 18 kilometres of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder that the sandy strip was voted one of the top ten in the world.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Boa Vista Sandboarding Experience on Morro de Areia's Dunes
Activities

Boa Vista Sandboarding Experience on Morro de Areia's Dunes

With bright coastal views, the rippling desert of Morro de Areia is the perfect place to get the adrenaline pumping with a 90-minute sandboarding experience. Boa Vista, which means "good view" in Portuguese, is the easternmost island of Cape Verde. It's known for its great beaches and patches of desert landscape. Jose, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Prepare to get very sandy on this exhilarating trip into Boa Vista's beautiful seaside nature reserve. But getting sandy is all part of the fun as you whizz down and clamber up the dunes.'Morro de Areia is one of the most prominent dune systems on the island and is especially known for its pristine and shifting sands. The scenic sand dunes that line the coast of Boa Vista have the added advantage that you can often see the coast from the higher dunes, and Morro de Areia is no exception. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you drive out across the sands, it's an exciting trip for both adults and kids as you roar across the dunes. The wild surroundings and fabulous views make the perfect backdrop for some unbridled fun. After a safety briefing and demonstration from your friendly instructors, have a go at surfing the dunes yourself. It's a brilliant way to get out into nature and see a different side of the island while enjoying a new experience which will have all the family whooping with excitement. Half-time refreshments are provided so you can rest and enjoy the sea view.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Desert Delight
Excursions & day trips

Desert Delight

For a truly celestial holiday experience, it's hard to beat this evening dinner in Boa Vista's Viana desert. We'll pick you at your hotel and bring you to the middle of nowhere, far away from light pollution, for an unrivalled view of the Milky Way in its full glory. What's more, there's also a tasty buffet dinner to enjoy.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Boa Vista Fishing Boat Trip
Activities

Boa Vista Fishing Boat Trip

Fishing aficionados will love this half-day fishing tour. After setting off into the bay around Sal Rei, you'll drop anchor to spend the morning or afternoon waiting for a catch. One thing's for sure - you'll fall hook, line and sinker with fishing in Boa Vista.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Santa Maria Beach Two-hour Quad Tour by Quad Zone
Activities

Santa Maria Beach Two-hour Quad Tour by Quad Zone

With innumerable sandy dunes and a fairly desolate interior, Boa Vista is heaven for quad bikers. Spend two hours blasting along the island's deserted trails, with some memorable pit stops in between. Take the wheel yourself or choose a double quad and you can relax as the passenger.

free cancellation
Guided Tour
Southern Boa Vista Four-hour Quad Tour by Quad Zone
Activities

Southern Boa Vista Four-hour Quad Tour by Quad Zone

Off-road adventure is the name of the game on this action-packed excursion. Spend four adrenaline-pumping hours carving up the sands and exploring the trails of Boa Vista's stunning south coast. You can choose whether you want your own quad or whether you're happier to be a passenger – and let your partner do all the hard work.

free cancellation
Guided Tour

Things to do in Boa Vista

With blissful beaches, varied natural landscapes and an interesting cultural heritage, Boa Vista is the perfect island for those looking for a quiet holiday with a few things to discover. This gem of the Cape Verde archipelago is the ideal destination for those who love sun, sea and nature excursions. With its charming villages, desert landscapes and the chance to practice all kinds of water sports, Boa Vista is a little slice of paradise.

Top 6 things to do in Boa Vista

1. Explore Fundo das Figueiras

Shaded by palm trees and flowering plants, the village of Fundo das Figueiras is a must-see. Here you will be struck by the quiet and relaxed atmosphere, a perfect contrast to the bustling resorts that dot the island's beaches. Soak up the local culture and listen to the stories of the people who live there. The village is famous for its celebrations in honor of its patron saint, São João Batista. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring the northern part of the island, including Porto Ferreira beach, frequented by sea turtles, and the red earthenware factory of Rabil, known for the production of statues.

2. Discover the capital, Sal Rei

Although Sal Rei is the capital of the island, it is a very quiet town of fishermen's houses and colonial-era buildings. Lose yourself in its streets and adapt to the slow pace of life of the locals. Visit the famous fish market, take a look at the craft shops and then head to the beach to relax in a beach bar with a cocktail in hand. This is also a great opportunity to sample traditional Cape Verdean cuisine in the many small restaurants in town and enjoy the renowned rhythms of Cape Verde with a live concert.

3. Hike in the Viana Desert

The Viana Desert is one of the natural wonders of Cape Verde. It is located in the north-western part of Boa Vista and is a popular natural site, thanks to its white sand dunes and striking landscapes. There are many ways to explore it, and we recommend joining a guided tour to experience it in complete safety. Among the most popular options are quad biking and off-road excursions.

4. Visit Atalanta Beach

This is no ordinary beach but a place from which to admire the famous wreck of the Cabo Santa Maria, a Spanish cargo ship that sank off the coast of Boa Vista in the 1960s. Today it lies just a short distance from the shore and is the perfect place to take some unique photos.

5. Dedicate yourself to water sports

Boa Vista is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. From windsurfing to kitesurfing, its azure waters and constant winds provide ideal conditions for practicing these adrenalin-pumping sports. But it is also the ideal place for snorkeling and diving, thanks to the variety of marine life that lurks beneath the surface of the water. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, you will be able to find the right activity and level for you.

6. Relax at the Rabil Oasis

One of Boa Vista's best-loved features is the diversity of its landscapes. The Rabil oasis is a good example of this - a green area within a barren and partly desert island. The site stretches along the Rabil River and, although the terrain is rather arid, it is dotted with palm trees and vegetation typical of desert environments. The wetland is the perfect place to spot various species of birds and other endemic animals.

Get ready for your trip to Boa Vista

What is Boa Vista famous for?

Boa Vista is famous for its great sandy beaches, the presence of sea turtles and its varied natural landscape. It is a quiet island, ideal for those seeking a relaxing holiday or for visitors who want to discover a destination slowly.

What is the best time to visit Boa Vista?

Boa Vista is characterized by a mainly dry and sunny climate. This is why you can visit at any time of year and still be able to enjoy its beautiful beaches. If you prefer to avoid the hottest weather, try to avoid September, when temperatures are on average higher than the rest of the year.

What are the best beaches in Boa Vista?

The beach of Santa Monica is certainly the most famous, which, thanks to its size, guarantees privacy and relaxation. Praia de Chaves boasts limpid blue waters, ideal for snorkelling. Praia de João Barrosa, also known as Turtle Beach, is often frequented by sea turtles, while Praia de Varadinha is characterized by large rocks that divide the shoreline into coves. Also not to be missed are Atalanta Beach, where you can admire the shipwreck of the Cabo Santa Maria, and the dazzling Porto Ferreira beach in the north of the island.