Things to do in Boa Vista

Sandboarding session on Morra de Areia’s dunes in Boa Vista

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.

Adults-only Boa Vista 4x4 island adventure with 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.

Half-day southern Boa Vista 4x4 tour with Viana Desert

This fun-filled tour gives you the chance to delve into some of Boa Vista's top spots. Spend a morning exploring inland villages and roaming the Viana desert in a 4x4, before ending up on one of the island's most pretty beaches. Roberto, one of our local guides, says, ‘It probably wasn't their intention but the souvenir shops of Povoação Velha and Rabil have become unwitting social media stars. Their colourful, kitsch and carefree displays are massive Instagram hits.'This morning-long adventure kicks off with a visit to Rabil – Boa Vista's second-largest town. From its vibrant streets to traditional architecture, the town reflects the island's tough yet resilient spirit. Here, you'll visit a ceramic factory, where you'll see the handiwork of local artisans and might be able to grab yourself a souvenir of local pottery. You'll also get to taste Cape Verde's national dish, catchupa, a rich stew of corn, beans, pork and vegetables – through ingredients change, not just from island to island or village to village, but house to house.Next, hold on tight as you zoom through the dusty landscape of the Viana desert. Our next stop is Povoação Velha, the oldest settlement on the island. Wander its rustic streets before kicking back on the 11km-long Santa Monica beach. Its sugar-white sand contrasts against fluorescent blue waters like an image from a postcard. If you're an adventure seeker, you can even try your hand at sandboarding.

Full-day 4x4 tour of Boa Vista’s northern villages with lunch

There's no shortage of great views in Boa Vista, and this 4x4 tour shows you just how photogenic the island is. You'll discover the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, visit Fundo das Figueiras, stop to sample local food in Rabil and visit a goat farm and local Local Biodiversity centre, too. Stephane, one of our local guides, says, ‘The shipwreck is one of Boa Vista's most iconic sights. When the ship ran aground in 1968 the crew escaped unharmed. Strong tugs were sent from neighbouring islands to try to move the ship, but it was stuck fast. It took nearly a year to unload the cargo and take it by mule to Sal Rei.'We'll kick off in true Boa Vista style, travelling by 4x4 to Rabil, where we'll try some local delicacies and have a look around the village. Next, we'll make our way to the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, where the rusting hulk of a Spanish cargo ship still sits where it ran aground over 50 years ago. It's a striking contrast to the natural beauty of the beach, and you'll get some great photos.A stop at the colourful village of Bofareira follows, where you'll call in at a goat farm to watch local cheese in production. You'll get to try some, too. Next, you'll head for Fundo das Figueiras village for a lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-owned restaurant. In the afternoon, there's some free time before a visit to a soap-making project ran by the Association of Northern Woman – an organisation specialising in equality. We'll round off the day at the Local Biodiversity Centre for an insight into the fascinating marine life of the island.

Boa Vista Horse Riding Experience

Galloping along the golden sands of Boa Vista's beaches is as exhilarating as it gets. You can choose from an hour-long horse ride for beginners, or a 90-minute adventure for intermediates. It's an experience that gets you back in touch with nature the environmentally-friendly way.

Family-friendly 4x4 buggy tour of southern Boa Vista

Get behind the wheel of an off-road, four-seater buggy and explore the south of Boa Vista Island, in Cape Verde. Feel the thrill of ripping across the dunes of Morro de Areia and head past the towering chimney of the old ceramics factory at Chaves Beach. It harks back to the days when the area was an industrial hub on the island in the 19th century. You'll then ride to Verandinha and see its caves and arching cliffs, before stopping at Cape Verde's longest beach, Santa Monica. Then, it's on to see the ruins of Cabo Curral Velho, an old, abandoned fishing village, before finishing your tour with a look at Fonte Vicente's famous baobab tree.

Family-friendly off-road buggy tour of northern Boa Vista

Kick off your day with an adrenaline-pumping tour of northern Boa Vista in a four-seater, off-road buggy. The adventure begins with a rumble along Via Pitoresca, a stretch with sea views and palm trees aplenty, before reaching Ponta do Sol. From there, on a clear day, you'll see your next stop, the island's famous shipwreck, Cabo Santa Maria. The grand finale? A photo op in the sand dunes of the Viana Desert before it's back to the comfort of your hotel.

Chaves Bay boat cruise in Boa Vista with swim stop

Set sail for some island fun in Boa Vista. After boarding the Zodiac ‘Ocean Blue' at Sal Rei Port, feel the wind in your hair as you enjoy a quick harbour cruise, heading out towards Chaves Bay and the dunes of Morro d'Areia. Get ready to snap up pics as you glide along this impressive coastline, soaking up those views. Before you know it, you'll arrive at the uninhabited islet, – Ilheu de Sal Rei – where you can easily disembark to explore its historic fort or take a dip in its calm waters.

Boa Vista Death Valley Two-hour Buggy Adventure

This thrilling off-road adventure takes in Cape Verde's Death Valley on Boa Vista Island. Begin with a briefing at base before setting off to explore the rugged terrain of the valley, rumbling through Rabil village and calling at an oasis. Visit Fonte Vicente and the iconic Baobab Tree before returning to the starting point where your adventure wraps up.

Northern Boa Vista Two-hour Buggy Adventure by No-Limits

Rev up for adventure with this buggy safari exploring Boa Vista's rugged north. Leave the beaten path behind as you race along dusty trails and paths, uncovering viewpoints and landmarks along the way. You'll pass through Via Pitoresca to reach Miradouro Ponta do Sol, offering iconic views of the south. Next up is the historic shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, before rounding off grabbing pics and exploring the Viana Desert.

Southern Boavista Four-hour Buggy Tour by No-Limits

Whizz your way through Cape Verdean countryside on this buggy safari. Venture off-the-beaten-track, zooming along dusty trails and paths to discover the south's most stunning viewpoints and intriguing landmarks. Morro de Areia dunes, Praia da Verandinha caves and Cabo Curral Velho are all on the cards, as well as a stop at Boa Vista's longest beach – Santa Monica. This is adrenaline at its finest.

Catamaran Family Cruise

What better way to spend a morning than a fun family cruise on the Atlantic Ocean. On a sleek catamaran, you'll sail by Sal Rei Island and the golden beaches of Praia de Chaves. Along the way, you can grab a drink from the open bar whilst little ones enjoy a mini disco and face painting with the friendly crew.