Things to do in Cape Verde

Boa Vista - Full-day Sal Rei Sightseeing Tour with Local Speciality Tastings

A blend of African, Brazilian and Portuguese influences make Boa Vista's capital, Sal Rei, a riot of colour. On this tour, you'll sample Cape Verdean specialities, visit markets vibrant with local life and enjoy a guided tour of the town's most interesting locations. First up is a trip to the recently restored Fatima chapel – a windswept sanctuary with a beautiful simplicity on a rocky bluff just north of Sal Rei. From here, you can take in the views over the coast towards the capital. Next, we'll explore the island's past in both the Sea and Shipwreck Museums. Admire a collection of exhibits from underwater archaeological finds and artworks that reflect on the history of the island.We dial the volume up a bit next with a visit to the market. Mingle with locals as you browse the handmade jewellery, clothing and fresh produce on display. Then, it's on to Sodade House of Culture for a chance to taste some local specialities, before some free time. You'll round off with lunch and some more exploration time at your disposal – visit the pretty church of St Isabel or head to one of Sal Rei's great beaches for a paddle or a coffee with a view.

Boa Vista - 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.

Sal - Private Glamping & Turtle Watching Experience

Sal is a special nesting ground for the loggerhead turtle. So if you're a wildlife-lover, this private experience is not to be missed. When the sun sets, you'll head to the sands of a protected beach where rare turtles come to nest. Watch from the comfort of a tent complete with coffee and tea facilities, as an expert biologist fills you in on this incredible spectacle of nature.

Sal - Flavors and traditions with a local family in Cape Verde - Sal

Visit a local family and enjoy the meal together, learn more about the local food and culture first-hand and discover a World Fair Trade Organization accredited experience.

Sal - Romantic Sal Beachside Glamping Experience with Transfers

You'll fall head over heels for this uber-romantic beachside glamping experience. On this special evening for couples, you'll be whisked from your hotel to the beachside glamping setup complete with decorated tent and lounge seating on the beach. This is the perfect place for an unforgettable proposal, anniversary, honeymoon, birthday - any special occasion. Choose from several packages.

Boa Vista - 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.

Sal - Sal Two-wheel Electric Roller Tour

The coast of Sal is ripe for exploring on foot – but even better by Segway™. Save on tired legs and still see all the sights as you zoom around in comfort and ease on these two-wheeled vehicles. Following your guide, you'll call by some of the island's standout spots before rounding off with a well-earned rest on Ponta Preta beach.

Sal - Sal Diving Experiences

With its diverse marine life, tropical coral reefs and volcanic rocks, the underwater world of Sal is waiting to be explored. After a safety briefing with your fully qualified instructor, you'll dive straight in to spot snappers, moray eel, turtles and even sting rays. There's a range of different dives to suit all abilities.

Boa Vista - 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.

Boa Vista - 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.

Sal - Four-hour Quad Tour - Island Adventure

If you want a break from the beaches on your holiday to Sal, in Cape Verde, this quad bike outing is perfect for getting your adrenaline pumping. You'll be picked up from your hotel and driven to where your quad's waiting. After a safety briefing, you'll throw on the supplied helmet and safety equipment. Then, the fun starts. Whizz around Sal to some of its main landmarks, like the salt flats, Shark Bay and Kite Beach – plus many, many more. You'll follow your guide the whole way, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to open up the throttle and get some speed up.

Boa Vista - Boa Vista Snorkelling Experience

The underwater world of Boavista is a marvel. Cape Verde is a hot spot for coral biodiversity, and although there are no reefs, there are several sites rich in different varieties of coral. Combining calm conditions for safe snorkeling with the perfect habitat for coral to thrive, the coast of Boa Vista makes an excellent place to explore the underwater world.You'll see a diverse range of species, from tropical fish and crustaceans to – if you are very lucky - marine turtles. First, you'll be picked up for the transfer to Sal Rei fishing port, from where a small boat will take you to the waters around Sal Rei Islet.Prepare for your snorkeling experience with a comprehensive safety briefing, then it's time to don your mask and discover the vibrant marine ecosystem, guided by professionals. After snorkeling, you'll visit the historic Duque de Bragança fort on the islet itself. Finally, relax on a serene white sand beach with calm, clear waters.