Things to do in Boa Vista

Boa Vista is the third-largest island and the closest to Africa, and it looks the part, with rolling dunes, stony plains and groves of date palms. Most islanders live in Sal Rei, a small town on the north-west coast that faces a small islet across its bay. Beyond it, the island is open country ringed by beaches, from the long sweep of Santa Mónica in the south-west to the wild shore of the north. Resorts are spread thinly along the coast, so it's easy to find a stretch of sand to yourself.

Kite beaches and wildlife seasons

Kitesurfing and windsurfing centres work the beaches just south of Sal Rei, where the wind runs along a wide bay and schools keep a rescue boat on the water. Confident riders can take a boat out to wave spots near Santa Mónica. Inland, the pale dunes of the Viana desert are a short drive from town, and what's left of the cargo ship Cabo Santa Maria lies on Atalanta beach, about six kilometres north-east of Sal Rei. Wildlife sets much of the calendar. Humpback whales pass from about February to May, most often in March and April, though sightings depend on the day. Loggerheads nest from about June to October, and guided night walks are the way to see them without disturbing the nests. Calm mornings are the time for snorkelling.

Getting there and where to stay

Aristides Pereira airport is about five kilometres from Sal Rei, so transfers are short. Stay in Sal Rei if you want cafés and the kite beaches on your doorstep, or pick a resort along the coast for more space. A week suits a kite course or a beach holiday with a whale or turtle trip. To add an island, Sal is about three hours away by ferry, and domestic flights connect through Sal or Praia on Santiago.

Booking on adventuro

Kite and windsurf lessons, whale-watching trips and guided turtle walks are run by local centres, most of them around Sal Rei. Use the Book here tab to see live dates and prices.

Kite beaches and wildlife seasons

Getting there and where to stay

Booking on adventuro

Kite and windsurf lessons, whale-watching trips and guided turtle walks are run by local centres, most of them around Sal Rei. Use the Book here tab to see live dates and prices.

Loggerhead turtles come ashore to nest from about June to October, with the busiest nights usually in August. Hatchlings make for the sea from about September into November. Humpback whales pass the island from about February to May, most often in March and April, though sightings depend on the sea and the day. You'll see both on guided trips, which keep numbers small and lights dim to protect the animals.

Yes. The beaches south of Sal Rei give you plenty of room, and schools keep a rescue boat out while you learn. The trade wind is strongest from about November to May. Because it blows along the shore rather than straight onto it, you'll stay with an instructor until you can ride upwind and get yourself back to the beach.

A week works well for a kite course, or for a beach holiday with a whale or turtle trip thrown in. Ten days gives you time for a second island. Sal is a three-hour ferry away, and domestic flights connect you to Santiago and the islands beyond.

Choose Sal if you want the widest choice of kite spots, dive centres and restaurants within walking distance. Choose Boa Vista if you'd rather have more space, bigger dunes and quieter beaches, or if whales and turtles are part of the plan. Both have international airports and the same winter trade wind.

Things to do in Boa Vista

FAQs