Experiences in Cape Verde

From its magnificent beaches to the most beautiful dunes of the Viana Desert, the island of Boavista is an enchanted pearl in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It is for this reason that on this page we offer several options for adventure and adrenaline that can make your vacation very enjoyable and as much fun as possible.

Below, you will find diversified activities and services offered by different companies in these sectors, so that you can visit the various tourist spots on the island on trips to stunning places with complete safety and fun. Choose where to go and what places you are most interested in seeing and visiting, following organized or adventurous tracks. In Boa Vista it is good to get lost in romantic walks and immerse yourself in the wild nature of Cape Verde, as there are no wild animals (dangerous or poisonous). Each season has its attractions. Choose when to come to Boavista by comparing the excursions listed here and the seasons, but in case you have any doubt, come whenever you like as the sun is shining all year round.

Viana Desert
AN EXTENSION OF THE SAHARA IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

Boavista contains a real desert in the northwestern part of the island, the Viana desert. Just one kilometer long and about 5 km long, it is characterized by a light sand mixed with grains of black earth. The ocean winds continuously transport huge volumes of sand from the African continent, depositing them on the island of Boavista due to the conformation of the land and the proximity to the mainland. This sand creates real desert dunes, interspersed with a sparse vegetation and some very dark volcanic rocks. The result of this phenomenon is a rainbow of colors and the rapid passage of clouds projects onto the ground an alternation of almost hypnotic light and shadow.

The lunar landscape, amplified by the total lack of artificial sounds, makes this place an obligatory stopping point: it is possible to walk without difficulty, in the tranquility of being a few steps from civilization, without the danger of encountering poisonous animals or quicksand.

This little desert of sand in the ocean is protected by the Cape Verdean government, which prohibits the circulation of motor vehicles and promotes the construction of real “walls” stones to limit the movement of sand dunes, which seem annually to progress towards the coast. Living a desert adventure has never been easier!

Whale Watching
THE GREAT WHALES OF BOA VISTA

In Boa Vista it is possible to closely observe whales: groups of North Atlantic Humpback whales come to Cape Verde to give birth, normally in spring from March to May, but the period can vary according to the climate of the previous winter.

The boat ride along the shores of Boavista (catamaran or motor boat) takes about 3 hours and the probability of seeing the whales during this time is very high. Whale sightings in Cape Verde are frequent, but they seem to favor Boa Vista because of the currents that carry their favorite food: krill (plankton). Over the years, their number has increased, a sign that Boa Vista is a favorable environment for them.

Whale watching contributes to raising visitors’ awareness of the protection of these fascinating sea creatures. Whale watching is a very pleasant activity, without dangers, that is thrilling for both adults and children, because it allows total immersion in nature in complete safety

Stargazing
Dinner in the Boa Vista desert with stargazing

Just as the ancient sailors arrived on the coast of Cape Verde following the stars, you too can learn to recognize them: this incredible evening experience will make you rediscover the magic of being surrounded by the silent of the nature, under a starry sky with the assistance of expert guides.

With the help of powerful telescopes, lasers, tablets and the right latitude it is possible to learn how to recognize constellations and asterisms, planets and objects further away such as galaxies and nebulae. The moon will be photographable as you have never seen it, as well as Jupiter and Saturn (in their period), the Pleiades and much more. The darkness of the African night will make you express wishes whenever you see a shooting star!

The experience aims to intrigue you, with a scientific and a romantic view, with which you can go home and be able to recognize some objects of the sky, even with naked eyes, to impress friends and family with suggestive stories to tell about myths and legends of various cultures. In addition you will be taught how to use the astronomical applications on tablets and phones to repeat the experience at your home.

Although like a grain of sand in the ocean, Boavista is a place where you can feel “part of the planet”, with its animals, its volcanic earth, its sea, its climate and even its starry sky. The location without dangers, the convenience of transportation, an excursion suitable for all ages, exquisite dinner, pontch and local desserts, the ability of guides and a little technology will give you an evening full of memories. Enthusiasm is assured for everyone, while rediscover the beauty of the night sky, often taken for granted but always present throughout life.

Turtle Watching
A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

Cape Verde is the world third reserve for the number of Caretta Caretta turtle nests, after Omani and Florida. Boavista is the island where they nest more. The guided tours to observe the deposition of sea turtles take place at night from July to mid-October. August is the peak month of the spawning season.

The observation of the turtles contributes to the survival of these ancient creatures, showing to the inhabitants of the archipelago that a living turtle is worth more than a dead one. In fact, once they were very hunted and sold to the market for their bones and their meat. Unfortunately turtle eggs are still today a dish that is consumed illegally in some areas of the archipelago.

Often the turtles that reach the beach do not lay their eggs because they can’t find a suitable place on it. Sometimes just a noise, a type of sand too hard or an annoying light may them recede. However, the possibility of seeing at least one turtle during the summer season is almost 100% guaranteed.

Boat Trip
SAILING IN BOA VISTA

In Boavista you can take a boat ride to relax in the peaceful Sal-Rei bay. The boat ride along the coast (by sailboat or motorboat) takes about 3 hours and, for some boats, it is possible to go down to the Djeu islet beach. The sea is always calm inside the bay and there is always a stop to bathe in the crystal clear waters of Boavista.

Depending on the type of trip, it starts from the small city pier or from the industrial port, and with a small dinghy you get on board the boats. It heads for the dunes of Morro de Areia, then pauses for a while to relax in the sun. If the sea allows it, there is also the circumnavigation of the islet, where birds of various types are often seen and on board the crew celebrate with music and local dances. Relaxing trips are also available, for adults only, without entertainment, for sunbathing and relaxing with a cocktail and a good buffet. On the boats there is a photo service, which can be purchased directly on board.

Quad Tour
The experience of a quad ride through the golden dunes of Boa Vista, dirt roads full of clay, areas of volcanic eruptions, tropical oases and fabulous beaches is one of those things to do absolutely.

It is fantastic to be able to follow winding paths surrounded by nature, far from the city and everyday life. You will be immersed in the beauty of an uncontaminated island, in total safety, in the company of expert guides.

The guides speak all the languages, they will explain how to drive safely and they will tell you the wonders of Boavista, indicating the routes. During all the tours, active all year round, you can stop for a swim and take pictures (or roll in the dunes). During the tour you travel in single file, to avoid ending up in chasms or dangerous points. Cruise speed allows the driver to have everything under control.

SNORKELING, IMMERSE IN THE FABULOUS BIODIVERSITY ‘MARINA DI BOAVISTA
Cape Verde figures in the top 10 of the “Hot spots” for the biodiversity of corals, even if there are no real coral reefs, there are a number of sites rich in coral varieties. The bay of Gatas, on the NE coast of Boa Vista, perfectly combines natural conditions for both coral development and safe snorkeling.

“Gatas” refers to the local name of the feeding shark (a species not dangerous for humans). Aggregations of these shark species occur in this area during the summer. The coral community found in this bay is characterized by species of hermetic hard corals that support a particular diversity of marine life.

Snorkeling tours are only possible at high tide, because at low tide, the bay becomes very shallow and the coral heads almost protrude from the surface of the sea.

FISHING WITH BARBECUE, A NATURAL WAY TO GET THE LUNCH!

The Boavista island, like the whole sea in Cape Verde, is very fishy and lends itself easily to fishing from the boat or the beach. It is possible to catch various types of fish, with a certain ease, but this activity is thought to have fun and spend a very different day with your family or your friends. The islet of Sal-Rei, called Djeu or Ilheu (small island) is a fantastic spot for picnics and entertainment, usually on weekends and is a perfect place to camp with a table, a grill and a fridge full of ice-cold beer to enjoy the freshly caught lunch.

The beach of the islet is wonderful, quiet, where you can play or swim in total relaxation. A few steps from the beach, there is the old fort of the Duke of Bragança, a historical exhibit that can be visited by feet, where you can still see the cannons that were used in the past to defend Boavista from pirate attacks. Cooking a grilled fish is an experience that some of you have already tried, but fishing from a boat floating in the middle of a crystal clear sea, preparing it on a beautiful beach, sipping a glass of wine or a local beer, is definitely even more rewarding.

The fishing proposed here is not deep sea fishing, but fishing with rods from shallow water and directly with the wire on your hand (a very fun type of fishing), so there is no need to be already experts.

Santa Monica
A BEAUTIFUL BEACH WITH BRILLIANT COLORS

Santa Monica Beach in Boavista is one of the wonders of Cape Verde. More than 22km long, in the south-west area of the island, it attracts almost all tourists but, despite the continuous excursions, its dimensions allow any visitor to experience the feeling of being completely surrounded by unspoilt nature. Often the waves are powerful, the Atlantic Ocean here is mighty, much more than in Sal-Rei and many points on the coast offer perfect spots for experienced surfers. Especially in summer, the waves calm down and give a surreal panorama, a vastness difficult to describe, it seems almost to have the whole ocean for yourself.

Despite the lack of vegetation, it is always possible to see many types of birds that hunt where the water is lower and, when it is a period of whales (spring) it is sometimes possible to see humpback hops or puffs in the distance.

Very soon this beach will be a place of construction of large resorts, but for some time it is possible to visit it in its entirety as it was created. A small corner of paradise waiting to be explored and remembered as a pleasant experience.