Looking for sunshine, sea and serious chill time? Boa Vista, Cape Verde is basically your new happy place. Imagine golden beaches that stretch for miles, local rum that sneaks up on you, and turtles casually nesting beside you like it’s no big deal. Whether you want to do absolutely nothing (hello, sunlounger) or race a buggy across the desert, Boa Vista’s got your back. It’s chill, it’s charming, and it’s criminally underrated. Trust us—you won’t want to leave.
Boa Vista is the wild child of Cape Verde—laid-back, a bit sandy, and full of sunshine. It sits off the west coast of Africa and is all about good vibes and no stress. Seriously, the island’s motto might as well be “relax harder”.
First, the beaches. You’ve got huge, postcard-worthy stretches of soft sand and barely anyone else in sight. No fighting for sunbeds here. Whether you’re building sandcastles with the kids or napping through your third piña colada of the day, it’s bliss.
For the grown-ups, there’s tons to do. Think buggies zooming across the Desert, sea turtle tours and jet skiing across crystal-clear waters like you’re in a James Bond movie. Fancy something slower? Hit up the spa or sip local grog (rum) while watching the sun melt into the Atlantic.
Kids? Oh, they’ll be living their best lives. There’s loads of nature to explore—sharks (friendly ones), turtles, and even whales if you time it right. Resorts are family-friendly too, with kids’ clubs, pools, and plenty of chips (they’ll be happy).
The vibe in Boa Vista is a mix of African roots and Portuguese charm. Locals are super friendly and laid-back—expect live music, beach BBQs, and the kind of sunsets that make you get all emotional.
It’s not a big island, so you can explore a lot in a week without rushing. Rent a quad bike, hop on a tour, or just wander the beaches and dunes. There are no mega malls or theme parks, but that’s the whole point. It’s all about switching off, kicking back, and soaking up the good life.
In short: Boa Vista is pure sunshine therapy with a side of adventure. Whether you’re honeymooning, making family memories, or just running away from British weather—it ticks every box.
Plan It Like a Pro
Fly into Boa Vista Airport (BVC), just 10 minutes from most resorts—yep, that close. Flights from the UK take around 6 hours direct. We recommend booking with TUI for stress-free packages, ATOL protection, and fab flight + hotel deals. Sun, sea, and simplicity—just how we like it.
Hotel Riu Touareg with TUI – This mega beachfront hotel has six dreamy pools, endless food, and round-the-clock All Inclusive. Adults get their own exclusive zone, while kids enjoy clubs, discos, and sandy beach fun galore!
Riu Palace Boavista with TUI – Think sleek, modern luxury meets sugar-white dunes. Riu Palace Boavista brings marble glam, gourmet dining, and serious beachfront vibes—all just 10 minutes from Sal Rei. It’s a royal treat!
Riu Karamboa with TUI – This adults-only beauty looks like a palace and delivers like one too—swim-up bars, five restaurants, spa days, and dreamy white beaches. All Inclusive 24/7? Yes, please. Total paradise, no kids allowed!
Why not start your holiday off right and book a private transfer from the airport? The best part? It’s so cheap! Airport Transfers – Boa Vista, GetYourGuide
Adventure Starts Here
Check out GetYourGuide & Viator for Boa Vista’s top trips.
Watch turtles nest by moonlight on guided tours—magical, moving and unforgettable. Learn about conservation and meet these gentle giants up close without disturbing their peaceful beach routine. 3h Turtle Watching Expedition, GetYourGuide
Race across the desert in a dune buggy or a quad with a wild breeze in your face. Explore hidden villages, shipwreck and feel like a full-on adventurer without breaking a sweat. Shipwreck & Viana Desert Quad Adventure, GetYourGuide
Hop aboard a chill catamaran cruise, sip something tropical, and snorkel in turquoise waters. Bonus points if you spot dolphins dancing in the distance while you sunbathe on deck. Catamaran Day on Viator
Explore the Viana Desert—massive golden dunes you can roll down, wander through, or admire while posing like you’re in a travel magazine. Bring a hat and your sassiest sunglasses.
Visit Santa Monica Beach—endless white sand, crashing waves, and barely another soul in sight. It’s the closest you’ll get to a private paradise without winning the lottery. Santa Monica Beach Tour, GetYourGuide
Wander through the colourful capital, Sal Rei. Chill cafés, cute local shops and warm, welcoming vibes. Great for a mooch and perfect for a lazy lunch with sea views.
See the famous Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck, rusting on the shore like it’s frozen in time. It’s weirdly beautiful and a total photo-op (no filter needed).
Zoom across golden sand dunes in the magical Viana Desert, then stand in awe at the ghostly wreck of Cabo Santa Maria—half-buried in the sand and surrounded by waves and mystery. Then head to colourful Sal Rei, Boa Vista’s sleepy capital, for local markets, charming fishing boats, and a little pirate history too. It’s half-adventure, half time-travel. Private Tour Viana Desert, Cabo S. Maria and Sal Rei on Viator
Take a tour to Rabil village—watch potters at work, pick up handmade souvenirs, and feel like you’ve discovered the real Boa Vista behind the beaches.
Swim in the natural lava pools at Varandinha. Clear, calm, and carved into the rocks by nature itself. It’s like your own salty jacuzzi, minus the bubbles.
Forget dinner at the hotel—how about cocktails on the beach while the sun melts into the sea? At Morabeza Beach Club, you’ll kick back with a drink in hand, watch the sky light up with colour, then dance barefoot around a bonfire to live African drummers. Oh, and there’s a buffet packed with sizzling meat, fresh fish and grilled veggies too. It’s dreamy, dramatic, and delicious all rolled into one. Boa Vista Sunset Dinner on Viator
If David Attenborough planned a day out, it might look like this. Hop in a 4×4 and hit the dunes for some sandboarding fun, then visit Shark Bay and Turtle Bay to see baby lemon sharks and turtles in the wild. Wander into massive ocean caves at Praia Varandinha, and top it all off by sipping Cape Verdean rum (aka Grogue) in the island’s oldest village. Nature, wildlife, culture—this one has it all. Sharks, Turtles, Caves, Sandboard & Tasting tour on Viator
Restaurant Recs
Morabeza Beach Bar & Lounge Restaurant: Located right on the sand, Morabeza is all about laid-back beach vibes, fresh seafood, cold cocktails, and live music at sunset. A perfect mix of chill and festivity.
Perola d’Chaves: Nestled in a peaceful cove, Perola serves excellent seafood, romantic vibes, and sunset drinks. Think intimate dinners, firelight, and ocean views—ideal for couples or foodie escapes.
Bahia, The Beach: A top beachfront spot praised for generous tuna belly plates and live lunchtime music. Cabanas, sunbeds, sea views, and a buzzing beach-bar feel—great for chilled seafood lunches.
Porton di nos Ilha: Family-friendly and serious about flavour, this coastal gem mixes local and international dishes with friendly service and ocean breezes. A dependable go-to for friendly, tasty meals.
Sodade Casa da Cultura: Set in a cultural hub, this restaurant combines history, live music, and standout dishes like smoked wahoo and baobab cheesecake—creative flavours in a lively, artsy setting.
Little Things, Big Help
Best time to visit? November to June—sunny, not scorchy.
Pack reef-safe suncream—Boa Vista’s sun doesn’t mess about.
No need for visa if you’re British (double check though).
Take cash—ATMs are rare, and cards don’t always work.
Euros accepted in most places—handy for snacks and souvenirs.
Plug adapter? Yep—two round-pin European style needed.
Bring mozzie spray—they love tourists too.
Taxis don’t use meters—agree price before you hop in.
Wi-Fi can be slow—disconnect and chill instead.
So, if your dream holiday involves barefoot beach walks, buggies blasting through sand dunes, and cocktails that hit harder than expected—Boa Vista is your jam. It’s got enough adventure to keep you buzzing and enough chill to knock you out (in a good way). With sunshine nearly all year round and locals that welcome you like old mates, this is one of those rare “why didn’t I come here sooner” spots. Go now, thank us later.
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