Boa Vista is the easternmost of the Cape Verde islands, located about 550 miles (885 kilometres) west of Senegal. The island is about 26 miles (42 kilometres) long and 8 miles (13 kilometres) wide. The capital, also called Boa Vista, is located in the north-central part of the island.
Boa Vista island’s population is around 54,000. The main economic activity is tourism, with many visitors coming to Boa Vista to enjoy its deserted beaches and year-round warm weather. Other popular activities include windsurfing, kite surfing, and scuba diving.
Boa Vista was first settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century. The island later became a centre of the slave trade. In 1832, Boa Vista was annexed by Cape Verde.
Today, Boa Vista is known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. The island is a popular tourist destination for those looking to enjoy some sun and sea in a beautiful setting. Boa Vista is also a popular windsurfing and kite surfing destination, with many excellent spots for both sports. Scuba diving is also possible on the island, with a number of dive sites to explore.
If you’re looking for an idyllic, off-the-beaten-path escape, look no further than Boa Vista in Cape Verde. Boa Vista is the most popular of the Cape Verde isles with tourists due to its unspoiled beaches and resorts. Here are a few things to do on Boa Vista during your stay:
1. Hit the beach – The best way to enjoy Boa Vista’s natural beauty is by spending time at one of its many gorgeous beaches. From long stretches of white sand to dramatic Atlantic coastline, there’s a beach for everyone on this island. Be sure to bring your swimsuit and sunscreen!
2. Explore the island – Rent a car or motorcycle and explore everything that Boa Vista has to offer. Climb up to the top of Morro Velho for some breath-taking views, visit the fishing village of Rabil for a taste of traditional life in Cape Verde, or head out into the desert for some amazing wildlife sightings.
3. Relax at a resort – If you’d rather not worry about anything other than soaking up the sun and enjoying the water, consider staying at one of Boa Vista’s many resorts. All-inclusive resorts are especially popular on this island, so you can just relax and enjoy your vacation without having to worry about anything else.
4. Go on a boat tour – One of the best ways to see Boa Vista is from the water. There are many boat tours available that will take you around the island to see its dramatic coastline and view some of its most popular beaches from the sea.
5. Sample the local cuisine – No trip to Cape Verde would be complete without trying some of the local food. Boa Vista is known for its fresh seafood, so be sure to order a few dishes while you’re here. You can also find traditional African staples like cassava bread and cachupa, a hearty stew made with beans, vegetables, and meat.
Other key highlights:
Ervatão Beach is a hotspot for Loggerhead turtles! The beach gets its name from the number of times it has been visited by these turtles who come here each year to nest and lay eggs. If you go at night between July-September, when they are ashore in massive numbers after dark on their way back out into deep water where light doesn’t reach – your chances increase exponentially that one might cross paths with yours truly before heading off again down southwards towards Brazil or Argentina (or wherever else).
Holidaymakers can witness an iconic scene on Boa Vista’s coast when they visit Praia de Santa Maria. The shipwreck of Cabo Santa Maria, after which this beach was named and ran aground here in 1968 while sailing to Brazil; it provided one the best photo opportunities for visitors with its rusting appearance today!
The vast, flat white dunes of the Viana Desert are an additional popular stop on our tours and easily combined with a visit to see shipwrecks. These expansive sand fields have been formed over time by blowing across Africa’s Sahara desert; giving visitors their own Lawrence of Arabia experience! The best time to visit this island is during the winter months. The weather in Cape Verde is cooler, and there is less chance of rain. There are also fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the beaches and other attractions without having to deal with crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Boa Vista Cape Verde?
Yes, you can swim in Boa Vista Cape Verde! There are plenty of places to take a dip, including Praia da Rabil, Praia do Estoril, and Praia Santa Monica. Boa Vista is also home to some beautiful waterfalls, like the Cascade deogo segundo and the Oure quiapo waterfall. So whether you’re looking to cool off in the heat or take a scenic swim surrounded by lush vegetation, Boa Vista has something for everyone.
How big is Boa Vista in Cape Verde?
Boa Vista is the third largest island in Cape Verde. It has an area of 716 square kilometres (276 square miles). Boa Vista is located about 600 kilometres (370 miles) off the coast of West Africa. The island is volcanic in origin and has a arid climate. The capital city of Boa Vista is Sal Rei.
Where is Boa Vista Airport?
Boa Vista Airport is located on the northeastern tip of Sal Island in Cape Verde. Visitors to the airport will find themselves just a short distance from some of the island’s amenities, like coral reefs, white sand beaches and coconut palm trees. Although small in stature, Boa Vista Airport manages to handle about 60,000 passengers each year. The facility is equipped with one runway and two Gates. You can fly into Boa Vista Airport from major hubs like London, Lisbon or Madrid.
Are there Mosquitos in Boa Vista?
There are mosquitos in Boa Vista, and it’s important to protect yourself from them if you’re going to be there. Some people might need vaccination jabs before travelling to the area. Speak to your doctor for more information.
Where is the shipwreck in Boa Vista?
The shipwreck is located in the Boa Vista National Park. You can visit it by going on a hike through the park. The hike takes about 2 hours and there is some climbing involved, so it’s not suitable for everyone. There is a visitors centre near the park where you can get more information about the hike.