Boa Vista

Things to do in Boa Vista

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Catamaran Cruise with Lunch at beach restaurant
Excursions & day trips

Catamaran Cruise with Lunch at beach restaurant

You'll see Boa Vista's coastal beauty from a new perspective on this morning catamaran cruise - perfect for everyone, including families. Admire the shore from your spot on deck before you disembark for a beachside lunch and time to relax. Your day begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel, from where you'll be whisked away to the harbour where your luxury catamaran, SODADE II, awaits. As one of our seasoned local guides puts it, "SODADE II is designed for comfort and relaxation, offering plenty of shaded areas and nets for sunbathing - the ideal setting for families and anyone seeking a blissful day out at sea."You'll set sail around the island of Boa Vista and the islet of Sal Rei, immersing yourself in views of clear waters and coastal landscapes. Indulge in tempting snacks and drinks onboard, and then it's time to drop anchor for a bit of fun in the sun - dive into the waves or simply relax on the nets, basking in the sunshine.The excitement continues when you step ashore to be transferred to the beach restaurant where a tasty lunch awaits. Savour local cuisine and cool off with a drink, all while enjoying the sound of the waves and the beachside panorama. Spend the rest of your afternoon unwinding on the sandy shores, swimming in the sea or soaking up the sun. Finally, end your day with a smooth transfer back to your hotel.

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Boa Vista family catamaran cruise
Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista family catamaran cruise

Set sail on a journey around Boa Vista and Sal Rei on this half-day catamaran cruise. You'll be welcomed on board by your friendly crew with a quick safety briefing, before casting off along the coast. Joao, our expert local guide, says “the beauty of these islands is best seen from the deck of a catamaran as you drift over the waves – it's like stepping into a postcard."As we cruise along this stretch of sea, you'll get a front-row view of the coastal landscapes – think endless golden beaches and chunky rock formations jutting out of the sea. Between mid‑March and mid‑May, the warm waters become an important breeding and calving area for humpback whales, so as we sail along, you could spot them in their natural habitat. You'll get a good look at Sal Rei, too, which means Salt King in Portuguese, a nod to its history of salt production. It's home to the Fort of the Duke of Braganca, originally built to fend off pirates. This fort stands out against the ocean backdrop, making it easy to spot as you sail by.On board, you'll find a selection of snacks and drinks. Whether you fancy sipping on a cool beverage or nibbling on tasty treats, you'll be perfectly pampered as you cruise. Then, you'll drop anchor for a swim in the sea – ideal if you fancy cooling off. Alternatively, you can relax on the nets near the front of the catamaran and catch some rays.

free cancellation
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en 

Boa Vista adults-only catamaran cruise
Excursions & day trips

Boa Vista adults-only catamaran cruise

Set sail on this adults-only, half-day catamaran cruise around Boa Vista and the islet of Sal Rei. You'll kick things off with a safety briefing from your crew, before heading out along Boa Vista's coastline. Miguel, our expert local guide says “as you cruise around Boa Vista and Sal Rei, you'll get an eyeful of the kind of views that never get old – there are miles of golden beaches and intriguing rock formations all along the coast.”Drifting by the islands, you'll be treated to endless coastal views. As you glide past Sal Rei, keep an eye out for the Fort of the Duke of Braganca– this place was originally built to defend the area against pirates. Sal Rei was also an epicentre for salt production. In fact, the place is called Salt King in Portuguese to reflect this deep-rooted history. Between mid‑March and mid‑May, the warm waters become an important breeding and calving area for humpback whales, so as we sail along, you could spot them in their natural habitat.On board, you'll have plenty to keep your energy levels up, with all-inclusive drinks and snacks. Take your pick from the refreshing drinks or tasty nibbles – whatever you go for, you'll be well taken care of by your friendly crew. Then, you'll drop anchor. If you fancy cooling off with a dip in the sea, this is your chance. Alternatively, kick back on board, snap some photos, or work on your tan. What is the itinerary for this experience?This experience is available as a morning or afternoon tour, so the itinerary timings change depending on which one you pick.Morning option:- 8:30am – 9:20am – pick-up from your hotel and drive to the harbour in Sal Rei- 9:30pm – board the catamaran SODADE II and have a safety briefing- 10:00am – sail around Boa Vista and Sal Rei with drinks and snacks- 11:30am – 12:15pm – swimming stop- 12:30pm – return to harbour- 13:00pm – transfer back to your hotelAfternoon option:- 12:30pm – 1:20pm – pick-up from your hotel and drive to the harbour in Sal Rei- 1:30pm – board the catamaran SODADE II and have a safety briefing- 2:00pm – sail around Boa Vista and Sal Rei with drinks and snacks- 3:30pm – 4:15pm – swimming stop- 4:30pm – return to harbour- 5:00pm – transfer back to your hotelPlease note, the times and stops may vary slightly on the day.

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Where to go

Cape Verde

Things to do in Boa Vista

As they named it ‘good view’, it’s likely that the Portuguese explorers who first set sight on Boa Vista were smitten by their find. Fast forward five centuries, and the island hasn’t changed much looks-wise – the silk-smooth beaches and Mars-like deserts are pretty much intact. As a bonus, there are a handful of pit stop-worthy towns and villages on the island. Must-sees include the Viana desert, which is shielded by the oasis of the River Rabil basin, the Atalanta beach shipwreck, the village of Fundo das Figueiras and Sal Rei, the capital. Top six things to do in Boa Vista 1. Explore the Viana desert The Viana desert is one of the top places to visit on Boa Vista. Its wavy dunes are hemmed in by the bright-green basin of the River Rabil to the west and the rock-strewn Amador to the east. And among the best activities on the island is a safari tour. Whether you explore this made-for-off-roading desert by 4x4, buggy or quad bike is up to you – whichever activity you choose, it’ll get your adrenaline flowing. 2. Go on a daytrip to Sal Rei As capitals go, Sal Rei is on the small side. But its mix of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences gives it an exotic groove. One of the most popular attractions is the ocean-view Fatima chapel. Then there’s the beach scene – Cabral and Estoril boast long stretches of sand, and Diante features colourful fishing boats anchored off the pier. They’re all definitely worth a daytrip. 3. See the Santa Maria shipwreck Although it’s been of Boa Vista’s most iconic landmarks for more than 50 years, the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck won’t be around for ever, as the Atlantic’s waves are slowly eroding it. So, make sure you pay Atalanta beach a visit when you’re on the island. It’s a fixture on the itineraries of most excursions taking in northern Boa Vista, especially off-road safaris. 4. The deep south The south of Boa Vista’s definitely a magnet for beachgoers, because of the almost-endless Santa Monica beach. But it also has two of the most interesting villages on the island. There’s the abandoned Curral Velho, where you can poke around the crumbling homes and take photos of its amazing beach and salt pan. The other must-visit southern village is Povoação Velha. It’s the oldest settlement on the island and lies in the shadow of a craggy hill. Many popular Boa Vista excursions visit both villages. 5. Visit Fundo das Figueiras Fundo das Figueiras might be the prettiest village on Boa Vista. Thanks to the stream that flows through it, it has more vegetation than other settlements on the island. It’s famed for its flowers and tree-lined cobblestone streets fringed with colourful houses. The oh-so-pretty whitewashed parish church also makes for a great selfie background. 6. Try genuine catchupa stew Catchupa is Cape Verde’s national dish, so it’s no surprise that every island in the archipelago claims that it serves up the best. Boa Vista’s no exception. If you want to try genuine homemade catchupa stew – made of meat, beans, vegetables and spices – book an excursion including a catchupa cooking demonstration in a local home followed by a slap-up lunch. And, for dinner, check out the Morabeza Beach Club, which is famed for its sunset dinners, including drummers, bonfires and the works.
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Boa Vista