Boa Vista Departures

The easternmost island of Cape Verde, whose name means ‘good view’, is Boa Vista. Amongst regular visitors, the island is known as the island of dunes and beaches – it has 55km of white-sanded seaside. The dry climate is excellent for sun-seekers, and the relatively low native population means you can easily find some peace and quiet.

Be at one with nature in this gorgeous tropical paradise

Boa Vista is home to a large variety of wildlife, from whales to exotic seabirds, and is the world’s third-largest breeding site for loggerhead turtles. The island is also known for its traditional music, known as morna, which is fun to dance along to!

Top 5 things to do on Boa Vista

1. Whale watching - Take an organised half-day tour to see humpback whales in their natural habitat
2. Bird watching - The Cape Verde islands have at least four species of bird that are only found there - the Cape Verde sparrow, swift and warbler, and the endangered raso lark. The islets around Boa Vista are the main nesting places for many of the seabirds - just speak to a local fisherman if you want a trip, or take an organised tour
3. Diving - The waters off Boa Vista are home to a huge variety of sea life. Try the Submarine Centre for diving courses
4. Fishing - Book a deep-sea fishing trip through Sampeifish
5. Windsurfing - Cape Verde is a well-known destination for windsurfers from all over the world – you can also go surfing or kitesurfing. The main club is Boa Vista Wind Club

Top 5 Boa Vista places to see

1. Ilheu de Sal Rei - This uninhabited island, which is a protected area, is worth a visit. The beautiful west coast is full of sandy coves with delightful shells, while on the southern tip are the remains of the Duque de Braganca Fort, built to protect the island against pirate attacks in the 19th century
2. Deserto de Viana - Sand dunes (with colour varying from tan to red) and multi-coloured rocks make for an impressive landscape. Walk across the dunes or just sunbathe
3. Morro Negro - Climb up the rocky hill to the disused lighthouse and enjoy unrivalled views of the undeveloped east coast of the island
4. The wreck of Santa Maria - You can walk to the wreck of this Spanish freighter, which ran aground in 1968, or make the seven kilometre trip in a four-wheel drive vehicle
5. Nightclubs - Disco Bambu is open till 5am. Mazurca, which plays Cape Verdean music along with disco, rap and hip-hop, shuts half an hour later