Boa Vista whale‑watching adventure by speedboat

Boa Vista beachside sunset dinner with live music experience

The west coast of Boa Vista usually provides stunning sunsets across the South Atlantic. Admire the colours of dusk with your special someone over a delicious dinner, followed by some live drumming and mellow tunes on the beach. Carlo, one of our expert local guides, says: ‘Cape Verde's music is one of the most important strands of our heritage and culture. There are a variety of styles unique to the islands, and you will hear a mix of some of our traditional music together with international tunes performed after dinner by local musicians.'You'll be whisked off to the island-renowned Morabeza Beach Club well before the sun begins its descent over the water. Take your seat and while away the time with a glass of the local cocktail, Ponche, in your hand and the sound of the waves in your ears. The beach club has a natural theme and a stress-free vibe, with tables directly on the beach. The beautiful tropical sunset would be all the visual entertainment needed, but there are plenty of treats to come.As the light dims, a bonfire is lit and African drummers start to provide a soundtrack of infectious beats giving you a flavour of the local culture. Then it's time to sit down and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, with a selection of grilled meats, vegetables, and freshly-caught fish - plus a drink to wash it all down. A live band will play laid-back music during your meal, and up the tempo later on, so you can dance the night away with the sand between your toes. What is the itinerary for this experience? The itinerary for this experience is… - 17:00 to 17:30 – pick-up from your hotel - 17:45 – arrival at Morabeza - 18:00 – welcome drink and briefing - 18:15 – starter buffet commences - 19:30 – bonfire is lit - 19:45 – African dance performance - 20:15 – dinner is served - 20:40 – live music begins - 22:00 – transfer back to your hotel Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day

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 to 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 to 12:15pm – swimming stop- 12:30pm – return to harbour- 1:00pm – transfer back to your hotel----------Afternoon option:- 12:30pm to 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 to 4:15pm – swimming stop- 4:30pm – return to harbour- 5:00pm – transfer back to your hotel Please note, the times and stops may vary slightly on the day.

Southern Boa Vista Four-hour Quad Tour by Quad Zone

Off-road adventure is the name of the game on this action-packed excursion. Spend four adrenaline-pumping hours carving up the sands and exploring the trails of Boa Vista's stunning south coast. You can choose whether you want your own quad or whether you're happier to be a passenger – and let your partner do all the hard work.

Boa Vista full-day 4x4 island tour with beachfront lunch

Off-road through luscious landscapes and be charmed by Boa Vista's untouched beauty on this action-packed 4x4 tour. Roberto, one of our local guides, says, ‘The Viana desert is Boa Vista's very own chunk of the Sahara. Its sand is blown in from western Africa, creating huge dunes, which we'll rally up and down.' Leave no stone unturned as you visit the shipwreck on Santa Maria beach, before stopping in Sal Rei village and Povoaçao Velha. Plus, there's lunch by the sea in a beachfront restaurant.The fun kicks off in the Viana desert. Feel the wind in your hair as you rumble over the sand dunes in a 4x4. Then, you're off to discover the rusting shipwreck of Cabo de Santa Maria – a symbol of Boa Vista. Roberto says, ‘There are about 150 shipwrecks on the islands of Cape Verde, but this one is the most mysterious of all. It's a great place to snap a selfie, too.' You'll have a quick stop in Sal Rei for a glimpse at the capital's fishing pier, before a locally-sourced lunch is served at a nearby beach restaurant.Next up is a pit stop in Povoaçao Velha – the oldest settlement on the island. Have a poke around this isolated hamlet and enjoy a look into local life, before our final stop, Santa Monica beach. Boasting 15km of white sand and undulating dunes, it's no wonder it was voted one of the world's top 10 beaches. The perfect place to end the tour.What is the itinerary for this experience?The itinerary for this experience is...- 8:30am to 9:10am – pick‑up from your hotel- 9:10am to 9:25am – visit the Viana Desert for sandboarding- 10:10am to 10:40am – visit the shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria- 11:10am to 11:50am – walk through Sal Rei- 12:10pm to 1:20pm – lunch at a beachfront restaurant- 1:30pm to 2:00pm – visit the village of Povoação Velha- 2:40pm to 2:50pm – visit Santa Mónica Beach- 3:00pm to 4:00pm – return transfer to your hotel Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day

Desert Delight

For a truly celestial holiday experience, it's hard to beat this evening dinner in Boa Vista's Viana desert. We'll pick you at your hotel and bring you to the middle of nowhere, far away from light pollution, for an unrivalled view of the Milky Way in its full glory. What's more, there's also a tasty buffet dinner to enjoy.

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.

Half-day southern Boa Vista 4x4 tour with Viana Desert

This fun-filled tour gives you the chance to delve into some of Boa Vista's top spots. Spend a morning exploring inland villages and roaming the Viana desert in a 4x4, before ending up on one of the island's most pretty beaches. Roberto, one of our local guides, says, ‘It probably wasn't their intention but the souvenir shops of Povoação Velha and Rabil have become unwitting social media stars. Their colourful, kitsch and carefree displays are massive Instagram hits.'This morning-long adventure kicks off with a visit to Rabil – Boa Vista's second-largest town. From its vibrant streets to traditional architecture, the town reflects the island's tough yet resilient spirit. Here, you'll visit a ceramic factory, where you'll see the handiwork of local artisans and might be able to grab yourself a souvenir of local pottery. You'll also get to taste Cape Verde's national dish, catchupa, a rich stew of corn, beans, pork and vegetables – through ingredients change, not just from island to island or village to village, but house to house.Next, hold on tight as you zoom through the dusty landscape of the Viana desert. Our next stop is Povoação Velha, the oldest settlement on the island. Wander its rustic streets before kicking back on the 11km-long Santa Monica beach. Its sugar-white sand contrasts against fluorescent blue waters like an image from a postcard. If you're an adventure seeker, you can even try your hand at sandboarding.

Sal Rei Sightseeing Tour with Local Speciality Tastings

With its blend of African, Brazilian and European influences, Cape Verde's unique culture is one to experience. On this tour, taste traditional food, visit the vibrant local markets and take a guided tour of Sal Rei, the capital of Boa Vista.

Sandboarding session on Morra de Areia’s dunes in Boa Vista

With bright coastal views, the rippling desert of Morro de Areia is the perfect place to get the adrenaline pumping with a 90-minute sandboarding experience. Boa Vista, which means "good view" in Portuguese, is the easternmost island of Cape Verde. It's known for its great beaches and patches of desert landscape. Jose, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Prepare to get very sandy on this exhilarating trip into Boa Vista's beautiful seaside nature reserve. But getting sandy is all part of the fun as you whizz down and clamber up the dunes.'Morro de Areia is one of the most prominent dune systems on the island and is especially known for its pristine and shifting sands. The scenic sand dunes that line the coast of Boa Vista have the added advantage that you can often see the coast from the higher dunes, and Morro de Areia is no exception. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you drive out across the sands, it's an exciting trip for both adults and kids as you roar across the dunes. The wild surroundings and fabulous views make the perfect backdrop for some unbridled fun. After a safety briefing and demonstration from your friendly instructors, have a go at surfing the dunes yourself. It's a brilliant way to get out into nature and see a different side of the island while enjoying a new experience which will have all the family whooping with excitement. Half-time refreshments are provided so you can rest and enjoy the sea view.

Boa Vista horse riding experience

Horseback riding along Boa Vista's beaches is as exhilarating as it gets. You can choose from an hour-long horse ride for beginners, a 90-minute ride including a trot or gallop for more experienced riders, or even a romantic couple's ride that includes up to 30 minutes at walking pace and time to share a bottle of wine atop a sand dune. It's an experience that gets you back in touch with nature in an environmentally-friendly way. The open stretches of beaches that wind their way along Boa Vista's coastline will be your picture-perfect setting for a horse ride. Let the cobwebs be blown away by the sea breeze as you canter along the sand and soak up the panoramas from your elevated vantage point. You'll be teamed up with your horse down at the stables and given all the equipment you need to ride off into the distance. It's great for adults and kids alike, so the whole family can join in on this one or make it a romantic ride for two.