The most beautiful beaches on Boa Vista: which ones to pick?

People come to Boa Vista for its beaches, and for good reason: dozens of kilometres of pale sand, turquoise water and, most of the time, very few people. But they are not all alike. Some are ideal for swimming, others for walking, photography or simply gazing. Here is our selection.

White sand beach and turquoise waves on Boa Vista — 🏖️ White sand as far as the eye can see and turquoise water

Praia de Chaves: white dunes and calm water

This is the island's “postcard” beach: a long stretch of white sand, dunes in the background and turquoise water generally calmer than elsewhere. About 10 km from Sal Rei, it is the easiest for a swimming day, including with family.

Praia de Chaves, white dunes and turquoise water — 🌴 Praia de Chaves: white dunes and turquoise water

Santa Mónica: the open ocean

With around twenty kilometres of pale sand facing the Atlantic, Santa Mónica is one of the island's longest beaches, often almost empty. It is made for walking, gazing and photography: waves and currents are powerful, so swimming calls for great caution. It is reached by sand tracks, which makes it an ideal destination for an excursion or a quad.

Santa Mónica beach, pale sand and mountains in the distance — 🏖️ Santa Mónica, one of the island's longest beaches

Cabo de Santa Maria: the wreck and the light

North of Sal Rei, on the coast, the Cabo de Santa Maria wreck, aground since 1968, has become one of Boa Vista's symbols. The orange rust against pale sand and turquoise sea makes a memorable photo, especially late in the day. It is a place for contemplation more than a swimming beach.

The Cabo de Santa Maria shipwreck on the beach — 🚢 The Cabo de Santa Maria wreck, north of Sal Rei, has become a symbol of the island

Curral Velho and Varandinha: the hidden beaches

To get off the beaten track: Curral Velho, in the south-east, a former fishing village that is almost deserted, visited for its end-of-the-world atmosphere; and Varandinha, in the south-west, a wild beach with sand dotted with shells, close to caves carved by the sea. Both are remote and call for a suitable vehicle or a guide.

Rocky coastline and turquoise water — 🪨 Volcanic rocks and turquoise water

Rules for a good beach day

Swim with care: on the Atlantic side, waves and currents can be strong; follow flags and local advice
Bring shade and water: many beaches have no parasols and no shops
Take your rubbish with you and leave the beach as you found it
From June to October, avoid beaches at night: turtles nest there

The most beautiful beaches are often the most remote. A car excursion with a local guide, or a day on a quad, takes you there with no navigation worries.

Frequently asked questions

Which is Boa Vista's most beautiful beach?

It depends what you're after: Praia de Chaves for swimming, Santa Mónica for its wide-open spaces, Cabo de Santa Maria for the wreck and the light.

Can you swim at Santa Mónica?

With caution: facing the Atlantic, waves and currents are powerful. It is above all a beach for walking and gazing.

How do I reach the remote beaches?

The more distant ones are reached by sand tracks: the simplest option is an excursion with a local guide, or a quad if you like to drive.

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