Cape Verde · Sotavento Archipelago

Welcome to Boa Vista,
the island of golden dunes

Pristine beaches as far as the eye can see, Saharan sand dunes, turquoise waters and eternal sky — Boa Vista is one of the most captivating destinations in the Atlantic.

Discover the island ↓
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620 km²
Island area
+55 km
Of wild beaches
330 d
Of sunshine per year
26 °C
Average temperature
Natural paradise

Breathtaking beaches

Boa Vista is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Atlantic. Praia de Santa Mônica, Praia de Chaves, Praia de Estoril… Each bay is a picture in its own right. Miles of white sand, crystal-clear waters ranging from deep turquoise to azure blue — a rare spectacle just a short flight away.

Far from mass tourism, these beaches remain wild and unspoiled. Here you can still find virgin stretches where the only sound breaking the silence is the crash of the waves.

Praia de Santa Mônica
Praia de Santa Mônica
Praia de Chaves
Praia de Chaves
Coucher de soleil · Sal Rei
Sunset · Sal Rei
What makes Boa Vista unique

An island of a thousand faces

Much more than a beach — an entire island to explore, between desert, ocean and Creole culture.

The Viana Dunes
A sand desert at the heart of the island. These Saharan dunes, dozens of metres high, offer breathtaking panoramas — and a perfect playground for a quad.
330 days of sunshine
Thanks to its geographical position, Boa Vista enjoys exceptional sunshine all year round. Temperatures range between 22 and 30 °C — an eternal summer, even during a European winter.
Creole culture
Sal Rei, the capital, breathes laid-back charm. Colourful markets, morna music, fresh fish restaurants… Cape Verdean culture is warm, authentic and unforgettable.
Marine wildlife
The waters of Boa Vista are a sanctuary for loggerhead sea turtles, which come to nest on its beaches between June and October. Dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays also make regular appearances.
Wind, a sports paradise
The constant Atlantic winds make Boa Vista a world-class kitesurf and windsurf destination. And for those who prefer dry land, the dunes and wild tracks are ideal for quad biking.
Authentic villages
Rabil, João Galego, Fundo das Figueiras… Riding through the island's villages by quad is a dive into timeless local life, where the residents welcome you with a genuine smile.

"Boa Vista is Africa at the edge of the Atlantic — wild, gentle and utterly free."

— Thomas · Traveller · Sal Rei, 2024

Must-do experiences

Experience Boa Vista at your own pace

The island lends itself to every kind of adventure, from the gentlest to the most intense. Here are the unmissable experiences for making the most of the island.

01
Explore the dunes by quad
Jump on a quad and set out to conquer the Viana dunes, the coastal tracks and the remote beaches that only a 4x4 can reach. Pure freedom.
02
Watch sea turtles
Between June and October, witness loggerhead turtles nesting on the beach at Santa Mônica — a rare and deeply moving natural spectacle.
03
Dive into the turquoise waters
Snorkelling, scuba diving, kitesurfing or a simple swim — the waters of Boa Vista are remarkably clear, with visibility of up to 30 metres.
04
Get lost in Sal Rei at sunset
The island's capital comes alive in the evening. Restaurant terraces, live music, grilled fish and Cape Verdean rum — a night in Sal Rei is an experience in itself.
Practical information

Everything you need to know before you go

Prepare your stay in Boa Vista with confidence using these essential facts.

Direct flights connect major European cities to Boa Vista International Airport (BVC) with airlines such as TUI, Corsair or Transavia, depending on the season. Flight time is approximately 5h30 from Paris.
Boa Vista can be visited year-round thanks to its near-constant climate. The dry season (November to June) is ideal for beaches and quad biking. The rainy season (July to October) is short and brings greener vegetation, with slightly higher temperatures.
Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada and many other countries do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 30 days. However, the online EASE registration (ease.gov.cv) and the airport security tax of about €31 are compulsory before arrival.
The official currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), pegged to the Euro. 1 € ≈ 110 CVE. Euros are often accepted in hotels and restaurants, but it is advisable to carry CVE for markets and small local shops.
A quad is by far the best way to explore Boa Vista — it lets you reach beaches and dunes that are inaccessible by regular car. Shared taxis (aluguers) connect the main villages. Paved roads are limited, making a 4x4 or quad essential for adventurers.

Ready to experience Boa Vista
like never before?

Book your quad now and freely explore the island of golden dunes. The adventure starts here.

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