Boa Vista is the island where the Sahara meets the Atlantic, offering a landscape defined by rolling dunes, vast beaches, and arid beauty. For families, this environment provides a natural sandbox on a massive scale. The island's climate is dry and windy, which helps moderate the tropical heat, though sun protection is essential for children due to the lack of shade. The main town, Sal Rei, retains a relaxed atmosphere where you can walk safely and explore local crafts without the crowds found in busier destinations.
A highlight for adventurous children is a trip to the Viana Desert. Here, the sand is fine and pale, having blown over from mainland Africa. Local guides offer 4x4 pickup truck tours—often where passengers sit on benches in the back—which older kids tend to find thrilling. At the desert, sandboarding is a popular activity, allowing you to slide down the dunes on borrowed boards. Another striking sight is the Cabo Santa Maria, a rusted shipwreck stranded on the northern coast since 1968. It sits close to the shore, offering a tangible piece of history and a dramatic photo opportunity, although the sea here is often too rough for swimming.
For water activities, the west coast offers the safest conditions. Praia de Chaves and Estoril Beach near Sal Rei have calmer waters suitable for wading and swimming. Between July and October, Boa Vista becomes one of the world's most important nesting sites for loggerhead turtles. Guided night tours allow families to watch these gentle giants lay their eggs on the beach—a profound nature experience for respectful observers. While many visitors stay in the large all-inclusive resorts that line the coast, venturing out to smaller beach shacks to eat fresh grilled fish or goat cheese introduces children to the island's simple, delicious culinary traditions.
Travelers should note that the ocean currents on unprotected sides of the island can be very strong. Always pay attention to the warning flags on beaches (Red means no swimming) and stick to areas with lifeguards or designated hotel bays when swimming with little ones. The wind is constant, which makes it a paradise for kitesurfers, but families might want to bring windbreakers for evening walks along the shore.
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Activities & Best Times
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Features some of the Atlantic's most expansive and pristine white sand beaches like Santa Monica. Peak conditions occur in late summer when water and air temperatures are warmest; winter months are world-class for wind sports but can be too cool for traditional swimming.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Internationally renowned for kite surfing and windsurfing due to consistent, powerful trade winds during the 'Tempo das Brisas'. Peak months offer the most reliable wind conditions, while the summer months are typically too calm for elite water sports.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Turtle nesting is seasonal (summer only) and the Deserto de Viana, while scenic, is a modest attraction. No adventure infrastructure in DB. 'Good' is appropriate for a single seasonal nature activity without broader adventure offerings.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Offers high-quality conservation education through organized turtle protection programs and marine research initiatives. Peak periods align with active nesting and hatching seasons, providing immersive scientific experiences for curious families.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
The island's 'no stress' philosophy and remote beach settings provide a genuine escape for relaxation. Peak season offers low humidity and comfortable temperatures, while the late summer rain and heat can slightly disrupt the outdoor wellness experience.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Off-road 4x4 expeditions across the dunes to historic shipwrecks and isolated capes provide a sense of rugged adventure. Dry, cooler months ensure the best visibility and terrain conditions for navigating the island's sandy interior.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Sal Rei offers a glimpse into authentic Cape Verdean life and traditional 'Morna' music, though it lacks major international cultural infrastructure. Best visited in the cooler dry season for comfortable urban exploration and local market visits.
Attractions (29 total)
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Deserto de Viana
Sal Rei
A stunning landscape of white sand dunes formed by Saharan winds, perfect for family adventures and photography.
Praia de Santa Monica
Povoação Velha
An 18-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand and turquoise water, widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Northern Shipwreck & Viana Desert Route
Sal Rei
Approx. 35km loop, 3 hours, 4WD essential for sand tracks. A notable route leading from Sal Rei into the white sand dunes of the Viana Desert and continuing to the iconic Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck on the northern coast before returning via Bofareira.
Visit website →Santa Monica Beach Scenic Drive (Southern Circuit)
Sal Rei
Approx. 50km loop, 4-5 hours, 4WD recommended due to sand tracks. This route follows the southwestern coast from Sal Rei through the Morro de Areia dunes to the 18km long Santa Monica Beach, passing Praia de Chaves and the village of Povoação Velha.
Visit website →Eastern Village Heritage Route (Estrada de Baixo)
Sal Rei
Approx. 60km round trip, 3 hours, primarily cobblestone (accessible by standard car). A scenic interior drive connecting the capital to the agricultural oases of the east, passing the Rabil pottery workshop, João Galego, and the colorful village of Fundo das Figueiras.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Povoação Velha
Povoação Velha
The oldest settlement on the island, this peaceful village offers a glimpse into traditional life with its colorful houses and the historic Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
Sal Rei Historic Center
Sal Rei
The island's main hub featuring colonial-era architecture, the iconic pastel-yellow Igreja de Santa Isabel, and a lively town square.
Fundo das Figueiras
Fundo das Figueiras
A picturesque northern village renowned for its well-kept, flower-lined streets and authentic Cape Verdean atmosphere.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Praia de Chaves
Sal Rei
A stunning coastal area famous for its massive sand dunes that roll directly into the bright blue Atlantic Ocean.
Santa Monica Beach
Sal Rei
An expansive 11-mile stretch of pristine white sand and turquoise waters, widely considered the most beautiful beach in Cape Verde.
Praia de Varandinha
Sal Rei
A scenic beach characterized by natural limestone caves and rock arches that provide unique exploration opportunities and shade.
Cabo Santa Maria Shipwreck
Sal Rei
The iconic rusted remains of a Spanish cargo ship that ran aground in 1968, located on the remote North Coast.
Praia de Estoril
Sal Rei
A family-friendly beach protected by an islet, offering calm waters ideal for swimming, windsurfing, and kayaking.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Praia de Santa Mónica
Povoação Velha
An expansive 11-mile beach with shallow turquoise waters and soft sand, ideal for nature walks and family relaxation.
Reserva Natural das Tartarugas (Ervatão Beach)
Cabeça dos Tarrafes
A secluded nature reserve beach famous as a nesting ground for loggerhead turtles, offering guided eco-tours for families.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Sal Rei to Cabo Santa Maria Shipwreck Trail
Sal Rei
12km moderate coastal hike or cycling route. Typical duration is 3-4 hours with an elevation gain of 50m. The route follows dirt tracks and sandy paths along the northern coast to the iconic rusted Spanish shipwreck. Bike rental: Boa Vista Touring (boavistatouring.com).
Visit website →Santa Monica Beach Coastal Route
Povoação Velha
15km easy walk along the longest beach in Cape Verde. Typical duration is 4 hours with negligible elevation gain. This flat, sandy route is ideal for long-distance beach hiking and birdwatching near the Varandinha caves. Fat-bike rental: No Limits Adventure (nolimitsadventure.com).
Visit website →Deserto de Viana Loop
Rabil
8km easy to moderate loop through the Sahara-like dunes. Typical duration is 2-3 hours with an elevation gain of 30m. The path consists of soft white sand and is popular for fat-biking and trekking. Bike rental: Cabo Verde Adventure (caboverdeadventure.com).
Visit website →Morro de Areia Nature Reserve Traverse
Praia de Chaves
14km moderate hike through protected sand dunes and limestone cliffs. Typical duration is 4-5 hours with an elevation gain of 167m. The trail offers panoramic views of the Atlantic and opportunities for whale watching from the clifftops. High-clearance bikes recommended.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Viana Desert
Rabil
A miniature Sahara with stunning white sand dunes formed by Saharan dust, providing a unique landscape for family exploration.
Church of Santa Isabel
Sal Rei
A charming colonial-style church featuring a colorful blue and yellow facade, standing as the main landmark of the island's capital.
Morro Negro Lighthouse
Fundo das Figueiras
The easternmost lighthouse in Cape Verde, offering panoramic Atlantic views from a 150-meter-high cliff top.
Old Brick Factory of Praia de Chaves
Rabil
An iconic tall brick chimney rising from the sand dunes, a remnant of the island's industrial ceramic past on a pristine beach.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Centro de Artes e Cultura
Sal Rei
A public cultural venue located in a historic former market building, hosting contemporary art exhibitions and showcasing traditional Cape Verdean craftsmanship.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Church of Saint Isabel
Sal Rei
A charming 19th-century colonial church featuring a vibrant yellow and blue facade, serving as a peaceful historical centerpiece of the town's main square.
Fort of the Duke of Bragança
Sal Rei
The stone ruins of a 19th-century fortification located on an islet, originally built to defend the island's salt trade from pirate attacks.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Fonte Vicente Oasis
Fundo das Figueiras
A lush agricultural valley featuring traditional stone wells and irrigation systems used to grow dates and vegetables in the desert.
The Donkey Sanctuary
Rabil
A dedicated rescue sanctuary where visitors can interact with recovered donkeys and learn about animal welfare efforts on the island.
Rabil Pottery School
Rabil
A traditional pottery workshop where visitors can observe local artisans crafting terracotta pieces from island clay using centuries-old techniques.