Boa Vista — Dunes and Turtles
Boa Vista is the third-largest island of Cape Verde and rightly bears the nickname "Island of Dunes". Here you will find what Sal has in tourist infrastructure, multiplied in natural beauty and solitude: huge sand dunes directly bordering the turquoise sea, deserted beaches where you won't meet anyone for hours, and a desert landscape reminiscent of the Sahara.
The main town Sal Rei on the west coast is a sleepy town with colorful houses, a pretty waterfront promenade, and a harbor from which fishing boats cross to the offshore Ilhéu de Sal Rei. The city beach of Sal Rei is pleasant, but the true dream beaches lie in the south and east of the island — accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles over sand tracks.
Boa Vista's greatest treasure is the sea turtle population. The island hosts one of the world's largest nesting colonies of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). From July to October, thousands of females come to the beaches at night to lay their eggs — an experience accessible to visitors under the supervision of conservation organizations and one that takes your breath away.
Plan 3–5 days for Boa Vista: two days for beaches and sea, one day for an island tour (dunes, desert, shipwreck), and — if you are there in the right season — one evening for the turtles.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on Boa Vista
- Praia de Santa Monica: At 18 km long, one of the longest beaches in Africa — and one of the most beautiful. Fine, light sand, turquoise water, and absolute solitude. Accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicle. No shade, no service, no people — just you and the Atlantic. Bring water and sun protection!
- Praia de Chaves: The large beach west of Sal Rei, easily accessible on foot. 5 km of fine sand, gentle dunes, the all-inclusive resort RIU is at the south end. Good beach for families with a shallow entry.
- Praia de Estoril: The city beach of Sal Rei — small but charming. Perfect for a sundowner in one of the beach bars. View of the Ilhéu de Sal Rei.
- Praia de Curralinho (Ervatão): On the wild east coast, accessible only by four-wheel drive. A mighty beach with strong surf and impressive rock formations. One of the most important turtle nesting beaches — do not enter at night without a guide during the nesting season!
Achtung
Caution at the beaches of the east coast: Strong currents and high waves make swimming dangerous. Praia de Curralinho and Praia de Varandinha are for marveling, not for swimming. Swim only at beaches on the west coast (Chaves, Estoril) or inquire with locals.
