Boa Vista island belonging to the windward group, is the third largest island in cape verde, with the longest beaches as well. The name Boa Vista, which means beautiful view, is due to the beautiful landscapes that can be seen on the island. The island is one of the most sought after in tourism, as it is ideal and famous for beach holidays.
Boa Vista island is a truly rich island, both in its natural landscapes and in its biodiversity. In Cape Verde, 5 of the 7 species of sea turtles in the world have already been observed, all of which are in danger of extinction. As you can see there is a lot to do in Boa Vista. In addition to discovering the land area of the island through a tour of the island, you can also venture into the sea, on a boat trip, diving, sport fishing and even water sports.
Boa Vista island has more than 65% of nesting sites in the entire archipelago on its beaches. This nesting is concentrated on the beaches of the East and Southeast coast of the island, located in the Natural Reserve of Tartarugas (RNT) and in the North Natural Park (PNN), but it can be observed in almost all the beaches of the island.
The humpback whale is a famous species on the island of Boa Vista, which migrates to Cape Verde in the spring for reproduction, more specifically to the islands of Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago.
Several species of seabirds and sharks can be seen on the island as well. The climate in Boa Vista is clear and sunny practically all year round so you can explore the island at any time of the year. If you want to watch whales, you have to travel between March and May, while turtles can reproduce from July to October.
Viana desert is a huge white sand dunes with small oases where you will find acacia bushes, palm trees, coconut and date palms. The Viana desert is an extension of the famous Sahara desert, but now on an island in the middle of the Atlantic. It is beautiful landscape which is worth a visit, and is also one of the wonders that can be seen on the island.
The place has magnificent white sand dunes formed by the sand that was dragged by the wind from the Sahara desert. Here you can walk a long distance and fell the magig power of the mother nature.
Santa Monica Beach in Boa Vista island is one of the wonders of Cape Verde. More than 11 km long, in the south-west area of the island, it attracts almost all tourists but, despite the continuous excursions, its dimensions allow any visitor to experience the feeling of being completely surrounded by unspoilt nature.
Often the waves are powerful, the Atlantic Ocean here is mighty, much more than in Sal-Rei and many points on the coast offer perfect spots for experienced surfers. Especially in summer, the waves calm down and give a surreal panorama, a vastness difficult to describe, it seems almost to have the whole ocean for yourself.
Despite the lack of vegetation, it is always possible to see many types of birds that hunt where the water is lower and, when it is a period of whales (spring) it is sometimes possible to see humpback hops or puffs in the distance. Distinguished in 2021, by the American travel magazine Travel +Leisure, as one of the most beautiful in the world and therefore the most beautiful in Cape Verde. The beach is really long, with a magnificent natural landscape. island
For more than 50 years, the shipwreck MS Cabo Santa Maria has been lying off the coast of Boavista. Today it is an important sight and a symbol for Boavista. The rusting cargo ship lies in front of the enchanting coast, right by the Praia de Atlanta beach. Over the years, the sea has gradually dismantled the ship. The current state of the shipwreck and the location has something mysterious. Very impressive!
In 1968 the Spanish ship stranded off the coast at the Costa Boa Esperanca, a nature reserve on the island of Boavista in Cape Verde. With a tugboat they tried to recover the Cabo Santa Maria, but unfortunately this did succeed. The crew has fortunately remained unharmed. On board were several luxury items: sports cars, drinks, clothing and gifts from the Spanish dictator dictator Francisco Franco for his sponsors during the Spanish crisis. Finally, the cargo was unloaded. A large part of the population of Boavista was involved in the transfer of the goods and this took no less than a year.
The ship wreck gradually collapses. The sea has such an impact that after all these years a large part of the deck and the hull have disappeared. Now there is only a rusty carcass left, but this will eventually also be destroyed by the sea. Until then, this remains a unique place on Boavista. A source of inspiration for photographers.
For more information?