Boa Vista’s top tours pack serious value for curious travelers. The absolute must-do is whale watching (mid-February to May), where humpbacks put on an unforgettable show. The full-day island circuit hits all the essentials – pristine beaches, rolling dunes, and authentic villages – making it perfect for first-timers. Nature lovers will appreciate the evening turtle safaris, offering rare glimpses of nesting loggerheads. For adventure seekers, 4×4 excursions combine shipwreck visits, cultural stops, and tasty local meals.
Let’s explore these outstanding tour options in detail:
Key Points
- Whale Watching Tours offer an eco-friendly experience with a marine biologist and a small group size, available seasonally from mid-February to late May.
- The Full-Day Wild Beaches & Viana Desert Tour showcases scenic beaches, a swimming opportunity, and a guided tour of Curral Velho, with an expert guide providing insights.
- The Turtle Watching and Nesting Evening Tour focuses on the key turtle nesting area of Santa Monica Beach during peak nesting season.
- The Boavista: Rabil, Shipwreck, City, Snacks & Drinks – 4×4 Tour visits a pottery school, the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck, and a restaurant, accommodating wheelchair users.
- The Full-Day Island Tour covers northern and southern regions, including the Shipwreck of Cabo Santa María, with lunch at a local restaurant and a personalized experience.
Whale Watching Tour SEASONAL
What better way to experience the natural wonders of Boa Vista than through a seasonal whale watching tour? These tours operate from mid-February to late May, offering visitors a chance to witness the majestic humpback whales in their breeding grounds.
Priced at $88.54 per person, the tours provide an eco-friendly and safe experience, with a marine biologist on board to ensure the well-being of both participants and the whales.
The small group size, limited to 6 participants, offers an intimate encounter with the marine life. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, as well as the reserve now and pay later option.
While some customers have expressed mixed experiences, with varying levels of whale sightings, the overall feedback highlights the knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to witness the 24 species of whales and dolphins that call Cape Verde home.
Read our full review: Whale Watching Tour SEASONAL Review
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Boa Vista Island: Full-Day Wild Beaches & Viana Desert Tour
One of the premier tours on Boa Vista Island is the Full-Day Wild Beaches & Viana Desert Tour. Priced from $88.54 per person, this 7-hour excursion offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s stunning natural landscapes.
Pickup is available from Sal Rei, Rabil, and Curral Velho, with the tour highlighting destinations like Praia de João Barrosa, Ervatão Beach, and the breathtaking Viana Desert.
Guests can look forward to swimming at Ervatão Beach, a guided tour of Curral Velho, and a delicious lunch at Fundo das Figueiras. The tour’s highlights include admiring over 10 km of white sand dunes and relaxing where loggerhead turtles lay their eggs.
An expert guide provides insights into the local history, fauna, and flora. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or mobility impairments.
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and swimwear. With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 7 reviews, this tour is a must-do for visitors seeking an immersive Boa Vista Island experience.
Read our full review: Boa Vista Island: Full-Day Wild Beaches & Viana Desert Tour Review
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From Boa Vista: Turtle Watching and Nesting Evening Tour
Visitors to Boa Vista Island can embark on an immersive Turtle Watching and Nesting Evening Tour, which offers a unique opportunity to witness the enchanting ritual of sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
The 4-hour tour departs from Boa Vista and includes pickup, ensuring a seamless experience. Participants will venture to the picturesque Santa Monica Beach, renowned for its turtle nesting grounds.
Under the guidance of knowledgeable local guides, guests will observe the turtles in their natural habitat, learning about their behavior and conservation efforts.
The tour is timed to coincide with the peak nesting season, heightening the chances of witnessing this captivating natural spectacle.
With a 4.7 rating from previous visitors, this tour provides an unforgettable and eco-friendly way to connect with Boa Vista’s rich wildlife.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking a memorable experience, the Turtle Watching and Nesting Evening Tour is a must-do activity on the island.
Read our full review: From Boa Vista: Turtle Watching and Nesting Evening Tour Review
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Boavista: Rabil, Shipwreck, City, Snacks & Drinks – 4×4 Tour
Although Boa Vista Island offers a wealth of natural wonders, the Boavista: Rabil, Shipwreck, City, Snacks & Drinks – 4×4 Tour provides visitors with a captivating blend of cultural and historical experiences.
This 4-5 hour tour, priced at $93.75 per person, allows guests to explore the northern region of Boavista in comfortable 4×4 vehicles. Highlights include visiting a pottery school in Rabil, discovering the intriguing shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria, and touring Fatima’s Chapel and Sal Rei, the cultural hub of Boavista.
Travelers can savor local snacks and drinks at the Sodade Restaurant, featuring homemade Cape Verdean specialties. The tour is available in multiple languages and accommodates wheelchair users or private groups.
According to 11 reviews, the tour receives an impressive 4.8/5 rating, with praise for the guides’ knowledge and the incredible locations visited.
With a flexible cancellation policy and reserve now & pay later option, this 4×4 adventure is an excellent way to take in Boavista’s rich culture and history.
Read our full review: Boavista: Rabil, Shipwreck, City, Snacks & Drinks – 4×4 Tour Review
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Boa Vista: Full-Day Island Tour
Covering both the northern and southern regions of Boa Vista, the Full-Day Island Tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s diverse landscapes and natural wonders.
Priced at $114.58 per person, this 8-hour excursion takes visitors to key attractions like the Shipwreck of Cabo Santa María, the Viana desert, sand dunes, caves, and beautiful beaches. Guests will enjoy a delectable lunch at the Restaurant Boca Beach, Santa Mónica, savoring local Cabo Verdean cuisine.
The tour includes convenient pickup from specified locations or hotels, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. With a personalized approach and small group sizes, travelers can expect a tailored experience led by knowledgeable local guides fluent in multiple languages.
While moderate physical fitness is required, the tour can be adjusted based on weather conditions, ensuring an enjoyable experience. Backed by a 5/5 rating from previous participants, this full-day island adventure offers an immersive glimpse into Boa Vista’s stunning natural beauty.
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Boavista: Green Turtle & Shark Bay Sandboard Tour & Tasting
For those seeking an exhilarating adventure in Boavista, the Green Turtle & Shark Bay Sandboard Tour & Tasting offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and thrilling activities.
This 4-hour tour allows visitors to observe green turtles and lemon sharks in their natural habitats, as well as experience the thrill of sandboarding at the “mini Sahara” of Morro de Areia.
The tour includes a 4×4 off-road safari through the dunes and along the coast, followed by a tasting of local specialties, including Grogue (Rum) and Licor (Pontche).
Priced at $70.83 per person, the tour is wheelchair accessible and features pickup from various hotels.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 144 reviews and positive feedback highlighting knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences, this tour is a must-do for adventure-seekers visiting Boavista.
Read our full review: Boavista: Green Turtle & Shark Bay Sandboard Tour & Tasting Review
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Boa Vista: Santa Monica, Dunes, Caves and Village 4×4 Tour
This 4-hour 4×4 tour offers an immersive exploration of Boa Vista’s natural and cultural wonders. Priced at $67.71 per person, the tour takes visitors through the Viana Desert, the largest desert in Cape Verde, with its untouched sand dunes.
Guests will then experience local life in the traditional fishing and farming village of Povoação Velha. The tour also includes a visit to the Varandinha Beach Caves, a sea turtle spawning spot from June to October, and a relaxing stop at the stunning Santa Monica Beach, known for its 12 kilometers of white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a complimentary cocktail at the local beach club, are included.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 and positive reviews on the knowledgeable guides and unique landscapes, this tour offers excellent value for money and a chance to learn about Boa Vista’s natural and cultural treasures.
Read our full review: Boa Vista: Santa Monica, Dunes, Caves and Village 4×4 Tour Review
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Sum Up
The island of Boa Vista offers a variety of exciting tours for visitors. From whale watching and turtle watching to island-wide explorations, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in beaches, deserts, or nature experiences, Boa Vista’s diverse landscape and activities provide an unforgettable experience. With so many options, visitors can easily find the perfect tour to suit their interests and make the most of their time on the island.