Chaves Bay boat cruise in Boa Vista with swim stop

Boa Vista Horse Riding Experience

Galloping along the golden sands of Boa Vista's beaches is as exhilarating as it gets. You can choose from an hour-long horse ride for beginners, or a 90-minute adventure for intermediates. It's an experience that gets you back in touch with nature the environmentally-friendly way.

Half-day southern Boa Vista 4x4 tour with Viana Desert

This fun-filled tour gives you the chance to delve into some of Boa Vista's top spots. Spend a morning exploring inland villages and roaming the Viana desert in a 4x4, before ending up on one of the island's most pretty beaches. Roberto, one of our local guides, says, ‘It probably wasn't their intention but the souvenir shops of Povoação Velha and Rabil have become unwitting social media stars. Their colourful, kitsch and carefree displays are massive Instagram hits.'This morning-long adventure kicks off with a visit to Rabil – Boa Vista's second-largest town. From its vibrant streets to traditional architecture, the town reflects the island's tough yet resilient spirit. Here, you'll visit a ceramic factory, where you'll see the handiwork of local artisans and might be able to grab yourself a souvenir of local pottery. You'll also get to taste Cape Verde's national dish, catchupa, a rich stew of corn, beans, pork and vegetables – through ingredients change, not just from island to island or village to village, but house to house.Next, hold on tight as you zoom through the dusty landscape of the Viana desert. Our next stop is Povoação Velha, the oldest settlement on the island. Wander its rustic streets before kicking back on the 11km-long Santa Monica beach. Its sugar-white sand contrasts against fluorescent blue waters like an image from a postcard. If you're an adventure seeker, you can even try your hand at sandboarding.

Boa Vista catamaran cruise with all-inclusive drinks and snacks

Set sail on a journey around Boa Vista and Sal Rei on this half-day catamaran cruise. You'll be welcomed on board by your friendly crew with a quick safety briefing, before casting off along the coast. Joao, our expert local guide, says “the beauty of these islands is best seen from the deck of a catamaran as you drift over the waves – it's like stepping into a postcard."As we cruise along this stretch of sea, you'll get a front-row view of the coastal landscapes – think endless golden beaches and chunky rock formations jutting out of the sea. You'll get a good look at Sal Rei, too, which means Salt King in Portuguese, a nod to its history of salt production. It's home to the Fort of the Duke of Braganca, originally built to fend off pirates. This fort stands out against the ocean backdrop, making it easy to spot as you sail by.On board, you'll find a selection of snacks and drinks. Whether you fancy sipping on a cool beverage or nibbling on tasty treats, you'll be perfectly pampered as you cruise. Then, you'll drop anchor for a swim in the sea – ideal if you fancy cooling off. Alternatively, you can relax on the nets near the front of the catamaran and catch some rays.

Family-friendly 4x4 buggy tour of southern Boa Vista

Get behind the wheel of an off-road, four-seater buggy and explore the south of Boa Vista Island, in Cape Verde, on this outing that's great for couples, solo travellers and families alike. Feel the thrill of ripping across the dunes of Morro de Areia and head past the towering chimney of the old ceramics factory at Chaves Beach. It harks back to the days when the area was an industrial hub on the island in the 19th century. You'll then ride to Verandinha and see its caves and arching cliffs, before stopping at Cape Verde's longest beach, Santa Monica. Then, it's on to see the ruins of Cabo Curral Velho, an old, abandoned fishing village, before finishing your tour with a look at Fonte Vicente's famous baobab tree.

Family-friendly off-road buggy tour of northern Boa Vista

Kick off your day with an adrenaline-pumping tour of northern Boa Vista in a four-seater, off-road buggy. The adventure begins with a rumble along Via Pitoresca, a stretch with sea views and palm trees aplenty, before reaching Ponta do Sol. From there, on a clear day, you'll see your next stop, the island's famous shipwreck, Cabo Santa Maria. The grand finale? A family photo op in the sand dunes of the Viana Desert before it's back to the comfort of your hotel.

Buggy night tour in Boa Vista

Get behind the wheel of a 4x4 buggy on this night tour, zooming across the Viana Desert, stopping there to admire an unforgettable view of one of the seven wonders of Cape Verde. From here, you'll continue across Via Pitoresca, which means ‘picturesque route' in English – we think you'll agree it's worthy of the name – before making your way over the sandy paths to the restored chapel of Our Lady of Fatima. To round off the adventure, you'll zip through Sal-Rei – that's ‘king of salt' in Portuguese – which was named as a sign of respect towards the importance of salt production on the island.

Chaves Bay boat cruise in Boa Vista with swim stop

Set sail for some island fun in Boa Vista. After boarding the Zodiac ‘Ocean Blue' at Sal Rei Port, feel the gentle breeze in your hair as you enjoy a slow harbour cruise, heading out towards Chaves Bay and the dunes of Morro d'Areia. Get ready to snap up pics as you glide along this impressive coastline, soaking up the views along Varandinha and Santa Monica. You'll then enjoy some speed cruising, where before you know it, you'll arrive at Djeu for a refreshing swim stop in its calm, sparkling waters.

Beginners’ scuba diving session in Boa Vista

The waters around the island of Boa Vista, in Cape Verde, are teeming with wildlife and reefs. Don't miss the chance to see them up close with this introductory scuba-diving session, which is run at a professional dive centre with certified guides. Transfers are included, so you'll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel. You can choose from morning or afternoon sessions – each one consists of a safety briefing and two dives, including one in open water.

Boa Vista Diving Experiences

With its diverse marine life, tropical coral reefs and volcanic rocks, the underwater world of Boa Vista is waiting to be explored. After a safety briefing with your fully qualified instructor, you'll dive straight in to spot snappers, moray eel, parrotfish and even sting rays. There's a range of different dives to suit all abilities.

Boa Vista Turtle Nesting Beach Tour with Exclusive Transfer

Buckle up for a nighttime adventure with the turtles on this unforgettable Boa Vista beach walk. After hotel pick up, you're heading to one of the world's top nesting beaches, where loggerhead turtles – the OG Caretta caretta – have been laying their eggs for centuries. It's not just any beach – it's the third-largest nesting spot on the planet, so you know you're in for something special.Once you arrive, your guide will spill all the deets on these incredible creatures. You'll get the lowdown on why Boa Vista is a turtle paradise and how the locals are working hard to keep it that way. Then comes the main event. With the stars lighting the way, you'll stroll down to the beach with a biologist, ready to watch these amazing creatures do their thing. It's pure magic as you see the turtles nesting under the night sky – prepare to be seriously wowed. You'll then head back to camp, buzzing from the experience, before being whisked back to your hotel.