This page describes an island in the Cape Verde archipelago. For the city in Brazil see Boa Vista. Boa Vista or Boavista is the most easterly island of the Cape Verde archipelago, lying in the Atlantic 450 km west of Sen
Boa Vista’s coastline is famed for endless stretches of sand, yet the island’s interior offers a contrasting desert‑like terrain that feels more Saharan than Atlantic. The Viana Desert, with its ochre dunes and lone acacia, is a rewarding detour for travellers who enjoy terraforming walks or a quiet sunset far from the surf. Pack a wide‑brimmed hat and plenty of water; the contrast between the salty sea breeze and the dry inland air makes for striking photographs. Sunset hikes to the volcanic crater of Praia de Chaves reveal a sky that shifts from turquoise to deep indigo, a spectacle that is rarely mentioned in standard guidebooks.
From July to October, the nesting season for loggerhead and hawksbill turtles transforms Boa Vista’s quieter coves into natural nurseries. While many visitors flock to the more commercial beaches, the lesser‑known Praia de Santa Mónica offers a front‑row seat to hatchlings slipping into the surf, provided you respect local guidelines – no flash photography, no litter, and keeping a respectful distance. Joining a locally run conservation walk not only supports community‑run projects but also adds depth to the beach experience, turning a simple sunset stroll into a participation in a global effort to protect these ancient mariners.
The island’s consistent trade winds earn it a reputation among kite‑surfers, but they also open the door to quieter activities such as wind‑sailing and traditional sail‑fishing excursions from the harbour of Sal Rei. Small wooden dhows, piloted by seasoned islanders, glide across the Atlantic with minimal engine use, allowing visitors to glimpse the fishing methods that have sustained the community for generations. Booking one of these trips supports the local economy and offers a glimpse of Boa Vista’s maritime heritage that most beach‑focused itineraries overlook.
Redirect to:Boa Vista, Cape Verde From a modification: This is a redirect from a modification of the target's title or a closely related title. For example, the words may be rearranged. Please note that there are many more specific templates. Please use {{R from alternative spelling}}, {{R from alternative hyphenation}}, {{R from alternative punctuation}}, {{R from alternative spacing}} and {{R from misquotation}} where relevant; see subcategories of Category:Redirects from modifications for other options (capitals, abbreviations, diacritics, plurals, stylizations, transliteration, ligatures, different parts of speech, etc.). If you are unsure which to use, this template is fine; someone will make it more specific later if necessary. In cases of modification from distinctly longer or shorter names, please use {{R from long name}} or {{R from short name}}, respectively. In mainspace, an abbreviation should be tagged with {{R from initialism}} or, if it can be spoken like a word such as NASA and RADAR, use {{R from acronym}}. Use this rcat instead of {{R from other capitalisation}} and {{R from plural}} in namespaces other than mainspace for those types of modification. This may also apply to several other subcategories of modification; please check those templates' output before saving if using outside of mainspace.