Highlights on Boa Vista
Length 31 km
Width 29 km
Area 620 km²
Highest point Monte Estância 387 m
Population 20,000
Main town Sal Rei (approx. 10,000 residents)
Humpback whales
Every year from mid/late February to the end of May the humpback whales visit us to give birth to their calves and to mate at the same time. Chaves Bay offers the perfect conditions for observing humpback whales, which are up to 18 meters long and weigh up to 40 tons.
Admire the humpback whales and their calves in their natural habitat on the west coast of Boa Vista.
Cabo Santa Maria
Atalanta beach also known as Cabo Santa Maria because of the Spanish freighter Cabo Santa Maria.
Built in 1957 in the large shipyards of Cartagena by the Empresa Nacional Bazán de Construcciones Navales, it was a fast, very maneuverable freighter that cruised with a modern ship equipped with advanced electronic navigation and a very experienced crew. It sank in September 1968, captained by the experienced Fernando De Solis, with a crew of 38 and 5 passengers. It contained food, gifts for General Franco and his supporters, and machinery.
They left Genoa for Buenos Aires, stopping at various ports in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. The fact that the ship was stranded on a sandbank next to the beach without any structural damage shows that the accident was not due to technical failure. The reason for the accident was never revealed.
The Cabo Santa Maria wreck has become a symbol of Boa Vista and Cape Verde. A source of inspiration for painters and photographers, they often illustrated postcards, books and magazines, and a visit is a must for tourists.
Today, due to corrosion, wave impact and weathering from various storms, little remains of the great ship. The shipwreck looks like the skeleton of a majestic animal. After 50 years, it is time to celebrate not so much the accident, but the gift of the sea that fed the people of Boa Vista in a time of famine.
lighthouse Morro Negro
The fortress of Cape Verde, the closest to the African continent, is located at the easternmost peak of the archipelago. Its imposing presence rises metaphorically and literally like a lighthouse, guiding travelers through the crystal clear waters of the ocean.
Climbing to the lighthouse is an exciting adventure.
As you drive through the picturesque villages of the north and Fundo das Figueiras, you will immerse yourself in a colorful world of vibrantly painted houses and flowering gardens. And as you drive along the “California” road, with its red soil and breathtaking landscapes, you will feel as if you are on the way to paradise.
Morro Negro Lighthouse is a journey through the history, culture and natural beauty of Boa Vista. Take your camera with you and get ready to discover one of Cape Verde's hidden gems. Every step you take on the island brings you closer to a story, an adventure and a memory that you will carry with you forever.
Odjo D'Mar
North of Boa Vista lies the Odjo d’Mar, a natural lake that offers a unique and adventurous experience. Immersed in an untouched landscape, the lake is reached via a one-hour path that starts in the village of Cabeça dos Tarafes.
Odjo d’Mar is a place that comes to life especially after rainy days, in August, September or October. During these periods, the lake fills with clear and clean water, providing a refreshing relief from the tropical heat. The cool water invites you to take a relaxing swim or have a picnic.
But what really makes Odjo d’Mar special is the adventure of the place itself. The route to the lake is an experience in itself, requiring sturdy hiking boots and a sense of adventure. Along the way, you'll be amazed by the natural beauty and tranquility this hidden corner of Boa Vista has to offer.
Odjo d’Mar is not just a lake; it is a place where nature meets adventure and everyone can find a moment of peace and connection with the surrounding environment. If you are looking for an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience during your visit to Boa Vista, Odjo d’Mar is a destination not to be missed.
The loggerhead sea turtle
After Oman and Florida, the Cape Verde Islands are the third largest breeding site for loggerhead sea turtles.
About two-thirds of the turtles that nest in Cape Verde visit Boa Vista Island. Every year from June to October, many females come to the beaches at night to dig nests and lay eggs.
Sea turtles have been protected in Cape Verde since 1987. However, hunting, which has since been considered poaching, only declined slightly. The “use” of marine reptiles for food supply was firmly established among the rural population.
At the beginning of each breeding season, the Turtle Foundation team sets up five field stations at strategic locations. Rangers and volunteers are there throughout the nesting season from June to October. They monitor about 30 kilometers of the 65 km long nesting beaches. A comprehensive accompanying program, focusing primarily on development cooperation, environmental education and public relations, will be implemented as accompanying measures. The project thus contributes to the sustainability of the immediate protective measures.
With some providers you can book various turtle tours. Depending on the season, the egg laying or hatching, dig up the baby turtles. A natural spectacle that everyone should experience.
Rotcha-Tours
We are a young, small company and would be happy to make your vacation a unique experience! With us you will be driven individually around the island and learn more about the country and its people. About the mentality of the locals and how they cope with their everyday lives here on Boa Vista. With NO STRESS guarantee! This is a foreign word for us =)
We work hand in hand with local businesses such as farmers and families. It is important for us to bring you closer to local life.
In small groups we explore the island of Boa Vista with its many facets. Our drivers are experienced and licensed and our tours are properly insured.
