Boa Vista: Sand, turtles and the music of Cape Verde

 

Just by its very name, Boa Vista (“good view” in English) conjures up thoughts of amazing landscapes and scenes.  This island is the easternmost island of the Cape Verde archipelago, and is one of the Barlavento, or windward, islands in the group.

Boa Vista is also the third largest island in Cape Verde, after Santo Antão and Santiago and is located 455 kilometers (283 miles) off the west African coast.

Like that other Barlavento island, Sal, most of Boa Vista is flat and the highest point is Monte Estância, which has an elevation 387 meters (1,279 feet).

Other mountains on the island include Santo António (Saint Anthony) and Monte Negro (Black Mountain).

There are a couple of islets surrounding Boa Vista, including Ilhéu de Sal Rei in the west, which features a lighthouse, and Ilhéu do Baluate is at the easternmost point of the archipelago.

The island's main town is Sal Rei, located on the northwest of the island, which is home to a ferry port as well as the Boa Vista airport, Rabil Airport. The island has two parishes, Santa Isabel and São João Baptista.

Boa Vista is best known for its marine turtles, which flourish in the area, the wonderful sand dunes and beaches and for the traditional music of the Cape Verde Islands.

As at 2010, the population of Boa Vista consisted of 6,233 residents and the island’s economy is mainly based in agriculture, with date farming a popular feature.

Tourism is increasing on the island and much work is being achieved in this field on the island. However, it should be noted that there is a certain amount of poverty among the residents of the island, as this video points out, due to the all-inclusive resorts which tend to hog all the tourists' money to themselves.

Opportunities abound on the island for touristic adventures, including backpacking. Discover all the hidden spots on the island either on foot or by bicycle or other transport and pitch your tent out in the wild, untouched nature.

If backpacking isn’t your thing, there are international hotels available offering the best in quality and comfort. The towns offer good meals in either international of local Cape Verdean restaurants.

For a five-star experience, try the Tripadvisor- rated IberostarClub Boavista - All inclusive hotel (pictured right) situated right on the beach just minutes from Praia da Chaves and close to Praia de Santa Monica.

However, if you stay at this resort, please remember the local economy and shop and eat out during your holiday to give something back to the locals for sharing their island with you.

If international resorts are not your thing, try a traditional and charming bed & breakfast, like A Paz Residence B&B close to Praia da Chaves. This smaller, traditional establishment offers all the required facilities like an Internet connection, a good night's sleep and an on-site restaurant:

Several more hotels are available on Boa Vista and can be seen here.

Wherever you stay, you will never be far away from the lyrical and traditional music of the islands, “Morna,” an example of which is included in the video below as part of a music contest held back in 2013:



The towns on Boa Vista Island are of traditional Cape Verdean style with attractive colors:

 
In conclusion, if you are interested in deep-sea or beach fishing, quad tours over the dunes in the desert areas, or dancing the night away, Boa Vista is a great location and wherever you stay, that gorgeous sandy beach is always just a short distance away.

The video below takes you on a tour of Boa Vista and while the language is Portuguese, the images speak for themselves:

Photo credits:

• Praia de Chaves and Boa Vista desert CC-by-SA Zé Pinho
• Boa Vista blue and green houses CC BY-ND 2.0 Laurent HENSCHEN
• Boa Vista map CC-by-SA Bela-vista.net
• Sea Turtle CC-by-SA deeje
• Boa Vista quad tours CC-by-SA niall62
• Hotel photos – courtesy the hotels