ACTIVITIES

In order to provide our guests an unforgettable holiday, we have selected the best guides, schools and organisations so that we can help you organise the various activities you can do on the island. Be an island tour, a boat trip, a tour to see the turtles, etc, we want everything you do, to be special! 

ACTIVITIES

In order to provide our guests an unforgettable holiday, we have selected the best guides, schools and organisations so that we can help you organise the various activities you can do on the island. Be an island tour, a boat trip, a tour to see the turtles, etc, we want everything you do, to be special! 

The Cape Verde Islands are one of the two breeding sites for the species in the North Atlantic.


Humpbacks whales carry out seasonal migrations between their high-latitude feeding areas and their low-latitude breeding grounds.
The Cape Verde Islands are one of the two breeding sites for the species in the North Atlantic.
March and April is the peak of the breeding season and also the time when these acrobatic whales can be sighted off the W and SW coast of Boa Vista.

  

 


Individuals can be identified from natural markings (ventral fluke pattern). 

Males sing songs, at least partly to attract females, and to maintain distance from other males.
This activity offers a great opportunity for researchers to collect data on the temporal and spatial distribution of whales, their behaviour, as well as pictures and skin samples for individual identification.
 

  

   

 

 

 

Tour Schedule

Half-day tours are available

in the morning (8:45)

and in the afternoon (13:45).

Duration and Group

The boat trip normally

takes 3-4 hours.

Group sizes: 4-15 people.

Prices

65€ per adult

45€ per children from 4 to 11 y.o.


Full day: 145€ per adult

(not recommended for children)


Babies up 3 y.o. are free.


 

It is estimated that around two thirds of the nesting activity on Cape Verde occurs on the Island of Boa Vista.


Although all species of sea turtles are officially protected under the laws of Cape Verde, they are heavily exposed to multiple anthropogenic threats. The primary threat is the slaughter of female loggerheads when they come ashore to nest. Turtle-watching may contribute to the survival of these ancient creatures by showing Cape Verde people that a living turtle yields more profits (in terms of employment and incomes) than a dead one.

  

 


A part of the revenue from tours is destined to conservation programs for the implementation of the National plan for the safeguarding of protected species in Cabo Verde.


Turtle-watching tours (observation of nesting loggerhead turtles) are conducted at night from early July to mid October. August is the peak of the nesting season.

Program:


  • Departure from your apartment is between 18:00 to 18:30. An 60-minute trip by car (4-wheel pick-up vehicle) takes guests to the nesting beaches on the east/southeast coast of the island.


  • Briefing: a guide will introduce some information on marine turtles’ biology and conservation work in the Cape Verde Island, as well as the basic rules to follow in order to minimize disturbance on the animals.


  • Observation of turtles: The chance of seeing turtles is 90%. However, it must be borne in mind that most times, turtles coming ashore do not lay eggs, because they do not find a suitable nesting site on the beach. Nesting females are approached only when they have started to lay eggs.


  • Arrival at your apartment is between 22:00 and 23:00.



Time Schedule

Departure at 18:00/18:30

and returning at 22:00/23:00

We suggest to take some snack and drink with you as you may skip dinner time.

Duration and Group

The whole trip normally

takes 4 to 5 hours.

Group size: from 1 to 6 people.

Prices

65€ per adult

35€ per children from 4 to 11 y.o.


Possibility to book a private tour as well (price under request)


Babies up 3 y.o. are free, but we don't recommend it can be a bumpy ride.


 

Beautiful beaches, deserts of white dunes, turquoise sea, oasis in the middle of nowhere with exotic fruits, tiny villages where you can still find genuine people … this is Boa Vista!


Boa Vista is the third largest island in the archipelago of Cape Verde, with a surface of 620 km².

The roads are mostly made by off road dirt track, sand and rocks, making you have a difficult access to remote beaches and being possible only with 4×4 cars.

Even so, some areas are difficult to drive and only experienced guides who know the terrain can get there.

 


We work with very good guides/drivers, speaking Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French and English. They are all from the island, as we support the local economy and we believe that only those who grow up here can get to know the island, history and culture of Cape Verde in full.



Doing a full day tour is possible, but it can be very exhausting.


That's why we propose to divide the island into two parts and go on 2 different days.

Our two tour suggestion


WEST TOUR

(HALF DAY):


  • Leaving from your apartment
  • Visiting Morro de Areia
  • Stopping at Varandinha (visit the beach and the cave)
  • Stopping at Santa Monica (relax, swim, passing at Boca Beach for a drink)
  • Stopping at Provação Velha
  • Returning to Sal Rei


DURATION: 3/4 hours with stops at your pleasure

PRICE FOR PRIVATE TOUR: 90€ (car+driver+gasoline)

 

EAST TOUR

(FULL DAY):


  •  Leaving from your apartment (around 9h00)
  • Visiting Cabo Santa Maria
  • Stopping in Rabil and the “Olaria” (pottery laboratory)
  • Tour in the Viana’s desert (walk in the dunes)
  • Driving to the Norte through “route 66”
  • Visiting the lighthouse of Morro Negro and his amazing view
  • Visiting the villages of Norte (beautiful traditional and colorful houses) - here it’s possible to lunch in a typical restaurant
  • Visiting Bofareira & having a little stop at a local square for a drink
  • Returning to Sal Rei


DURATION: 6/7 hours, stops at your pleasure

PRICE FOR PRIVATE TOUR: 120€ (car+driver+gasoline)

Tour start time

West tour can start at 9:00 or 13:30 and East tour not later than 9:30

In every tour it is possible to stop for a lunch in a typical restaurant, in case advise the driver/guide at the start.

Private or Shared tours

The tours are usually private with the car only for you. But if you don't mind, we can ask and suggest to other guests if they want to share. This is a way to meet other people and save money, as the tour price is shared between you.

Group size 6 people maximum.

Personalized tours

It is possible to customize your tour, including or excluding steps in the itinerary.

In this case, you should contact us and together with the guide we will design a new tour entirely to your liking.

The price will be adjusted to the new itinerary chosen.


 

Tours full of fun and adrenaline, that will take you through golden dunes, dirt clay roads, tropical oasis and endless beaches with tourquese sea!


Get an unforgettable and adventure experience with our quad tours.

The expert guides will take you on a quad ride through golden dunes, dirt roads full of clay, areas of volcanic eruptions, tropical oases and fabulous beaches.

The perfect experience for magical excursions, surrounded by nature. Far from the city and from everyday life, you will be immersed in the beauty of a heavenly island, in total safety.



Our vehicles are cared for by expert mechanics, when in rest, cleaned and inspected to be ready to use every day by our guests.

 


We propose 2 tours:

Shipwreck - a tour that consists mainly of sandstone trails that lead to the north side of the Island, where we will find an old shipwreck stranded on the beach that has been there since 1970, and that still gives a mysterious and fascinating feeling.

Santa Monica - It is a longer and more complete tour. You will have the chance to admire the entire southeast side of the island with its long and beautiful beaches. You will ride the entire length of Santa Monica beach to appreciate its colors and beauty, and end with the breathtaking dunes of morro de Areia.

Our two tour suggestion


SANTA MONICA (4H):


  • You will be picked up from your apartment and driven to the quad garage
  • Departure from the garage in Rabil
  • Visit the beach of Chaves where the chimney is (with stop)stopping at Chaves beach
  • crossing the village of Rabil
  • Stopping at the village of Povoação Velha (for a drink)
  • stopping at Santa Mônica beach (to swim and walk along the beach)
  • crossing Farrapa beach
  • stopping in Varandinha beach (visit the natural cave)
  • crossing Morro de Areia desert (beautiful sand dunes with sea view)
  • crossing Chaves beach and arrive to the garage
  • turning back to your apartment by car


DURATION: 4 hours tour

PRICE FOR DOUBLE BIKE: 90€ (for 2 persons)

PRICE FOR SINGLE BIKE: 75€ (for 1 person)



CABO SANTA MARIA (2H):


  • You will be picked up from your apartment and driven to the quad garage
  • Departure from the garage in Rabil
  • Visit the beach of Chaves where the chimney is
  • Stopping at Atlanta Beach (Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck) for a swim
  • Turning back crossing an Acacia’s tree wood named "Clotilde Forest"
  • Driving back on "via pitoresca", the ancient cobble stone road to the quad garage.
  • Turning back to your apartment by car


DURATION: 2 hours tour

PRICE FOR DOUBLE BIKE: 70€ (for 2 persons)

PRICE FOR SINGLE BIKE: 60€ (for 1 person)


Requirements for the quad tour:

  • be older than 18 y.o. to drive the quad
  • have a car drive license
  • childrens in the back with minimum age of 7 y.o.

Advice before going on the quad tour:

  • Dress dark clothes (they will be very very dirt in the end of the tour)
  • Bring a scarf or foulard to cover your mouth and nose, protecting them from dust
  • Bring enough water to drink as you may not found places to buy it.

Insurance

The insurance of the vehicle covers damages to third parties. The customer remains responsible for damage to himself or his vehicle



 

Boa Vista offers pristine clarity, warm waters and experiences for all levels of divers


Boa Vista island situated in the mid-Atlantic is surrounded by a shallow reef making this area home to a huge variety of sea life including whale sharks and Manta rays. A number of hidden reefs along with strong currents and high iron content in the islands rocks, that will misconstrue a ship’s compass, have led to numerous wrecks around the island.

  

 


Although coral reefs are pretty much non-existent off this island, Boa Vista offers pristine clarity, warm waters and experiences for all levels of divers.


Please note that during the winter months sea conditions can be rougher than normal, which may affect dive trips.

There are 2 diving centers in Boa Vista, and in both you can take PADI courses and/or rent diving equipment.


SUBMARINE DIVE CENTER:


  • It was the first diving center on the island, since 1998
  • Family management, local staff
  • Dives in max. 5 persons and very personal service
  • Located on Estoril beach, 5 minutes from our apartments
  • From the same management, the restaurant Toca Da Garoupa, an excellent place for a break after a diving.


     YOU CAN CONTACT THEM HERE

 

SCUBA CARIBE:


  • International group with centers in several countries
  • Competitive prices in group diving
  • Located at the Hotel RIU Karamboa (you need a taxi to get there)
  • International staff speaking several different languages


YOU CAN BOOK YOUR DIVE HERE

The schools right in front the apartments offer a range of opportunities for the practice of all types of water sports!

For all levels and tastes, from beginners to advanced, Sal Rei bay offers opportunities for everyone.

For those who love adrenaline, an extreme and adventurous aquatic experience awaits you; for those who want to perfect their techniques, or for those who want to learn from the beginning ; for those who just want to take a canoe or ride a stand up paddle at sunset; the schools right in front of the apartments offer all this and much more!

And for kite and windsurfing fans, the north wind creates the most favorable conditions for practicing these sports.


Along Estoril beach we find several schools offering services from equipment rental, material storage, lessons and surf trips.


It was the first water sports center in Boavista and they have one of the best location in the bay of Sal Rei.

Just 5-minute walk from our apartments, they offer different activities so no matter how the conditions are you will always find some stoke on your sessions. The center is equipped whit professional equipment and a friendly highly qualified team to assist your progression and your safety on the water. A mythical place where your best sessions and unforgettable sunsets will make the most of your dream vacation.


Discover them here


Cape Verde has a sea rich in fish, and is one of the best fishing destinations in the Atlantic Ocean!

The island of Boa Vista offers many fishing opportunities, and all types of anglers will be able to enjoy themselves here. The probability of fishing is very high, and you always take something home.

Fishing modalities range from beach fishing, bottom fishing, jigging, big game, trolling, spearfishing on the reef and in the blue.

Here we have one of the largest concentrations of Blue Marlin in the world, but we can easily find fish such as Tuna, Wahoo, Amberjack, Horse Eye Jack, Dolphinfish and Sailfish.

All materials are included, but passionate and fond can bring their own materials.


Excellent prices (for the boat), in small groups of a maximum of 4 fishermen, which makes a unique opportunity for those who love fishing.


Get in touch so we can propose a package with fishing included!

A complete boat tour for everyone:

Fish, chill and Grill!

The bay of Sal Rei awaits you!


This is a complete boat trip for everyone: you can relax on the deck, either in the sun or in the shade; catch your own fish, even if you don't have much fishing experience; navigate across the bay to the beach on the islet of Sal Rei and snorkeling in the crystalline waters; ending with a fantastic barbecue on the beach!

The boat is quite spacious with large cushions on the deck.

The fishing rods will be available to anyone who wants to fish, and if you need it, the staff will help you with instructions on how they work.



  

 



Snorkelling masks are also available for those who want to enjoy the bay's colorful fish.

Afterwards, on the Ilheu beach, the barbecue will be prepared with fish, but also with sausages accompanied by salad, rice and bread. Drinks are also included (water, fanta, coke, sprite, beers and wine).


Everything for you to have a great day!

Night sky observation with naked eyes and professional equipments.

Spot constellations, planets, the moon, nebulas and amazing shooting stars!


Arriving at the place of observation, guests will be greeted by the guide who, after a short introductory briefings on what is observed in the night, will begin to indicate objects visible to the naked eye.
Depending on the moon phase and the time of year will be observed planets, stars, and deep space objects with a telescope, lasers and tablet.
During the evening, you can take photographs to capture images of incredible objects.


  

 


Also will be made available to a tablet for learning to use applications that allow us to recognize the heavenly bodies, so that we can repeat the experience at home, with your own device.


In collaboration with Viana club, there will be included a welcome drink and a buffet dinner with traditional live music.

Program:


  • Departure from your apartment between 18:30 to 18:45. Arriving at Viana Club and receiving a welcome drink while the other guests arrives. The traditional live music starts.


  • Briefing: a guide will present some general information about the sky to be observed, constellations, what is available to be observed in Cape Verde and how it changes from hemisphere to hemisphere, all assisted with visible images on devices such as tablets and "gravity table".


  • Dinner buffet: A traditional dinner will be served accompanied by live music. Dessert is included but drinks are not. The guides invite people to go out in small groups for telescope observation.


  • Departure for a walking in the desert, where you can lie down and watch the stars with naked eye. Guides will help you find the constellations with the help of a laser and give some explanations about the sky above. It is recommended to bring a coat as temperatures in the desert can be lower and a blanket or towel to lie down on.


  • Back to the restaurant, tasting of traditional liquors (grogue and pontche).


  • Arrival at your apartment is between 23:00 and 23:30.

Cloudy night?

In case of sudden cloud cover that doesn't make possible the observation, the excursion will be postponed to the next night.

But usually with the forecast we can find out in advance, so you will be notified no later than 16h.

Skills and knowledge

No special technical knowledge is required.

The staff has scientific and technical knowledge and they will program the telescope, so that you just look through it.

They use patience, kindness and funny tricks to show you the wonders of the night sky.

Prices

60€ per adult

35€ per children from 4 to 11 y.o.


Babies up 3 y.o. are free, but we don't recommend for this tour.

 


More than 20 different species of birds breed in Boa Vista Island.


Wetlands areas located along the shore (brackish or salty water) or inland (freshwater) are worth visiting.
The Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata Magnificens), the Cream-coloured courser (Cursorius Cursor), the Egyptian vulture (Neophron Percnopterus) and the White-faced storm-petrel (Pelagodroma Marina) are among the most sought-after species by enthusiastic birdwatchers.


  

 


Active Red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon Aethereus) breeding colonies are also very enjoyable.
Half-day and full-day tours are available upon request.
The prices depending on the number of people, length of tour and the logistics involved.

Duration and Itinerary

An average of 20-25 bird species can be observed in a half day tour (about 4 hours), visiting different habitats such as wetlands in search of waders, dune fields or inland plains for native steppe birds (eg. larks) and coastal cliffs for red-billed tropical birds.

Material and Info

Professional binoculars will be provided to facilitate the observation. A nature guide will provide information on the most common species seen. The diversity and abundance of birds is highly influenced by weather conditions.

Cape Verde Birds

BIOS.CV is a non-profit organization whose objectives are the conservation, study and protection of the environment (habitats and species), as well as the promotion and development of local communities through educational and cultural initiatives that help preserve of Cape Verde's culture and nature.


Here you can find information about the ornithological diversity of Cape Verde prepared by them.


 

Cape Verde can be found on the top 10 list of ‘Hot spots’ for coral biodiversity


Cape Verde can be found on the top 10 list of ‘Hot spots’ for coral biodiversity, though no true coral reefs exist in the archipelago. Instead, there are a number of sites with rich coral communities. As Gatas Bay, on the NE shore of Boa Vista, combines optimal natural conditions for both coral development and safe snorkeling activity. “Gatas” refers to the local name of the nurse shark. During the summer months this type of sharks aggregate in dense groups in Gatas Bay.

 


The coral community found in this bay is made up of stony corals that support a particular marine flora and fauna diversity.


Snorkeling tours are only possible at high tide, since at low tide the bay becomes very shallow and the coral heads almost stick out of the sea surface.

  

 

 

What's included

  • Transfer from your accommodation
  • Diving equipment (if you have your own, you can bring it with you)
  • Immersion of approximately 45/60 min
  • Aperitif at a local bar

Schedule and Duration

The schedule is established according to the tide, and can be in the morning or early afternoon.

The trip to Gatas bay (with 4-wheel pick-up vehicle) takes approximately 50 minutes from Sal-Rei.

Total duration of the tour is approximately 4 hours

Prices

60€ per adult (from 12y.o)

30€ per children


Due to the Tour degree of difficulty, are allowed children starting from 10 years old.

 

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