Making the most of Boa Vista
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Your ship will dock in the centre of Sal Rei.
The easternmost and third largest island, Boa Vista means “beautiful view”, and there are many wonderful vistas to experience. In the capital, Sal Rei, charming cobbled streets and striking colonial architecture await.
Boa Vista is Cape Verde Archipelago’s third largest island. Like Sal, it is flat, covering 620 Km2. Peak of Estância, at about 390 metres, is its highest point. White dunes, including Deserto Viana, cover the island; they were, and continue to be, formed by Saharan sand blown across from mainland Africa. Date-palm oases occur here and there as the island’s typical vegetation. Boa Vista has 55 Km of white-sand beaches and crystal clear water.
There are miles of stunning beaches, including remote, untouched stretches famous as loggerhead turtle nesting sites.
Getting around
Organized excursions through the cruise ship usually use 4X4 Land Rovers, rugged coaches or minibuses.
Money
The currency is the Cape Verde Escudo (1 Euro= 113 Escudos). Hotels and banks may charge slightly more.