Boa Vista, Cape Verde: dunes, resorts and high waves

Boa Vista is a different island of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), about 55 kilometres south of Sal. The island is known for its sand dunes and empty landscape.

Dunes and quiet

Boa Vista has more sand dunes than Sal and feels rough and empty. There is much less to do: no lively village with a centre by the sea, mainly a few large resorts where you spend most of your time.

Swimming in the sea: often not possible

The waves on Boa Vista are often high. The red flag is therefore often up on the beach, so you can almost never swim in the sea. If swimming matters to you, Sal is the better choice: the bay of Santa Maria is calm all year.

From Sal to Boa Vista

Boa Vista has its own international airport, and a ferry sails from the harbour of Palmeira on Sal. Not sure which island suits you? Read our comparison Sal or Boa Vista.

Frequently asked questions about Boa Vista

Where is Boa Vista? Boa Vista is a different island of Cape Verde, about 55 kilometres south of Sal.

Can you swim in the sea on Boa Vista? Often not: the waves are high and with the red flag you can almost never swim in the sea.

Is there much to do on Boa Vista? Much less than on Sal. There is no lively village by the sea; you mainly stay in a few large resorts.

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Written by Tom Wegter of The Huefter Group, Santa Maria, Sal (Cape Verde) · last updated: 13 November 2026