Boa Vista’s cruise port sits in Sal Rei, with most ships dropping anchor in the bay before you hop on tender boats to reach shore.
For other Cape Verde Cruise destinations check out our Cape Verde Cruise Ship Port Guide page.
Once you’re there, you can wander through the town checking out colonial buildings, browse the local markets, and grab some authentic Cape Verdean grub.
If you’re up for exploring, head to gorgeous spots like Praia de Chaves beach, take in the Viana Desert, or try your hand at kitesurfing – turtle watching is also pretty cool if you time it right.
Just pack a small bag with your must-haves and grab some Cabo Verde Escudos for shopping at the local spots.
Check out our full guide for some hidden island gems we’ve discovered.
Map of Boa Vista Cruise Ship Port
Port Location & Docking Information
Boa Vista’s cruise port is nestled in Sal Rei, the capital town on the northwestern coast of Cape Verde’s easternmost island. You’ll dock about 455 km from West Africa’s coast, with desert landscapes and beautiful turquoise waters all around you.
Most ships drop anchor in Sal Rei Bay’s calm waters, and you’ll hop on tender boats to get ashore. The port’s nothing fancy, but it’s got a certain charm to it, running on Cape Verde Time (UTC-1). Once you step off the boat, you’re literally just a short stroll from local shops, restaurants, and the starting point for exploring Boa Vista’s natural beauty.
Exploring Sal Rei Town
As your tender boat hits the sand at Sal Rei, you’ll step into a laid-back, easygoing town that’s the real heart and soul of Boa Vista island.
Check out the white Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima and the old-school Catholic Church Sao Isabel – both show off the island’s religious roots. The Monument is pretty impressive too – it’s all about Cape Verde’s cultural identity.
In between exploring, take some time to browse the local markets where locals sell handmade textiles and jewelry. Snap some pics of the colonial buildings while you’re wandering around, and grab a bite at one of the nearby spots serving up real Cape Verdean food.
Best part? Most of the cool stuff is free to see, and you can easily walk from one place to the next.
Best Beaches & Natural Attractions
Seriously, why pick just one amazing beach when Boa Vista gives you a whole coastline of stunning sandy spots? From the incredible Praia de Chaves with its 1.5km of white sand to the jaw-dropping Cabo Santa Maria where loggerhead turtles come to nest – you’ll definitely find your perfect slice of paradise.
- Check out Santa Monica Beach’s award-winning 18km stretch for some incredible walks
- Get your adrenaline fix kitesurfing at Praia das Dunas – those trade winds are perfect!
- Wander through the otherworldly Viana Desert with its massive 20m high dunes that actually move
- Snap some pics of that eerie Spanish cargo shipwreck at Cabo Santa Maria that’s been there since ’68
Island Excursions & Activities
Ready to break out of beach mode? Boa Vista’s packed with cool adventures waiting for cruise folks like you! Come hang with our island crew for some seriously memorable fun.
Jump in a 4×4 and discover the island’s secret spots – we’ll take you through the Viana Desert and show you that famous old shipwreck. If you’re after an adrenaline kick, hop on a quad bike and tear across the dunes, or try sandboarding down the steep ones (it’s a blast!). Water lovers can chill on our catamaran trips where you might swim alongside turtles or catch dolphins playing in the crystal-clear blue. Feeling brave? Our shark safaris in the sheltered bays will definitely give you something to talk about back home. And don’t skip the real local flavor – hit up Sal Rei’s bustling markets and swing by the pretty Chapel of Fatima while you’re at it.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Porto Novo (Santo Antão) for a different Cape Verde Cruise destination.
Practical Travel Tips
Practical Travel Tips
Heading off to Boa Vista? A bit of planning goes a long way to keep your island adventure hassle-free. Throw together a small day bag with must-haves since your main luggage might show up at your cabin well after you’ve boarded. Most local shops prefer Cabo Verde Escudo for a more authentic shopping experience.
- Stash your ship card, document copies, and downloaded maps in something waterproof
- Pick up a few Portuguese phrases – locals really appreciate the effort
- Sort out your rides with official drivers beforehand and double-check pickup times
- Keep an eye on both “ship time” and local time so you don’t miss the boat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi Available at the Boa Vista Cruise Port?
You can probably connect to free Wi-Fi at the Boa Vista cruise port to check emails or send messages, but I wouldn’t use it for banking or anything financial. The signal can be pretty spotty, so don’t plan your whole day around having internet access while you’re there.
What Marine Wildlife Can Be Spotted Around Boa Vista?
The waters around Boa Vista are crazy amazing! You’ll see all kinds of cool stuff swimming around – humpback whales cruise through from January to May, loggerhead turtles paddle about, and dolphins jump everywhere. Keep an eye out for those massive manta rays gliding by, and the reefs are packed with fish in every color imaginable. Oh, and if you wade into the shallows, you might spot lemon sharks hanging out – they’re actually pretty chill!
Are There Any Local Festivals Coinciding With Cruise Arrivals?
Yes, you might get lucky and hit the Santa Cruz Festival in May or catch the New Year’s parties in January. These both happen during cruise season, so you’ll get to mix with the locals, groove to some music, check out the parades, and definitely sample real Cape Verdean food. Pretty cool timing!
What Sustainable Tourism Initiatives Exist on Boa Vista Island?
You’ll discover some awesome sustainability projects happening on Boa Vista – from turtle conservation tours where you can see the protection work firsthand, to hotels cutting their water use by 12% through smart efficiency programs. The island’s also pushing toward 100% clean energy, with solar and wind projects popping up all over the place.
Can Cruise Passengers Visit Neighboring Cape Verde Islands in a Day?
Planning to island-hop from your cruise stop? Hate to burst your bubble, but you’re pretty much anchored to Boa Vista! The reality is you won’t be able to check out the other Cape Verde islands during your cruise call – there’s just not enough time and getting between islands is a real headache. The transportation options are super limited, and with your ship’s tight schedule, day trips to neighboring islands just aren’t in the cards.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Sal Cruise Ship Port.
