What to do in Boa Vista in 3 days? Discover our itinerary featuring Sal Rei, Djeu, Santa Monica, the Viana Desert, and a boat excursion.
What to do in Boa Vista in 3 days? The ideal itinerary for a short stay
Do you only have 3 days in Boa Vista?
It's impossible to see everything, and that's okay.
With a well-organized program, three days are enough to discover three essential dimensions of Cape Verde's island: Sal Rei and the sea, the grand landscapes of the south, then the dunes and the north.
Day 1: Sal Rei, Estoril, and Djeu
Start with the heart of the island: Sal Rei.
Take a walk through the center, discover the waterfront, and enjoy Praia do Estoril.
Sal Rei offers a glimpse into part of Boa Vista's maritime and commercial history. The Tourism Institute describes the town as quiet, tied to its port, fishing, and its salt trade heritage.
In the afternoon, head to Djeu.
The islet lies opposite the capital and preserves the remains of Fort Duque de Bragança.
Marina Travel Tours currently offers a taxi boat crossing from Praia do Estoril.
This gives you a mix of town, beach, history, and boat travel on your very first day.
Day 2: Santa Mónica and Varandinha
Dedicate the entire second day to the south.
Santa Mónica is one of the must-see landscapes. Its long stretch of white sand measures around 11 kilometers according to official tourism sources.
Continue toward Varandinha, where rock formations contrast sharply with long, open beaches.
This day is all about grand landscapes.
Bring water, sun protection, and a camera, but also leave plenty of time to simply enjoy the places.
Day 3: Choose between land and sea
For your final day, don't try to do everything.
Choose according to your priorities.
Option A: The Viana Desert and the north
Set off to explore the Viana Desert, its dunes, and possibly other sites in the north.
The desert measures approximately five kilometers by one kilometer and owes part of its sand to particles carried from the Sahara by the winds.
Option B: Snorkeling or boat tour
If the sea is your priority, spend the morning on a maritime activity.
Marina Travel Tours currently offers a snorkeling excursion from Praia do Estoril, suitable even for beginners and including equipment.
Between March and May, a whale watching trip can be a great seasonal alternative.
Option C: Turtles during the season
Between June and October, you can consider a guided sea turtle watching trip with a licensed operator. This period corresponds to the main nesting season monitored by conservation organizations.
What are the absolute must-sees in just three days?
I would prioritize:
Sal Rei + a maritime experience + Santa Mónica + a desert landscape.
This gives a much more balanced view of the island than a succession of ten photo stops.
