In the 17th and 18th centuries, BoaVista was the economic capital of Cape Verde and its Sal Rei port located on a sheltered bay was a flourishing trade center. It was in BoaVista that morna was born, a sweet and nostalgic style that informs the archipelago's musical reputation today... Unhappily, the Sal Rei bay inexorably silted up over the years and the colonial authorities decided to establish themselves on the island of Santiago where they founded Praia, today's capital. At the start of the 19th century, English shipping companies who were looking for a better port of call to provide supplies founded the port of Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente where the Porto Grande bay could hold up to 50 ocean-going vessels.

At this point, BoaVista gently slipped into oblivion and remained a paradise to be discovered. BoaVista is the second island of Cape Verde in surface area, but unlike its nearest neighbor Santiago, it is very flat. Its climate is one of the most arid in the archipelago: it is like a piece of the Sahara lost in the Atlantic Ocean.

The goats brought to the island over the centuries devoured vegetation to the roots and today constant wind blasts the earth under the burning sun. Passing tourists admire the dunes, oases and sea - admirably suited to sailing and surfing - but life on the island is a continual struggle. The only living thing able to thrive in these hostile conditions is a plant: the djalunga. Because it stabilizes the soil and feeds flocks of sheep, it has become a symbol of resistance.

A symbol of life, of survival, of tranquility… Known as the island of beaches and dunes with miles of white sandy beaches and emerald green waters, BoaVista offers a tranquil and pristine environment above and below the crystal clear water. If bird watching is your passion BoaVista has unique tropical birds. Scuba dive in an environment accented by sunken ships. Windsurf, dive or snorkel coral reefs and dramatic fishing species.

In the island where "morna" commenced, spend the evenings at the sound of music, in the warm and exotic African atmosphere. Above all, find an offer of friendship and companionship with the hospitable people of BoaVista who are always eager for a good conversation.

BoaVista – Where Dreams Become Memories!