Weather lowdown
The weather gets significantly warmer in July in Boa Vista, Cape Verde, when the average temperature is 27°C, made of up highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. At the beginning of the month, the average temperature starts at around 25°C and rises up to 27°C toward the end of the month. The rainfall increases slightly in July to 13mm across three days, as does the average sea temperature which rises up to 24°C. On the other hand, the number of sunshine hours each day decreases to seven, which still gives you plenty of time to work on your tan during your holiday.
Where to stay
When it comes to beachside accommodation, Marine Club Beach Resort is a top choice. Positioned just a stone's throw away from the coast, this complex provides guests with a selection of rooms, suites and villas to choose from, ensuring something for all budgets, tastes and group sizes. The list of onsite facilities is comprehensive and includes swimming pools, Jacuzzi, massage centre, sports activities, bar and restaurant.
Families and couples looking for a touch of luxury during their holiday to Boa Vista should think about staying at Casa Velha Resort. Comprising of a number of prestigious apartments, all of which are comfortable and tastefully-decorated, this resort provides guests with plenty of amenities to enjoy, including reception, café and relaxing terrace.
At the other end of the scale, Hotel Estoril Beach is the perfect place to stay for a budget holiday. Positioned at the entrance to Sal Rei, this complex offers a selection of facilities and services for guests to take advantage of, such as 24-hour reception, restaurant and evening entertainment. Accommodation is available in the form of spacious double rooms, all of which are well-equipped.
Hotel Riu Touareg is ideal for holidaymakers in search for all-inclusive accommodation in Boa Vista. Made up of double rooms, large family rooms and suites, this hotel caters for all group sizes, pockets and tastes. There are plenty of amenities available to enjoy, such as bars, restaurants, swimming pools, entertainment, kids' club and sports facilities.
Another great choice when it comes to all-inclusive hotels, ClubHotel Riu Karamboa is a top choice for families and couples alike. Here guests are invited to take advantage of the numerous facilities available, such as bars, restaurants, playground, sports activities, swimming pools, WiFi access and spa. There is a great selection of accommodation available to choose from, with double rooms, triple rooms, family rooms and suites.
Hit the beach
July is a great time to hit the beach and what better place to go than Cabral beach? Located to the north of Sal Rei, this deserted bay features powder-like sands which are perfect for sunbathing on or building sandcastles. The crystal-clear waters are very warm making them perfect for enjoying a dip. Although there are no facilities available directly on the beach, the Jewish Cemetery and Marine Club are just a short walk away.
If water sports are your thing, make sure you visit Estoril Beach. This beach is one of the best in Boa Vista for water sports, with gentle waves which create the ideal conditions for surfing, kite surfing, body boarding and a wealth of other aquatic activities. Located at the end of the beach are several kiosks which sell food and drink throughout the day, as well as the Submarine Diving Centre and Boa Vista Wind Club where you can sign up for courses and excursions.
Where to eat & drink
When it comes to dining with a view, it doesn't get much better than Beramar Restaurant. This eatery boasts sea views and offers a menu full of simple, elegant dishes. The tuna is the house speciality and comes highly recommended. If you're not a fan of fish, there are plenty of other European-style dishes to choose from, including pasta, burgers and chicken wings.
For a taste of the real Boa Vista, make a reservation at Naida. Here you'll find a superb range of fresh fish and meat which are cooked in the traditional Cape Verdean way. Take note if you're in the mood for fish, you'll have to order it the day before. Known for its high quality food and generous portions, this restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Without a doubt, Tortuga Beach Bar & Restaurant Café is one of the best beachside establishments in Boa Vista. Run by Italian owners, Tortuga Beach Bar is usually bustling with people looking to grab a cool drink after a long day at the beach. If you're in the mood to relax, you can chill out on the shaded terrace and watch the world go by from your seat.
For something a bit livelier, head to Mazurca. Found between Rabil and Sal Rei, this nightclub is open on Wednesday and Saturday nights and caters for visitors and locals alike. One of the best places to go if you want to dance until the early hours, Mazurca serves very affordable drinks and plays a fantastic variety of music, including pop, rap, hip-hop and disco.
Things to do
Animal lovers won't want to miss the opportunity to go whale watching during their holiday in Boa Vista. The sea surrounding Cape Verde is teeming with humpback whales and sightings of whale sharks, melon-headed whales, sperm whales, hammerhead sharks and even blue whales have also been reported. There are many eco-friendly whale spotting tours available throughout the island which will take you to the best places to see these majestic creatures.
For something a bit more hands on, consider going Sandboarding. Sandboarding is similar to surfing in that it allows you to feel the wind in your hair and the excitement of high speeds without the chance of getting wet. Most of the sandboarding excursions in Boa Vista take place at the sand dunes in Sal Rei where you can really pick up some speed as you fly down the sandy slopes.
