Weather lowdown
The weather continues to get cooler in November in Boa Vista, Cape Verde, with the winter season creeping every closer. During this month, the average temperature is 25°C, made up of highs of 28°C at the hottest part of the day and lows of 22°C after dark. The average temperature starts off at 26°C at the beginning of the month and cools down to 24°C toward the end of November. With eight hours of sunshine each day and 10mm of rainfall throughout the whole month, it's unlikely you'll experience as much of a shower during your holiday. With an average sea temperature of 26°C, November is a great month to work on your tan at the beach.
Where to stay
When it comes to comfortable and affordable accommodation in Boa Vista, the three-star Hotel Dunas is a great choice. Located just off the main square and only a short walk away from the harbour, this complex provides a number of spacious rooms, almost all of which come with sea views. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the onsite facilities, including reception, bar and restaurant.
If you don't want to worry about spending money during your holiday, consider going all-inclusive. The Hotel Riu Touareg offers a comprehensive all-inclusive package which incorporates breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, cakes and snacks, as well as sports facilities, entertainment and access to the swimming pools. Here guests can choose from a variety of accommodation, including suites, family rooms and double rooms.
Royal Decameron Boa Vista Beach Resort is without a doubt one of the finest hotels in Boa Vista. Here guests can choose from a variety of basic rooms and suites, each of which is comfortable, spacious and well-equipped. Onsite amenities are numerous and cover swimming pools, spa, gym, kids' club, entertainment programme, bars and restaurants.
Families and couples on a budget should consider staying at Por do Sol. Boasting a beachfront location, this hotel offers a fantastic range of accommodation, with everything from large townhouses to modern studios all of which come with fully-equipped kitchens. There is a handful of facilities available for guests to enjoy, including bar, restaurant, swimming pools, Jacuzzi and free parking.
Another top pick when it comes to low-cost accommodation, Parque das Dunas Village is sure to please. At this three-star hotel you'll find a range of spacious and comfortable rooms which come complete with all the essentials you'll need to enjoy your holiday. The hotel's facilities include swimming pool, 24-hour reception, bar and restaurant where you can indulge an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.
Hit the beach
For a quiet day away from the hustle and bustle of your hotel, spend some time at Cabral Beach. Located north of Sal Rei, this beach features soft pale sand which seems to stretch on forever alongside crystal-clear warm waters which are perfect for swimming. You won't find any facilities available on the beach, but there are some new property developments along the coast, as well as the Jewish Cemetery and the Marine Club in the area.
Lacacao Beach is another top choice when it comes to somewhere for families and couples to enjoy a day out under the sun. Here you'll find swathes of golden sand washed by aquamarine waters which are just begging to be bathed in. Just like at Cabral Beach, there are no services or amenities available here, but there is a hotel currently under construction in the area which will soon provide plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.
Where to eat & drink
When it comes to local cuisine, it doesn't get much better than the dishes served up at Naida. This eatery offers a comprehensive menu full of freshly prepared fish and meats, all of which are cooked in the traditional Cape Verdean way and served up alongside local side dishes. Be aware that if you fancy fish, you'll need to order it a day in advance.
Morabeza Beach Bar & Lounge Restaurant is another great choice for top-quality Cape Verdean food. Although there are only a handful of options to choose from on the menu, it's still a tough decision to make because everything tastes amazing. Whether you opt for the beef, chicken, lobster or fish, you're sure to enjoy a fabulous meal which will make you want to return.
Monster Garage is a recently-opened bar which has become incredibly popular amongst locals and travellers alike in Boa Vista. Visitors can choose to enjoy their drinks on the raised outdoor seating area whilst watching the world go by or head inside to the main bar lounge for a chat with the barman.
If you want to enjoy a drink alongside fantastic sea views, your best bet is to go to Tortuga Beach Bar & Restaurant Café. Run by Italian owners, this bar is one of the best places on the island to grab a refreshing drink after a long, hot day at the beach. Browse through the snack menu if you're feeling a bit hungry or settle down on the shaded terrace and simply watch the world go by.
Things to do
If you'd like to do a bit of sightseeing during your holiday in Boa Vista, take a trip to the Ship Wreck at Santa Maria. This ship dates back to 1968 and has remained one of the island's main attractions ever since it grounded. You can choose to make your own way to the wreck and go exploring, or sign up for a guided excursion with Baobab Tours. However you choose to see the wreck, don't forget to take your camera with you.
For the chance to discover what lives on the seabed without getting wet, consider buying tickets for a glass-bottom boat excursion. On this trip you'll climb onboard the Neptunus a submarine-like boat with wall-to-wall windows which allow you to see huge amounts of tropical fish and rock formations, as well as a shipwreck. If you get fed up of the submarine-like feel of the boat, head to the upper-deck for a breath of fresh air.
