Boa Vista Humpback Whale Tour

Day 1 - Arrival in Boa Vista

Welcome to Boa Vista, one of Cape Verde's most remarkable islands and an important breeding ground for North Atlantic humpback whales. Upon arrival at Boa Vista International Airport, you'll be transferred to our accommodation near Sal Rei, the island's main town.

The remainder of the day is yours to settle in, explore the nearby beaches or enjoy your first evening overlooking the Atlantic.

• Arrival at Boa Vista International Airport

• Airport transfer to accommodation

• Check-in and welcome briefing

• Free time to explore Sal Rei

• Free time for dinner

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Day 2 - First Humpback Whale-Watching Expedition

Our first adventure takes us into the Atlantic in search of humpback whales. Every spring, these remarkable animals gather around the Cape Verde islands to breed and give birth, making Boa Vista one of the most interesting whale-watching destinations in the eastern Atlantic.

During approximately three hours at sea, we'll search for whales and observe their natural behaviour. Breaching, tail slapping and mothers accompanied by calves are all possible encounters, although nature determines what we see.

• Breakfast at accommodation

• Private whale-watching boat excursion, approximately 3 hours

• Opportunities for wildlife photography

• Free time for lunch

• Afternoon exploring Sal Rei and its fishing harbour

• Free time for dinner

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Day 3 - Boa Vista 4×4 Adventure: Desert, Shipwrecks & Beaches

Today we leave the ocean behind and explore Boa Vista's remarkable landscapes with a local driver. Although the island is best known for its beaches, its interior reveals a different world of wind-sculpted dunes, traditional settlements and vast stretches of coastline.

We'll visit the Viana Desert, discover the wreck of Cabo Santa Maria and explore the southern coastline, including the beautiful Santa Mónica Beach. Along the way, we'll examine how this volcanic Atlantic island developed such distinctive landscapes.

• Private guided 4×4 island excursion

• Viana Desert

• Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck

• Povoação Velha village

• Santa Mónica Beach

• Free time for lunch and dinner

 

Day 4 - Second Humpback Whale-Watching Expedition

We return to the Atlantic for our second dedicated humpback whale-watching excursion. Unlike a conventional holiday with a single whale-watching activity, this expedition gives us several opportunities to observe these animals across different days.

We may encounter whales resting near the surface, travelling in small groups or displaying remarkable behaviours. Each encounter offers another opportunity to understand their migration, breeding ecology and relationship with the waters surrounding Cape Verde.

• Breakfast at accommodation

• Second private whale-watching excursion, approximately 3 hours

• Wildlife observation and photography

• Free time for lunch

• Afternoon at leisure

• Free time for dinner

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Day 5 - Snorkelling Boa Vista's Atlantic Waters

Today we explore beneath the surface on a guided snorkelling excursion. While the humpback whales dominate the waters offshore, Boa Vista's coastal marine habitats support reef fish and other Atlantic wildlife.

Our local operator will select an appropriate snorkelling location according to visibility, currents and sea conditions. The remainder of the day is intentionally relaxed, allowing time to enjoy the island independently.

• Breakfast at accommodation

• Guided marine snorkelling excursion

• Explore suitable coastal marine habitats

• Opportunities for underwater photography

• Free time for lunch

• Afternoon at leisure and free time for dinner

 

Day 6 - Final Humpback Whale-Watching Expedition

Our third and final scheduled whale-watching excursion offers one more opportunity to encounter Boa Vista's humpback whales. By now, we'll have spent several days exploring their breeding grounds, learning about their behaviour and witnessing the unpredictability of wildlife encounters.

Whether we encounter a mother and calf, a breaching adult or whales quietly travelling beneath the surface, the emphasis remains on respectful observation without disturbing the animals.

• Breakfast at accommodation

• Third private whale-watching excursion, approximately 3 hours

• Final opportunities for whale photography

• Free time for lunch

• Afternoon at leisure

• Optional group dinner at guests' own expense

 

Day 7 - Departure from Boa Vista

Enjoy a final breakfast before checking out and transferring to Boa Vista International Airport. After a week exploring the island's coastlines, marine wildlife and desert landscapes, our Boa Vista adventure comes to an end.

Guests wishing to stay longer may arrange additional accommodation independently and continue discovering the island at their own pace.

• Breakfast at accommodation

• Hotel check-out

• Airport transfer

• Departure from Boa Vista

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* Please note that all itineraries, trip durations and travel dates are subject to change. Any such changes will be communicated to you in advance. All prices are exclusive of VAT, unless stated otherwise.