Boa Vista or Sal for Families: Which One Reigns Supreme?

Are you tired of debating between Boa Vista or Sal for your next family holiday? Right now, these two islands are the only ones in Cape Verde offering all-inclusive packages from the UK and Europe.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between Sal and Boa Vista, giving you everything you need to make the perfect choice. By the end, you’ll know exactly where your next family holiday will be. So, let’s not waste any time—the excitement of booking your dream getaway awaits!

P.S. If Sal wins your heart, don’t miss our guide to the top four family-friendly resorts on the island!

Boa Vista vs. Sal The Island Face-off

Sal and Boa Vista are part of the northern group of Cape Verde’s Barlavento Islands.

But these two islands share more than just their location. They’re also the only Cape Verde islands with direct flights from the UK and Europe. Before we get into the differences between Boa Vista and Sal, let’s explore some of their similarities.

Similarities Between Boa Vista and Sal

• Sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters
• A tropical climate and year-round sunshine
• Plenty of water sports and activities
• A rainy season (August to October) and a windy season (December to June)
• Loggerhead turtles nesting on the beaches (July to October)
• Cuisine, music, and dance influenced by African, Portuguese, and Brazilian cultures
• Morabeza—Cape Verdean hospitality that makes you feel truly welcome
• A laid-back lifestyle reflected in the motto: “No Stress”

These shared traits make any of the two Cape Verde islands a dreamy holiday destination. However, subtle differences give Boa Vista and Sal their own unique vibes, especially for a family holiday.

Differences Between Boa Vista and Sal

Boa Vista, which means “beautiful view,” is known for its 55 km of untouched golden sands. It’s less developed than Sal, offering natural beauty and quiet beaches where you might only see the occasional local fisherman.

This peacefulness might be exactly what you’re looking for—a calm, private beach experience.

However, families with older kids might find Boa Vista too quiet.

Sal is busier and less secluded than Boa Vista. Here the skyline is dotted with resorts lining the famous Santa Maria beach. You can mingle with other holidaymakers and locals selling their wares as you stroll along the shoreline. Not to mention the wide range of activities on offer for all ages beyond just water sports and quad biking.

Sal is much smaller than Boa Vista. A smaller island means shorter transfer times – everything is within a short drive. This is always a plus point when traveling with younger children.

Sal offers more options for families looking for both relaxation and excitement. That appealed to us when we booked our family holiday in December 2022. Boa Vista is better for those seeking peace and quiet.

Still Can’t Decide? No problem! Continue to the next section for a simple but fun way to make your choice.

Boa Vista or Sal for families – the choice is yours!

Sal or Boa Vista for Families: A Detailed Comparison

If you’re still pondering over which Cape Verde island to visit with your family, you’re in the right place. This fun activity will help you make your mind up in no time! Simply read through the following comparisons and, at the end of each section award 1 point to either Sal or Boa Vista. The island with the most points will likely be the best fit for your family holiday.

Let’s get started!

1. The Beaches

Most of Cape Verde’s ten volcanic islands have black sand beaches. However, Sal and Boa Vista have pristine golden sands, brought over from the Sahara Desert. For this reason, these two islands are often compared to the Caribbean.

Boa Vista’s beaches are more laid-back and less built-up than Sal’s beaches.

You can stand on Boa Vista’s beaches and soak in endless, unspoiled views. Santa Monica Beach and Chaves Beach are a must for families visiting Boa Vista!

Head to Santa Maria Beach in Sal, and now you’re looking at a skyline dotted with resorts and apartments. It gives off a busier vibe but it’s no less beautiful than the Boa Vista beaches. If you’re willing to walk a little (in the opposite direction to Santa Maria Pier) you’ll find yourself in a much quieter spot on Ponta Preta Beach.

One of the main questions people ask about Cape Verde beaches is “Can I swim in the Cape Verde Sea?” The islands are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean so powerful waves and undercurrents can pose a significant risk in some locations and at certain times of the year. This is the same for both Sal and Boa Vista.

This blog post gives some suggestions for the best places to swim in both Sal and Boa Vista.

When it comes to beaches, which is best – Sal or Boa Vista? It all comes down to preference. Are you happy to share the beach with others (in Sal) or are you looking for a more secluded escape (in Boa Vista)?

Which island wins tops your list?

Packing for a Family Trip Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

After years of traveling full-time with kids, we’ve fine-tuned what actually gets used (and what just takes up space).

Want our exact Family Packing List?

It’s printable, organized by carry-on vs hold luggage, and tailored for parents who want to travel smart, not just light.

Download it free and make packing one less thing to worry about.

2. Climate Considerations

When it comes to weather, Boa Vista and Sal are both blessed with a tropical climate and year-round sunshine, making them sought-after destinations for a winter retreat.

Boa Vista tends to tip the temperature scales a bit higher, but it comes with a trade-off – a slightly increased amount of rainfall during the rainy season (August to October).

The windy season on both islands stretches from December to June. Great news for kite surfers, but it’s important to note to note that sea conditions can become more challenging during this time.

To decide between the two islands consider checking the climate specifically during the month you want to travel. In this blog post, I break down Sal and Boa Vista’s climate variations on a month-by-month basis.

Don’t forget to assign one point to the winner for the Climate category.

3. Things to Do with Kids

When deciding on Boa Vista or Sal for families, it’s important to consider how you want to keep the kids entertained.

Both Boa Vista and Sal have a range of things to do on the water, including catamaran and yacht tours.

For those visiting Boa Vista between March and April, you have the chance to witness humpback whales as they migrate south!

In Sal, there is the opportunity to wade with lemon sharks in the shallows at Shark Bay, while Pachamama Eco Park welcomes families to interact with and pet rescue animals.

Both islands are important nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles. From July to September, you can do a spot of turtle-watching. If you’re really lucky, you’ll see the baby turtles hatch and make their way to the sea.

Moving away from the beach, Sal has a much greater variety of activities for families. There’s a zipline experience that provides panoramic views of the island and the ocean. Alternatively, you can float in the salt crater at Pedra de Lume or swim in the natural pools at Buracona, also known as the Blue Eye Lagoon.

Both Sal and Boa Vista offer exciting quad-biking tours. However, Sal also offers unique buggy tours, with a night-time option beneath the stars.

If you’re hoping to book some unique experiences on your Cape Verde holiday, Sal provides a greater range of things to do with kids of all ages. For a comprehensive guide to family-friendly things to do in Sal, check out our dedicated blog post.

Which island wins your point on things to do?

Make sure you’re prepared for all the action – here’s what to bring with you:

Both islands involve plenty of time on foot, whether that’s beach walks, town strolls, or resort exploring. We’ve found barefoot shoes like Vivobarefoot particularly practical for this kind of slow, day-to-day family travel.

4. Cultural Experiences

In Sal, many of the family-friendly resorts are located on the southern coast near Santa Maria. Here the locals and holidaymakers mix.

By day, you can stroll onto the pier to witness local fishermen preparing their catches. Or you can explore the town center, brimming with small shops and restaurants serving up authentic Cape Verdean cuisine.

From Santa Maria, you can take a brief journey (approximately 25 minutes) north to the capital city, Espargos. Hop on an aluguer, a shared minivan for an authentic local experience.

Depending on when you visit, you can soak up Cape Verdean music and dance at festivals like the Santa Maria festival, an annual September celebration held on Santa Maria Beach.

In Boa Vista, you can also experience Cape Verdean culture, but the island’s vastness means things are more spread out. You might stumble upon a local gem not far from your resort, but they’re fewer in number. Some travelers on Tripadvisor share tales of traversing desolate landscapes for up to 25 minutes to reach certain destinations.

While you can catch glimpses of the culture in your resort, it may feel a tad less authentic. If you’re hoping to immerse yourself in authentic Cape Verdean culture while in Cape Verde, Sal may be your destination.

It’s time to grant one point to the island that wins the Culture category.

5. Family-Friendly Accommodation

In Sal, most hotels line the renowned Santa Maria Beach, placing guests within walking distance of the Santa Maria Pier. This not only provides an authentic Cape Verdean cultural experience but also positions you strategically for one of the safer spots to swim in the sea. Finding the best Cape Verde resorts for families in Sal can be a challenge.

There’s so many to choose from!  To aid in this decision-making process, we sifted through them all and measured them against our family-friendly checklist.

Compare prices for our top four standout choices in Sal:

Shifting focus to Boa Vista, there are also excellent family-friendly resorts such as RIU Palace Boa Vista and RIU Touareg. Similar to Sal, these resorts often provide all-inclusive packages, promising a hassle-free stay. The caveat, however, lies in the distance you’ll need to walk to reach the bustle of a local town.

For those seeking flexibility and a touch more privacy, both islands boast plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals.

Having reviewed the accommodation on offer, will your final point lean towards Sal or Boa Vista?

You’ve made it to the end, and now it’s time to add up your points for each island. Which one will you be choosing for your family holiday to Cape Verde?

Worried about How Safe Cape Verde Is for Kids?

We’ve been — and we know how important it is to feel prepared.

That’s why we created this Cape Verde Family Safety Checklist — a simple, printable guide covering:

✅ Water safety
✅ Health precautions
✅ Beach conditions
✅ What to pack (that you might not think of)

Download it free here — so you can stop Googling and start looking forward to your trip.

Key Takeaways: Boa Vista or Sal for Families

We hope you enjoyed working out whether Sal or Boa Vista is the place to host your next family holiday. We considered the beaches, climate, things to do with kids, cultural experiences, and family-friendly accommodation.

Here are some key takeaways on Boa Vista or Sal for families:

Every family is looking for something slightly different from their family holiday. But now you have the relevant info you can make a more informed choice. Please let us know in the comments, will you be booking your holiday in Boa Vista or Sal?

We ended up choosing Sal for our family holiday in December 2022, and we weren’t disappointed!

Finally, a few essentials for your Cape Verde holiday shopping list:

Frequently Asked Questions