Boa Vista or Sal for Families (Which One Reigns Supreme?)

Boa Vista or Sal for families – the choice is yours, and the excitement of planning a getaway for your loved ones is about to reach new heights.

Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde offers a distinctive blend of Portuguese and African culture. Each of the ten islands situated to the northwest of Africa caters to different preferences. They all have quirks and set the tone for very different family holiday experiences.

In this blog post, we’ll be comparing only two of the Cape Verde islands – Sal and Boa Vista. Most families will want the reduced hassle of direct flights and possibly even a package holiday. Right now, these luxuries are only available on these two islands.

So, which of the two islands is best for your family holiday – will it be Sal or Boa Vista?

Let’s get into the details so you can decide and move on to researching the best resorts.

P.S. If you decide on Sal, I give you the rundown of our top four family-friendly resorts here.

The Island Face-off: Boa Vista vs. Sal

Sal and Boa Vista sit side by side in the northern cluster of the Cabo Verde Archipelago known as the Barlavento Islands.

Beyond the fact that these are the only two Cape Verde islands with direct flights from the UK, there are some similarities you’ll find on both Sal and Boa Vista.

Similarities Between Boa Vista and Sal

• Sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters stretch as far as the eye can see inviting you to relax and stroll along the shoreline.
• Tropical climate and year-round sunshine make both islands ideal winter getaways.
• Water sports and activities – from snorkeling to boat excursions and kite surfing.
• A rainy season between August and October, followed by a windy season from December to June.
• Loggerhead turtles nesting on the beaches between July and October.
• Cuisine, music, and dance influenced by a rich blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian culture.
• Morabeza – Cape Verdean hospitality that makes you feel more than just a fleeting visitor.
• Laid-back living encapsulated in the nation’s motto, “No Stress.”

These shared traits make Cape Verde a dreamy holiday destination, but the story doesn’t end there. Even with all these factors as the baseline, some nuances mean Boa Vista and Sal provide very different vibes for a family holiday.

Differences Between Boa Vista and Sal

Boa Vista, aptly named for its “beautiful view,” boasts 55 km of uninterrupted golden sands. Less developed than Sal, Boa Vista showcases untouched natural beauty for as far as the eye can see. You might even find yourself alone on the beaches, save for the occasional local fisherman.

For many, this seclusion is the allure they seek – a beautiful beach all to themselves.  

Yet, for some, this is a downside. Boa Vista can leave older kids yearning for more excitement.

This is where Sal’s energetic nature wins the vote for families craving a blend of sun-soaked relaxation and thrilling activities, particularly in Santa Maria, where tourism takes center stage.

Here the skyline is dotted with resorts lining the famous Santa Maria beach. Solitude may be a rare find, but the vibrant atmosphere compensates. In Sal, you can mingle with other holidaymakers and locals selling their wares as you stroll along the shoreline. and dive into a plethora of activities beyond water sports and quad biking tours.

Sal’s charm lies in the abundance of things to see and do – there’s a plethora of activities beyond water sports and quad biking offered in Boa Vista.

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

As we delve deeper into the comparisons, take a moment to ponder whether the peace and tranquillity of Boa Vista or the bustling energy of Sal aligns better with your family.

Sal or Boa Vista for Families: The Comparison

If you’ve still not made up your mind, read through the following comparisons and give 1 point to Sal or Boa Vista at the end of each section. Whichever wins the most points is likely to be the best holiday destination for your family.  

1. The Beaches

Boa Vista is more laid-back, less built-up than Sal. You can stand on Boa Vista’s beaches and soak in endless, unspoiled views. When visiting Boa Vista with families, Santa Monica Beach and Chaves Beach are a must!

Now, head to Santa Maria Beach in Sal, and 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.

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

So, which one wins your first point?

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. Both islands experience their rainy phase annually between August and October.

The windy season stretches from December to June. Great news for kite surfers, but other travelers need to note that sea conditions may 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 comprehensive blog post, I break down the 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

For those visiting Boa Vista between March and April, a special treat awaits – the chance to witness humpback whales as they migrate south.

Beyond the waves, 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 thrilling zipline experience that provides panoramic views of the island and the ocean. Alternatively, you can float in the salt crater at Pedra Lume or swim in the natural pools at Buracona, also known as the Blue Eye Lagoon.

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 Sal and Boa Vista offer exciting quad-biking tours. However, Sal also offers buggy tours, including a unique 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?

4. Cultural Experiences

In Sal, many of the 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.

For a deeper dive into local life, take a brief journey (approximately 25 minutes) north to the capital city, Espargos. Hop on an aluguer, a shared minivan that’s not only budget-friendly but also 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 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 shared tales of traversing desolate landscapes for up to 25 minutes to reach certain destinations.

Are you hoping to experience authentic Cape Verdean culture while in Cape Verde? If so, Sal may be your destination. Get a feel for Cape Verde culture in this blog post.

In your resort, you’ll catch a glimpse of the culture, but it may feel a tad less authentic. Yet, if your idea of holiday bliss involves soaking up the resort ambiance, Boa Vista still stands as a solid choice for your family.

And now, it’s that moment again – time to grant one point to the island that wins the Culture category.

5. Family-Friendly Accommodation

Navigating the myriad of Cape Verde resorts for families in Sal can be a challenge.  To aid in this decision-making process, we’ve sifted through them all and measured them against our family-friendly checklist. The results were four standout choices: RIU Palace Santa Maria, Hotel Morabeza, Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, and TUI SUNEO Dunas. You can read the blog post here.

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.

Will your final point lean towards Sal or Boa Vista? The decision awaits!

Key Takeaways: Boa Vista or Sal for Families

And so, I 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:

All families are looking for something slightly different from their family holidays. 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 chose Sal for our family holiday in December 2022, and we weren’t disappointed!

Read More on Cape Verde Family Holidays

If you’re looking for more info around Cape Verde family holidays, you may also find the following blog posts useful:

Enjoy!