Rating8.4
Rating8.0
Rating8.1Adults OnlyThe activity list has a genuinely interesting off-resort component for Cape Verde. The desert excursions — Desert Dinner with Stargazing, buggy tours, sandboarding on Santa Monica Beach — take advantage of Boa Vista's dramatic landscape in a way that most beach-resort activity programs don't. These are all extra charge but consistently mentioned in guest reviews as highlights. On-property, non-motorized water sports are included; diving and catamaran cruises cost extra.
The primary pool area for general swimming. Sunbed competition can be a factor in peak season — loungers get claimed before 9 a.m.
Pool with bar service. Named after Cape Verde's cultural capital. A social pool zone.
Second pool with bar access. Named after beach. The beach-side pool option.
Small pool within the spa area. The quietest water option at the resort. Accessible during spa operating hours.
Included in the rate. Adults only.
Boa Vista's most expansive beach — Praia das Dunas (also known as Praia de Chaves or Praia de Salines in different sections) is a wide, dune-backed white sand beach that runs for several kilometers. One of the most striking beaches in Cape Verde. The water can have wave activity depending on season and conditions — not always the calm protected bay that Caribbean beaches offer. The expanse of the beach means you can walk far from any resort crowds. Loggerhead sea turtles nest here seasonally (August–October) — ask about guided turtle-watching if your stay overlaps.
Equipment included from the beach. Boa Vista's waters have good visibility.
Included from the beach.
Included. A casual water option.
Boards included. Praia das Dunas beach conditions vary — check daily wave conditions.
Organized and informal. Adults-only property means games have a different energy than family resorts.
Included. Adults only.
Scheduled group fitness classes. Check daily board.
Included court access. Rackets available.
Free cross-resort access to the water park at Riu Palace Boavista next door. Included in the Karamboa rate — a bonus aquatic option for guests.
Live entertainment in the resort theatre most evenings. Standard all-inclusive show program.
Themed pool parties with DJs. Part of the Riu brand calendar.
On-site club, free entry, drinks included. The main nightlife venue.
Organized daytime activities by the animation team. Adults-only property means no children's programming — the full daytime focus is on the adult guest.
Extra charge. Boa Vista has reasonable dive sites. Arrange through concierge.
Beginner and certification lessons available. Extra charge.
Creative workshops — painting and handcraft. Free. Useful on windy Cape Verde days when beach and pool are less appealing.
Extra charge. A sail along Boa Vista's coastline with potential dolphin and sea turtle sightings.
Extra charge. Off-road buggy tours across Boa Vista's desert interior. The island has a dramatically barren landscape — this is one of the better ways to see it.
Extra charge. Dinner set up in the desert landscape with guide-led stargazing. Gets consistently strong mentions in guest reviews as a standout evening. Boa Vista's light pollution is minimal. Book through concierge — limited capacity.
Extra charge. Tours to Boa Vista's interior villages and the main town. Gives context to the island beyond the resort.
Extra charge. Sandboarding down dunes at one of Boa Vista's most dramatic beaches. A physically engaging excursion unlike anything else in Riu's activity catalog.
