Boa Vista · Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC)
Boa Vista airport to Sal Rei and the resorts
Short answer
No source we checked lists a scheduled bus at Boa Vista airport. The tourism board says the island’s main transport is taxis and local guides with their own cars, and the UK government says authorised taxis there are blue and yellow. Agree the fare before you leave, or book a transfer ahead.
Getting out of the airport
The airport company says formal taxis are available at most airports on arrival and that fares vary by island. On Boa Vista, the tourism board says, the main mode of transport is local guides with their own cars, or taxis. The UK government advises taking only authorised taxis — blue and yellow on Boa Vista — from a rank or through your hotel. Chaves Beach lies next to the airport.
Sources: Cabo Verde AirportsPublic transportation at the airportsUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: safety and securityTurismo de Cabo VerdeBoa Vista island
What is at the airport, and what is not
The airport company lists a BCA bank at Boa Vista airport and a luggage-protection (wrapping) service. The tourism board names the Praia and Sal airports for SIM-card stores, not Boa Vista, so expect to buy a SIM in town or before you fly on.
Between December and February, sandstorms — the bruma seca — can disrupt air travel, the UK government warns, especially on Boa Vista.
Sources: Cabo Verde AirportsFinancial services at the airportsLuggage services at the airportsTurismo de Cabo VerdeTelecommunications and internetUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: safety and security
Onward to Sal by ferry
Boa Vista to Sal takes 3 h 05 on CV InterIlhas’ Redonda line at 2,500 CVE for non-nationals, but the line does not sail daily: on 14 October 2026 the schedule showed no sailing between the two islands. Check your date before you build a hotel booking around it.
Sources: CV InterIlhasRoutes, schedules and crossing timesPassenger tariff (national and non-national)
Turtles and whales
Boa Vista hosts 60–70% of Cape Verde’s nesting loggerhead turtles, says Projeto Biodiversidade, which asks visitors to book nesting walks only with certified guides. It gives two windows it does not reconcile — watching “only allowed” from 15 July to 30 September, and official 2026 dates of 1 July to the end of September, excluding specific nesting beaches it does not name. The tourism board says whale-watching trips run from Boa Vista, especially from March to May.
Sources: Projeto BiodiversidadeCabo Verde’s turtle seasonTurismo de Cabo VerdeSun and beach
Pre-booked transfer
Landing late, with children or heavy bags?
A transfer booked ahead meets you at Boa Vista (BVC) and takes you to your door — useful after dark, with luggage, or when you would rather not negotiate a fare on arrival.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Check Boa Vista (BVC) transfer pricesSponsored
Where the bus is not enough
Booking through these links supports this free guide at no extra cost to you.
Guided trips for places public transport does not reach. Book only what the answer above leaves uncovered. For turtle walks, choose a certified guide and the official season.
Questions travellers ask
Is there a bus from Boa Vista airport to Sal Rei?
No source we checked lists a scheduled bus. The airport company lists taxis on arrival, and the tourism board says the island moves by taxi and by local guides’ own cars.
Sources: Cabo Verde AirportsPublic transportation at the airportsTurismo de Cabo VerdeBoa Vista island
What colour are official taxis on Boa Vista?
Blue and yellow, the UK government says; take them from a rank or ask your hotel to call one.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: safety and security
Can sand storms delay flights from Boa Vista?
Yes. The UK government says sandstorms between December and February can disrupt air travel, especially on Boa Vista; if one hits, contact your airline or tour operator.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: safety and security