But speaking of marine life, the greatest thrill is felt between mid-February and May , when the shallow waters around Boa Vista welcome humpback whales (baleja de bossa or jubarte in Portuguese). They are, in fact, the ideal environment for weaning their calves and then for mating. During this period, it's easy to see them even a few hundred meters from the beaches between Estoril and Santa Monica: powerful snorts and acrobatic leaps. The northeastern coast, one of the lesser-known, offers other spectacular encounters. The waters are particularly rich in fish, and sharks often come ashore. It's not uncommon to spot their fins just above the surface by stopping on the shoreline. An expert marine biologist will accompany you on the whale-watching cruise and give an informative briefing during the trip.

Nature excursions with our qualified partners.

Bird Watching

Boa Vista offers excellent opportunities to observe an interesting variety of birdlife: more than 20 different bird species breed on the island. It's therefore worth visiting the brackish or saltwater marshes along the coast or the freshwater ones inland, where it's generally possible to encounter specimens of various species. Don't miss the nature trails to discover the island's plants and birds . The regal osprey, with its unmistakable call, is a constant presence, while the cotovia is a small and charming endemic bird that darts through the brush. Numerous colonies of white, long-tailed tropicbirds nest among the cliffs in spring. Gannets dive unerringly into the waves, and the white-faced storm petrel—Pelagodroma marina—is difficult to spot during the day but easily recognizable. Thanks to its slender webbed feet, it dances on the water to feed on plankton and small fish.

Nature excursions with our qualified partners.

Experiences