Nature Watching
Turtles, whales, coral, rare birds, and the latest exciting discovery.
Turtle Watching
Boa Vista's sandy, deserted shores make it one of the most important nesting sites in the Atlantic for loggerhead sea turtles , thousands of which arrive in the summer to lay their eggs. The rare olive ridley turtle (Chelonia mydas) has recently nested, while the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) grazes year-round among the seaweed in various spots along the shore. Strolling along Estoril Beach, it's not uncommon to see a turtle's head poking out or even swim alongside one. Cape Verde is the world's third-largest marine turtle reserve , after Oman and Florida. Guided tours to observe turtle egg-laying take place at night from early July to late September; August is the peak nesting month. From September to November, baby turtles can be watched hatching in the numerous nurseries set up along the beaches. An introductory briefing will provide you with both general information on the biology of sea turtles and the ongoing conservation work, as well as the basic rules to follow to limit disturbance to the animals.
Nature excursions with our qualified partners
Whale Watching
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.
