Boa Vista is not only a haven for sun seekers but also wildlife, from nesting turtles and mating humpback whales to exotic sea birds, lizards and monkeys. A stay at the beach retreat of Parque das Dunas Hotel (www.parquedasdunas.com) provides the perfect base to explore the wildlife wonders of this relatively untouched, sand-dune isle.
Discovered only a few years ago, Ervatao beach on Boa Vista is now the third largest breeding site in the world for loggerhead turtles. With the nesting season taking place between June and September, conservationists, locals and tourists alike are invited to help with the protection and preservation of these ancient creatures.
In fact, day tours are available from Parque das Dunas Hotel over to the south of the island.
Parque das Dunas hotel in Cape Verde
In addition to turtles, guests may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of whales in the islet of nearby Sal Rei, a feeding ground for humpback whales. Whale sightings usually take place from February through to May and boat trips are available from the hotel through The Cape Verde Experience’s excursion programme.
Parque das Dunas hotel in Cape Verde
For enthusiastic twitchers, the island is perfectly situated for rare sightings of a number of African and tropical birds. In fact, Boa Vista is the only place in the region where certain species can be found to breed regularly. The Cape Verde islands are home to at least four species that are unique to the archipelago including the endangered Raso Lark and the Cape Verde Warbler. Among the other birds that can be seen regularly are the Magnificent Frigatebird, the Grey-headed Kingfisher and the beautiful White-tailed and Red-billed Tropicbirds, to name a few.
Parque das Dunas hotel in Cape Verde Pool
The charming and informal Parque das Dunas Hotel is located on the seven-mile stretch of Chaves beach and comprises 48 bungalow-style rooms, each with patio and stunning sea-views and many with direct access to the beach, in addition to an open restaurant, bar and large swimming pool.
Just in time to catch the loggerhead turtles nesting season, The Cape Verde Experience (0845 330 2071 / www.capeverdeexperience.co.uk) is offering seven nights at Parque das Dunas Hotel from £914 per person. Valid for departure on 23 August from Manchester or on 26 August from Gatwick, the price includes return flights, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, resort transfers and taxes.