Cruise port Sal Rei (Boa Vista)
Info for port Sal Rei (Boa Vista) on 16 Nov 2027
Port information & tips for Sal Rei (Boa Vista)
Sal Rei on the "Island of Dunes" Boa Vista impresses with its relaxed charm and the untouched beauty of Cape Verde. The charming port town welcomes visitors with pastel-colored houses, a touch of desert romance, and endless sandy beaches on the deep blue Atlantic. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the historic Igreja de Santa Isabel on the Praça of the same name, as well as the dreamy city beach Praia do Estoril, which invites you to linger. Cruise ships dock at Porto de Sal Rei, from where the lively center of the island's capital and its cozy cafés can be easily reached on foot in just a few minutes thanks to the central location.
The island of Boa Vista in Cape Verde is a popular destination for cruise ships calling at Sal Rei as a transit port. Accordingly, the journey for guests from the DACH region is classically a fly & cruise trip. The port of Sal Rei does not have an extensive terminal infrastructure in the international sense, as it is mainly used for ferries and cargo, and cruise ships often tender.
Airplane
Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC) is located only about 5 to 6 kilometers southeast of Sal Rei, making it the closest arrival point for your cruise. Seasonal direct flights from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to Boa Vista are offered by airlines such as TUIfly, Edelweiss Air (from Zurich), and Luxair (from Luxembourg). Alternatively, flights can be booked with TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon. The flight time is usually 6 to 7.5 hours.
Transfer & Shuttle
From BVC airport, you can easily reach the port in Sal Rei by taxi or rideshare in about 6 minutes. The cost for a taxi ride to Sal Rei is approximately 10 to 15 euros. In addition, there are local minibuses, known as aluguers, which also run regularly between the airport and Sal Rei, providing another transfer option. Many cruise lines also organize their own transfers.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the fact that Boa Vista is not an embarkation port, we recommend arriving at least one day before the ship departs. An overnight stay in Sal Rei allows for a relaxed start to your vacation and offers the opportunity to explore the charming island capital before the cruise. In Sal Rei, you will find a selection of hotels and accommodations that promise a pleasant stay.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The island of Boa Vista in Cape Verde is a popular destination for cruise ships calling at Sal Rei as a transit port. Accordingly, the journey for guests from the DACH region is classically a fly & cruise trip. The port of Sal Rei does not have an extensive terminal infrastructure in the international sense, as it is mainly used for ferries and cargo, and cruise ships often tender.
Airplane
Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC) is located only about 5 to 6 kilometers southeast of Sal Rei, making it the closest arrival point for your cruise. Seasonal direct flights from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to Boa Vista are offered by airlines such as TUIfly, Edelweiss Air (from Zurich), and Luxair (from Luxembourg). Alternatively, flights can be booked with TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon. The flight time is usually 6 to 7.5 hours.
Transfer & Shuttle
From BVC airport, you can easily reach the port in Sal Rei by taxi or rideshare in about 6 minutes. The cost for a taxi ride to Sal Rei is approximately 10 to 15 euros. In addition, there are local minibuses, known as aluguers, which also run regularly between the airport and Sal Rei, providing another transfer option. Many cruise lines also organize their own transfers.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the fact that Boa Vista is not an embarkation port, we recommend arriving at least one day before the ship departs. An overnight stay in Sal Rei allows for a relaxed start to your vacation and offers the opportunity to explore the charming island capital before the cruise. In Sal Rei, you will find a selection of hotels and accommodations that promise a pleasant stay.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Sal Rei provides an excellent starting point for easily discovering the picturesque capital of Boa Vista and the surrounding natural wonders.
On Foot
The charming center of Sal Rei and the main square, Praça de Santa Isabel, are only about 10 to 15 minutes' walk from the port area. The path is flat and allows for a relaxed first impression of the island's architecture and local life.
Aluguer (Shared Taxis)
The Aluguer minibuses, typical of Cape Verde, run regularly and provide an affordable connection to other parts of the island or beaches. You can easily find these vehicles near the port as well as at the central marketplace, allowing you to enjoy an authentic travel experience.
Taxi
Licensed taxis are available directly at the port exit for individual trips. They take guests quickly to the famous dune beaches or into the city and are a comfortable choice for flexible exploration across the entire island thanks to their good availability.
To make the most of your stay in Sal Rei, we recommend a discovery tour through the charming main town combined with the spectacular natural landscapes in the island's immediate surroundings.
Sal Rei Town Center
The relaxed main town invites you to linger with its colorful colonial architecture and the central Praça de Santa Isabel. Additionally, the small fishing harbor offers an authentic insight into the maritime life of the islanders and is ideal for a leisurely stroll through town.
Praia de Chaves
This dreamlike stretch of coastline impresses with its majestic wandering dunes and turquoise water. Furthermore, thanks to the short travel time, the extensive sandy beach is perfect for relaxing hours by the sea or long walks in an untouched natural setting.
Deserto de Viana
The fascinating desert area in the heart of the island inspires with its snow-white sand drifts from the Sahara and is quickly accessible thanks to organized tours. Moreover, this silent landscape provides a unique backdrop and is an ideal destination for impressive panoramic photos.
Praia de Estoril
The picturesque Praia de Estoril is located just a few minutes' drive or a short, pleasant walk from the port in Sal Rei and impresses with its fine, light-colored sand and crystal-clear, calm water. Thanks to its protected location and first-class infrastructure with inviting beach clubs such as "Bahia Beach," you can enjoy excellent comfort here, including comfortable sun loungers and refreshing drinks right by the sea. This beach is perfect for a relaxed day of swimming and also offers a wonderful view of the offshore island Ilhéu de Sal Rei. It is best to visit this stretch of coast in the morning to secure a prime spot, and ideally plan your return to the port ninety minutes before departure.
The way back to the port of Sal Rei is very relaxed and safe for all cruise guests thanks to the manageable size of the island's capital.
Taxi and Aluguer
You can reliably find taxis at the central square, Praça de Santa Isabel, as well as in front of the major hotel complexes and beaches on the island. The drivers will take you directly to the port entrance, and collective taxis are also often available at the local market to bring you comfortably back to the center.
Shuttle Service
Many cruise lines offer organized shuttle buses that commute between the port terminal and popular hotel zones or beaches like Praia de Chaves. These buses depart at regular intervals from marked stops and guarantee a punctual return to the ship right before departure.
On Foot
From the city center of Sal Rei, you can easily walk back to the port pier in about ten to fifteen minutes. The path leads along the main road and is easy to find and safe to walk at any time thanks to clear landmarks and the direct line of sight to the harbor basin.
In port on 16 Nov 2027
