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.
